‘This Is Us’ Actor Niles Fitch to Become Disney’s First Black Live-Action Prince
This is us! Disney has cast a black prince. Niles Fitch will play a character named Prince Tuma in a new Disney Plus movie, Secret Society of Second-Born Royals, according to The Grio. Fitch is Disney’s first live-action black prince.
The actor shared the news via his Facebook account. “Welcome Disney’s first live-action Black prince! Coming to your home screens as Prince Tuma, streaming on Disney+ in Summer 2020!!”
Secret Society of Second-Born Royals follows a princess unlike those usually seen in Disney movies. Second-born Sam lives in the shadows of her older sister, Princess Eleanor, who is next in line to take the throne. But being younger means Sam gets superpowers and she gets drafted into a top-secret group of other gifted young recruits responsible for the world’s safety.
The cast includes Peyton Elizabeth Lee as Sam, Skylar Astin as Professor James Morrow, Élodie Yung as Catherine, Ashley Liao as Eleanor, and Noah Lomax as Mike.
Lee told Entertainment Weekly, “Sam is going to be a unique addition to the Disney princess family because she doesn’t want to be a princess, she doesn’t want to be royalty. Because of that, it takes her on this journey of figuring out how to make it work for herself that’s going to break that delicate princess mold. When she finds this secret society that feels the same way, they figure out how to create their own legacy and have an impact on their country and the world.”
Fitch is best known for portraying the teenage version of Sterling K. Brown’s Randall Pearson on the NBC television show This Is Us. He made his television debut with a guest appearance in Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, followed by a recurring role in Season 7 of Army Wives. He has appeared in the movies St. Vincent and Roman J. Israel, Esq.
Second in line for the throne. First in line to save the world. Secret Society of Second-Born Royals, an Original Movie, coming Summer 2020 to #DisneyPlus. #SSSBRpic.twitter.com/a2FY5mNhYr
Proud grandmother Tina Knowles-Lawson, mother to Beyoncé’, posted a clip of her granddaughter showing off a little scientific technique to prove the importance of using soap and frequently washing your hands. “My brilliant granddaughter Blue did this experiment to show how washing your hands fights the virus,” says the caption of the social media post.
The young Carter starts the clip by saying, “This is why it’s important to wash your hands.” Then proceeds to show us how it’s effective.
Coincidentally, Blue Ivy’s mother made a statement of her own about the coronavirus pandemic when she appeared on the One World: Together at Home special over the weekend. She discussed how black Americans are dying at a higher rate from COVID-19 than other people inflicted with the virus.
“Black Americans disproportionately belong to these essential parts of the workforce that do not have the luxury of working from home,” the singer said in the video. “And African American communities at large have been severely affected in this crisis. Those with pre-existing conditions are at an even higher risk. This virus is killing black people at an alarmingly high rate here in America.”
She shared a grim yet insightful report about how it is affecting us. “A recent report from my home city of Houston, Texas, shows that of COVID-19 deaths within Houston city limits, 57% of fatal cases are African Americans,” she pointed out. “Please protect yourselves. We are one family, and we need you. We need your voices, your abilities, and your strength all over this world. I know it’s very hard. Please be patient, stay encouraged, keep the faith, stay positive, and continue to pray for our heroes.”
Toya Johnson and Reginae Carter on Their Unbreakable Mother-Daughter Bond and Family Hustle
Antonia ‘Toya’ Johnson and Reginae Carter are a dynamic mother-daughter duo who are intentional about supporting one another as they do business and pursue their dreams. Many know Johnson as a best-selling author, entrepreneur, and reality TV star. And Carter for being a social media influencer, actress, and the daughter a hip-hop icon, Lil Wayne. Together, they want to be known for their family hustle and promoting generational wealth.
As cast members of the third season ofT.I. & Tiny: Friends & Family Hustle, which is the message they hope to communicate.
Johnson’s entrepreneurial journey began nearly a decade ago. Now, she owns multiple businesses, including Before Bed Headz, G.A.R.B. Boutique, and a hair extension company.
And after entering a bad book deal, Johnson decided to launch a self-publishing company of her own, Toya Wright Publishing.
