GRAMMY®-nominated and acclaimed hip-hop artist Cordae Amari Dunston is collaborating with Disney Dreamers Academy, and ESPN’s The Undefeated to award scholarships to youth from underrepresented communities attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

Cordae is also a featured artist on Liberated / Music For The Movement Volume 3 which was released Friday.  On the compilation project, Cordae collaborates with GRAMMY®—and Academy Award®-winner Common, on the song, “What’s Life.” The musical selection is a celebration of what’s really important in life—family, friends, loved ones, chasing dreams, having goals, and living life to its fullest potential. Since having dreams and achieving goals are imperative to Cordae and his vision, he wanted to make sure he was able to fund the aforementioned scholarships.

“So many people need the money more than I do. I feel as though when you’re in such a blessed position, it’s important to pay that forward to be a blessing to others. It’s especially important to me to invest in our youth and the future. Young people are the future of our society and the world, so we must do all we can to ensure they are properly positioned to succeed. If I can spark the brain of a few future world leaders and geniuses, I’ll die a happy man, says Cordae in a written statement.”

Cordae immediately decided to donate his proceeds from the album release to help fund the scholarships. In a kind gesture, when ESPN’s The Undefeated and Disney Dreamers Academy found out about Cordae’s intention of donating his recording fees to fund scholarships for HBCU students, both The Undefeated and Disney Dreamers Academy matched Cordae’s donation.

Cordae will make an appearance on Friday’s episode of Stephen A’s World which airs on ESPN+. In celebration of the newly signed federal holiday, Juneteeth, Cordae will be performing “What’s Life” and presenting an award at ESPN’s Sports Humanitarian Awards.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame has just announced the latest group of entertainment professionals to receive a much sought after star and it includes some heavy hitters like Black Panther star Michael B. Jordan and entertainment mogul, Byron Allen.

“The Walk of Fame Selection Panel is pleased to announce 38 new honorees to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Selection Panel, made up of fellow Walk of Famers, hand-picks a group of honorees each year that represent various genres of the entertainment world,” said Chair and Walk of Famer Ellen K in a written statement, “The Panel did an amazing job choosing these very talented people. We can’t wait to see each honoree’s reaction as they realize that they are becoming a part of Hollywood’s history with the unveiling of their star on the world’s most famous walkway!”

Among the 38 new honorees selected were Regina King, Tessa Thompson, Holly Robinson-Peete, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Kenan Thompson. Recording artists Black Eyed Peas, George E. Clinton Jr., Ashanti Douglas, Ermias “Nipsey Hussle” Asghedom, DJ Khaled and Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr., and former football player Michael Strahan, rounded out the list.

The honorees included stars of Motion Pictures, Television, Live Theatre/Live Performance, Radio, Recording and the newest category Sports Entertainment. They were chosen by the Walk of Fame Selection Panel of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. The entertainment professionals who will be honored were picked from a vast amount of nominations to the committee and were selected at a meeting that was held on June 14, 2021. The people chosen to receive stars were ratified by the Hollywood Chamber’s Board of Directors on June 16, 2021.  Ellen K, Chair of the Walk of Fame Selection Panel and Radio personality, announced the new honorees on www.walkoffame.com.

The dates for the ceremonies have not been scheduled as of yet. Recipients have two years to schedule their star ceremonies from the date of selection before they expire. Star ceremonies are typically announced ten days prior to the dedication on the official website.

Sean “Diddy” Combs continues to make moves as he navigates his career in several directions.

The “Bad Boy” has recently signed with the William Morris Agency and he also launched an initiative for people who aspire to become executives in the entertainment industry.

According to Variety, Combs has signed with the powerful William Morris Agency for representation and as part of that deal, he is collaborating with the agency, in conjunction with their Endeavor Foundation, to launch The Excellence Program next month on July 12. The Excellence Program, which will be free, will be a pipeline for students from underserved communities who are hoping to have a career in the entertainment industry while trying their hand in the fields of marketing, music, and/or fashion. The six-week program will cover sessions that will span across categories like touring and performing, professional development, the business of entertainment, and storytelling.

