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C E L E B R AT I N G HONORED WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 30

EPA ANNOUNCES ‘LEAD COPPER IN DRINKING The Black Stars News 2015 Annual Awards Dinner will honorRULE’ Mayor FOR B L A C K C O M M U N I T I E S WATER David Dinkins, Rep. Charles

YEARS!

York and a former chancellor of the New York public schools system.

Pioneering producers Stephen Rangel, Rep. Yvette Clarke, The ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION pressure, and energy levels.

NAACP will not stop fighting until Byrd and Alia Jones, through their R. Donahue Barbara AGENCY (EPA) has Peebles, announced we make clean water a reality for company Front Production, and political power thatRow will end "We must do everything in our Arnwine, InezLead Barron, Sabrina their new, proposed Copper in everybody." brought “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” race-based discrimination.

That Lamb, Dr.Rule.

Rudy Crew, Stephen power to ensure that every person Drinking Water The proposed and “A Streetcar Named Desire” work is rooted in racial equity, civic Byrd,includes Alia Jones, and the Centralhas access to the clean, safe rule, which a more ABOUT NAACP with a multi-ethnic cast to engagement, and supportive policies drinking water they deserve," said Five survivors of gross injustice formalPark commitment to delivering Broadway. they bring and institutions forIn all2016 marginalized The NAACP advocates, agitates, on December from pipe 6:00pm – Abre' Conner, NAACP Director of a full replacement of 18 all lead “Eclipsed” with Oscar Winner people.

We are committed to a world Environmental and Climate Justice. and litigates for the civil rights due 10:00pm at MIST Harlem, 46 West infrastructure throughout the nation Lupita Nyong ’O to Broadway. without racism where Black people "This news marks a pivotal first to Black America. Our legacy is built 116th over the nextStreet. ten years. The move enjoy equitable step towards equity, but it is just on the foundation of grassroots Honorees,opportunities the so-called in Central comes“Each as thehonoree NAACPchosen and advocates for Park 5, are collectively and acrossrecognition the nation have stepped has demonstrated individually heroes. They are up to respond to our nation's exceptional leadership and vision in survivors of one of the ugliest David Dinkins Charles Rangel failing her water and the or or infrastructure his respective profession miscarriage of justice in New York’s catastrophes that it has presented, endeavor and in some significant history; having been railroaded majority.

She now leads The was a member of the New York particularly within measure hascommunities contributed towards and unjustly convicted for a crime Transformative Justice Coalition.

City Council, representing the of color.

NAACPa President & CEO in this creating more just society th they did not commit and for which Arnwine was for 26 years executive 40 council district in Brooklyn, Derrick Johnsonsays released country,” Black the Star News they served long prison sentences director of the Lawyers’ Committee succeeding her mother, Una S. following statement the founder and applauding publisher Milton th ranging from seven years to 13 years for Civil Rights Under the Law. T. Clarke. In the current 114 Administration's efforts: Allimadi. “Obviously much work before being exonerated when the Congress Clarke serves on Inez Barron, honoree, formerly a to betodone here and "From needs Mississippi Maryland, Black actual rapist confessed. They are: the Energy and Commerce State Assembly member, is now around the forced world.”

America has been to bear Yusef Abdus Salaam; Raymond Committee, responsible for a New York City council member the brunt a water they did Theof gala starts crisis at 6:00pm with a Santana Jr., Antron McCray, Kevin consumer protection, food and a champion of education for not create.

Thehour NAACP cocktail to beapplauds followed by the Richardson, and Kharey Wise. safety, energy development, public our youth. the Biden Administration for taking There health, communications, the dinner and awards ceremonies.

The Black Star News, which focuses meaningful toward fulfilling by Honoree Imhotep Gary Byrd is will besteps musical entertainment environment, and interstate and on investigative journalism, has their promise to make clean water a a legendary radio talk show host opera singer Cassandra Douglas international commerce. been featured as a result of some if realityand for all.

Now, we lookphenomenon forward and executive producer, radio DJ, from harmonica its news scoops, on CNN, The New R. Donahue Peebles, honoree, is to working withGalison.

Administrator poet, songwriter, music recording William David Dinkins is York Daily News, The New York a leading developer and founder of Reganhonored on community-centered artist and producer, rapper, writer for Lifetime Achievement Post, The Village Voice, and Brill’s The Peebles Co., the nation’s largest and community activist. He began education This — heand wasimplementation.

New York City’s first Content magazine.

African American-owned real is whatAfrican advocacy in actionmayor looksand also his career as a radio DJ in Buffalo American estate firm with $3.5 billion worth Past Black Star News honorees like." welcomed Nelson Mandela to the at age 15. For over 30 years, he’s of properties under development been a talk show host at WBLS and have included: Gil Noble (Like It after his release 1990.

Lead incity drinking water hasinbeen or management — he was one Is), Rep. Maxine Waters, Soledad WLIB radio in New York City. He a historically prevalent issue also in honored Rep. Charles Rangel, of the pioneering developerswho O’Brien (CNN), Ms. Camille Cosby, also has a Friday night radio talk Photo Source: NAACP.com Black communities, posing extreme for Lifetime Achievement, has helped turn around and revitalize Voza Rivers (New Heritage Theatre), show on WBAI. risks toserved the health of young people, in Congress since 1971. He is the once-blighted Anacostia Errol Louis (NY1 News), Amel Honoree Sabrina Lamb, founder mothers, and their The medal for a recipient of families.

The Bronze neighborhood in Washington, D.C. Larrieux (Entertainer), Dr. William of by World of Money, is a champion crisis of our nation's failingbehind water enemythe beginning. helping save soldiers thrivingPollard communities.

It is of ourAfrican-American hope that activism the biggest civil rights A champion (Medgar Evers College), of financial literacy for youth-she infrastructure hasthe been further line during Korean War. the administration will continue to pioneers of the 20th century and is economic empowerment Peebles’ is Herm Edwards (NY Jets), Nayaba teaches knowledge handlingNOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – exacerbated by increasingly expandcontemplating these crucial,alife-saving sustained by 21st centuryabout activists. possible run for NYC Rep. Yvette Clarke is a Democratic Arinde (Amsterdam News), La-Verna money, budgeting and planning. disastrous climate emergencies. also referred to as the NAACP-LDF initiatives with targeted, communityFrom classrooms and courtrooms mayor in 2017. member of the US House of Fountain (Columbia University), These Representatives harmful chemicalsfrom haveNew was founded in 1940 as a part of based programs that center those to city Dr. halls and Congress, our Rudy Crew, honoree, is one of Lillian Roberts (DC37), Desiree Dancy Honoree Barbara Arnwine, civil provenYork negative impacts on the NAACP, but now operates as a who stand to be most impacted, network of members across the th the nation’s leading educators. He’s whose 9 district covers (New York Times), Greg Floyd (Local rights lawyer, is a champion of reproductive health, memory, blood completely separate entity. especially Black Americans.

