Show Us Your Ways — Black Woman Makes $267,000 Per Year With Disney Side Hustle
Domonique Brown, a designer from California, says she earns $267,000 a year from her side hustle creating funky designs for apparel, shoes, and wall art.
After she logs off from her remote job as a marketing manager, she gets to work on her next stream of income.
According to CNBC, the 28-year-old launched her self-funded business, DomoINK, in 2020 with a mission to find artwork that represented her.
“It was definitely tough for me to find things that represented me,” she said, sharing her experience growing up as the only Black kid in her class.
After noticing the lack of Black art on the shelves of the mega stores, Brown wanted to provide others with the opportunity to celebrate diversity by contributing art, apparel, and home decor.
“Our voices, ideas, and stories still remain unspoken for, in the art world,” Brown stated on the DomoINK website. “I want my portraits to tell unknown stories. I want people of color to be represented.”
Brown’s creations, which are drawn with crayons and markers, have landed her deals with Target, Disney, Urban Outfitters, and the L.A. Lakers.
The U.S. Sun reported that the made-to-order designs have been printed on everything, including socks and laptop cases.
“I want to create a big brand to where I’m just bringing color into everyone’s home,” she said.
According to Brown, her secret to success is believing in herself and ignoring negativity.
“If you want it, you can get it,” she said, regarding aspiring entrepreneurs.
Brown’s designs range from $18 for a pair of socks to $3,500 for a painting. The income from her side hustle adds to the $87,000 and bonuses she makes from her full-time job. She is working towards earning up to $500,000 a year by increasing her collaborations.
Kyrie Irving Allowed to Rejoin Brooklyn Nets, Apologizes Once Again
After several weeks of being mired in a controversy involving anti-semitic accusations, Brooklyn Nets Kyrie Irving has returned to the basketball court. Before taking the court, he once again apologized for previous actions that ignited the dissension.
According to The Associated Press, at Sunday’s pregame shootaround at Barclays Center, Irving spoke about how he botched things regarding the controversy that led to his eight-game suspension.
“I don’t stand for anything close to hate speech or antisemitism or anything that is going against the human race. I feel like we all should have an opportunity to speak for ourselves when things are assumed about us and I feel it was necessary for me to stand in this place and take accountability for my actions because there was a way I should have handled all this and as I look back and reflect when I had the opportunity to offer my deep regrets to anyone that felt threatened or felt hurt by what I posted, that wasn’t my intent at all.”
He also took the time to apologize to those he offended through his actions.
“I meant no harm to any person, to any group of people and yeah, this is a big moment for me because I’m able to learn throughout this process that the power of my voice is very strong, the influence that I have within my community is very strong, and I want to be responsible for that. In order to do that, you have to admit when you’re wrong and in instances where you hurt people and it impacts them.”
The Brooklyn Nets also released a statement about Irving’s return to active duty.
“Kyrie took ownership of this journey and had conversations with several members of the Jewish community,” the team said in a written statement. “We are pleased that he is going about the process in a meaningful way.”
The Brooklyn Nets suspended the mercurial New Jersey native, stating that Irving was “currently unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets” for his “failure to disavow antisemitism” after tweeting a link to Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America!, a film widely considered anti-Semitic, prompting a barrage of media attention.
Peter Rosenberg Apologizes To Kelly Rowland For Insensitive Comments Comparing Her To Beyoncé
Say anything out of line and the fans will make you apologize for it.
This was the case when Kelly Rowland fans went on the attack against Hot 97’s Ebro In The Morning co-host, Peter Rosenberg, who slighted the superstar singer by comparing her to former Destiny’s Child group mate and play-sister, Beyoncé.
Rosenberg has since apologized and walked back his audacity.
According to a Twitter thread, Rosenberg replied to two users, @IamHarmony and @MrJeromeTrammel, who called him out for the insensitive comments towards Rowland, saying “he didn’t get it.”
“Lol I did get it…I hated my question…clumsy and stupid…dropped her a line to apologize for how it came off,” Rosenberg replied.
lol i did get it…i hated my question …clumsy and stupid … dropped her a line to apologize for how it came off
User @IamHarmony, responded, saying, “it was a bad question, Rosenberg, we hated it too. The constant comparison, mentioning or asking about Beyoncé when Kelly gets interviewed, is tiring, bro.” Rosenberg responded, saying he didn’t mean it that way but “totally gets it.”