“Beginning my career as an intern changed my life, so it’s been a lifelong dream to give the next generation of entrepreneurs and executives access to the best in entertainment, marketing, music, and fashion,” Combs said. “Partnering with Endeavor creates a pipeline to opportunities that allow future leaders to not only succeed but thrive in these highly competitive industries.”

Within the program, according to The Hollywood Reporter, the sessions will be implemented by a list of prominent industry professionals, entertainers, and moguls. That list includes the likes of Joey Bada$$, Cari Champion, Victor Cruz, Bill Duffy, Desiree Gruber, Terrence Jenkins, Reggie Love, Marshawn Lynch, French Montana, Guy Oseary, Rajon Rondo, Lindsey Vonn, Gus Wenner, and Jeff Burroughs. There will also be executives from Amazon Studios, Amazon Web Services, MSG Entertainment, Revolt Media, Combs Enterprises, WME, Endeavor Content, and IMG Models.

Partners involved in The Excellence Program are HBCU in LA, NALIP, Brown Girls Dream, Asian American Collective, Reel Works, and Diverso, while racial justice nonprofit Color Of Change has partnered with Combs and Endeavor to lead coursework on ways to effectively impact change in the workplace.

Endeavor CEO Ariel Emanuel said: “The Excellence Program helps ensure access and education are available to all who possess the talent, vision, and creativity necessary to succeed in the entertainment industry. We hope it serves as a catalyst to break down barriers and create content that better reflects the communities we serve. We are proud to partner with Sean in bringing this program to life.”

Information on this program can be found here.

For Jawuan Hill, a member of the Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School’s Class of 2021 in Dumfries, Va, getting into the prestigious and highly selective The Julliard School was a dream he wasn’t sure he could realize.

However, Hill, 18, was one of 19 students who earned a coveted spot to study at the respected institution. But he was also hit with a hefty price tag of $80,000. So with his sights set on making a longtime dream come true, Hill turned to GoFundMe to raise money for the remaining tuition expenses, after he received a partial scholarship.

Hill was also dealing with the loss of his biggest supporter—his grandmother who passed away from ovarian cancer. He found out that he had been selected to Julliard just a few months after losing Idella Crawford.

“She always told me, ‘You’re gonna go,’” Hill said to WTOP. “She actually paid for my Juilliard application, because she was like, ‘You’re gonna go there.’”

Hill edged out thousands of applicants from across the globe who wanted the chance to study in New York. Hill raised $48,550  and counting of his $35,000 goal, after he organized a fundraiser. He was truly inspired to keep going after his grandmother’s death.

“Theater has been a major part of my life and I would greatly appreciate any part you would like to play in assisting with this amazing opportunity. In addition to being accepted, I have been fortunate enough to receive partial scholarships to help mitigate cost,” Hill wrote on his GoFundMe page, while also noting his volunteerism. “Unfortunately, the cost of attendance at Juilliard is very high. This includes tuition, housing, books & materials, etc. I am here because of a $35,000 deficit that needs to be satisfied before my enrollment in the fall. I know the final amount sounds like a lot, but I am only asking for your support, whatever that may be.”

Hill told potential donors that no donation would be too small. In just seven days, the performer notified donors that 15,129 was raised  in seven days. Word about a big obstacle Hill face started to travel.

WTOP reported  that

http://

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jawuan (@jawuanthill)

http://

High school senior, Jawuan Hill, from Dumfries, VA overcame many obstacles to get accepted into Juilliard, including the death of his biggest supporter—his grandmother. https://t.co/WzejdvZDmf

— Eun Yang (@eunyangnbc) June 3, 2021

In the end, everything worked out.

“The community surrounded me with love and affection,” Hill said to ABC 7 News.

• Sports

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

June 18, 2021

GOAT In Training: Serena Williams Gives Daughter Tennis Tips Like Her Dad Once Did

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Serena Williams is passing on gems to the next generation by training up her daughter Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. to be a future GOAT – greatest of all time – tennis player. Williams gave the tot key pointers on the sport, just like her dad Richard Williams used to do

Williams hit the court this week in a series of cute videos with Olympia, who was ever the most obedient student. In the first video, the little future tennis star in the making is shown doing some warm ups with mom and follows along without a fuss.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams)

In the second video, the tennis champion encourages her daughter to hit a series of tennis balls while referring to some of her favorite snacks like crackers and cupcakes.

