NEW YORK TREND
December 17, 2015 - December 23, 2015
MAYOR DAVID DINKINS, REP. CHARLES RANGEL, HONORED WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
MOREHOUSE COLLEGE RECEIVES $20 MIL TO RECRUIT PROFESSORS
The Black Stars News 2015 Annual Awards Dinner will honor Mayor David Dinkins, Rep. Charles Rangel, Rep. Yvette Clarke, R. Donahue Peebles, Barbara Arnwine, Inez Barron, Sabrina Lamb, Dr. Rudy Crew, Stephen Byrd, Alia Jones, and the Central Park Five survivors of gross injustice on December 18 from 6:00pm –10:00pm at MIST Harlem, 46 West 116th Street
MOREHOUSE COLLEGE has received a $20 million anonymous gift to expand academic programs and professorships at the College, the only liberal arts institution in the nation dedicated to the education and development of Black men. The contribution—the largest gift ever designated for faculty positions at Morehouse—will be used to fund six endowed professorships that will enhance innovation and research in several academic areas.
Morehouse College President David A. Thomas, Ph.D., (middle) and Provost Kendrick Brown, Ph.D., (right) present Adria Welcher, Ph.D., chair of the Sociology Department, (left) with the prestigious Vulcan Materials Company Teaching Excellence Award at Morehouse's Commencement in May. National recipients of this award are recognized for their dedication to teaching, ability to inspire students, and contributions to the academic community. The professorships will be added to the Division of Business and Economics, the Division of Humanities, Social Sciences, Media, and the Arts (HSSMA), and the Division of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, including the Office of Health Professions.
“Each honoree chosen for recognition has demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision in her or his respective profession or endeavor and in some significant measure has contributed towards creating a more just society in this country,” says Black Star News founder and publisher Milton Allimadi. “Obviously much work needs to be done here and around the world.”
The gala starts at 6:00pm with a cocktail hour to be followed by the dinner and awards ceremonies. There will be musical entertainment by opera singer Cassandra Douglas and from harmonica phenomenon William Galison. David Dinkins is honored for Lifetime Achievement — he was New York City’s first African American mayor and also welcomed Nelson Mandela to the city after his release in 1990.
"Our faculty are the heartbeat of this institution. They lead our academic programs, develop the intellect of our students, and challenge them to go out in the world and be great. They have fueled the success of thousands of Morehouse Men," said David A. Thomas, Ph.D., President of Morehouse College "This transformational $20 million gift will allow us to increase the ranks of our esteemed and talented professors so that we can uphold the legacy of excellence in our classrooms as our as veteran faculty retire."
Morehouse, which educates more than 2,300 students annually, has worldclass academic programs that have been especially successful at cultivating men of distinction who rise as leaders in every field, including the U.S. Congress; the U.S. Department of Homeland Security;
environment, and interstate and international commerce.
the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General; the Olympics; as well as the recipients' platforms of the Nobel Peace Prize and the Academy Awards. The College is the top producer of Black men who go on to receive doctorates, and is the top-feeder school for Black men entering top-ranked MBA programs as well as managerial and executive positions in business.
Rep. Charles Rangel, also honored for Lifetime Achievement, has served in Congress since 1971. He is a recipient of The Bronze medal for helping save soldiers behind enemy line during the Korean War
Rep. Yvette Clarke is a Democratic member of the US House of Representatives from New York whose 9th district covers much of central Brooklyn. Before entering Congress in 2007, she
The anonymous $20 million gift was contributed to the "Making Men of Consequence" Campaign, the largest fundraising initiative in Morehouse's 157-year history. The goals of the $500 million campaign are to expand Morehouse's ability to offer scholarship support to any deserving student, recruit new faculty at the top of their fields, invest in innovative academic programs, and to fund campus improvements.
R. Donahue Peebles, honoree, is a leading developer and founder of The Peebles Co., the nation’s largest African American-owned real estate firm with $3.5 billion worth of properties under development or management — he was one of the pioneering developerswho helped turn around and revitalize the once-blighted Anacostia neighborhood in Washington, D.C. A champion of African-American economic empowerment Peebles’ is contemplating a possible run for NYC mayor in 2017.