“I messed up, sorry @kellyrowland, wasn’t remotely my intention but intentions don’t always matter, I will take the L,” Rosenberg followed up in a Tweet to Rowland.
As previously reported in BLACK ENTERPRISE, during the interview, Rowland eloquently straightened out the radio host for trying to dim her light and saying that she loved “playing second to Beyoncé.”
“You happen to be standing next to the brightest light on planet Earth,” he said. “You think Big Boi from Outkast has it tough being next to Andre, you’re with Beyoncé and not only did you not have to fight it, like, you really loved the position you were in and took it seriously.”
“Here’s the thing. Light attracts light. I am light. I am a beautiful, brown, shining light,” Rowland responded.
“So, I don’t think anybody’s light dims anyone else’s. I think that when other people start to compare you, I think that’s when it shows how dim they are of themselves,” she added.
According to Hot New Hip Hop, Rosenberg also contacted Rowland after realizing that she seemed upset.
Close Call: FAMU Graduate Will Receive Master’s Degree After Taking Controversial Photo
A graduate from Florida A&M University had her degree withheld because of a questionable photograph taken on campus.
Now, according to 6 South Florida, FAMU graduate, Terica Williams will receive her master’s degree from the Tallahassee school, which initially had refused to issue her diploma.
At the time of the controversial social media post, the school issued a statement saying that they were investigating the incident.
“Florida A&M University is aware of a post circulating on social media of a student photographed in front of the Rattler statue on campus,” Vice President of Student Affairs William Hudson, Jr., Ph.D., said to the news outlet.
“The university is aware of the picture taken and is currently investigating the incident.”
Florida A&M University Statement regarding posted photo in front of Rattler statue. pic.twitter.com/Mhck5YDUfB
“Their words were there would be a trial to decide if I violated any student code of conduct,” Williams stated. “I was a little shocked because I didn’t feel like I violated any rules.”
Williams’ attorney, David Kubiliun, added, “To me, it was a complete violation of her First Amendment right of expression.”
Although, in the photo, Williams appeared to be nude, Kubiliun said that wasn’t the case.
“When she took that picture there was no one around the campus. So, it’s not like she disrupted school functions, which is what the school initially said. Secondly, that she violated a law which was confirmed by the school’s police department that she was not in any violation of any Florida Statute.”
In September, Williams went in front of the university board to plead her case. The university recently ruled to give her the diploma she earned. Now, she is waiting to have it in her possession so she can start her career.
“I feel amazing, overjoyed,” she told the media outlet last week.
ADCOLOR Announces Winners Of The 16th Annual ADCOLOR Awards
ADCOLOR, the premier organization dedicated to celebrating and promoting professionals of color and diversity in the creative industries, today unveiled the winners of the 16th Annual ADCOLOR Awards.
This year’s illustrious event marks the long-awaited return to a fully in-person gathering following a virtual-only event in 2020 and a smaller, hybrid event in 2021, according to a press release.
As part of the ceremony, the organization honored Issa Rae with the 2022 ADCOLOR | ADWEEK Beacon Award for her change-making efforts in using her platform to advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. The organization also honored Grammy Award-winning producer and musician Robert Glasper, as well as prominent figures such as Louis Carr, President of Media Sales at BET Networks; Marvin Chow, Vice President, Global Marketing at Google; and Kinney Edwards, Global Head of Creative Lab at TikTok amongst other industry titans.
Since 2007, the ADCOLOR Awards have highlighted and honored the achievements of diverse communities in the creative industries. The awards recognize those who go above and beyond to make a difference and who embody the organization’s mission of “Rise Up, Reach Back.” Those honored not only excel in their own careers but also give back to the creative community and support their peers through effective campaigns and ongoing initiatives.
All nominees were carefully reviewed by more than 50 elected judges who represented a diverse range of industries, titles, levels and backgrounds. This year’s honorees in non-competitive categories were chosen by ADCOLOR’s highly esteemed Board of Directors and respective partners.