Williams asks, “You want to play a fun game?” Olympia then swings and hits several tennis balls excitedly.
Olympia then yells, “Let’s do it again,” after she finishes cracking the tennis balls out of sight.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams)

In the third video, Williams shares with her daughter what grandpa Williams once taught her as a little girl.
“You know what grandpa taught me? So first thing you do is turn,” Williams said showing off the perfect form to swing and hit.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams)

“You are so good at coaching that I might ask you for help for my own kids,” Serena’s coach Patrick Mouratoglou commented.

Serena’s dad Richard Williams was a GOAT himself, having taught two of his children, Serena and her sister Venus, how to play tennis which resulted in them becoming champions, even though he didn’t have any experience himself.

Richard Williams was also a controversial figure for how he handled the media. His started off teaching his daughters how to play the game at age 4. The Shreveport, La native did it at a time when Blacks were few and far between in the sport, but the tough as nails instructor refused to allow people to pigeon-hole them.

When an ABC News Day correspondent John McKenzie interviewed 14-year-old Venus back in 1995 and peppered her with questions about being so confident, Williams abruptly stopped the interview to set McKenzie straight.

“I know I can beat her… I’m very confident,” Venus said to the reporter.

When McKenzie kept asking Venus why she was so confident, Papa Bear moved in.

“You’ve got to understand you are dealing with the image of a 14-year-old child. This child is going to be out there playing when your old ass and me gonna be in the grave. You are dealing with a little black kid, and let her be a kid. She done answered it with a lot of confidence. Leave that alone,” said Williams according a YouTube video.

• News

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

June 18, 2021

Meghan McCain Pops Off At Whoopi Goldberg Over Biden And Twitter’s Had Enough

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“The View” co-hosts, Meghan McCain and Whoopi Goldberg got into an on-air squabble Thursday after McCain criticized President Biden for his temperamental exchange with a CNN reporter over a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

McCain was in quite the mood as she compared Biden’s cranky behavior with that of Trump’s.

“Just because Trump was so bad, it doesn’t absolve Biden’s bad behavior,” McCain said about Trump’s many volatile exchanges with members of the media. “What he just did was 100 percent Trump-y. I just think I would like a little intellectual consistency. If Trump had done that, we would be screaming at the top of our lungs … one way or another.”

At issue was Biden’s touchy response when CNN’s Kaitlan Collins pressed him about his European trip and specifically how he would deal with Putin. She asked Biden what makes him so “confident” that Putin would do anything different.

The word “confident” seemingly struck a nerve with the irked commander in chief and Collins got a lecture.

“What the hell–what do you do all the time? When did I say I was confident? -What I said was … what will change their behavior is if the rest of the world reacts to them and it diminishes their standing in the world,” Biden said. “If you don’t understand that, you’re in the wrong business.”

not good
pic.twitter.com/BgOPlbA6D1

— The Ghost of George Conway (@gtconway3dg) June 16, 2021

Biden was leaving the Geneva press conference when Collins asked the question. He later apologized to the media on his way back to the United States for what some considered to be an impatient and snippy response. Before boarding his flight, he stopped to talk with reporters and admitted he was being a “wiseguy.”

“I owe my last questioner an apology. I shouldn’t have been such a wiseguy for the answer I gave,” Deadline reports.

Despite the apology, McCain, a member of the Washington, D.C., press corps, griped about Biden.

“It’s the press’s job to speak truth to power,” she said. “And just because Biden has gotten a pass so far … It is no one’s best interest to continue to treat him like it’s state TV.”

Whoopi: “I don’t care that you don’t care”

Meghan McCain: “I don’t care that you don’t care! We’re even!”

Whoopi: “Well, good, Meghan. You can be how you always are.”

Meghan: “You can be how you always are!” pic.twitter.com/p0waUKoPTX

— Justin Baragona (@justinbaragona) June 17, 2021

But Whoopi Goldberg chimed in to remind McCain of how unapologetic the previous President had been.

“Yeah, the thing I never saw Trump do was to apologize to anybody,” Goldberg retorted.

McCain then injected with a terse response to Goldberg saying: “With all due respect, I don’t care that he’s apologizing, he just embarrassed himself.”

