NPR Called Out For Confusing Maria Taylor With Another Black ESPN Reporter
National Public Radio is under fire after the outlet mixed up Maria Taylor with fellow Black female ESPN reporter Kimberley Martin.
On Wednesday, NPR reported Taylor’s exit from ESPN to take on a hosting position for the Tokyo Olympics, NY Postreports. However, instead of using an actual photo of Taylor, they got the Black female reporters at ESPN confused and highlighted Martin instead.
“Cmon guys…. We don’t *ALL* look alike,” Martin tweeted out with a GIF of her looking frustrated.
The outlet was quick to clear up the snafu and blamed it on the Associated Press mislabeling a photo of Martin.
“Because of an error in an AP caption, this post previously featured an image of ESPN reporter Kimberley Martin instead of Maria Taylor. We apologize for the error,” NPR tweeted.
Oklahoma Sports editor Jeff Patterson followed up by sharing a photo of the AP image and the description, proving that they mislabeled Martin’s photo.
But the damage was already done. Many Twitter uses blasted NPR for not catching the error before publishing the story.
“It’s definitely filed wrong via the AP, but it’s not like she hasn’t been on TV ALOT in the past few weeks + in the news in general,” one Twitter user said. “Like, know who you’re writing about!!!”
“Disappointing! Dear media world, #MariaTaylor is not the only Black woman at ESPN! Please take the time to give talented journalists the recognition and credit they deserve. Maria and #Kimberleymartin deserve better. And BTW they don’t even cover the same league,” said sports reporter Alex Flanagan.
“Would be kinda funny if NPR also used this photo as Rachel Nichols,” added another Twitter user.
“Can’t blame them. I mean, you can. AP did get it wrong,” someone else noted. “But *you, posting a story about Maria, didn’t know what she looked like. Passing the buck is not a good look.”
Michael B. Jordan Teases The Possibility of Killmonger Returning in “Black Panther” Sequel
Just because Killmonger died in the original Black Panther doesn’t mean the Marvel Universe can’t find a way to miraculously bring him back for the sequel.
Michael B. Jordan appeared on the July 19 episode of Jemele Hill is Unbothered podcast and talked about the possibility of his character Eric Killmonger making a surprise appearance in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Despite Killmonger’s fatal injury at the end of the 2018 film, Jordan is leaving it up to the film’s director Ryan Coogler to decide if Killmonger will reappear in the follow-up film.
“If there’s anyone that’s going to figure it out, [director Ryan Coogler] is going to figure it out,” Jordan said, as noted by ABC News.
Production on the sequel reportedly kicked off in Atlanta in June. The long hiatus came after an international health pandemic that put the entertainment world on pause and the August 2020 passing of the original film’s star Chadwick Boseman.
Jordan touched on the impact Boseman’s death had on the cast. The 43-year-old Howard University alum had been privately battling colon cancer when he passed away from the disease before production on the second film started. Boseman played the lead role of King T’Challa, aka Black Panther, and received praise from viewers for his onscreen performance.
“Having a tragedy we are all dealing with, like losing Chadwick, I think Marvel, [Kevin] Fiege, Ryan [Coogler] and everybody over there had to figure out what was next,” Jordan said. “I haven’t gotten the information, one way or another, so I’m not sure. But, whatever it is, they’re the right people to figure it out.”
On Wednesday, news outlets announced that Emmy-nominated actress Michaela Coel had signed on to join the sequel. While the official cast hasn’t been announced, many actors from the original film are expected to return, including Danai Gurira, Letitia Wright, Daniel Kaluuya, Winston Duke, Lupita Nyong’o, Florence Kasumba, and Angela Bassett, Varietyreports.
Michaela Coel Added to “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” Cast
Emmy-nominated actress Michaela Coel has reportedly signed on to join the cast of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
On Wednesday, Varietyrevealed that Coel was added to the lineup for the breakout 2018 Marvel film sequel. While details remain under wraps, sources say Coel joined director Ryan Coogler at Atlanta’s Pinewood Studios, where production kicked off last month.
Coel quickly rose up the ranks in Hollywood after receiving four Emmy nominations for her HBO Max series I May Destroy You. Coel wrote, directed, and produced the series that followed a woman’s journey to process her rape trauma in London.
The UK-born actress has appeared in Netflix hits like Black Mirror and Chewing Gum and feature films including Been So Long and Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
Production on the sequel to Black Panther comes after the first film dominated the box office grossing more than $1.3 billion. Work on the sequel suffered a long hiatus following the August 2020 passing of the original film’s star Chadwick Boseman.