“Congratulations to this year’s esteemed honorees and winners, who not only exemplify this year’s ‘Still Rising’ theme, but also our organization’s mission of ‘Rise Up, Reach Back,'” said ADCOLOR Founder and President, Tiffany R. Warren.
“It’s been a challenging year filled with ongoing uncertainty and difficulty, but each honoree and winner has continuously displayed incredible perseverance and resilience.”
“We are honored to celebrate this inspiring group of industry veterans, changemakers, and rising stars and to continue highlighting their accomplishments and impactful work.”
Please see the below list of this year’s winners and honorees:
2022 ADCOLOR winners
AD of the Year
The Ad of the Year is a single execution or ongoing campaign that pushes boundaries and promotes conversation by highlighting the lives and stories of multicultural, LGBTQ+ and/or other historically excluded groups. The Ad can run on any platform (linear, print, digital, social, etc.), in any format. Winner: “The Myth” by Wieden+Kennedy
ADCOLOR in Tech
The ADCOLOR in Tech Award recipient is a champion of diversity and inclusion in the tech industries, from digital platforms to programmers to educators to product innovators. By pushing boundaries and creating positive change, they set the stage for future generations to take the opportunities they develop even further. Winner: Annie Jean-Baptiste, Director, Product Inclusion and Equity, Google
ADCOLOR Influencer
The ADCOLOR Influencer builds community and creates change through their creative content and/or strategic planning on social media platforms. By promoting inclusivity and accessibility on their personal platform, they embody innovative means of digital influence that leads to real-life action. Winner:Tony Weaver, Jr., Founder, Weird Enough Productions
Change Agent
The ADCOLOR Change Agent uses their skill and power to enhance corporate culture and creates a more equitable and inclusive environment for everyone connected to it. They call attention to the talents and potential of others around them, putting plans into action that exceed the scope of their professional role. Winner: Mira Kaddoura, Founder, Red & Co.
DEI Executive of the Year
The ADCOLOR DEI Executive of the Year not only inspires, facilitates and implements progressive change at their own company or organization, their innovation and determination influences the ways others integrate DEI into business models and corporate cultures. Winner: Jason Rosario, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, BBDO Worldwide
Innovator
The ADCOLOR Innovator embodies progress and imagination. They stand out among their peers as a game changer when it comes to issues of diversity, equity and inclusion. A pioneer in their goals and their strategies, they create breakthrough opportunities for people and organizations. Winner: Kamala Avila-Salmon, Head of Inclusive Content, Lionsgate
Most Valuable Partnership (MVP)
The ADCOLOR Most Valuable Partnership (MVP) occurs between people and companies that work together to provide exceptional, highly effective DE&I solutions that impact organizations and industries. The two partners can be agencies, marketers, entertainment and media companies, brands, individuals, non-profits or diverse suppliers with NMSDC or WBENC certification that team up for a short- or long-term project that furthers diversity and inclusion. Winner: Google & WNBA Changemaker Partnership
Rising Star
The ADCOLOR Rising Star is an up-and-comer in the creative industries with less than seven years of experience who is under the age of 30. Their brilliance, determination and shining personality makes them stand out as a leader. In their short time of rising up, they are already reaching back. Winner: Rosalina Jowers, Director of Communications and Marketing, Participant
Rockstar
The ADCOLOR Rockstar reveals their brilliance as a visionary leader, through their professional role or their efforts outside it. They have a track record filled with successes, and the potential to accomplish much more. Landing between the Rising Star and the Legend, this individual rocks their own singular path as they encourage others to shine. Winner: Devin Baker, Global Creative Director, 72andSunny
2022 ADCOLOR HONOREES
ADCOLOR in Music Artist of the Year
The ADCOLOR in Music Award recipient is an artist, creative, executive or technician who champions diversity, equity & inclusion in the music industry. Whether a bold-faced name or a player behind the scenes, they use their voice and power onstage and off to fight for change that reaches beyond the world of music. Honoree: Robert Glasper, Grammy Award-winning Producer and Musician