Goldberg hit back: “I don’t care that you don’t care.”

To which McCain shot back: “Well I don’t care that you don’t care, Whoopi, so we’re even!”

This isn’t the first time the two have sparred on live TV and clearly, Goldberg was done with McCain and transitioned to a commercial break as the two continued to argue.

“Well then, good Meghan, then you can be how you always are.”

“You can be how you always are!” McCain responded.

But after McCain popped off on Mother Whoopi, the Twitterverse had something to say about a white woman getting huffy and puffy with the Black culture icon.

“The disrespect continues,” said one commenter.

#theview #meghanmccain seriously the disrespect continues #firemeghanmccain pic.twitter.com/0ral3F1RUi

— (@lethalgemini85) June 17, 2021

#meghanmccain has never been snatched tf up and it shows #TheView pic.twitter.com/ReXbx0Dn1W

— tmh (@DommyandMommy19) June 17, 2021

Black women are expected to work w people like Meghan McCain all the time. Unqualified, mediocre white women who only got the job because of privilege. That’s why Whoopi apologized, for ever letting Meghan think she was important enough to get her outta character. #TheView pic.twitter.com/tmm29de6eN

— WhyMassaDidn’tWantUsToLearnToReadOrWrite (@KellyFBabi) June 17, 2021

Others made it plain that McCain was cancelled.

We’re so done with #meghanmccain show is so much more engaging without her #TheView https://t.co/Bkjlcj9G13

— denisesdy (@denisesdy) June 17, 2021

It was a sight to see. Check out the video of the heated exchange.

• Career

by Black Enterprise Shop

June 18, 2021

This 7-Course Bundle Is A Quick Guide To Becoming A Great Podcast Host

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What sets a great podcast apart from an average one? You can say it’s the topics discussed or the guests who are interviewed. But at the heart of every good podcast is an equally good host. They determine what the audience wants to hear, which guests make an appearance and how they can build a community of regular and engaged listeners.

Whether you’re creating a podcast across audio or video formats, the Essential 2021 Video and Podcast Mastery Bundle will train you on how to produce, edit and launch great videos across the web, with 13 hours of content on recording, marketing, processing and more.

This 7-course bundle isn’t just for budding podcasters. If you’ve been trying to launch that YouTube channel or create webinars and you’re not sure where to begin, then there’s something in here to show you how to make it happen.

The lessons cover a wide range of topics like audio, lighting and video setup. You will also learn video editing skills, webinar marketing mastery, creating a YouTube channel, recording a podcast in just one day, and creating corporate videos. Usually, it could take anyone years to learn these skills, but these lessons are quick and comprehensive, teaching you all you need to know in a few weeks.

The Video, Podcast and Webinar Mastery Bundle was put together by Total Training, a leading name in online and DVD-based training for creative design, digital video, and office productivity software programs. This platform was awarded Best Developer Training Solutions Provider in the US in 2020, so you’re guaranteed to get firsthand knowledge from industry experts and leading authors.

For a limited time, you can now get lifetime access to this bundle for 20% off the discount sale price. It originally has a value of $426, but for Father’s Day, you can get these 7 courses for $15.99 when you use code WELOVEDAD at checkout. Here’s your chance to become the next internet sensation.

Prices subject to change.

“The Boss” Diana Ross’ is coming out of retirement to show her fans some love with a new album called  “Thank You.”  It will be released this fall through Decca Records / Universal Music Group, according to a press release.

However, “Thank You”— which is the singer’s  title track and first single—can be download or streamed as of June 17. Details stated that Ross’s song collection is a gift to fans that she is presenting “with appreciation and love.”

The world could use a little more feel good pick me ups. Ross’ teaser video for her upcoming album which can be viewed by visiting this link offers a nostalgic preview of it. Ross’ project timing could not be much better considering the heaviness of dealing with COVID-19 and the ongoing social justice concerns.

“Thank You” is my new single and my new album will be released in September.  I’m so excited.  Listen for it! ” Ross said through a tweet.

http://

“Thank You” is my new single and my new album will be released in September. I’m so excited. Listen for it! #dianarossthankyou pic.twitter.com/aQyVqn1fcf

— Ms. Ross (@DianaRoss) June 17, 2021

The Guardian pointed out that the singer is returning to the music scene for her 25th album, which follows up a previous 2006 release of ‘I Love You.’ Contemporary producers were involved in the current project collaboration to co-write  13 songs with Ross. The singer has sold over 100 million  records , during her successful career, The Guardian said.