“It’s clearly very emotional without Chad,” Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige said of Boseman’s passing from colon cancer. “But everyone is also very excited to bring the world of Wakanda back to the public and back to the fans. We’re going to do it in a way that would make Chad proud.”
While confirmations on the full cast haven’t been revealed, a number of the original cast is expected to return, CNNreports. Danai Gurira, Letitia Wright, Daniel Kaluuya, Winston Duke, Lupita Nyong’o, Florence Kasumba, and Angela Bassett are expected to reprise their roles from the first film.
Coel’s role in the film is not yet known. TMZnoted that Coel’s addition might come at the expense of Wright’s role in the film. But with the cast not being confirmed, it’s all just hearsay for now.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is slated for release on July 8, 2022.
Motown Founder Berry Gordy Set to Receive 2021 Kennedy Center Honors
Several artists from Motown Records have been given the coveted title of a Kennedy Center Honoree over the years. Now, the person who was actually responsible for starting and running the legendary label is being honored!
Motown Records founder Berry Gordy has been one of five honorees selected for this year’s Kennedy Center Honors.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has announced that it has selected five honorees who will receive the 44th Kennedy Center Honors for lifetime artistic achievements. Those artists are operatic bass-baritone Justino Díaz; Motown founder, songwriter, producer, and director Berry Gordy; Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels; legendary stage and screen icon Bette Midler; and singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell.
“The Kennedy Center Honors celebrates luminaries whose art and creativity have enriched us beyond measure,” said Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein in a written statement. “With his distinguished, deeply resonant voice and storied operatic career, Justino Díaz, stood on the stages of the world’s great opera houses and today stands as one of the greatest bass-baritones of our time; visionary music producer and songwriter Berry Gordy brought the quintessential soulfulness of Detroit into every home in America, elevating the Motown sound to become a national treasure; Lorne Michaels created the most enduring ‘must-see television’ with Saturday Night Live, a show that is both mirror and muse for life in America; an artistic tour de force and America’s Divine Miss M, Bette Midler has enjoyed an unrivaled and prolific career, entertaining millions with her wondrous voice and trademark comedic wit; and songstress Joni Mitchell, blends raw, deeply personal lyrics with her stunningly ethereal voice in 19 albums, becoming one of the most influential singer-songwriters and cultural figures in 20th-century popular music.”
From @Motown founder, songwriter, producer & director #BerryGordy: “The Honors epitomizes the recognition and value of both the Arts, and the Artist. I am thrilled to become a part of this prestigious American legacy.” #KCHonors 🌈 pic.twitter.com/1nnGD3dWTF
Gordy spoke exclusively to The Detroit Free Press about being honored.
“My first reaction was joy, then disbelief, and then: ‘Did I hear that right? It was so exciting to me overall. I had all these emotions at one time, and I realized how much it meant to me.”
He also stated this honor recognizes the unsung heroes of Motown.
“By honoring me, I feel it also recognizes the unsung heroes of Motown,” he said. “They worked and laughed and cried and died to make my dream and the Motown legacy a reality. So I can never forget them — ever, ever, ever.”
Father Fatally Shot After Confronting Teenager Who Snuck Through Window to Visit His Daughter
A father in Louisiana lost his life in a shootout after confronting a teenager who climbed through his window to visit his teenage daughter.
Dezmon Hamilton, 34, was killed on Sunday morning after suffering multiple gunshot wounds, WBRZreports. The suspect, identified as 17-year-old Nicholas Mcquirter, was also wounded in the gunfire and was taken to a hospital.
The incident was initially listed as a home invasion but changed after authorities realized the teen was there to visit Hamilton’s 14-year-old daughter. Officers believe Mcquirter used a ladder to climb up to the family’s second-story window.
After Hamilton realized Mcquirter was inside his home, he confronted the teen and a shootout ensued. The two both shot at each other during the encounter, police said.
“The daughter’s mother and grandmother came over to discuss what was going on. The grandmother and her daughter took the 14-year-old off to the side and were talking to her. An argument ensued and then gunshots were fired,” Zachary Police Chief David McDavid said, as captured by Louisiana Radio Network.
It’s still unclear who fired the first shot. But the teen is now facing charges of second-degree murder, illegal use of a weapon, and illegal possession of a stolen firearm. McDavid said the shooting comes amid an increase in juvenile crime in the area.