Toya Johnson (Courtesy: Toya Johnson)
“I had a terrible experience publishing with others. So, I decided to not let that ruin things for me and become my own boss,” said Johnson.
From that deal, Johnson learned to be wise about her business exchanges. “The No. 1 lesson I learned is to really pay attention to contracts that come your way. Look through them with a fine-tooth comb. You have to just be patient because the right opportunities will come your way.”
Johnson has now published six books and recently released a children’s book, Learning Colors with Reignbeaux.
Being able to bounce back from that deal and her boss-like tendencies inspire Carter.
An Unbreakable Bond
“My mom has always told and shown me that if you want to do something, do it on your own. You don’t have to call anybody, just figure it out — or look it up. She’s always told me to be educated. There’s nothing more attractive than an educated black woman,” said Carter.
Reginae Carter(Courtesy: Reginae Carter)
Carter enrolled and attended Clark Atlanta University. And in 2017, she decided to end her studies to pursue her acting career. In November 2018, Carter announced that she landed her first major role in a Lifetime movie titled “Pride And Prejudice: Atlanta.” She has also starred in Ray-J’s TV One film, Dear Santa, I Need a Date, which premiered last October.
“I had Reginae at a very young age—and I’m always trying to school her on things that I had to learn. Some things I learned the hard way. Some things I learned from older people that shared knowledge with me. And, I always pass it down to my daughter because I want her to win. I think she has so much potential and I’m always here to support her in each and every business move that she makes.”
In addition to Carter’s acting career, she has caught the attention of many using TikTok during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Social media can make or break you. Since this quarantine, I’ve been getting so many reviews/compliments about my work. And, it just warms my heart because I’ve been being myself.”
In doing so, Carter hopes to be sought out by movie industry executives for future opportunities. In the meantime, she is working on a clothing line, Tom Girl, with her aunt.
The Family Hustle
Last year, Johnson and Carter co-wrote the book, You Just Don’t Get It, which gives readers a peek into their relationship. In the book, Johnson invites people to read how she dealt with obstacles when raising a daughter while trying to figure out how to break a cycle of teen pregnancy and missed opportunities.
(Image: Toya Wright Publishing)
“In the book, you get to see the views from our different perspectives of how we grew up. Reginae gave the book her all, and we’ve been able to help other young mothers and daughters,” said Johnson.
Their bond continues to inspire others and Johnson says that the support of her daughter and friends keeps her and her businesses going.
“That support goes a long way. When it’s time to pack books and come up with ideas for Before Bed Headz, it’s us in here hustling,” said Johnson.
And Carter said that that hustle is what has taught her how to support others as she goes for what she wants in life. “I’ve always seen how supportive my mother is. My mother has never been a hater. She’s always helped other people. So, I became who my mother is.”
As the duo continues to take their businesses and brands to the next level, their advice to others is to do what you love.
Be sure to tune in to T.I. & Tiny: Friends & Family Hustle on VH1.
Joe Biden Won’t Commit to Selecting An African American Woman For Vice President
In a move that could shake the foundation of his primary victory, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said Monday that he wouldn’t commit to selecting a woman of color as his vice presidential pick.
According to NewsOne, Biden made the statement during an interview with Pittsburgh’s KDKA, saying he would stick to the promise of a female pick, but that’s it.
“I’ll commit to that be a woman because it is very important that my administration look like the public, look like the nation,” Biden told KDKA. “And there will be, committed that there will be a woman of color on the Supreme Court, that doesn’t mean there won’t be a vice president, as well.”
Biden’s statement could hurt him with black voters, on which he largely relied on to win the Democratic primary after Bernie Sanders jumped out to an early lead. Last month, House Majority Whip James Clyburn urged Biden to select an African American female as his running mate. Clyburn went as far as listing potential candidates including Kamala Harris, Stacey Abrams, Reps. Marcia Fudge of Ohio, Val Demings of Florida, Karen Bass of California, and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.