The country works to secure the social much of central Brooklyn. Before 237), Rev. Al Sharpton (National president of Medgar Evers College protecting voting rights of ethnic entering Congress in 2007, she Action Network), and many others. of The City University of New minority groups — the emerging

INSIDE T HIS ISSUE: IS SUE : INSIDE THIS

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NEWS P G A TO L A U N C H N AT I O N A L D I V E R S I T Y G O L F FOR H B C U 4tee Acres along with Middle-Atlantic PGA REACH today announced a nonprofit partnership to promote financial literacy, STEM, and golf at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and state schools with the mission to Drive for Diversity and increase Black women in golf.

Angel Rich-Jones, Hampton University alum and Bowie State University Foundation board member, and Karl Jones, Howard University alum, have partnered with J.P. Lunn, PGA member and President of PGA REACH MiddleAtlantic, to launch a signature HBCU program to provide students with access to quality golf clubs, clothes, and a variety of clinics. The program will enable students to travel for golf tournaments, support recruiting efforts, and build a pipeline to being a PGA professional while learning real-world skills.

The non-profit is also excited to deliver a new golf fashion line for the culture.

The line will feature stylish golf apparel that can be worn on and off the course.

Highlighting Black women, items feature form fitting materials for curves and innovation for efficiency while playing.

“Expanding opportunities for HBCU students without barriers opens doors for an infinite future of young Black golfers to accomplish new heights and for HBCU golf programs to

increase authority as they grow beyond expectation,” said Angel Rich-Jones.

“4tee Acres is devoted to promoting equity in golf from students to the professionals and we look forward to working together to expand diversity across the industry."

This program will allow each school the ability to invite more students to participate in learning golf, building financial health, and strengthening STEM skills. With increased resources 4tee Acres aims to assist schools with quality golf clinics with lessons from PGA professionals, appropriately sized clubs, and clothes from an upcoming fashion line.

“Through PGA REACH we will be able to positively impact the lives of youth, military and diverse populations by enabling access to PGA Professionals, PGA Sections and the game of golf,” said J.P. Lunn.

Additionally, 4tee Acres will support Veterans through PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) with mentalhealth and well-being for players and members of their household. Golf is a great social, low-impact activity that raises confidence, reduces stress, builds self-esteem, and can even increase your life expectancy by five years according to the National Library of Medicine.

Photo Source: blackenterprise.com

Earlier this year 4tee Acres hosted the Harlem Globetrotters to teach them how to play golf along with National African-American Golf Hall of Famer Jimmy Garvin and Howard University’s Assistant Golf Coach Airielle Dawson.

Harlem Globetrotters Play It Forward Season 1 Episode 18 Yes You Can is steaming now on Peacock.

For young Black golfers, the chance to enter more golf tournaments, become PGA professionals and succeed in life is not just about how great they can putt – the network they establish off the course with industry professionals, their ability to make wise financial decisions, and the opportunity to build their own STEM product can make a difference in the pathway to their future.

NAACP APPLAUDS VERDICT AGAINST FORMER U.S. PRESIDENT The pivotal decision in Lee vs. Trump, the first civil legal action seeking to hold the former president accountable for his conduct connected to the January 6th insurrection and efforts to overturn the 2020 election, NAACP leadership issued the following statements: "Donald Trump has and continues to pose an imminent threat to democracy," said NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson. "The attempted coup on January 6 threatened the perseverance of our electoral process and the safety of our Congressional Members and staff, as well as the law enforcement who protect our nation's Capital. Let's be clear — Donald Trump must be held accountable. For over 100 years, the NAACP has fought for the right to vote, and we're not backing down. We will continue to do whatever it takes to protect our right to vote and make sure Black voters are heard in every election.

This is what advocacy in action looks like."

"The KKK Act was enacted more than 150 years ago, in part, to fight attacks on Black Americans' voting rights," said NAACP General Counsel Janette McCarthy Wallace. "While it's unfortunate that violent attacks on our voting rights and democracy continue, we will not be scared out of our pursuit for justice and to protect our rights.

We will not back down in this fight. We strongly believe in the merits of our case and we're pleased that the Court agrees with our views."

Lee vs. Trump was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on February 16, 2021. It was the first lawsuit filed seeking to hold Trump accountable for his conduct relating to the January 6th insurrection and his attempts to overturn the will of the voters in the 2020 Election. Lee vs. Trump was filed initially on behalf of Congressman Bennie Thompson.

Ten additional Members of Congress officially joined as plaintiffs of the lawsuit on April 10, 2021. The plaintiffs are represented by counsel from the

"D O N A L D T R U M P H A S A N D CONTINUES TO POSE AN I M M I N E N T T H R E AT T O D E M O C R A C Y."

The lawsuit alleges violation of 42 USC sec 1985(1), which was enacted as part of the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871, which prohibits conspiracies, through use of violence, threats or intimidation, that seek to prevent members of Congress from discharging their official duties. This Act was passed during Reconstruction to combat attacks on the voting rights of Black Americans and attacks on Black Elected officials seeking to prevent them from taking office and discharging their official duties. On February 20, 2021, Judge Amit Mehta of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia denied the majority of Defendants' motions to dismiss, including denying Trump the absolute immunity from suit that has always been afforded to presidents in the past for conduct occurring while serving in office.

Trump appealed this denial of immunity to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

 NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson.

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NAACP and Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll, PLLC. When Rep. Thompson was appointed to lead the House of Representatives' January 6th Select Committee; he withdrew as a plaintiff in this lawsuit to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest.

December 21, 2023 - December 27, 2023

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NEWS H B C U C H E E R L E AD E RS S I G N D E A L W I T H H A I R C A R E C O M P A N Y Florida A&M University (FAMU) Cheerleaders have secured a three-year partnership with the global hair care brand, Mielle Organics.

The $250,000 partnership includes

product sampling, activations, social media campaigns and allows the FAMU cheer team to be brand ambassadors for the company.

Omar Goff, president of Mielle Organics and a 2004 School of Business and Industry

(SBI) graduate, helped to establish the partnership.

“I loved everything about my time at FAMU, and this is a full circle moment to give back in this way,” said Goff. “We started the HBCU partnership journey at Howard University

with the queens of the pool, and now we are here to partner with the queens of cheer.”

Brandi Tatum-Fedrick, head coach of the FAMU Cheerleaders and Assistant Vice President of Annual and Affinity Giving, also played a key role in establishing the partnership.

“It is great to have Rattlers in great places,” said Tatum-Fedrick. “We are super excited for Omar Goff’s commitment to his alma mater. In my 18 years of coaching, this is our first partnership, so I am excited for many more to come.”