“There are gangs here, there are gangs around Zachary, on the outskirts,” McDavid said. “They’re coming here we know that. We track them, we arrest them. But they’re using a lot of these juveniles to do their dirty work, and that’s what’s happening and they’re stealing guns and doing drugs.”
McDavid is calling on the parents to intervene and get their kids to curb all of the street violence.
“It boils down to these young juveniles who a lot of them are around here stealing guns or carrying stolen guns, concealed. It’s like they don’t know how to deal with conflict resolution,” McDavid said.
Senate Confirms Tiffany P. Cunningham, First Black Circuit Court Judge to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
A historic moment recently unfolded in the American judicial system.
On Monday, Tiffany P. Cunningham was confirmed to serve as a circuit judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, replacing Judge Evan J. Wallach. According to a press release provided by Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), she will be the first-ever Black person to serve on the court.
63-33: Senate confirmed patent attorney Tiffany Cunningham to the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, becoming the first Black judge to serve on that Court which hears appeals on patent law cases. pic.twitter.com/faN0kl0ik6
“She will not only bring much-needed diversity to the bench, but she will bring impeccable credentials as well. I’m pleased my colleagues joined me in a bipartisan manner in support of Ms. Cunningham’s nomination,” Durbin also said.
Cunningham’s 63-33 vote confirmation was historic for “the nation’s top patent court,” which is “the only federal appeals court never to have a Black member,” according to Bloomberg Law. Patent cases comprise “over half of the court’s docket, but it also has nationwide jurisdiction over fields including international trade, government contracts, and trademark law,” according to Reuters.
Back in March, Cunningham was among President Joe Biden’s 11 “Federal Circuit and District Court” judge picks, according to a White House press release. Her extensive legal experience spans beyond working as a registered patent attorney “before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.” It also includes being “a partner at Perkins Coie LLP in Chicago since 2014” and serving as “trial and appellate counsel for large multinational companies, as well as small enterprises, and individuals in complex patent and trade secret disputes,” the White House reported.
Various social media users and associates have congratulated Cunningham on her historic senate confirmation, previous accomplishments, and noteworthy credentials.
Jordan Peele Announces New Horror Flick With Creepy Promotional Poster for ‘Nope’
If you thought Jordan Peele was going to make a big splash when announcing his newest horror flick, the answer is simply….Nope.
The Academy Award-winning director took to Twitter to share the first official promotional poster for his upcoming film Nope on Thursday. Not much is known other than what the poster teases.
“A new terror from the mind of Academy Award winner Jordan Peele,” the poster reads while showing an ominous grey cloud floating over a city. It goes on to reveal the lead cast and release date.
It looks like Daniel Kaluuya has teamed back up with Peele for another chiller following the success of the 2017 box office smash Get Out. He was listed alongside Keke Palmer, who is acting in her first Peele production. South Korean actor Steven Yeun is also set to star in the film and has the horror genre experience locked down after appearing in The Walking Dead.
Peele made the big announcement one year before the film’s release slated for July 22, 2022. The poster also says that the film will only be in theaters. A hint at Hollywood’s return to forcing audiences out to the movie theaters rather than enjoying the movie release on a streaming provider like 2021 releases from Disney’s Black Widow and Cruella to Warner Bros. release of Godzilla vs. Kong and Space Jam: A New Legacy.
Despite only having two films under his name, Peele has proven to bring out a crowd. His 2017 debut Get Out proved to be a commercial hit, raking in $255 million in global ticket sales and earning four Oscar nominations, Varietyreports. His second film, 2019’s Us, generated $255 million worldwide.
After making the announcement, fans reeled in excitement despite having to wait a year for its release.
“Soooo Can I buy tickets now,” one person asked. “Man don’t have me out here scared of clouds bruh,” added someone else.
It looks like we’ll just have to wait and see what Jordan Peele has in store for us next.
Ben Crump Plans to Pitch Van Jones About a Monetary Gift To Support His Social Justice Law Center
Prominent civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump plans to speak with Van Jones about donating a portion of the $100 million dollars gifted to him from Jeff Bezos to an initiative he started called The Ben Crump Social Justice Law Center.
On Wednesday, after his historic space flight, Bezos, a billionaire, decided to gift a couple of his friends $100 million–no strings attached. Those friends: CNN political commentator Jones chef José Andrés.
“They can give it all to their own charity,” Bezos said at a press conference after his trip to space. “Or they can share the wealth. It is up to them.”
