December 29, 2019
2019 YEAR IN REVIEW African-American News&Issues
Vol. 24, Issue 49 SUNDAY SERVICE
KANYE WEST
Saving lives through music and religion
“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”
OUR CROWNING MOMENT Photo courtesy of www.stltoday.com
Photo courtesy of www.elle.com
THE REIGN OF THE BLACK QUEEN IS BACK AND WITH A VENGEANCE -- and Black women have, unapologetically, swept the field of pageantry on every major stage. They are all beautiful shades of light and darkness; rocking hair that is kinky, curly, relaxed and close-cropped naturals as “crowns of glories” beneath their tiaras. By N.L. Preston “Six of the brightest and loveliest young women in America are standing on our stage. One of them will be the new Miss America and the winner of a $25,000 college scholarship,” host Gary Collins said. “And our new Miss America is Vanessa Williams, Miss New York!” And there she was, beautiful, talented and a history maker. It was September 1983 and the world, as we believed, was on fire. A proud black woman strolled the catwalk waving the queen’s salute. It wasn’t the first time for the world stage, Miss Trinidad and Tobago’s Janelle Commissiong, became the first Black woman to be crowned Miss Universe in 1977, but this was, indeed, a pivotal point for America. And as proud as we were of our Bronx beauty, there remained a big, pink elephant in the room: she looked more white than black, with light skin and blue eyes. “Some of the criticism I got was, ‘Oh well, it’s not really a win because she’s not black enough,” Williams said about her historic win. “Well, she’s got light eyes, so it doesn’t really count,’ which basically negated my achievement, intellect and talent.” Williams, while definitely deserving the crown, also fit the European standard of beauty that whites found “acceptable” for African American women. After Williams, a few other African Americans donned the crown in various national pageant competitions (we could never forget Real Housewives of Atlanta’s Kenya Moore who was
STACY ABRAMS’ GREAT YEAR ON PAGE 3
the second Black woman to be crowned Miss USA), but compared to their white competitors, our numbers were no match. That is – until now. The reign of the Black Queen is back and with a vengeance -- and Black women have, unapologetically, swept the field of pageantry on every major stage. Miss World 2019 Toni-Ann Singh, Miss America 2019 Nia Franklin, Miss Teen USA 2019 Kaliegh Garris, Miss USA Cheslie Kryst and Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi have given us something to shout about. What’s even better? They are all beautiful shades of light and darkness; rocking hair that is kinky, curly, relaxed and close-cropped naturals as “crowns of glories” beneath their tiaras. Tunzi faced some scrutiny by deciding to ignore advice to hide her tapered semi-mohawk, telling Business Insider, “even a lot of people I knew, people that were my friends, were like, ‘Sis, we love you, but we’re just saying, maybe you should put on a wig or buy a weave.’” Being true to her Blackness paid off in the end. Singh may have summed it up best, writing to her Instagram fans. “My Jamaica, sweet Jamaica, we did it! Wah we seh? LIKKLE BUT WE TALLAWAH. The love and support you poured into me now allows me to pour into the world,” the post read, in part. “To that little girl in St. Thomas, Jamaica and all the girls around the world - please believe in yourself. It’s for you to truly understand that no matter where you’re from and the cards you’re dealt in life - your dreams are valid. You have a PURPOSE.” So what is the fascination behind the black queens? Why are they now accepting us? QUEENS cont. on page 2
NIPSEY HUSSLE’S VICTORY LAP ON PAGE 6
It has been quite a year entertainment-wise in the city of Houston, but one of the main highlights of 2019 was when Kanye West brought his wife, Kim Kardashian, his kids and his choir on a stop-the-press, headline-grabbing tour in late November, performing at some unlikely places. First stop, the Harris County Jail where the controversial rapper performed two shows for inmates. “I was in the middle of it all – literally standing between the inmates and the performers – and I can state unequivocally that the performances had a profound impact on all who attended,” Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said. “Our job as law enforcement officials is to serve and protect our community, but that does not mean we have to lose our humanity or our compassion.” Following that, West and his choir went to the Lakewood Church, where he stood center stage with Pastor Joel Osteen. There were no empty seats for the “Sunday Service” concert, which had to begin nearly an hour late as thousands packed the largest megachurch in the nation. Tickets were initially free to the public, but scalpers begin to sell online for hundreds of dollars.
KANYE cont. on page 2
A CHICAGO HOAX
EMPIRE’S LIAR
Follow Jussie Smollett media wirlwind
Photo courtesy of Daily Mail
Although the case was dropped, the people still want to know the truth about what happened that cold night in Chicago. The case of Jussie Smollett is still shrouded in mystery. The actor made headlines at the beginning of this year after a tall tale of hate and city corruption spread through social media and eventually national news outlets. Best known as the talented singer, Jamal Lyon, the middle son on FOX’s Empire, Smollett has grown up in the public eye. The younger brother of actress Journee Smollett, the siblings are actually two of six children. Although he’s had legal issues in the past like a misdemeanor conviction in 2007 for using a false name, Smollett has maintained a squeaky-
HOAX cont. on page 2
BLACK HOLLYWOOD ON PAGE 7