Cardi B, Atlanta, tour
PARIS, FRANCE - JULY 06: Cardi B. attends the Fendi Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2023/2024 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on July 06, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Marc Piasecki/WireImage)

Cardi B, Accused Of Fat-Shaming Fans During Livestream, Defends Her Comments

Online, fans slammed Cardi B for refusing to apologize for the comments.


Cardi B is facing backlash after comments she made during an Instagram Live about her merchandise sales were widely criticized as fat-shaming.

Earlier this month, the 32-year-old rapper joked about how quickly her 3XL T-shirts sold out, but her choice of words upset many fans.

“What I wanted to tell y’all is that we really underestimated the box sets, so the box sets are completely sold out—especially because you fat fks—clearly you guys are fat as f***, no Chick-fil-A for y’all—the 3XL sold out like in 20 minutes,” she said.

The artist, whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Cephus, went on after fans in the livestream began to get offended.

“Now I know my fans is fat. I can’t even make fun of fat people no more. Don’t call me fatphobic, y’all, ’cause everyone made fun of my BBL [Brazilian butt lift], so don’t. I can body-shame people ’cause y’all body-shame me. If y’all body-shame me, I can body-shame y’all,” Cardi retorted.

“This is a body-shaming space. You can talk about my body and I’ll talk about yours, so if I call you fat, it’s not a big deal,” Cardi said.

Clips of the livestream quickly spread across social media, with many users accusing Cardi B of disrespecting the very fans who helped her merchandise sell out in minutes.

https://twitter.com/AmayaEKelly/status/1954558717669621803?s=19
https://twitter.com/cyberch8se/status/1955019844375679315?s=19

In a TikTok response to the criticism, Cardi insisted her fatphobic remarks were meant as a joke. She told viewers not to take her words so seriously, even playfully offering a cupcake to the camera. She also made it clear she had no plans to apologize, saying people were being overly sensitive.

@iamcardib

This is BARDIGANG fault for some reason

♬ original sound – Cardi B

TikTok influencer Samyra addressed the incident in her video, saying, “No, they shouldn’t make fun of your BBL. But also no, you shouldn’t be making fun of fat people.”

Cardi B replied by telling Samyra to “shut the f*** up,” doubling down on her stance.

The comments came as Cardi promoted box sets for her upcoming album, Am I the Drama?, which include a signed CD and exclusive T-shirt. All sizes are currently sold out on her website, according to Yahoo.

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Stylist, Cliff Vmir, Beauty, Haircare, FEMMÈ
Cliff Vmir expands FEMMÈ into 250 beauty supply store locations. Photo Credit: Geeno Mizelli

Stylist Cliff Vmir Launches FEMMÈ Into 250 Beauty Supply Stores Nationwide


Celebrity stylist and beauty entrepreneur Cliff Vmir is preparing product line FEMMÈ for nationwide expansion into more than 250 beauty supply stores across the U.S. Originally from Delaware and a graduate of Howard High School of Technology, obtaining a cosmetology license, Vmir is now one of the most influential stylist in the haircare industry—working with icons like Cardi B, Sexyy Redd, and Jazmine Sullivan. Now, the trailblazer is making an even bigger move. 

Vmir recently acquired a 3,000-square-foot property in Buckhead, Atlanta, transforming it into a first-of-its-kind beauty hub that houses retail, salon services, and warehouse operations for the thriving product line, FEMMÈ. Vmir’s expansion is not just about growing larger as a stylist — it’s about expanding smarter. The move comes at a time when the Black haircare market is projected to grow from $3.2 billion in 2023 to approximately $4.9 billion by 2033, according to Market.us. Notably, African Americans account for over 85% of all spending on ethnic hair and beauty products in the U.S., underscoring the community’s substantial purchasing power.

Black Enterprise spoke with Vmir about the beauty industry, the significance of expanding the FEMMÈ brand into beauty supply stores nationwide, and his advice for aspiring stylists in the beauty sector.

From Viral Styles to Visionary Spaces

More than just a glamorous space, the multifunctional headquarters will also support FEMMÈ’s rapid retail expansion, with over 250 beauty supply stores expected nationwide. The Buckhead location promises a luxurious aesthetic—nude tones, shiny lacquer finishes, and elevated design—while serving as a fully operational command center for one of the beauty industry’s emerging product giants.