This is the first hair care brand partnership for the FAMU Cheer team. Along with the CEO and COO of Mielle Organics, Melvin and Monique Rodriguez, the cheerleaders were surprised and excited when the announcement was made on Thursday afternoon.

“This brand is going to evolve FAMU Cheer,” said Ashlyn Boles, FAMU cheer co-captain.

“It will allow us to step out of our comfort zone to say I can wear my natural hair, and I can rock my natural hair and look good while doing it.”

Mielle Organics is now a division of P&G Beauty and is still the fastest growing, Blackowned and founded natural hair care brand in the world.

Source: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Photo Source: blackenterprise.com

L E A D I N G O R G A N I Z AT I O N S J O I N F O R C E S F O R B R E A S T C A N C E R A L L I A N C E

TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance (TOUCHBBCA) is teaming up with the Bexa Equity Alliance (BEA) in a strategic partnership to change the game on breast cancer early detection for young Black women. This news will launch at the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.

Alliance. “Equity in Action is our brand and our mission. This branded joint initiative will allow for both of our organizations to dramatically deepen and scale our impact, leveraging our aligned missions to create an evidence-based model for breast cancer prevention and detection.”

This first-of-its-kind joint initiative is capable of providing millions of Black women, even those high-risk but below traditional screening recommendations, in the United States with life-saving education and early detection opportunities. Together, TOUCHBBCA and the BEA will work with community organizations in major metro centers across the U.S. to significantly expand access to the Bexa Breast Exam targeting Black women. Unlike traditional breast exams, the Bexa Breast Exam is a quick, accurate, painless exam that does not involve radiation and provides women with immediate results.

This partnership is just the start of solving a crisis among Black women facing breast cancer. This collective effort harnesses the strengths of both organizations and rallies the support of the decision makers and communities as needed to leave no woman of color behind.

As partners, the organizations will bring Bexa’s innovative screening technology into TOUCHBBCA’s Black community via its For the Love of My Gurls campaign, which works with young Black women ages 18-35. The Love of My Gurls events will feature Bexa screening opportunities on the spot, thereby addressing the screening gap for young Black women.

Currently, Black women aged 40-49 are 80% more likely to die of breast cancer than white women. Additionally, Black women under 35 get breast cancer at twice the rate of white women and die at 3 times the rate. Triplenegative breast cancer (TNBC), the most aggressive breast cancer sub-type, is more common in young women. Data shows those diagnosed with breast cancer under the age of 40 are twice as likely to have TNBC than those between the ages of 50 and 64. It’s clear Black women need information about breast cancer much sooner and long before

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of TOUCHBBCA’s For the Love of My Gurls campaign and the screening capabilities of Bexa, this partnership is uniquely positioned to tackle the first two strategic pillars in Q1 2024. This early work will establish the foundation for the initiative’s third pillar – research – which will focus on demonstrating the impact and importance of alternative screening for Black women.

the current guidelines suggest they begin traditional screening. Together, TOUCHBBCA and BEA have the opportunity to bring accessible screening to where young Black women live, work, pray, play, and slay.

The goal of this partnership is to bring attention to these statistics and engage the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries through this initiative. By strategically addressing the three critical pillars of impact—health literacy, early detection, and research—the aim is to increase educational outreach and screening across the United States. With the health education resources

“I am so tired of Black women dying from a disease we don’t need to die from,” says Ricki Fairley, CEO and Co-Founder of TOUCHBBCA. “More effective and earlier screening can help us address these devastating and unnecessary mortality statistics. I am ecstatic that we can make this happen with our awesome partners at Bexa. We will expand our outreach and screening as we continue to host events where Black women live, work, play, pray and slay. We don’t want anyone to die of breast cancer, we just want mortality rate parity for Black women.”

“Bexa is more than just a device, it is a global delivery platform committed to ensuring adoptable and accessible early detection worldwide,” explains Tiara Neal, Executive Director, the Bexa Equity

December 21, 2023 - December 27, 2023

 ABOUT TOUCH, THE BL ACK BREAST CANCER ALLIANCE Touch, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance drives the collaborative efforts of patients, survivors, advocates, advocacy organizations, health care professionals, researchers, and pharmaceutical companies to work collectively, with accountability, towards the common goal of eradicating Black Breast Cancer. Though there are numerous breast cancer advocacy groups and stakeholders, there is a dire need to bring all patients, survivors, advocates, advocacy organizations, health care professionals, researchers, and pharmaceutical companies together to serve as allies to fight Black Breast Cancer.

At the Bexa Equity Alliance (BEA), we believe that every woman deserves access to life-saving care. As Bexa’s nonprofit arm, we advance our shared commitment to Leave No Woman Behind. We work with a growing tribe of Allies and Partners to provide our revolutionary Bexa Breast Exams at no cost to women who are at most at-risk of dying prematurely from breast cancer women of color and underserved women in economically disadvantaged communities across the world.

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COMMENTARY BUILDING BL ACK WEALTH: A CONVERSATION It is not a secret that Black families face unique barriers to creating wealth. Sam Dolciné, founder and host of the Black Real Estate Dialogue (B.R.E.D.) podcast, joined BPRW’s Thrivin’ in Color podcast for an empowering conversation on the importance of educating the Black community about real estate and property investment to create generational wealth.

In this episode, Sam has an insightful conversation with podcast host Camry Brown about the mission of his podcast and shares helpful real estate advice. He also discusses the obstacles Black people encounter when buying a property and how to create generational wealth through property investment .

“Sam is helping our community in a big way,” said Camry. “I encourage our listeners to tune into this episode that is jam-packed with valuable information.”

After growing dissatisfied with the lack of podcasts exclusively catering to Black real estate investors, Sam launched the Black Real Estate Dialogue in 2019. The show quickly gained popularity due to its captivating conversations with accomplished Black developers and investors.

Sam works tirelessly to uplift others through the B.R.E.D podcast.

all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Black PR Wire’s Thrivin’ in Color podcast is an exceptional platform for Black Brown leaders to share information the Black community can use to create positive outcomes and encourage the next generation of leaders.

Tune in to Thrivin’ in Color on

Thrivin’ In Color is a podcast produced by Black PR Wire, featuring interviews with remarkable sistas and brothas from across the country who are doing extraordinary things in today’s society. Thrivin’ In Color takes us behind the scenes of

their world, where we meet with them and pick up some golden nuggets for success. Thrivin’ In Color podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all of your favorite podcast services.

Black PR Wire is the nation’s first and largest online Black newswire distribution company and is a powerful leader in effective news delivery services.