Abrams said last year that she would be willing to serve as the running mate for the Democratic nominee. The Grio, published an opinion piece last week titled, If Biden doesn’t pick Stacey Abrams, he can kiss black voters goodbye, almost daring Biden to try to win with anyone else.
So far this month, Biden has received endorsements from former President Barack Obama and Sen. Elizabeth Warren. Biden also tried to appeal to young voters who backed Sanders and Warren by calling for widespread student loan forgiveness. But, he has also been non-committal about marijuana legalization, another factor that could swing young and minority voters in his favor.
Biden has largely been quiet on even potential vice president candidates, but did say in the interview he would readily have Michelle Obama as his running mate “in a heartbeat.”
Tennis Phenom Coco Gauff: ‘For About a Year I Was Really Depressed’
At just 16 years old, Cori “Coco” Gauff suffered from a bout of depression. She made an appearance at Wimbledon at the young age of 15 and then struggled to deal with the pressure of being a tennis phenom, according to an essay she wrote for Behind The Racquet.
Gauff is the youngest tennis player currently ranked in the top 100 by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA). Her rise to fame and prominence was achieved when she beat five-time Wimbledon singles champion, Venus Williams, in the opening round of Wimbledon and also bested her again at this year’s Australian Open in January.
“I am getting used to the idea that people view me as a role model. It does add a bit of pressure since I know people are watching every move. For the most part, it is easy because I am always just being myself, not putting up a front, which people seem to be OK with. I don’t feel like I have to flip a switch or anything. In the beginning, I thought I had to be perfect but I’ve done a lot of soul searching and moved past it. Since doing that I’ve been having much more fun practicing and playing matches,” Gauff writes in the Behind The Racquet article .
She goes on to explain the mindset that led her into a depressed state.
“Right before Wimbledon, going back to around 2017/18, I was struggling to figure out if this was really what I wanted. I always had the results so that wasn’t the issue, I just found myself not enjoying what I loved. I realized I needed to start playing for myself and not other people. For about a year I was really depressed. That was the toughest year for me so far. Even though I had, it felt like there weren’t many friends there for me. When you are in that dark mindset you don’t look on the bright side of things too often, which is the hardest part. I don’t think it had much to do with tennis, maybe just about juggling it all. I knew that I wanted to play tennis but didn’t know how I wanted to go about it. It went so far that I was thinking about possibly taking a year off to just focus on life.”
She also doesn’t feel it’s fair to be compared to the Williams sisters as she hasn’t accomplished much in her young career.
“I don’t like being compared to Serena or Venus. First, I am not at their level yet. I always feel like it’s not fair to the Williams sisters to be compared to someone who is just coming up. It just doesn’t feel right yet, I still look at them as my idols. With all their accolades I shouldn’t be put in the same group yet.”
Gauff has a ranking of No. 49 in the world in singles and a ranking of No. 42 in doubles. She won her first WTA singles title at the age of 15 at the 2019 Linz Open, which made her the youngest singles title-holder on the WTA Tour since 2004. She has also won two WTA doubles titles with fellow teenager Caty McNally.
Black Democratic Lawmaker Resigns One Week After Endorsing Trump
Democratic state Rep. Vernon Jones made headlines when he announced he would be endorsing President Donald Trump for re-election. The politician has now announced Wednesday morning that he would not complete his term.
The controversial Georgia politician isn’t a stranger to garnering attention for his opinions. Even though he is a Democrat, he doesn’t align with the party’s interests. In 2000, he endorsed Democrat Howard Dean’s presidential bid but voted for Republican George W. Bush. In 2007, he said he backed the idea of a “fair tax,” which is a flat tax proposal that has some support in conservative and libertarian circles. During the 2008 campaign, Barack Obama called out Jones for sending out a mailer with a manipulated photo that showed the two on the same stage.
In a press statement, Jones announced his support and decided it was time for him to step down from public office. “Turn the lights off, I have left the plantation,” Jones said in a statement released to CBS 46 in Atlanta. “I intend to help the Democrat Party get rid of its bigotry against black people that are independent and conservative. Someone else can occupy that suite. Therefore, I intend not to complete my term effective April 22, 2020.” His spokesman went on to say that the Democratic politician would not be seeking re-election.