ADCOLOR | ADWEEK Beacon
This ADWEEK | ADCOLOR Beacon award celebrates an entertainment and/or media creative who is helping to transform and move the culture forward, specifically with regards to diversity and inclusivity, by rising up while reaching back. Honoree: Issa Rae, Writer, Producer, Actress and Entrepreneur
ADCOLOR | One Club Creatives
The ADCOLOR | One Club Creative Award is given to a creative professional from a multicultural background who has demonstrated extraordinary talent and achievement within the media, creative, digital and traditional advertising disciplines. This honor is presented by The One Club for Creativity. Honoree: Kinney Edwards, Global Head of Creative Lab, TikTok Honoree: Rony Castor and Anthony O’Neill, Creative Directors, Goodby Silverstein & Partners
Advocate
The ADCOLOR Advocate is an LGBTQ+ a professional in the creative industries who increases awareness of issues that affect members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. Their efforts to create progress within the creative industries reverberate into the culture at large. Honoree: Alana Mayo, President, Orion Pictures Honoree: Leanne Pittsford, CEO & Founder, Lesbians Who Tech & Allies
Catalyst
The ADCOLOR Catalyst uses their platform to serve as the voice of a cause or community, educating and inspiring current and future generations of advertising, marketing, media, PR and entertainment professionals. Honoree: Diego Scotti, Chief Marketing Officer, Verizon Honoree: Marvin Chow, VP Global Marketing, Google Honoree: Oriel Davis-Lyons, Founder, ONE School
Legend
The ADCOLOR Legend is a seasoned industry veteran, a trailblazer who has pushed boundaries leading to positive and long-lasting change. By opening doors for others – and showing them how to turn around and build their own entryways – they have developed a template for future changemakers to elevate the opportunities they have created. Honoree: Jill Kelly, U.S. CEO, EssenceMediaCom Honoree: Neal Arthur, CEO, Wieden+Kennedy Honoree: Shawn Martinbrough, Artist & Author
Lifetime Achievement
The ADCOLOR Lifetime Achievement Award goes to an industry icon whose longtime professional and personal successes exemplify ADCOLOR’s mission of Rising Up and Reaching Back. Honoree: Aaron Walton, CEO, Walton Isaacson Honoree: Louis Carr, President of Media Sales, BET Networks Honoree: Raúl Alarcón, CEO, Chairman, Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS)
Mr./Ms./Mx. ADCOLOR
Mr./Ms./Mx. ADCOLOR are two individuals selected annually who not only carry out the ADCOLOR mission, but can stand in as ambassadors to the ADCOLOR organization. Through their service to the industry and to ADCOLOR, they demonstrate and showcase what it means to truly Rise Up and Reach Back. Mr. ADCOLOR: Aaron Francois, Senior Connections Strategist | Founder, R/GA | Black Visionaries Ms. ADCOLOR: Ivy Phan, Art Director, Grey NY
Workers who have experienced this negative impact on their mental health are five times more likely to take on reduced responsibility at work, leaving a lasting impact on workplace productivity. While one or two sick days will not solve severe underlying issues, they can still offer workers a much-needed break to pause, recharge, and come back with a fresh perspective.
Here are five reasons why your company should offer employees mental health days.
Mental Health Incapacity = Less Productivity
Depression and anxiety disorders are the leading cause of long-term work incapacity. All told, the disorders are estimated to cost $44 billion a year in lost productivity in the U.S. alone. It might seem counterintuitive, but putting more resources towards mental health care in the workplace, especially mental health days, can actually help curb employee burnout due to chronic, unmanaged workplace stress.
Mental health days can help empower employees to report a mental health problem and spark helpful conversations with their managers. Managers should be trained on how to intervene, to minimize the damage to the organization and help employees return as quickly as possible to full health.
While one or two days off will not cure severe mental health issues, they can still offer workers a much-needed break to pause, recharge, and consult a mental health professional.
Retain Higher Caliber Talent
We are, no doubt, in the middle of a work revolution, with corporate culture having an important impact on employee decision making. According to Ceridian’s 2022 Pulse of Talent survey, 61% of employees are a flight risk and 23% of employees are actively looking for better opportunities, often searching for companies with less toxic workplace cultures and increased wellness support.