With a comprehensive database and listing of over 1,200 Black (African American, Caribbean and Haitian) organizations and media, Black PR Wire posts and distributes print, audio, video, and creative news and information to Black media, influencers, faith-based groups and prominent community organizations throughout the U.S. and the Caribbean. Services can be purchased online anytime, anywhere 24/7; or by simply calling our newsroom at 1-877-BLACKPR. Have some news to share? Or want to know what’s happening in your community? Then connect with Black PR Wire, like, share and visit us @BlackPRWire, and make Black PR Wire your online source for Black News!

For more information on Black PR Wire and Thrivin’ in Color, call 1-877-BLACKPR or visit the website at blackprwire.com.

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THANK YOU

REPS. TORRES, MEEKS & BOWMAN FOR BEING HEROES FOR HEALTHY KIDS AND COMMUNITIES.

For decades, the tobacco industry has targeted Black communities and kids with menthol cigarettes, profiting while cigarettes kill 45,000 Black Americans each year. Menthols are more addictive and easier for kids to start smoking. Your support to eliminate menthol cigarettes will protect kids, advance health equity and save lives.

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E N T E R TA I N M E N T

RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ GOES HOLLYWOOD RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ Goes Hollywood With a Star-Studded Premiere Event in Los Angeles – The Film Opens in Movie Theatres Around the World on December 1 The premiere event for RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ – held on Saturday, November 25, at the renowned Samuel Goldwyn Theatre in Los Angeles – welcomed some of the biggest names in music and Hollywood for the first-ever screening of the highly anticipated global release.

Parkwood Entertainment and AMC Entertainment (NYSE:AMC) recently announced that first of two Premiere Events for RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ, the theatrical release chronicling Beyoncé’s record-setting global RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR, was a huge success, drawing some of the biggest names in music and Hollywood.

The Premiere Event, held at the Samuel Goldwyn Theatre in Los Angeles on Saturday, November 25, was the first ever screening of RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ, which opens in domestic and international movie theatres on December 1.

The premiere event kicked off when the global icon and the film’s star and director, Beyoncé, walked into the theater flanked by her family and close friends. She was joined at the event by the cast and crew from the RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR, and music and Hollywood mega-stars, who turned out in support and to enjoy the premiere screening.

Those attending the screening included, JAY-Z, Tina Knowles, Mathew Knowles, Tyler Perry, Janelle Monáe, Chloe Bailey,

Halle Bailey, Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams, LeToya Luckett, LaTavia Roberson, Laverne Cox, Kevin Aviance, TS Madison, Niecy Nash, Marsai Martin, Dixson, Winnie Harlow, Robin Thede, Lena Waithe, Gabrielle Union, Issa Rae, Lizzo, Lupita Nyong’o, Ava DuVernay, Andra Day, Victoria Monet, Kris Jenner, Tan France, Normani, and many more.

The experience will air Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with multiple showtimes programmed throughout the day. Tickets for all standard domestic showtimes will start at $22 plus tax, with comparable pricing at international locations; RENAISSANCE will also be available in IMAX, Dolby Cinema, and other branded premium large format screens.

RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ accentuates the journey of RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR – a record-setting worldwide concert tour that spanned 56 shows, 39 cities, and 12 countries –from its inception to the opening show in Stockholm, Sweden, to the grand finale in Kansas City, Missouri.

It is about Beyoncé’s intention, hard work, involvement in every aspect of the production, her creative mind and purpose to create her legacy, and master her craft.

Domestic and international fans can see showtimes and purchase tickets at participating locations by visiting: BeyonceFilm.com.

Received with extraordinary acclaim

by International and US media alike, Beyoncé’s outstanding performance during RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR created a sanctuary for freedom, acceptance, and shared joy. Its maximalist production welcomed more than 2.7 million fans from around the world, who travelled across oceans to enjoy Club RENAISSANCE. Now, millions of moviegoers will get caught up in the Joy Parade, the monumental dance party that celebrates everyone’s right to be themselves, close to home.

RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ, will be made available to millions of moviegoers around the world, as it is expected to open in thousands of movie theaters globally beginning Friday, December 1, 2023.

AMC Theatres Distribution is the distribution arm of AMC Entertainment, which is the largest theatrical exhibition company in the United States, the largest in Europe, and the largest in the world.

RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ will be distributed globally by AMC Theatres Distribution and its sub-distribution partners – Variance Films in the US, Cineplex in Canada, Cinepolis in Mexico and Central America, and Trafalgar Releasing outside of North America. Movie theaters wishing to play the film should visit BeyonceFilm.com.

Parkwood Entertainment is a film and production company, record label and management firm founded by entertainer and entrepreneur, Beyoncé in 2010. With offices in Los Angeles and New York City, the company houses departments in music, film, video, live performances and concert production, management, business development, marketing, digital, creative, philanthropy, and publicity. Under its original name, Parkwood Pictures, the company released the film Cadillac Records (2008),

in which Beyoncé starred and co-produced.

The company has also released the films Obsessed (2009), with Beyoncé as star and executive producer, the winner of the Peabody Award for Entertainment, Lemonade (2017), the Emmy®-nominated Homecoming: A Film By Beyoncé (2019), which documents Beyoncé’s historymaking performance at the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival in 2018, and the Emmy®-winning Black Is King (2020). Parkwood Entertainment produced The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour (20132014), The Formation World Tour (2016), and the aforementioned “Homecoming” performances at Coachella (2018) and co-produced the ON THE RUN Tour (2014) and ON THE RUN II (2018), and the RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR (2023).

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E N T E R TA I N M E N T

C E L E B R A T E T H e H O L I DAYS W I T H a s p i re t v

AspireTV, the network that celebrates and reflects Black culture and urban lifestyle, will be celebrating the Christmas season with “Holiday Block Party” all December.

The Holiday Block Party will showcase Black Movie Magic, as well as new holiday specials and movie premieres meant to bring the family and community together in the spirit of the season. AspireTV will debut the cable premiere of the movie Our Christmas Love Story. The network will also air Jam Sessions: Christmas Special featuring performances by Syleena Johnson, Kyante’, Tarrey Torae and J. Holiday. AspireTV will also premiere two short films from Damn Write Originals entitled, I’m Dreaming of a Black Christmas and The Ride.

AspireTV has recently launched an app for iOS and android phones, ensuring viewers can engage with the aspireTV brand anytime and anywhere. AspireTV Life, the free adsupported streaming television channel, can be accessed directly via the app, allowing viewers to catch up on past seasons of hit programs. The aspireTV app will be the go-to destination for viewers to stay on top of their favorite programs, series and movies that air on the linear network dedicated to Black culture and urban lifestyle programming.

App users can set reminders, use the channel finder and stay in the loop on culture related topics across the categories of news, entertainment, business, sports and Black history through the Tribe Talk blog which

delivers fresh content each week.