“I wanted to create a space where I could handle everything under one roof,” Vmir tells Black Enterprise. “This new space is about unifying my vision—styling, product development, shipping, and operations. I want to show people the right way to grow their brand and business as a stylist.”

By consolidating operations and embracing his dual role as a stylist and CEO, Vmir is outlining a bold plan for what modern beauty entrepreneurship can become, especially for young Black stylists aiming to grow.

“I never saw anyone create anything like this growing up,” says Vmir. “While it’s scary, it’s also my biggest dream.”

Standing Out in a Crowded Marketplace

Launching FEMMÈ began with a single product: the now-viral Silkening Mist, which Vmir introduced in 2013 for $20. Over time, the brand has expanded into a full product line, while Vmir has increased his presence on social media and TV, including his popular BET show, “Wig Out.”

But standing out in a saturated market requires more than just great products.

“I realized early on that the only way to make an impact was to be myself—relatable and raw,” Vmir shares. “I leaned into my personality, my story, and made sure my brand had heart and hustle behind it.”

This genuine and authentic approach continues to fuel FEMMÈ’s growth and sets it apart from competitors.

From the Chair to the Checkout

For Vmir, genuine growth happens where styling intersects with strategy. By applying FEMMÈ products to his celebrity clients and sharing that process online, he transforms each appointment into a stylist masterclass.

“Working with high-profile clients helps me build credibility,” Vmir explains. “But what moves the needle is when I use my products on them. That’s what creates buzz and trust.”

Vmir is not pursuing fame just for popularity. It’s about strategic visibility—transforming influencer moments into product sales, and star-studded styles into scalable business successes.

Advice for Aspiring Beautypreneurs

Vmir’s journey from working behind the chair as a stylist to building his brand is full of lessons for other entrepreneurs. Vmir’s top rule? Relentlessness.

“Never take ‘no’ for an answer,” advises Vmir. “Set up your business properly. Build systems. Perfect your craft. And always ask yourself: How do I elevate? How do I drive more sales?”

Vmir warns against pursuing fame without readiness. “As a stylist, I see too many beauty professionals who want the lifestyle, but when demand comes, they can’t handle it. You need etiquette, professionalism, and patience.”

Leading With Vision, Heart, and Humility

Whether Vmir’s creating viral looks or expanding his distribution reach, Vmir continues to break barriers in beauty and business. The growth of FEMMÈ and a grand opening slated for September 2025 is more than just personal progress—it’s a movement, inspiring a new generation of Black beauty professionals to dream bigger and think smarter.

“This isn’t just a business move—it’s a statement,” Vmir affirms. “I’m showing people what ownership and vision look like. And I’m just getting started.”

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(Photo: Juan Camilo Bernal/Getty Images)

Texas Man Arrested After Being Accused Of Keeping Girlfriend Against Her Will For 6 Months

Kenneth Leon Wright is facing two felony charges of aggravated kidnapping and aggravated assault on a family member


In Houston, a 41-year-old man has been arrested and charged after being accused of holding his girlfriend against her will for about six months.

According to KHOU, Kenneth Leon Wright is facing two felony charges of aggravated kidnapping and aggravated assault on a family member. He allegedly threatened to kill the young woman if she tried to leave the residence, according to officials. She was there for about six months.

Police officers also stated that the apartment’s windows were boarded up.

The woman attempted to leave Wright’s home two days before being rescued by police officers. When she tried to flee, she was caught by Wright. He allegedly assaulted her by striking her in the face several times.

They also said that when the victim’s sister tried to call her, Wright snatched the phone and hung up the call.

He is currently in prison, with a bond set at $75,000 for the aggravated kidnapping charge and $25,000 for the family assault charge.

6 Action News reported that the woman was hidden in the apartment in a place where she would not have been discovered. Shenita Carter, the victim’s sister, spoke to the media outlet about her sister being held against her will.

“[It’s] disgusting, sad the fact that this is how she had been living,” Carter said.

Although Wright would bring the woman around the family, her sister never revealed where she was staying. She visited the family earlier this month.

“He would not give us the address,” Carter explained. “He would only bring her to my mom’s house.”