Specifically, the donation falls under the campaign's "Inquiry with Distinction" pillar,
Honoree Barbara Arnwine, civil rights lawyer, is a champion of protecting voting rights of ethnic minority groups — the emerging
With the addition of the anonymous gift, nearly $290 million has been generated for the "Making Men of Consequence" Campaign to date.
"We are grateful to the anonymous donor for this generous investment in our faculty," said Hodan Hassan, Vice President of Institutional Advancement. "This significant gift fuels our ongoing commitment to excellence in higher education and our ability to offer students transformative academic experiences that help them to reach their full potential."
Transformative Justice Coalition. Arnwine was for 26 years executive Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law. , honoree, formerly a member, is now council member and a champion of education for
which focuses on expanding investment in academics, including distinguished faculty positions, curricular and academic programming, and evidencebased research. The fundraising goal for that pillar is $100 million. Currently, Morehouse employs more than 300 fulland-part-time faculty.
"Investing in Morehouse College's talented faculty is critical to maintaining the College's reputation and relevance as a world-class institution of higher learning," said Provost Kendrick Brown, Ph.D. "At Morehouse, we are developing men with integrity and intellect to become 21st-century leaders and innovators. That takes resources—not only funds for technology and classroom materials, but also a significant investment in attracting accomplished professors to Morehouse who will continue to elevate our profile in all academic areas."
Honoree Imhotep Gary Byrd is a legendary radio talk show host and executive producer, radio DJ, poet, songwriter, music recording artist and producer, rapper, writer and community activist. He began his career as a radio DJ in Buffalo at age 15. For over 30 years, he’s been a talk show host at WBLS and WLIB radio in New York City. He also has a Friday night radio talk show on WBAI
Honoree Sabrina Lamb, founder of World of Money, is a champion of financial literacy for youth-- she teaches knowledge about handling money, budgeting and planning.
Dr. Rudy Crew, honoree, is one of the nation’s leading educators. He’s president of Medgar Evers College of The City University of New
Founded in 1867, Morehouse College is the nation's only college founded to educate men of color. Ranked as Georgia's top liberal arts college for men, Morehouse produces more Black men who go on to receive doctorates than any other college in the country and is a top feeder school for Black men entering prestigious graduate schools and MBA programs. Also named Georgia's #1 small college, Morehouse educates a selective group of 2,300 students each year, 60 percent of whom come from families with household incomes of $40,000 or less, yet many of whom are highly recruited by Fortune 500 companies. The College has created more Black male Rhodes Scholars than any other HBCU and has the #1 core curriculum among HBCUs nationally. It is the nation's top producer of Black male graduates in the social sciences, and the top HBCU producer of Black male graduates in business administration, management, operations, English, foreign languages, mathematics, statistics, philosophy, religious studies, and physical sciences. As the national epicenter for thought leadership on human rights and equity, Morehouse is committed to helping the nation address the challenges caused by institutional racism, income and health care disparities, lack of access to capital, detrimental public policy, and the need for high-quality education. Learn more about Morehouse College at morehouse. edu
York and a former chancellor of the New York public schools system. Pioneering producers Stephen Byrd and Alia Jones, through their company Front Row Production, brought “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” and “A Streetcar Named Desire” with a multi-ethnic cast to Broadway. In 2016 they bring “Eclipsed” with Oscar Winner Lupita Nyong ’O to Broadway. Honorees, the so-called Central Park 5, are collectively and individually heroes. They are survivors of one of the ugliest miscarriage of justice in New York’s history; having been railroaded and unjustly convicted for a crime they did not commit and for which they served long prison sentences ranging from seven years to 13 years before being exonerated when the actual rapist confessed. They are: Yusef Abdus Salaam; Raymond Santana Jr., Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, and Kharey Wise.
The Black Star News, which focuses on investigative journalism, has been featured as a result of some if its news scoops, on CNN, The New York Daily News, The New York Post, The Village Voice, and Brill’s Content magazine.