Holiday Block Party is all about gathering with loved ones and spending quality time together so aspireTV will release a holiday frame filter on Instagram and invite fans and followers to share those captured moments of family and friends. Those who use the

still happen around Christmas.

Starring: Reggie Gaskins, Kendyl McCray  I’m Dreaming of a Black Christmas – Saturday, Dec. 9 at 11 a.m. ET Experiencing Christmas with his girlfriend’s family for the first time, Kamari’s wokeness is challenged by inflated egos and white Jesus.

Starring: Jeremy Anderson, Brittney Level,

Deloris Crenshaw, Armie Hicks Jr.  Jam Sessions: Christmas Special – Sunday, Dec. 17 at 8 p.m. ET Jam Session features intimate acoustic performances highlighting each performer’s unique approach to music and shines a light on the rich diversity of music within African American culture. This special has performances by Syleena Johnson, Kyante’, Tarrey Torae and J. Holiday.

To find aspireTV on cable in your area, go to https://aspire.tv/channel. AspireTV is also available nationally on DirecTV and can be watched on DirecTV Stream or Philo.

filter and/or tag @aspireTV will have the opportunity to be featured on our social platforms.

Dexter Matthews, DeEtta West

PREMIERE HOLIDAY PROGRAMMING  Our Christmas Love Story – Friday, Dec. 1 at 9 p.m. ET A couple shares their Christmas love story with a friend to encourage love and miracles

 The Ride – Saturday, Dec. 9 at 11:30 a.m. ET A young woman, traveling to see her estranged father, goes from small talk to profound life advice with a stranger, who knows her better than she thinks.

Starring: Taylor Polidore, Arthur Richardson,

ABOUT ASPIRETV AspireTV is the television network that celebrates and reflects Black culture and urban lifestyle in a way that is inspiring, authentic and entertaining. AspireTV offers reality series, specials and independent films as well as beloved dramas, contemporary comedies and provocative documentaries that allow you to connect and … see yourself here. AspireTV is available in the top 50 African American markets including New York City, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.aspire. tv, facebook.com/AspireTV, @TVaspire on X (formerly Twitter) and @TVaspire on Instagram.

Source: UP Entertainment

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FA M I LY & C U LT U R E DECEMBER IS NATIONAL STRESSFREE FAMILY HOLIDAY MONTH The holiday season is here and, families nationwide look forward to creating cherished memories together. However, it's no secret that the crowds at the mall, family/ friend tensions, hosting responsibilities, and regular day-to-day tasks can sometimes lead to stress. In recognition of this, December has been designated as National StressFree Family Holiday Month.

hesitate to seek help or accept offers of assistance.

As you venture into this holiday season, embrace these stress management tips to turn the season into a time of joy, connection, and shared happiness.

Amongst all the tasks on your holiday preparation checklist, one of the most critical ones is taking care of your mental health.

Here are some tips for managing holiday stress:  Accept imperfection, prioritize your mental well-being, and tailor your actions to what works best for you.  Keep your focus on what truly matters during the holidays, whether it's quality time with loved ones, relaxation at home, or planning for the upcoming year.  Cultivate kindness, both towards others and yourself.  Take Time to recharge: Amidst the holiday hustle, ensure to take moments for self-care, utilizing activities to recharge and maintain well-being.  Ask for help: When overwhelmed, don't

END OF YEAR HOLIDAY CHEER SPREADS Everyone can use a little holiday cheer, right? Well, as the holidays usher in, Black PR Wire would like to spread some end of the year holiday cheer. In honor of the Christmas Season, Black PR Wire is wrapping up a special gift just for you! During the month of December, we will provide you with a 15% discount off all services! This includes a broad range of services beyond press release distribution such as electronic newsletters and video messages, and video/audio releases, as well.

This is a special gift only for the month of December, so don’t delay!

Hurry and get your information to us right away! BPRW is ending the year with holiday cheer! To take advantage of this special offer, just use the promo code CHEER15 to receive the 15%

discount when you make your online purchase. Or simply give us a call at 1-877-BLACKPR!

H O L I D AY S AT T H E A P O L L O F E S T I V E P R O G R A M M I N G F O R A L L A G E S The Apollo will celebrate the holidays with events and programs for the entire family, with performances from BeBe Winans, Samara Joy, and Soshana Bean to Double Dutch Holiday Classic and the soul-stirring Kwanzaa: A Regeneration Celebration featuring Abdel R. Salaam’s Forces of Nature Dance Theatre. This year’s Holidays at The Apollo promises a remarkable array of live and in-person festivities that will celebrate culture, music, and community during the festive season.

Six-time Grammy winner BeBe Winans returns to The Apollo for a historic live album recording concert backed by Donald Lawrence & Company.

Among the artists Winans has written and produced for are Whitney Houston, Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder, David Foster, Gladys Knight, Anita Baker, Bobby Brown, and The Clark Sisters – as well his younger sisters Angie and Debbie Winans.

bring the whole family for a wide array of holiday-themed activities including picture taking with Santa Claus and amazing performances. This event is hosted by The Apollo Tour Director and Ambassador, Billy Mitchell.

The Apollo Amateur Night Holiday Special showcases talented alumni of the show’s “Stars of Tomorrow” segment, spotlighting the young performers hoping to follow in the footsteps of Apollo Legends like Ella Fitzgerald and H.E.R., whose careers were launched on the stage of The Apollo.

Grammy Award-winning for Best New Artist, Samara Joy, embraces the tradition of such singers as Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald in this holiday-themed concert featuring two generations of her family including her father Antonio McLendon, uncle Laurone McLendon, and her cousins Tiera Lovell Rowe and Tommy Niblack, accompanied by the Shedrick Mitchell Trio.

Anchored by Forces of Nature Dance Theatre under the leadership of critically acclaimed choreographer Abdel Salaam, The Apollo’s annual Kwanzaa Celebration returns for a joyous celebration of Kwanzaa through dance, music and spoken word, honoring the principles of Kwanzaa and traditions from across the African Diaspora.

The legendary Apollo—the soul of American culture—plays a vital role in cultivating emerging artists and launching legends. Since its founding, The Apollo has served as a center of innovation and a creative catalyst for Harlem, the city of New York, and the world. In 2024, The Apollo will open The Apollo’s Victoria Theaters, which will include two new theater spaces, and begin the renovation of its Historic Theater, marking the first ever expansion and renovation of The Apollo in its nearly 90-year history. Read more about the project here: www. apollotheater.org/renovation-restorationand-transformation/

The National Double Dutch League returns to The Apollo for the annual Double Dutch Holiday Classic where world-class Double Dutch teams of all ages from around the world compete for the championship title of “Best of Show.”