Jones, who represents counties outside of Atlanta, said Trump is the country’s only option. “The results speak for themselves,” he continued. “With his hand on the wheel, the stock market broke record after record, wages and job growth exploded and unemployment dropped down to record lows. Given his track record, President Trump is best prepared to lead our economy back to record highs after we beat the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“I don’t plan to leave the Democratic Party because somebody’s got to be in there to hold them accountable —hold them accountable to how they are treating black people (and) root out the bigotry,” Jones explained his departure on The Rashad Richey Morning Show shortly after announcing his resignation. After a fiery and, at times, combative discussion, Jones ended the interview early, prompting Richey to say: “Hang up on this clown, please.”
Two Black Women Entrepreneurs Launch a Plant Subscription Service to Promote Self-Care
Mignon Hemsley, digital marketer and Danuelle Doswell, graphic designer and freelance creative, are the co-creators of the virtual plant shop and subscription service, Grounded. And they are on a mission to spread joy through their newly launched business.
Grounded was created by the Washington D.C. natives to help people disconnect and decompress through the appreciation of plants in the spaces we occupy. Their selection of plants has a plethora of benefits designed to elicit a sense of tranquility and mindfulness.
Because of Them We Can (BOTWC) spoke exclusively to the founders who shared that they decided to go into business with one another because of their shared love for plants. Through Grounded, they hope to promote another form of self-care for people.
They told BOTWC, “Being great friends we bonded through being plant and garden moms. We wanted to take our bond to the next level and help others, which is an innate trait of both of ours. Our business idea naturally came to fruition from our passion and love for plants.”
Grounded (Image: Mignon Hemsley / Grounded)
At a time where non-essential businesses are closed and people are in need of healthful ways to decompress, Hemsley and Doswell thought Grounded could add unique value to the market and people’s lives as they are sheltered in place. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“With all of the technological advances and worldly transitions, in order to stay grounded mentally, it’s important for us to take a step back and disconnect from our days. Through the appreciation, dedication and care of plants in our spaces this is attainable. We want to educate the black community and beyond, of the tremendous benefits of plants, not only physically but especially mentally in your spaces,” they told the publication.
Grounded sources their plants from nurseries around the DMV and New York City. Their plants range between $50-$100 and are customizable. The company also offers non-subscription options featuring three indoor plants ranging between $15 or $20 each.
In celebration of their launch, Grounded is offering free shipping nationwide for a limited time.
McDonald’s Giving $250K to Black Communities Hit by Coronavirus, Free Meals to Healthcare Workers
McDonald’s USA is joining BET and the United Way by making a significant donation toward efforts that will directly support black communities hit hardest by COVID-19. BET is announcing the donation during today’s “Saving OurSelves: a BET COVID-19 Relief Effort.”
In addition, McDonald’s is honoring the selfless service of healthcare workers and first responders—police officers, firefighters, and paramedics—by giving them free meals.
“McDonald’s has supported our communities through highs and lows, and remains committed to aiding in COVID-19 relief as we get through this pandemic together,” Vicki Chancellor, an Atlanta-based McDonald’s owner/operator and chair of the Operator’s National Advertising Fund, told Black Enterprise in an emailed statement.
“Inspired by the heroes working tirelessly to keep our communities healthy during this time, McDonald’s Corporation and franchisees are expressing appreciation by offering a free ‘Thank You Meal’ to all healthcare workers and first responders,” Chancellor continued. “Additionally, we’re honored to join BET and United Way by donating $250,000.”
Each Thank You Meal will be available via drive thru or carry out during breakfast, lunch, or dinner at participating McDonald’s restaurants nationwide from April 22nd through May 5th. It will be served in a McDonald’s Happy Meal box, along with a note of appreciation, “in the hopes of bringing a smile along with delicious food,” a press release notes.
The Thank You Meal will feature a choice of sandwiches, drinks, and a side of french fries or a hash brown. Healthcare workers and first responders simply have to show a work badge.
“Our restaurants have always been a place for the community to come together and share everyday feel-good moments with family, friends, and neighbors,” said Chancellor in a press statement.