Past Black Star News honorees have included: Gil Noble (Like It Is), Rep. Maxine Waters, Soledad O’Brien (CNN), Ms. Camille Cosby, Voza Rivers (New Heritage Theatre), Errol Louis (NY1 News), Amel Larrieux (Entertainer), Dr. William Pollard (Medgar Evers College), Herm Edwards (NY Jets), Nayaba Arinde (Amsterdam News), La-Verna Fountain (Columbia University), Lillian Roberts (DC37), Desiree Dancy (New York Times), Greg Floyd (Local 237), Rev. Al Sharpton (National Action Network), and many others.
Image Source: PR Newswire
BLACK ECONOMIC AGENDA IS NATIONWIDE
The BLACK TO THE FUTURE ACTION FUND today announced the Black Economic Agenda, a policy roadmap to inform elected officials and political candidates nationwide of Black communities' key economic priorities –from wages and taxes to housing and healthcare. The Black Economic Agenda is designed from the findings of the historic Black Census Project, the largest survey of Black people in U.S. history.
communities, economic issues rose to the top. The Black Economic Agenda can and must be used by policymakers and candidates to deliver real results for us."
For policymakers and candidates, the agenda identifies policy holes and provides suggested fixes, including longterm policy solutions to improve Black lives. For advocates, the agenda includes helpful data to build policy campaigns and push policymakers to be more
"The Black Economic Agenda was created for us, by us, to enact a future of economic justice for Black communities all across America," said Kristin Powell, Principal of Black to the Future Action Fund and Black Futures Lab "Black voters are the undeniable bedrock of our nation's democracy, but lawmakers consistently fall short of fully delivering for our communities. When Black Census participants were asked about the most important problems facing Black
NATIONAL
The NATIONAL PARK SERVICE has awarded $10,670,000 to 15 projects in eight states as part of the Historic Preservation Fund’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities grant program, which focuses on the repair of historic structures on the campuses of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
“It’s vital for America’s HBCUs to preserve their vibrant history, ensuring that the places and the events that happened there are not forgotten,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams
“I’m proud that the National Park Service can support this locally-led stewardship.”
This year’s grants will support the preservation of sites like Simmons College’s Steward Hall, Delaware State University’s Hope House, and Cheyney University of Pennsylvania’s Melrose Cottage.
Simmons College, the sole private HBCU in the state of Kentucky, will rehabilitate Steward Hall, one of two remaining buildings built during the college’s peak period in 1924. The architect and builder Samuel Plato is a celebrated Black architect who also graduated from Simmons College. The grant funds will be used to rehabilitate windows and doors as well as provide foundation repairs and tuckpointing.
The Delaware State University (DSU) Downtown campus in Dover, Delaware, will rehabilitate a pre-1885, three-story frame building with Queen Anne architectural features including a mansard roof and
and childcare. One recommendation is widening homeownership options by developing programs to preserve and expand housing affordability and availability.
Changing how states raise tax dollars and invest them, including making sure corporations and highest earners pay their fair share.
"Black people are worried about the rising costs of living and low wages that are not enough to sustain us or our families," said Alicia Garza, Founder and Former Principal of Black Futures Lab and Black to the Future Action Fund "The Black Economic Agenda is a concrete roadmap that can lead to economic resilience for millions of Black families and generations to come. But it only works and becomes alive if we use it — as elected officials, candidates, advocates and voters."
increasing affordable housing, health care, childcare, and college education.
The Black Economic Agenda translates these findings into a policy platform, useful for several audiences, including policymakers, candidates, advocates and the public. Black to the Future Action Fund will use the agenda to activate and engage over 250,000 Black voters across three key states ahead of November. A condensed version of the agenda will be shared with as many Black people as possible, including at doors, on the streets and virtually.
accountable to Black people. The Black Economic Agenda urges elected officials and governments to build Black economic power in the following areas:
Livable wages and worker and workplace protections, including raising the minimum wage to at least $17 per hour, with ongoing annual increases that account for the rising cost of living.