Carter said that her sister eventually phoned her and claimed that Wright was abusing her. Their mother was able to track down the address and called police officers to conduct a welfare check. After the police arrested Wright, Carter said she went to the apartment and got a chance to see how her sister was allegedly living.

She said the front door was locked from the outside, and her sister didn’t have a key.

“The windows have nails on them,” Carter said.

A report by ABC Houston affiliate KTRK stated that the media outlet spoke with a woman who claimed to be Wright’s girlfriend and said that he was taking care of Carter’s sister, and that she was there of her own free will.

Carter acknowledged that Wright was paying her sister’s rent and food, but still claimed he was allegedly abusing her and locking her in the apartment as well.

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Martin Luther King III, Black Men, 2024 Election
(Photo: Getty Images)

NAACP Announces Nationwide Town Halls To Drive Black Voter Turnout For 2026 Midterms

NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson says these town halls come at a pivotal time in American democracy.


The NAACP is organizing a nationwide series of town hall meetings aimed at energizing and mobilizing Black voters ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, CBS News reports.

NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson said the effort is a direct response to ongoing challenges to voting access.

“It may still seem far away, but the 2026 midterm elections will determine whether our democracy still holds on or whether the people surrender their power to a king, so, from our perspective, as the NAACP, it’s clear: we’ve got to start organizing early.

“We’ve got to strengthen community, recruit volunteers, inform each other about Donald Trump’s oppressive policies, and map out local strategies that will ensure everybody gets out to vote,” Johnson added.

“Our neighbors are being illegally kidnapped by ICE, Trump’s budget is taking away our healthcare and access to food stamps, and our civil rights are being stripped away at every turn-all while costs, from housing to groceries, continue to rise, and the billionaire class get richer.”

The first town hall takes place August 12 in New Jersey, featuring Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Rep. LaMonica Mclver, and other local leaders. In May, Mclver pleaded not guilty to felony charges alleging she assaulted a federal officer during a protest outside a Newark ICE detention center. Baraka faced a misdemeanor trespassing charge from the same protest; it was later dropped.

The organization plans to host events in cities nationwide, creating spaces for open discussion on issues affecting Black communities—from voting rights and economic opportunity to education and criminal justice reform. Each town hall will feature local leaders, activists, and experts who will address questions, share resources, and encourage civic engagement.

Johnson stressed that the goal is not only to prepare voters for the next election cycle but also to equip them with tools to influence policy year-round.

The NAACP has a long history of voter education and advocacy, and this initiative builds on decades of work. Johnson emphasized that participation in democracy must be active and ongoing, particularly in the face of legislation that restricts access to the ballot.

Johnson called this election “an urgent moment” in our democracy.

The organization spent $20 million in the 2024 presidential race, helping mobilize over 14.5 million Black voters. While most supported former Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump saw gains among Black men, winning 21% of their votes nationally and more than doubling his 2020 support in states like North Carolina.

The town halls will also serve as networking opportunities, connecting community members with local organizations that provide resources on voter registration, legal rights, and grassroots organizing.

The town halls also arrive amid fierce redistricting fights. Texas Democrats recently fled the state to oppose a GOP-backed map they say will dilute minority voting power. California is weighing a counter-redistricting plan if Texas’s changes hold.

NAACP events are scheduled for Texas, California, and battleground states including North Carolina, Ohio, Arizona, Wisconsin, New York, and Maryland.

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106 & Park, Terrence J, BET Awards
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 26: Terrence "Terrence J" Jenkis attends Day 1 of 2023 Invest Fest at Georgia World Congress Center on August 26, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

Terrence J Passed On Pay For ‘Think Like A Man’ Role, But Received Million-Dollar Check On The Backend

The movie ended up becoming a massive hit, which led to a massive payday for Terrence J.


For some aspiring actors, you may want to think like a Terrence J.

Terrence J got his big break in entertainment as the host of 106 & Park. However, his transition to acting hit when he landed a role in the 2012 hit film Think Like A Man. Directed by Tim Story, the film starred an all-star Black Hollywood cast, such as Taraji P. Henson, Kevin Hart, Gabrielle Union, Regina Hall, Meagan Good, and Michael Ealy.

Talking to Cam Newton on a new episode of the ex-NFL star’s Funky Friday podcast, Terrence J revealed how he scored the role after a call to audition from film producer Will Packer. Another actor backed out at the last minute, and Packer asked if he could fly out for a table read in Los Angeles.