Crump’s educational center is located within St. Thomas University College of Law in Miami Gardens. The center aims to bring underserved and underprivileged Black people the opportunity to study to become attorneys. The initiative is specifically targeting first generation Black college and law students.
Crump also announced that he and co-counsels Sam Aguiar and Lonita Baker will represent the family of Ta’Neasha Chappell, a 23-year-old Black mother who died while she was in the custody of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department last week.
NEWS ALERT: @AttorneyCrump & co-counsel Sam Aguiar & Lonita Baker to represent family of Ta’Neasha Chappell, a 23yo mother who died in custody of Jackson County Sheriff’s Department. Ta’Neasha’s medical needs were ignored and her face was swollen and beaten. pic.twitter.com/Ua8VepE0RW
Jones is a co-founder of Dream Corps. According to its website, Dream Corps is a bipartisan organization that works toward police reform. Dream Corps also has a tech arm and green divisions.
“Lauren [Bezos’ partner] and Jeff don’t do nothing small, man, they don’t do anything small, they just don’t do it. They dream big, they love big, and they bet big. And you bet on me, and I appreciate it,” Jones said of the money.
Speaking to CNN colleague Anderson Cooper, Jones said that Bezos had called him and told him of his plan ahead of time. He said that Bezos wanted to support his efforts to bring people together in spite of political affiliation and race.
There is no word yet on how Jones plans to use the money, but he did say the money is for him to give to others with a similar spirit.
Samia Gore’s Vegan Weight Loss Supplement To Be Sold in Vitamin Shoppe
Samia Gore’s own weight loss journey as a mother led to the creation of her company, Body Complete Rx.
Gore is the founder and CEO of Body Complete Rx (BCRX), “a self-funded wellness brand which has grossed over $10 million in sales in just under 4 years,” according to a press release.
The company’s TRIM line—“exclusive plant-based, vegan weight management supplements”—will launch at The Vitamin Shoppe on Aug. 1 in over 700 retail locations nationwide.
The creation of Gore’s successful company is rooted in her own pursuit of wellness.
“In 2014, after having my fourth child, in which I gained a considerable amount of weight, I felt my lowest. I had let myself become less of a priority, and my health was suffering the consequences. I decided to set out on a — publicly documented — weight loss journey to lose nearly 80 pounds, in which I also made the decision to publicly share my ‘Mommy Makeover’ journey, which quickly advanced into a following of like-minded women and men,” Gore told Authority Magazine.
Boost Metabolism Drops, Control Appetite Suppressant Capsules, and Renew Energy Drops are included in the TRIM line. BCRX is set to become the “first Black female-owned brand to launch in the retailer’s weight management category,” according to the announcement.
“We are so excited to be launching at one of the top retailers of nutritional supplements in the country because it’s a true testament to the efficacy of our brand and products,” Gore said. “As the first and only Black female-owned brand in The Vitamin Shoppe’s weight management category, I am excited to make these wellness products more accessible to customers across the country and support their journey toward wellbeing.”
Gore explained that she started providing information about her “personal routine, like the organic ingredients” she utilized to support her “weight management.”
“These tips and tricks, specific to my own journey, continued to catch the attention of the aforementioned audience, and from that, BODY Complete Rx was born,” Gore told Authority Magazine.
‘Say Their Names’: A Gripping Book That Examines Issues Facing Black America and Black Athletes
Black athletes who qualify to participate in the Olympics are often challenged with dealing with issues beyond their athletic talent.
For instance, tennis star Naomi Osaka faced considerable backlash for taking a mental health break. In the 1960s, Muhammad Ali threw his Olympic gold medal into the Ohio River in disgust after being refused service at a restaurant. And history put a stain on the heroic acts of Tommie Smith and John Carlos who raised their fists as a human rights symbol during the Olympic games in 1968 but were ostracized for their efforts. Colin Kaepernick and so many Black athletes have become infamous simply for fighting for justice.
A forthcoming book, Say Their Names:How Black Lives Came to Matter in America (Grand Central Publishing, $25.49) provides a gripping, thought-provoking survey of the forces that pushed our unjust system to its breaking point following the murder of George Floyd. Penned by a powerhouse of five expert Black journalists, Say Their Names is a deep dive exploration of the historical context behind America’s original sin.
By examining how inequality was propagated through history, the authors, Michael H. Cottman, Patrice Gaines, Nick Charles, Keith Harriston and Curtis Bunn, highlight the disparities that for so long have characterized the dangers of being Black in America.