Policies that impact not only how Black people live, but also their quality of life, such as housing, health care
Last month, Black to the Future Action Fund's c3 arm, Black Futures Lab, published the full findings from the 2023 Black Census, a survey of more than 200,000 Black people across all 50 states. Of the 17 most important problems polled by the Black Census, six were economic issues, four of which ranked in the top tier of concerns. These issues include low wages, schools that fail to prepare Black children, lack of affordable housing, and lack of affordable health care. Black Census respondents strongly support policies that would make Black people more economically secure, including guaranteeing higher wages and
Speakers at the event to release the Black Economic Agenda on Thursday, August 8 in Atlanta, included Dawn Richards (Hip Hop Caucus artist relations director), Kendrick Sampson (actor and activist), Trae Croeckett (singer/ songwriter, MC and poet) and Conscious Lee (educator, facilitator and digital storyteller).
The Black to the Future Action Fund works to make Black communities powerful in politics, so that we can be powerful in the entirety of our lives. We work to enact policies that improve the lives of Black communities, and to elect Black and pro-Black legislators with progressive values who move progressive policies. Together we work to ensure that Black people have what all people deserve —dignity, safety, and power. https:// black2thefuture.org
PARK SERVICE AWARDS 10 MILLION TO HBCU’S
an expansive porch. Originally owned by Wesley College, the building was acquired by DSU in 2021. The rehabilitation of the building will address the building envelope, interior water damage, and mold remediation. The rehabilitated building will be named the Hope House and provide social services for students and the community.
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, will rehabilitate Melrose Cottage, a cottage that dates to around 1785. The building served as the university president's house from 1913 to 1951, and was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. The rehabilitated building will become the admission team's hub and a welcome center for campus tours. Funding will provide repairs to the electrical systems, a fire suppression system, and address accessibility issues.
Congress appropriated funding for the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Grant Program in FY2023 through the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF). The HPF uses revenue from federal oil and gas leases on the Outer Continental Shelf, assisting with a broad range of preservation projects without expending tax dollars, with the intent to mitigate the loss of nonrenewable resources to benefit the preservation of other irreplaceable resources.
Established in 1977, the HPF was authorized at $150 million per year through 2024 and has provided more than $2 billion in historic preservation grants
to states, Tribes, local governments, and nonprofit organizations.
Administered by the NPS, HPF funds may be appropriated by Congress to support a variety of historic preservation projects to help preserve the nation’s cultural resources. Other HPF grant programs managed by NPS fund preservation of America’s premier cultural resources and historic places in Underrepresented Communities, as well
as sites key to the representation of Tribal Heritage, African American civil rights, and the History of Equal Rights in America.
More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 429 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube
THE DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY (DSU) DOWNTOWN CAMPUS IN DOVER, DELAWARE, WILL REHABILITATE A PRE-1885, THREE-STORY FRAME BUILDING WITH QUEEN ANNE ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES INCLUDING A MANSARD ROOF AND AN EXPANSIVE PORCH.
Photo Credit: Delaware State University
BLACK WOMEN FOR WELLNESS HOLDS CONFERENCE
BLACK WOMEN FOR WELLNESS is proud to announce that California Attorney General Rob Bonta will offer opening remarks at Black Women for Wellness' 25th Annual Reproductive Justice Conference, "A New Era of Justice: Our Bodies, Our Voices, Our Freedom." The conference will be held on August 15, 2024, at The California Endowment in Los Angeles from 8am5:30pm PT.
Attorney General Rob Bonta has a distinguished history of advocating for reproductive rights in California. He was the first Attorney General to proactively go after "crisis pregnancy centers," suing a chain of centers and an anti-abortion group over misleading advertisements of an unproven and largely experimental procedure known as "abortion pill reversal." He led an investigation into statewide compliance with anti-implicit bias training for perinatal care providers, which found that not a single employee had been fully trained. As a result of the investigation, the Attorney General sponsored new legislation to ensure successful implementation of state-mandated implicit bias training to reduce the disproportionate maternal mortality rate of Black women.
Attorney General Bonta released the first-ever report on reproductive healthcare in California jails, highlighting the importance of ensuring reproductive rights for incarcerated individuals.
Finally, he has also taken action to defend access to abortion and contraception, to ensure the privacy of patients receiving reproductive health care, to demand tech companies protect sensitive reproductive health data, and to protect those who come to California for care.