Not even knowing what a table read was, in which the actors and key production members sit down and run through the script, Terrence J called in sick at 106 & Park to fly to Sony’s production lot for the read. Eager to land the gig, he prepared the night before to memorize all his lines.

“Taraji P. Henson is sitting over here. Meagan Good is right here. Gabrielle Union is right here,” recalled the media personality. “I’m like, ‘What table read is this?’ Like, ‘What is going on?’ I’m thinking it’s like an audition, but everybody is in the room. So I got these shades on. I take my shades off. I’m looking around and everybody starts reading off of the paper, and I just go in and start saying everything like I’m acting in the thing. I’m auditioning in the room.

His hard work apparently paid off.

Terrence J continued, “The table read is over. I look over. Kevin Hart is sat. He’s like, ‘Man, I don’t know who you are, but you crushed that. I don’t know you as an actor, but I seen you on TV, but you crushed that.’ And I got the role.”

However, taking on the movie came with some risks he hoped would progress his career. With none of the $12 million budget left, Terrence accepted a delayed payment to appear in the film. Despite no upfront pay, he did negotiate to get a back-end bonus if the movie performed well.

Fortunately for the North Carolina native, the movie exceeded expectations as a massive success. Per Box Office Mojo, it earned $96 million worldwide in its theatrical run, greatly surpassing its tiny budget.

For his good faith in the project, Terrence J received the biggest bonus check of his life.

“I opened up my mailbox one day, and that’s why I always got to give credit to Will [Packer] and Steve Harvey and all those guys,” he said. “I had a check for a million dollars…I never seen anything like it. I’m from a small town in North Carolina…I never seen anything like that…don’t know any millionaires…didn’t know anybody. I went to a Black college…I didn’t know what it even was. And so it changed my life.”

The opportunity turned into more movie roles for Terrence J, who starred in the 2014 followup, Think Like A Man Too, and 2016’s The Perfect Match. The HBCU alumnus and BLACK ENTERPRISE 2022 40 Under 40 honoree continues to use his platform to help the next generation of Black creatives.

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Kim Coles
photo credit: Cameron Woods, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Kim Coles Recalls ‘Living Single’ Producers’ Pressure To Lose Weight Or Face ‘Fat Jokes’

Kim Coles recalls the threats she received from "Living Single" producers about her weight.


Kim Coles is opening up about the behind-the-scenes pressure she faced from Living Single producers about her fluctuating weight while filming the hit ’90s sitcom.

Speaking on a recent episode of the ReLiving Single podcast, Coles recalled a fat joke that was included in the “Crappy Birthday” episode about Khadijah (Queen Latifah), which was a rare occurrence as Queen Latifah gave producers pushback about including those types of jokes in the show. It was the type of advocacy that Coles appreciated due to her change in size while filming the show, which prompted threats from producers.

“We didn’t do a lot of that on this show, and I’m grateful that we didn’t do a lot of that on this show because I gained weight every year,” Coles shared to her co-host and Living Single co-star Erika Alexander. “And we could have a whole conversation about [it]. I’m surprised we let that one go.”

“I would get a call at the beginning of every season to my manager saying, ‘Kim Coles has to lose some weight. She has to lose some weight. She has to lose some weight,” she went on to share.

She even reminded Alexander of the time she told her about producers’ threats of writing “fat jokes” if she didn’t lose weight.

@relivingsinglepodcast The industry could be so cruel, but the love of your sisters will always prevail 💞 Check out the latest episode of the #ReLivingSingle podcast✨TOMORROW✨ on YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts! #LivingSingle #KimColes #ErikaAlexander #Podcasts ♬ original sound – ReLiving Single Podcast

Coles said producers tried to justify the fat jokes by claiming her character’s friends “wouldn’t say anything” if her weight changed. But after talking to male friends, she learned most Black men wouldn’t mind the women’s sizes on the show, reinforcing her belief that Eurocentric beauty standards were being imposed on the all-Black cast.

“There is an expectation… of what they think sexy is,” Coles said. “I had a really hard time as I was gaining weight and feeling as if everybody was staring.”

Alexander reflected on how the producers influenced Coles and how she worked hard to maintain the image they expected.