Tony and Grammy Award-nominee Shoshana Bean returns to The Apollo with her legendary holiday concert spectacular. This annual one-night-only event has become a New York holiday tradition and features very special guests from stage and screen. Music Direction by David Cook. Produced by Shane Scheel for For The Record Live.

Under the twinkling lights of our famous marquee, The Apollo invites audiences to

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Photo Credit: Yuien Chin

December 21, 2023 - December 27, 2023

With music at its core, The Apollo’s programming extends to dance, theater, spoken word, and more. This includes the world premieres of The Blues and Its People and the theatrical adaptation of Ta-Nehisi Coates’s Between the World and Me, and the New York premiere of the opera We Shall Not Be Moved; special programs such as the blockbuster concert Bruno Mars Live at the Apollo; 100: The Apollo Celebrates Ella; and the annual Africa Now! Festival. The non-profit Apollo is a performing arts presenter, commissioner, and collaborator that also produces festivals, large-scale dance and musical works organized around a set of core initiatives that celebrate and extend The Apollo’s legacy through a contemporary lens, including the Women of the World (WOW) Festival as well as other multidisciplinary collaborations with partner organizations.

Since introducing the first Amateur Night contests in 1934, The Apollo has served as a testing ground for new artists working across a variety of art forms and has ushered in the emergence of many new musical genres—including jazz, swing, bebop, R&B, gospel, blues, soul, and hip-hop. Among the countless legendary performers who launched their careers at The Apollo are Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Luther Vandross, H.E.R., D’Angelo, Lauryn Hill, Machine Gun Kelly, and Miri Ben Ari; and The Apollo’s forward-looking artistic vision continues to build on this legacy. For more information about The Apollo, visit www.

ApolloTheater.org.

Source: Apollo Theater

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TRAVEL VISITORS BUREAU UNVEILS MIAMI ART WEEK Now in its ninth year, Art of Black Miami (AOBM) shines a spotlight on the vibrant cultural mosaic of Greater Miami and Miami Beach, celebrating the richness of the Black diaspora and only-in-Miami experiences The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) Art of Black Miami’s (AOBM) scope has grown this year to engage younger audiences and participation in more traditional art fairs building on its strong lineup of cultural activities and experiences during Miami Art Week. The spectrum of artistic events during the cultural season will showcase the diverse heritage of Greater Miami and Miami Beach, brought to life via exhibitions, engaging artist dialogues, captivating films, digital and interactive showcases, awe-inspiring performances, delectable culinary experiences and much more.

“Art of Black Miami stands poised to become one of the most comprehensive year-round art tourism initiatives of its kind in the United States,” said GMCVB President and CEO David Whitaker.

“We are committed to showcasing the boundless creativity that thrives within our diverse community and recognizing this program for what it really is — a true gem for residents and visitors looking to explore even more vast artistic opportunities.”

Focused on honoring the accomplishments of artists from the African and Caribbean

diasporas, the program will feature pivotal events during Miami’s Art Week, complementing the esteemed Art Basel Miami Beach. In 2024, the GMCVB multicultural tourism and development department (MTDD) will mark the 10th anniversary of Art of Black Miami, a milestone for this influential marketing

and Miami Beach, to North Miami, Opalocka, South Dade and Wynwood among others.

"Greater Miami as a destination is ever evolving and at the forefront of creativity and culture," said GMCVB MTDD Senior Vice President Connie Kinnard. “The Art

The AOBM brand has evolved into a cultural powerhouse, prominently featuring Black and Afro-Latino artists with influential and emerging talents in the community. In 2021, the GMCVB broadened the platform's horizons with the launch of the Art of Black Miami Podcast Series, providing a space for Miami-based artists to lead captivating conversations about how their creative styles are shaped and influenced by Miami's diverse cultural landscape and neighborhoods.

This year's lineup of Art of Black Miami events continues to set new standards for the program, showcasing artists from the United States, the Caribbean, Latin America and around the globe. For more information on Art of Black Miami, please visit ArtofBlackMiami.com.

Image Source: Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau

platform and destination catalyst.

The forthcoming season's events will be curated by local art organizations, galleries and creative hubs nestled in neighborhoods spanning from Historic Overtown, Coral Gables, Brownsville, Downtown Miami, Design District, Liberty City, Little Haiti/Little River, Little Havana

of Black Miami collaborative involving Miami’s diverse community supports the growing interest in the arts. It also shines a spotlight on aspiring and renowned artists, exhibits and activations that sometimes may not get the exposure that they truly deserve.”

 ABOUT THE GREATER MIAMI CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU (GMCVB) The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) is an accredited, independent not-for-profit sales and marketing organization whose mission is to attract visitors to Greater Miami and Miami Beach for leisure, business, meetings and conventions.

For additional information, visit www.

MiamiandMiamiBeach.com/About-GMCVB or call 305-539-3000. Stay connected with the GMCVB by following us on our corporate communications and external affairs social media channels: Twitter.com/ GreaterMiamiCVB and LinkedIn.com/Grea terMiamiConvention&VisitorsBureau.

FIRST MEDIA SALES COLLEGIATE PROGRAM UNVEILED For the first time in the U.S., students of the Atlanta University Center (AUC) will have the opportunity to complete a four-year college degree in which the last two years of the curriculum are devoted to equipping them with the skills to succeed in media sales, operations, and marketing starting in the Fall of 2026.

Juniors and seniors at Clark Atlanta University (CAU), Morehouse College, and Spelman College will be eligible to register for the courses. The curriculum will be derived from the successful

Media Sales Institute (MSI) curriculum, which prepares and pre-qualifies college graduates for careers in media sales, operations, and marketing departments.

Founders of the MSI – the leading talent development program for diverse media sales professionals – unveiled plans for the new Media Sales curriculum on June 15, 2023, at the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters (NABOB)/ MSI graduation at Morehouse College with its “inaugural” media partner, Gray Television and the CAU School of

Business and Division of Communications Arts within the School of Arts & Sciences.

The leadership team from CAU, Gray Television, and the MSI Foundation principles met in late September to discuss the launch of the Media Sales Department (MSD) curriculum. The design, research, development, and accreditation of the curriculum are forecasted to take five years.

Housed at CAU’s School of Business, the new curriculum will focus on radio, television, cable, print, digital, and interactive media sales to address the media industry’s challenge of ensuring a diverse workforce. It will be open to students in all majors at the AUC. Dean of the CAU School of Business Silvanus Udoka said, “I am proud and excited to be a part of this initiative and partner with the MSI Foundation, along with the media industry to offer the first collegiate concentration in media sales, operations, and marketing in the country!

Building on the very successful MSI curriculum, the expanded reach that this program will offer promises to accomplish our shared goals of sustained creation of primed media sales professionals for today and tomorrow.”