“And, now during times like this, it’s more important than ever for our restaurants to continue to serve and help the communities that have supported us for so long.”
McDonald’s has contributed to the relief effort in a number of other ways, including donating $3.1 million in food to support local communities, donating 1 million N95 masks to Chicago and the state of Illinois, and donating $1 million to the Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund to ensure nonprofits in its home state have the supplies they need during this time.
This Seattle-based Urban Farm Is Learning How To Adapt During The COVID-19 Pandemic
Food and other household items have been suffering unusual shortages due to the COVID-19, or the novel coronavirus pandemic. Due to the viral outbreak, countries and major cities across the world have issued mandatory lockdowns, shutting down all “non-essential” businesses until the virus is properly contained. Many fresh farms have been seeing a new wave of customers due to the shortage of fresh produce and food items. For one entrepreneur, the public health crisis meant shifting gears and creating new strategies.
Seattle native Ras Peynado was inspired by his mother’s dream to open her own urban farm. While his parents were never able to realize their dreams, their son Ras would make sure that he fulfilled their wish since his father’s death in their home country of Jamaica. “I later took part of his humble lifestyle (farming) and turned it into a profitable lifestyle,” said Peynado to Shoppe Blackin an interview. “I’m also inspired by my own passion for growing medical marijuana.” His company, Herbenfarm, opened in 2012 and has a stall in the popular Pike Place Market that attracts both locals and tourists alike. He specializes in tasty seasonings, organic honey, and savory sauces.
Since the coronavirus pandemic hit the U.S., Peynado’s farm has taken a serious hit financially due to the dramatic decrease in foot traffic through the market. “We primarily depend on tourism,” he explained. “Tourists that come into the city and even more on cruise ship tourism from April-October. Tourism accounts for 85%-90% of my sales and since March have not been able to set up at market due to the statewide lockdown in Washington.”
Despite the setbacks, Peynado remains optimistic while implementing new strategies to get through the shutdown. [I’ve been] working with local partners like Savor Seattle and the Atrium Kitchen At Pike Place to come up with creative ways to reach the locals,” he said. “This is the time when people are spending more time in the kitchen and needing to stay satisfied; avoiding the same old stale flavors from the grocery store. My partners have been able to gather other fresh local producers to create weekly boxes/bags that can be curbside picked up or delivered throughout the city, servicing hundreds of customers so far.”
FDA Warns Smokers May Have Higher Risk Of Catching Coronavirus
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration made another revision on the risks of the coronavirus and nicotine, saying smokers have an increased risk of catching the virus.
“People who smoke cigarettes may be at increased risk of infection with the virus that causes COVID-19, and may have worse outcomes from COVID-19,” the agency said in an emailed response to a question from Bloomberg News.
The FDA said earlier this month that smokers may have worse outcomes from coronavirus, but weren’t definitive on whether the chances of catching the virus were increased due to smoking. There are currently more than 1 billion smokers around the world and 41 million people who vape. Since the outbreak started late last year, there have been varying guidance on the virus’s potential threat from public health agencies.
Cigarette manufacturers believe smokers should look to governmental health authorities and medical professionals for advice.
“Nicotine and tobacco products are not risk-free, and the best thing anyone can do is to quit altogether. Those who do not quit smoking should consider switching to regulated smoke-free alternatives to cigarettes, such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products,” Philip Morris spokesman Corey Henry said in a statement.
Because the virus is young and relatively unknown, regulators and researchers have been pouring through old data on how smoking affects those with the flu, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Scientists are also tracking data on how vapers are affected by the coronavirus.
The FDA noted in its April 14 statement that cigarette smoking “causes heart and lung diseases, suppresses the immune system, and increases the risk of respiratory infections.”
In early March, the FDA said vaping and smoking only posed a higher risk for the coronavirus in people who had underlying conditions.
For African American smokers, the news only adds to the issues they’ve faced since the outbreak began. African Americans are already more likely to contract and succumb to the coronavirus at a faster rate than other races. Additionally, the economic turmoil the virus created is also affecting African Americans more than other races.