By allowing employees to take mental health days, employers send a clear message that they understand an employee’s worth. Supporting an employee’s mental health with paid time off fosters a corporate culture that can compete in an environment where we are much more aware and empathetic of the importance of mental health.
Employer-Sponsored Mental Health Programs Actually Work
Research has shown that employer-sponsored behavioral health programs do actually help move the needle in a positive direction. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, found that a comprehensive, employer-sponsored online mental health benefit results in 25% fewer missed work days and a 24% increase in productivity. For example, nearly 70% of employees evaluated reported a reliable improvement in their mental health, and it only took an average of 5.9 weeks for patients to enter remission of their symptoms.
Disappointingly, 72 percent of workplaces have no mental health policy – the major reason for this being that mental health policies are often a hasty reaction to internal incidents or negative experiences within the organization, rather than existing as a proactive and preventative measure. In order to dispel the perception that anxiety, depression, stress, and other related conditions are private or shameful matters which employees should discreetly handle on their own time, organizations must make mental health in the workplace a shared concern, and have open resources and policies to act as preventative measures.
BIPOC communities experience particular, compounded, additional tensions, having to manage distress from events like Amaud Arbury while still carrying the burden of performing at work (also called race-based traumatic stress).
Because the needs for BIPOC employees can be quite different, care and intention from business executives is necessary to ensure these employees feel comfortable and supported exercising the benefits that should be allotted to them. Businesses that don’t support mental wellbeing initiatives, or have a negative track record for supporting previous employees, will find it even harder to attract, engage, retain, and develop diverse employees.
About the authors
As the cofounders of Options MD, Morgan Hewettand Kyle Pierce are on a mission to prevent thousands of deaths from suicide by addressing the $200 billion whitespace of severe and treatment resistant mental illnesses.
Having watched firsthand as family and friends struggled, Options MD is a telemedicine platform that delivers personalized care to the 32 million mental health patients who will be deemed “treatment resistant” by physicians, meaning that they will not respond to first-line medications. With the help of their medical research team, they have developed a treatment-matching software that allows patients and clinicians unparalleled access to innovative treatments, created access to specialist clinicians to create research-backed treatment plans focused on higher quality care, and built continued engagement through their private patient community.
Before launching Options MD, Morgan worked at Facebook, where she helped launch the company’s healthcare marketing division. In that role, she led disease awareness campaigns in partnership with the world’s largest healthcare and pharmaceutical firms.
Prior to Options MD, Kyle was a healthcare attorney leading caseloads for the largest payers and hospital systems in California. As an operator, he focused heavily on data privacy and financial safety.
As cofounders that are Black, queer, and Latinx they have broken barriers to be part of the only 2.4% of founders like them who have received VC funding in 2021. As a Techstars company, they have cultivated a waitlist of 6,000 patients who want access to their service.
RLJ Companies Chairman Robert L. Johnson Inducted Into the Television Academy Hall of Fame
Robert L. Johnson, founder and chairman of The RLJ Companies and founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET) was inducted into the 26th Hall of Fame Class by the Television Academy along with five television legends.
The Hall of Fame honors persons who have made outstanding contributions in the arts, sciences, or management of television over a lifetime career or through singular achievements.
The 2022 Hall of Fame honorees being recognized alongside Johnson include Debbie Allen (Emmy®-award winning director/choreographer); Ken Burns (16-time Emmy® winner/documentary films); Robert Daly (Warner Bros. television executive and entertainment industry visionary); Rita Moreno (acclaimed actress and Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony (EGOT) winner spanning more than seven decades); and Donald Morgan (11-time Emmy® winner in directing, photography and lighting).
The six inductees join more than 150 individuals previously inducted into the Hall of Fame since its inception in 1984. The Academy also honored award-winning and acclaimed actor, director, and activist Sean Penn with the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award for his decades of activism.
During the awards ceremony, Johnson expressed his gratitude to be inducted into the Hall of Fame and challenged the industry to do for up-and-coming Black entrepreneurs and artists what John Malone, Chairman of Liberty Media, did for him, “If anybody is responsible for BET’s existence, it’s John Malone. John was critical not only for the financial investment, but his partnership was instrumental in getting an automatic stamp of approval from cable operators when I first started BET.”