“Say Their Names:: How Black Lives Came to Matter in America” explores the historical context behind America’s original sin. It will be released in October. (Image courtesy of Grand Central Publishing)
Bunn is an award-winning journalist at NBC News BLK who has written about race and sports and social and political issues for more than 30 years in Washington, D.C., New York, and Atlanta. Additionally, he is a best-selling author of 19 novels that center on Black life in America.
In one chapter written by Bunn that examines Black athletes who have also served as activists, the book touches on Osaka’s bravery for using her platform to confront societal prejudices while being an advocate for fallen Black people.
“Naomi Osaka, the women’s tennis phenomenon born to a Haitian father and a Japanese mother, wore seven different masks to her matches at the 2020 U.S. Open, each bearing the name of an unarmed Black person killed by law enforcement. It was a strong display of support of Black Lives Matter—and an indication that the movement spilled into the sports world.
It was an audacious move by Osaka. She took BLM’s concerns to the predominantly white, affluent, pretentious tennis world—where Black players are scarce—and its vast international television audience. She won the major tournament and won a legion of fans that may not have known her as a star, but identified her as courageous after her two-week stand.
Asked after she took the title what she wanted to get out of displaying the names of unnecessarily fallen Black people, Osaka was unflappable: ‘Well, what was the message that you got was more the question. I feel like the point is to make people start talking.’ “
Naomi Osaka (Image via @naomiosaka/Instagram)
An additional excerpt from Say Their Names points to the longstanding struggle of Black athletes to combine sports with using their public platforms to make a statement.
“To bring attention in the hope for change in America in 1968, U.S. sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their black-gloved fists and bowed their heads on the Olympic podium in Mexico City during ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ after winning gold and bronze medals, respectively, in the 200 meters. Their Black Power salute is among the most iconic images in sports history.”
Bunn also touches on Colin Kaepernick’s activism and the audacity of the former NFL quarterback to sacrifice his career by kneeling during the national anthem to bring attention to police brutality.
Source: Oath Video Player
Bunn spoke to BLACK ENTERPRISE and shared his thoughts on why it was important to have a hand in this compelling project.
“There was not much contemplation for me when this book idea was presented,” Bunn says. “A social justice movement and a pandemic were running simultaneously. As journalists, our responsibility is to chronicle events, news. My co-authors and I knew instantly that we were working on a project that would be historical in nature. So we dug in, understanding it was important that we craft a book that would be among the first to examine not only what happened in 2020–and bled into 2021–but how we got there in the first place.”
Bunn also told BLACK ENTERPRISE that the book also looks at “the history of white supremacy, how it created mass incarceration that eviscerated Black families” and more.
“So, the book is important–and will stand the test of time as a reference source to capture the pulse of Black America during an unprecedented time in history,” Bunn said.
(Instagram.com/kingjames)
Say Their Names addresses a myriad of issues by five expert Black journalists such as:
HOW BLACK LIVES CAME TO MATTER & THE BLACK WOMEN BEHIND IT: A comprehensive breakdown of the history of racism in America, the numerous forces leading up to the explosion of the Black Lives Matter movement, and the powerful influence of Black women leading it.
RACIAL DISCRIMINATION IN HEALTHCARE: A study on the long and complex history behind systemic racism in healthcare, from the indoctrinated biases of medical professionals, to the factors behind COVID-19’s disproportionate ravages within the Black community.
POLICING OF BLACK LIVES: Context behind why stories such as Breonna Taylor’s and Michael Brown’s are tragically common in a country where a Black person is fatally shot by law enforcement nearly every day—yet justice and reform continue to remain out of reach.
MASS INCARCERATION OF BLACK LIVES: An exploration of the disproportionately high percentage of incarcerated Black people who, compared to incarcerated whites, face higher rates of unemployment following release, life sentences without parole, and what attorney Ben Crump refers to as the “two justice systems in America. One for Black America, and one for white America.”
THE BLACK CHURCH IN THE AGE OF BLM: A community historically credited as a sanctuary and source of powerful influence for Black movements now faces the challenges of its place in a new age.
BLACK INFLUENCE IN POLITICS: An examination of Black political lineage from Adam Clayton Powell to Barack Obama to Stacey Abrams, the power of the Black vote, and the urgent need for fair legislation to protect the Black community.
Click here to learn more about Say Their Names:How Black Lives Came to Matter in America. The book, set to be released October 5, can be preordered now.