MSD Developers Jeffrey P. Myers and Dana Myers have teamed up with the NABOB Telecommunications Education and Management Foundation for more than 20 years to provide professional

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December 21, 2023 - December 27, 2023

development that prepares graduates to hit the ground running as they begin their careers in media sales.

Jeffrey P. Myers said, “Our strategy is the best long-term plan to recruit diverse, prescreened, and highly qualified entrylevel employees into the media industry. Building this curriculum and partnership has been part of a 20-year journey that started with the MSI program in 2000. We are proud of an amazing alumni network that consists of more than 1,000 graduates being employed in media sales departments.”

Sponsoring companies will have the opportunity to serve as “adjunct professionals” and “adjunct practitioners” throughout the curriculum’s design.

“Gray is excited to be part of this innovative approach to preparing students for the ever-changing world of media sales,” said Gray President and Co-CEO Pat LaPlatney. “The entire industry will benefit from having students who will have spent years learning how best to help advertisers tell their stories across so many platforms.”

The MSI Foundation and their funding partners will underwrite the five-year design cost. Starting in 2028, the program’s cost will be supported by student enrollment at CAU’s School of Business and the Division of Communication Arts in the School of Arts and Sciences.

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HE ALTH PHYSICIAN HONORED BY WHITE HOUSE FOR SERVING COMMUNITIES OF COLOR support of public and private partnerships, advancing economic opportunities across diverse and underserved U.S. communities.

In addition to the many holidays this month, Dr. Trayham and Thinkzilla, one of the fastest-growing consulting firms in the country, have a lot to celebrate.

“Entrepreneurs of color represent the fastest-growing segment of the small business market, yet they have the least access to capital, are more likely to be denied credit, and have limited access to entrepreneurial training and technical assistance that would allow them to win multi-million dollar contracts through supplier diversity and contracting opportunities. Thinkzilla is solving this problem,” Dr. Trayham said. “We are proud to partner with government entities and corporations to expand access and contracting opportunities for underserved businesses. We all have a lot to celebrate this year.”

A global company with offices in Atlanta, Houston, Miami, Scottsdale, and a recently opened office in Ontario, Canada, Thinkzilla is based at Arizona State University’s Skysong Innovation Center and specializes in supplier diversity development, implementation of technical assistance programs, capacity-building programs and consulting to help organizations improve their social, environmental and economic programs.

Photo Source: Black PRWire

For the past 11 years, CEO Dr. Velma Trayham and her team at Thinkzilla

Consulting have been addressing inequality by building and managing programs with the

President Joseph Biden recently awarded Founder and CEO Dr. Trayham the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for the select few who “exhibit outstanding character, work ethic and dedication to their communities.” She also joined CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™ in an unprecedented commitment to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

The firm’s programs have supported over 8,000 underserved entrepreneurs over

the past 11 years, spurring more than $400 million in economic impact and advancement for diverse businesses. During that time, Thinkzilla launched a proprietary DEI Scorecard, used by hundreds nationwide to help organizations grow diversity, equity, and inclusion. Thinkzilla also developed IMPACT AZ 2025 in collaboration with the Arizona Black Chamber, Arizona’s largest technical assistance Supplier Diversity accelerator for Black entrepreneurs, which includes the support of JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, the City of Phoenix, the City of Scottsdale, and many more.

“Small businesses are the heartbeat of our economy, accounting for almost half of our GDP and employing nearly half of all privatesector workers, which is why we devote so much time and energy to supporting and sparking small business growth,” Dr. Trayham added. “Over the next five years, we aim to triple our impact, creating job opportunities, expanding public and private partnerships, and helping hundreds of communities foster innovation and bridge the racial wealth gap.”  ABOUT THINKZILLA CONSULTING GROUP Thinkzilla Consulting Group, LLC is a black and woman-owned consulting firm that helps corporate and government entities engage communities and make an economic impact.

Our clients include commercial, corporate, and government entities. Thinkzilla assists financial service firms, Fortune 500 companies, and small to midsize companies in enhancing CRA efforts and providing measurable progress and success metrics.

As one of the fastest-growing consulting companies, Thinkzilla is committed to developing world-class programs and providing data-driven strategies that move our economy forward. Thinkzilla's dual headquarters are in Atlanta and Scottsdale, Arizona. Visit www.thinkzillaconsulting.com to learn more.

BLACK WOMAN-OWNED PRACTICE OPENS Mrs. Tameka G. Anthony, Owner, Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner, and IV Hydration Specialist, announces the opening of a new comprehensive care practice Wellness Cube LLC at 9131 Piscataway Road, Suite 150, Clinton, Maryland. The new practice focuses on mind, body, and spirit featuring IV nutritional vitamin therapy, wellness visits, weight loss programs, diabetes education, as well as mental health coaching. The company’s mission is to alleviate and lessen the need for frequent recurring relapses, possible sepsis, and/ or latent recovery due to post-surgery complications and dehydration.

“When you suffer a bodily injury, trauma, or burn, IV nutritional supplementation is extremely important since inflammation, oxidative stress, and physical/emotional/ mental stress all increase,” says Tameka.

“Before and after surgery, IV nutritional supplements are given to reduce bruising, swelling, inflammation, pain, scarring, and infection as a proven method of optimizing perioperative nutrition. Therefore, IV nutritional supplements improve wound healing and recovery time and that is our primary objective.”

Wellness Cube LLC also welcomes Certified Mental Health Coach, international speaker, author, and minister Kisha Battle Houston

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of Wellness with Kish to offer mental health coaching for youth, families, and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. “It is my primary objective to help the client see what they’re working towards and make it feel possible rather than intimidating. However, coaches must be honest. If my client isn’t working hard enough or has a goal that’s unrealistic, a successful mental health coach will guide with realistic and measurable goals,” states Coach Kish.

New patients have already benefited from obtaining their IV nutritional vitamin therapy and the wellness practice is currently gearing up for the cold and flu season by launching the all-new immune hydration boost and supplemental B12 wellness shots to aid in boosting the immune system, fight lethargy, and increase metabolism.

The Wellness Cube understands the importance of educating the community on the most effective ways to care for body, mind, and spirit with the addition of wellness consultations, advisement for vitamin supplements, and a recovery program that will complement their lifestyle needs. The pair recently hosted a wellness symposium to discuss common factors affecting women’s health in the community.

Founded in 2022, The Wellness Cube, LLC has over 20 years of healthcare

experience. Their medical team is equipped to assess and create custom recovery and/or maintenance plans for a patient’s most frequent medical needs. They offer many elite services such as IV hydration, wellness shots, herbal magnesium body wraps, customized weight loss plans, and conservative Botox is available. Learn more at WellnessCubeHealth.com Founded in 2023, Wellness-with-Kish is a sister company to Relationships Matter

International offering life, mental, and relationship coaching in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area. Wellness-withKish provides a comprehensive set of mental health and wellness services to help boost confidence and offer support to health and wellness challenges. Coach Kish works closely with clients in order to achieve measurable results with personality assessments, proven techniques as well and personalized self-improvement workbooks.