Johnson further stated, “I’m receiving this award because of what can be done when ideas, capital, and a commitment to give people a chance to be successful is combined. The commitment of one man, John Malone, who took a young man’s vision and turned it into an opportunity. That’s the kind of spirit that needs to be put in front of other emerging Black artists – that’s what is missing in our industry – the more we start focusing on this combination – the more we will have successful stories like BET,” he concluded.
Liberty Media Chairman John Malone who invested in Bob Johnson’s vision to create BET wrote, “… Cable was still in its infancy, and Bob recognized a void in cable programming for the African American market. Bob wanted to be the person to fill that void and believed his channel could deliver entertainment programming options that were unavailable to the African American community on cable…Bob achieved his goal and launched the first Black cable television network, but I believe his contribution goes far beyond BET. The success of BET advanced the careers of many others. I never doubted Bob’s commitment to making BET a success.”
“These legendary performers, creators, craftspeople and television executives are luminaries in our industry; their work has influenced and immeasurably elevated the current television landscape and culture,” said Frank Scherma, chairman and CEO of the Television Academy. “We are proud to induct these trailblazers into the Hall of Fame and honored to celebrate their extraordinary contributions to our industry.”
About The RLJ Companies –The RLJ Companies, founded by Robert L. Johnson, is an innovative business network that provides strategic investments in a diverse portfolio of companies. Within The RLJ Companies portfolio, Johnson owns or holds interests in businesses operating in hotel real estate; private equity; 401(k) fintech services; automobile dealerships; content streaming; gaming; and sports betting. The RLJ Companies is headquartered in Bethesda, MD with affiliate operations in Charlotte, NC; Little Rock, AR; and San Juan, PR.
Giving Thanks: 12 Black-Owned Journals That Will Help You Start A Gratitude Practice
With Thanksgiving approaching, these Black-owned journals can help strengthen your appreciation for who you are, what you have, and how you can serve others.
Check out this BLACK ENTERPRISE-curated list!
The Great Gratitude Guided Journal
Photo Credit: Target
Multi-talented Black creative Addie Rawris the creator behind The Great Gratitude Guided Journal, which features unique illustrated artwork and guided journal with prompts for everyday gratitude practices.
Be Kind Mantra :: Stitched Notebook
(Photo: Effie’s Paper)
The Be Kind Mantra notebook features 80 lined pages to jot down all of your positive ideas, plans, dreams, and lists.
Kalyn Johnson Chandler, founder and creative director of Effie’s Paper, was featured on BLACK ENTERPRISE‘s Sisters Inc. Check it out here.
Better Every Day Journal
(Photo: Inside Then Out)
The Better Every Day Journal is a daily guided journal with 365 prompts to help you become the best version of yourself.
Nya Jones, founder of Wellness brand Inside Then Out, was featured on BLACK ENTERPRISE‘s On The Clock with Vice President/Deputy Chief Content Officer Alisa Gumbs. Check it out here.
Say It, Show It: A Gratitude & Kindness Journal for Kids
The Aligned With My Purpose Notebook created by Be Rooted founder Jasmin Foster is among many that are inclusively designed to keep track of your thoughts. Foster is the first Black woman-owned stationary brand at Target.
Growing in Gratitude Journal: 150 Days of Expressing Thanks
(Photo: Amazon)
Growing in Gratitude, authored byAlexandra Elle, is designed to help people pause, reflect, and tap into the personal practice of gratefulness.
BLE$$ED All-One-Planner (6months)
(Photo: Eeni)
Designed by a fictional eclectic fashionista, this all-in-one format planner combines effective goal-getting layouts, with vibrant Eeni art. It is split into six undated sections representing each month and invites you to break down your goals with actionable tasks.
2023 Excel Planner Bundle
(Photo: Arrivista Planner)
Grace, affectionately known as GG, is the creator of The Arrivista Planner. She designed her planners to empower others to realize that their gifts are what sets them apart.
You GLOW Girl
(Photo: Amazon)
Created by Brittany A Ligon, this 98-page lined journal is great for planning, budgeting, grocery lists, journaling, gratitude practice, and organizing.