“This collection of songs is my gift to you with appreciation and love. I am eternally grateful that I had the opportunity to record this glorious music at this time,” Ross said in a statement,  according to The Guardian’s report. “I dedicate this songbook of love to all of you, the listeners. As you hear my voice you hear my heart.”

Ross is schedule to tour the UK in 2022, according to Stereoboard.com. Visit this link to learn more about purchasing Ross’ new music. The title track can also be heard there.

• News

by Andrea Blackstone

June 17, 2021

An Active Volunteer and NJ Nonprofit Leader Killed in Murder-Suicide by Her Husband

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Artoria “Dee” Frazier, 48, was a beloved nonprofit founder and active volunteer who died in an apparent murder-suicide, The Courier Post reports.

New Jersey State Police said that troopers discovered Frazier and her husband, Wayne Hylton, 54, dead after showing up at their home at Lenox Drive in N.J.

Frazier was known for being involved in supporting numerous charitable causes. According to Women With Voices Charity Inc.’s website, the nonprofit was founded by Frazier in 2010. It stated that Frazier’s philanthropic start began by coordination of an inaugural back-to-school event in Brooklyn, New York.

The late nonprofit founder worked to help her community which was riddled with drugs and violent crimes with little community support. She was interested in giving back to a variety of people from low socio-economic backgrounds, according to the website.

“It is with great sorrow we learned Artoria Dee Frazier, Founder & Executive Director of Women w/ Voices Charity, passed away. She’s been a compassionate & enormously generous contributor since 2018, bringing thousands of meals to our door. Her memory will continue to inspire us,” Rescue Mission tweeted.

According to reports , the active volunteer pitched in feeding homeless and hungry individuals in Camden and Trenton, and also helped children in need.

“If everybody in this world could live one day like she lived her life, feeding people and doing good,” said Adrienne Wagner of her friend Artoria “Dee” Frazier, in an interview with The Courier Post,  “this world would be a better place.”

A Brooklyn funeral home handled Frazier’s  memorial service on June 8. Frazier left behind two children— Torian Hylton, and a daughter, Taylor Hylton. According to Police an investigation about the apparent murder-suicide is ongoing.

• Sports

by Derek Major

June 17, 2021

Naomi Osaka Withdraws From Wimbledon To Spend Time With Family And Friends

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The No. 2 female tennis player in the world, Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from the Wimbledon Tennis Tournament according to a statement from her agent.

“Naomi won’t be playing Wimbledon this year,” the statement shared by ESPN stated. “She is taking some personal time with friends and family. She will be ready for the Olympics and is excited to play in front of her home fans.”

Wimbledon’s Chief Executive Sally Bolton said Thursday that organizers had been in talks with her and other players about the tournament’s media operations. Earlier this month Osaka withdrew from the second round of the French Open citing mental health battles and depression after she refused to do mandatory post-match interviews during the tournament.

French Open officials fined Osaka $15,000 for skipping the interviews after her first round win and said if she continued skipping interviews there would be escalating fines. Osaka withdrew before the second round a day later saying, “I never wanted to be a distraction, and I accept that my timing was not ideal and my message could have been clearer.”

A bevy of athletes showed support for Osaka including Serena and Venus Williams, Sloane Stephens, NFL players Richard Sherman and Dez Bryant and Nike.

Osaka also pulled out of next week’s Berlin WTA 5000 grass-court tournament. However, she has indicated she will play in the Olympics later this summer for Japan.

Mental health has been a growing conversation among professional athletes in a wide range of sports in recent months. Several NBA athletes spoke out during the first round of this year’s NBA Playoffs when several fans spit and threw items at NBA players including Washington Wizards point guard Russell Westbrook who had popcorn and water thrown on him when he was walking back to the locker room after suffering a knee injury.

Osaka, who is 23, has won four Grand Slam singles titles, all on hardcourts. She has had limited success at Wimbledon, reaching the third round in 2017 and 2018 and losing in the first round in 2019.