“See, that’s — you have to have willing collaborators,” Alexander said. “But, you know, the sad part is it got in your mind because I do remember that you went on a very concerted effort throughout the series to keep the image that they wanted.”

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Zillow, Home Buyer, Sell home
(Photo: RDNE Stock project/Pexels)

REMAX Helps Green Bay Packers’ Matthew Golden Find Home For Grandmother

'My grandmother has done so much for me, and I'm humbled to be able to give back to her in this way,' Golden said


Although he fell short of regaining his grandmother’s old home, NFL rookie Matthew Golden partnered with a real estate company, REMAX, to purchase a home for his grandmother.

The real estate company got together with Golden, who was drafted in the first round by the Green Bay Packers, and helped him through the homebuying process.

“It was such a blessing to work with REMAX and Nimesh to help me achieve this goal. My grandmother has done so much for me, and I’m humbled to be able to give back to her in this way,” Golden said in a written statement. “While we weren’t able to purchase our family home, we’ve found a house in an area that’s also meaningful to me. Home is where my family is, and I’m excited for us to enjoy many meals, holidays, and football watch parties together.”

After the Packers drafted him, Golden stated that he wanted to use the money from his signing bonus to buy back his childhood home in Texas for his grandmother. He connected with Nimesh Patel, the broker/owner of REMAX Fine Properties in Texas, to assist with the home purchasing process. When told of Golden’s plan to buy back the house where he grew up, it was discovered that the home was not for sale. So, they had to look elsewhere.

Patel was able to obtain a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home in Kohrville, Texas, two miles from where the wide receiver grew up, and located in the neighborhood where he lived in high school.

“As a fellow University of Texas alum, it was an honor and pleasure to help Matthew achieve this dream. We navigated some challenges in the process, but we’re thrilled with the outcome that resulted from our hard work –- a new home for the Golden family,” Patel said. “What makes this move truly special is that it’s not just a new house, but a return to familiar roots. Matthew has deep ties to the area, and with his family all nearby, this home will be the backdrop for countless new memories in a place that already holds so much meaning for them.”

The process was captured on video and posted to YouTube as a short documentary.

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Janice Smalls Combs, Diddy's, lawsuit, Kirk Burrowes
Photo by KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA: https://www.pexels.com/photo/brass-colored-balance-scale-on-a-lawyer-s-table-6077961/

Black Attorneys General Unite To Share Efforts For Protecting Civil Rights

Black attorneys general nationwide are coming together to share efforts on protecting DEI and racial justice.


Amid the Trump administration’s broad crackdown on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, Black attorneys general nationwide are uniting for an open dialogue to discuss and coordinate strategies to push back against these efforts.

On Aug. 11 at 5:00 pm ET, a panel of Black Attorneys General will come together for “Under the Blacklight Presents: Preemptive Alliances – Black Attorneys General On the Frontlines for Civil Rights,” a moderated discussion highlighting their vital role in the ongoing fight for civil rights amid the current administration’s coordinated attacks on Black history, DEI, and civil rights.

The panel was organized in response to Donald Trump’s aggressive actions against DEI, which include signing a series of executive orders during his first week targeting federal agencies that contract with DEI-supporting companies.

“From the attack on Black museums, the renaming of Army bases after Confederate generals, the dismantling of DEI to the proliferation of racism in political discourses, we are seeing a targeted assault on Black knowledge, history, and people,” the African American Policy Forum states on the event page.

The discussion offers a rare chance to hear directly from trailblazing Black attorneys general about how they’re using their power to protect the hard-won rights and freedoms of all Americans. Among the panelists is Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, the state’s first Black woman AG, who will join five others to share how they are pushing back against legal attacks on civil rights and leveraging their roles to uphold the vision of a multiracial democracy.

Joining AG Campbell are Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and Washington Attorney General Nick Brown. Together, they will discuss how Trump’s attacks on DEI and racial justice threaten the foundation of democracy in a nation built on those very principles.

The entire conversation can be accessed via YouTube livestream HERE.

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Africa, africa travel
Photo by MCK: https://www.pexels.com/photo/sea-dawn-sunset-beach-14667382/

Tanzania Bans Foreigners From Small-Scale Businesses, Sparking Rift With Kenya

Trade Minister Selemani Jafo justified the decision by stating foreign nationals have been moving in droves to the informal sector.