Kelly Rowland Chastises AMAs Audience After Absent Chris Brown Was Booed After Winning Award
Former Destiny’s Child member, Kelly Rowland has been seen a lot more lately and she’s been shutting down folks for being loud and wrong and last night she had yet another moment of hushing people up.
After thanking fans last week for defending her after a radio interview, Rowland again spoke out after audience members at the American Music Awards booed an absent Chris Brown after he won an award.
According to Deadline, the Dilemma singer chastised booing audience members who were present at the AMAs when she went to accept an award that he won. Not feeling the lack of respect for the R&B singer, Rowland quickly admonished the crowd when she instructed them to “chill out.”
“Now Chris Brown is not here tonight so I’m accepting this award on his behalf.
“Excuse me… chill out,” Rowland said as Audience members dared to boo.
“But I wanted to tell Chris, thank you so much for making great R&B music and I want to tell him thank you for being an incredible performer. I’ll take this award — bring it to you. I love you. Congratulations. And congratulations to all the nominees in this category.”
For a reason not disclosed, the AMAs canceled a performance Brown was scheduled to do on the awards show.
Brown, evidently disappointed, posted a recording of a rehearsal his team had done prior to finding out he wouldn’t be performing on the show. It was a planned tribute to Michael Jackson and the 40th anniversary of the release of Jackson’s biggest album, Thriller. In the video clip, Brown is seen dancing with several other performers as they danced to several hits from the album. The songs included Beat It, Thriller, Wanna Be Starting Something, and Billie Jean.
According to Billboard, Rowland made some noise last week after she appeared on New York’s Hot 97. She was on the Ebro in the Morning With Laura Stylez and Rosenberg. Co-host, Peter Rosenberg questioned Rowland about playing second fiddle to Beyoncé on Destiny’s Child and as a solo artist.
Without missing a beat, Rowland responded by saying, “Here’s the thing. Light attracts light. I am light, so I am a beautiful brown shining light, so I don’t think anybody’s light dims anyone else’s.”
“I think that when other people start to compare you, I think that that’s when it shows you how dim they are of themselves. So I don’t take somebody else trying to dim my light anymore for anybody else. I love Bey, I know that she’s a light, but I know that I’m a light too.”
Actress Keke Palmer Reveals She Felt ‘Trapped’ As A Child Star Vacationing On Nickelodeon Cruise
Nope actress Keke Palmer is speaking out about fame and her time as a child actor. The 29-year-old sat down with The Hollywood Reporter for an interview published on Nov. 16.
Palmer, whose full name is Lauren Keyana Palmer, described going on a vacation along the Mexican Riviera when she was a 15-year-old child star. The young actress was starring in the Nickelodeon sitcom True Jackson, VP, and she said that she “was trapped” on the cruise ship.
“I felt like I was walking around in a SpongeBob suit that I couldn’t take off. I was trapped. I couldn’t leave my room without someone coming up to me calling me ‘True Jackson.’ What you are, to everyone, is just a character … just part of their experience,” Palmer said.
The show ended in 2011 when Palmer was just 18, and she has gone on to have a successful career as an adult with roles in the Comedy Central television show Key & Peele and films such as Alice, Nope and Hustlers. Palmer also starred on Broadway in 2014 as the first Black Cinderella and launched a digital platform that showcases other performers called KeyTV.
“I’m a quirky artist, but I’m an artist, and it’s important for people to understand that Keke is just a part of who I am,” she said. “It’s been a winding road of trying to figure out how to do what I love but also exist outside of this caricature.”
The actress also spoke about colorism after being compared to Zendaya on social media last July. After a Twitter user claimed that Palmer was less popular in the entertainment industry because she has darker skin than Zendaya, she responded by saying that comparing the two actresses was colorism in itself and aptly noted that she was “an incomparable talent.”
“What I wanted people to understand is that comparing me to someone solely based off of our complexions is colorism. There are very real scenarios of colorism, racism and sexism. You don’t need to make them up. And I don’t want these little Black girls to be out there thinking they’ll never be enough, especially in their community’s eyes.”