Learn more at Wellness-With-Kish.com.

Photo Source: Black PRWire

December 21, 2023 - December 27, 2023

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END NO TE S K E N N E D Y C E N T E R TO A W A R D K E V I N H A RT FOR H U M O R The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will present the 25th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor to Kevin Hart on March 24, 2024 in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall.

The Prize, which is named to honor one of the world’s greatest humorists, will be awarded at a gala performance featuring some of the biggest names in comedy. Broadcast and casting details to be announced at a later date.

experiential, branded content, digital, and social capabilities. Hart is also the founder of HartBeat Ventures. Together, these companies play an integral role in building Hart’s ecosystem for extraordinary growth and creativity.

Hart continues to develop, star, and produce feature films, television, and podcasts via Hartbeat for his various partners, including Netflix, Peacock, Sirius XM, and Audible. Hart recently toured internationally with his eighth hour of stand-up material titled The Reality Check Tour. Hart filmed his hour in Las Vegas and, on July 6, exclusively released it as a comedy special for streaming on Peacock.

The tour was named the number one Comedy Tour of 2022 by Billboard, and Hart was awarded the People’s Choice Award for Comedy Act of 2022 on behalf of the new hour. In 2020, Hart released his seventh hour-long stand-up special, Zero F**ks Given, which quickly became Netflix's biggest stand-up special of 2020, earned him a Grammy® nomination for Best Comedy Album, as well as an Emmy® nomination. Hart also earned Emmy® nominations for Die Hart and the sequel Die Hart 2: Die Harter, both for Outstanding Actor in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series. Hart is a New York Times bestselling author twice over and his first Audible original, The Decision, was nominated for an Audie Award for Best Original Audiobook in 2021.

The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, presented by Wells Fargo, recognizes individuals who have had an impact on American society in ways similar to the distinguished 19th-century novelist and essayist Samuel Clemens, colloquially known as Mark Twain. As a social commentator, satirist, and creator of characters, Clemens was a fearless observer of society who delighted and informed onlookers with his uncompromising perspective on social injustice and personal folly.

“For over three decades, Kevin Hart has been a source of laughter across America and throughout the world with his iconic characters, inimitable physical comedy, and relatable narratives. An accomplished writer, producer, actor, and comedian, he has made lasting contributions to the comedic landscape and represents our celebration of American humor at the Kennedy Center,” said Kennedy Center President, Deborah F. Rutter.

"We express our gratitude to Kevin for enriching American culture and look forward to celebrating his exceptional career."

“I’ve been doing comedy since the inception of this award 25 years ago.

To be honored in this commemorative year feels surreal. Comedy is my outlet for social commentary and observations on life—I am grateful to the Kennedy Center for recognizing my voice and impact on culture,” says Hart. “I can’t wait to celebrate!”

As a recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, Hart will receive a copy of an 1884 bronze portrait bust of Mark Twain sculpted by Karl Gerhardt (1853–1940). Previous recipients of the Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize are Richard Pryor (1998), Jonathan Winters (1999), Carl Reiner (2000), Whoopi Goldberg (2001), Bob Newhart (2002), Lily Tomlin (2003), Lorne Michaels (2004), Steve Martin (2005), Neil Simon (2006), Billy Crystal (2007), George Carlin (2008), Bill Cosby (2009; rescinded in 2018), Tina Fey (2010), Will Ferrell (2011), Ellen DeGeneres (2012), Carol Burnett (2013), Jay Leno (2014), Eddie Murphy (2015), Bill Murray (2016), David Letterman (2017), Julia Louis-Dreyfus (2018), Dave Chappelle (2019), Jon Stewart (2022), and Adam Sandler (2023).

The event was created by the John F.

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Kevin Hart, Credit: Kevin Kwan, 2022

Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Bob Kaminsky, Peter Kaminsky, Mark Krantz, and John Schreiber. In celebration of its 25th anniversary, David M. Rubenstein is serving as the Honorary Chair, with Gala Co-Chairs Barbara Goodman Manilow and Cappy McGarr—a steadfast supporter of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor since its inception in 1998.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is America’s living memorial to President Kennedy. It is the nation’s busiest performing arts facility and annually hosts more than 2,000 performances for audiences totaling nearly 2 million; Center-related touring productions and television and radio broadcasts welcome 40 million more. The Center presents performances of music, dance, and theater–balancing classical art forms with contemporary genres such as comedy, jazz, and hip hop–supports artists in the creation of new work, and serves the nation as a leader in arts education.

The 25th Mark Twain Prize will be produced by David Jammy and the creative team at Done+Dusted, the Kennedy Center’s producing partner for the Mark Twain Prize since 2018.

Emmy® and Grammy®–nominated Kevin Hart was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he launched his career as a comedian during an amateur night at a local comedy club. Over the years, Hart has become Hollywood’s box office powerhouse, opening 11 films at number one at the box office and grossing more than in $4.23 billion global revenue.

Hart has also become a successful entrepreneur; he is chairman of Hartbeat, a global, multi-platform media company creating entertainment at the intersection of comedy and culture with a mission to “keep the world laughing together.” The company unites Hartbeat Productions’ best–in–class TV and film production capabilities with Laugh Out Loud’s expansive distribution network, along with its marketing, sales,

December 21, 2023 - December 27, 2023

Hart is a founding partner in three companies: the premium tequila brand, Gran Coramino, plant-based restaurant, Hart House, and the nutritional wellness brand, Vita Hustle. Hart’s brand partnerships include Sam’s Club, Audemars Piguet, Fabletics Men, Chase J.P Morgan, Draft Kings, Hydrow, NutraBolt, and Therabody.

David M. Rubenstein is the Honorary Chair of the 2024 Mark Twain Prize.

The Gala Co-Chairs are Barbara Goodman Manilow and Cappy McGarr.

Wells Fargo is the Presenting Sponsor of the Mark Twain Prize.

Sponsorship packages for the Mark Twain Prize gala performance, which start at $1,300 and include a pre-performance reception, gala performance tickets, and a postperformance celebration, are on sale now and can be reserved online or through the Development Office by emailing mtp@kennedy-center.org.

Funds raised through the event support the Kennedy Center’s mission to make the arts accessible to all, be a national leader in arts education, and honor President John F. Kennedy.

Information about limited sales of performance-only tickets will be made available at a later date.

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8 kids a day are accidentally killed or injured by FAMILY FIRE. FAMILY FIRE is a shooting involving an improperly stored gun, often found in the home.

ENDFAMILYFIRE.org

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