Tanzania has introduced a new ban preventing foreign nationals from running or owning small-scale businesses, a move that has drawn praise locally but sparked outrage in neighboring Kenya.

Under the directive, foreigners are barred from operating in 15 sectors, including mobile money services, tour guiding, beauty salons, curio shops, small-scale mining, on-farm crop buying, and even setting up radio and television stations.

Trade Minister Selemani Jafo said the decision was made because foreign nationals had increasingly moved into the informal sector — areas the government believes should be reserved for Tanzanians. “We’ve welcomed this decision because it protects the livelihoods of Tanzanian traders,” said Severine Mushi, head of the Kariakoo traders’ association, in an interview with The Citizen.

Locally, the announcement has been seen as a way to curb what many view as foreign encroachment, particularly by Chinese traders. In 2023, Dar es Salaam’s Kariakoo market saw protests over heavy taxes and claims of unfair competition from foreign-owned shops. Violators of the new law could face fines, up to six months in prison, and the loss of visas or work permits.

Minister Jafo also said he hopes the restrictions will push foreign investors toward larger-scale ventures.

However, Kenya’s leadership has sharply criticized the decision, arguing it breaches East African Community (EAC) agreements that ensure free trade and movement within the bloc.

“It is therefore critical, in the spirit of EAC, that bilateral engagements be held to resolve these issues,” Kenyan Trade Minister Lee Kinyanjui said, warning the policy will “hurt” both nations’ economies.

Bernard Shinali, chair of Kenya’s National Assembly Trade Committee, cautioned that the ban could provoke reciprocal action. “There are many Tanzanians working in our mining sites too… It is clear that Tanzanians have gone too far, and we should cut links with them,” he said, as reported by The Daily Nation.

Veteran Kenyan hotelier Mohammed Hersi also voiced concern, writing on X: “Sometimes, it is important to focus on the bigger picture… Protectionism will never help a country to thrive.”

The controversy comes against a backdrop of recurring economic and political tensions between the two neighbors. In May, Kenyan Foreign Affairs Minister, Musalia Mudavadi, highlighted that about 250,000 Kenyans live or work in Tanzania, underscoring the importance of maintaining good relations.

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Viola Davis
Photo by Mike Marsland/WireImage)

Viola Davis Receives Honorary Doctorate Of Fine Arts From American Film Institute

The EGOT recipient was especially honored to receive an honor from her peers in the industry.


Viola Davis has received her doctorate…again! The acclaimed actress has received an honorary doctoral degree in fine arts from the American Film Institute Conservatory.

Davis received the honor at the Conservatory’s Aug. 8 commencement at TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. The ceremony recognized Davis for her “contributions of distinction to the art of the moving image,” according to a press release.

Ahead of her conferral, Davis was introduced to the stage by another Black trailblazer in Hollywood, filmmaker Gina Prince-Bythewood, who was chosen by the star and her husband, Julius Tennon, to direct 2022’s The Woman King. Tennon and Davis served as producers on the film.

“As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness that is near being. The gift is that person who runs into the movie theater with the Sour Patch Kids, popcorn, and the Diet Coke, and they’re willing to not escape,” Davis said in her speech, according to Variety. “They’re willing to bring their loneliness, angst, shame of not feeling worthy, anxiety, depression, awkwardness, and mess. And the curtains open. The movie plays, and they’re reminded that they’re not alone.”

One of the most renowned actresses of her generation and an EGOT recipient, Davis is known for her iconic roles in film and television, such as The Help and How To Get Away With Murder.

“The purpose of the art is the same thing as the purpose of the artist,” she added. “You are creating stories so people do not feel alone. That they not only feel a connection with other people, but with themselves. And they know that as the story transpires, they can say that beautiful phrase, ‘Oh, it’s not just me.’”

Of this latest recognition, Davis noted that “it’s always especially potent when it’s given by your peers, I consider everyone that is in this profession—no matter how long they’ve been in it, known, unknown, faceless—my peers. They know the work. They know the artistry. It makes me feel capable. It makes me feel like my career and path have meant something to someone. It’s meant that I’ve created somewhat of a legacy.”

Davis also joins an esteemed list of honorary degree-holders from AFI, including Maya Angelou, Angela Bassett, and James Earl Jones.

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