Attorney General Bonta will deliver his address at 9:30 a.m. His remarks will be followed by a keynote panel titled, "Designing our Future: Perspectives and Visions for a New Era of Justice and Liberation." The keynote panel will feature Deon Haywood, a nationally recognized leader in the reproductive justice movement and executive director of Women With A Vision, alongside Dazon Dixon Diallo, founder of SisterLove, the first women's HIV, sexual, and reproductive
justice organization in the southeastern United States.
This year's theme, "A New Era of Justice: Our Bodies, Our Voices, Our Freedom," provides a rich backdrop for stories on the evolving landscape of reproductive justice, the intersection of social justice issues, and the voices leading the charge for change. Conference participants will have the opportunity to learn from keynote speeches, panel discussions, and breakout sessions that highlight critical topics such as maternal health, environmental justice, and civic engagement.
CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS:
Civic Engagement Track
Environmental Justice Track
Grown and Sexy Track
In/Fertility Track
Maternal Health Track
Men's Track
Youth Track
"Black women's bodies are indeed on the line in this new era of justice ushered in by the Dodd decision, the conservative Supreme Court and the willingness of many state governments to erode a woman's right to autonomy," says Janette Robinson Flint, executive director of Black Women for Wellness
"Across the country we have seen the impact across the reproductive field, infertility, and decreased access to maternity care by the creation of maternity deserts -- especially with forprofit hospitals and bans on abortion." "Black Women for Wellness' annual Reproductive Justice Conference will bring updates across the spectrum – from implicit bias and the Blacklash (increase in anti-black racism), to criminalization of women seeking abortion care, including the impacts of maternity deserts, maternal mortality and how environmental justice plays a role in our reproductive health status. We hope you join us, plan to share the information you learn and become active as Black women experience this new era of reproductive justice."
Tickets for the 25th Annual Reproductive Justice Conference are currently on sale. For additional information about the conference, including sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, please visit www.bwwla. org or email arnedra@bwwla.com.
STEAM GETS GRANT FROM DODGE FOUNDATION
Full STEAM Forward (FSF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting equity in science education for girls of color, is excited to announce that it has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the Cleveland H. Dodge Foundation. This generous grant will support Full STEAM Forward's mission to provide highquality STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) enrichment programs to underserved communities in NYC.
FSF's programs are designed to empower young girls by building their self-confidence and providing them with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in STEM fields. With this funding, FSF will increase our presence in NYC by expanding our current programs with the Ascend Public Charter School Network and launching a new partnership with the Henry Longfellow School in Brooklyn. During the 202425 school year, FSF will serve a total of 180 3rd, 4th and 5th grade girls
in Brooklyn through in-person and online programs.
"We are incredibly grateful to the Cleveland H. Dodge Foundation for their generous support," said Joni Bessler, CEO of Full STEAM Forward "This grant will enable us to add in-person programs to our online offerings so that even more young girls in Brooklyn can participate in our highly interactive, hands-on classes. By providing these opportunities at an early age, we hope to grow the pipeline of young women who take advanced science and math classes in high school and college, and ultimately pursue careers in a STEM field."
"The Cleveland H. Dodge Foundation is dedicated to supporting programs that provide New York City youth with the skills to promote life-long achievement and overcome social inequities. We are delighted to partner with Full STEAM Forward to further this mission by helping their educators create in-
person, after school programs in New York City based on their successful online model."
The Cleveland H. Dodge Foundation has a long history of supporting educational initiatives that promote equity and access.
Their commitment to empowering underserved communities aligns perfectly with FSF's mission. With this funding, FSF will be able to enhance our curriculum, offer more experiential learning opportunities, and provide additional resources to students and families in Brooklyn.
ECONOMICS
AFRICAN AMERICAN FINANCIAL CONFERENCE TO FOCUS ON EMPOWERMENT
The AMERICAN COLLEGE OF FINANCIAL SERVICES is proud to announce the 18th annual Conference of African American Financial Professionals (CAAFP) taking place from August 12-14 in Atlanta, Georgia. This year's conference will center around the theme "Expanding Our Collective Impact" – a call to action for professionals to work together to advance strategies for economic empowerment that transcend generations, strengthen
education and deeper relationships between financial services and the clients and communities it serves."
Since its founding, the CAAFP has served to advocate and advance the charge for increased representation of Black and African American professionals in the financial services industry. Keynote sessions will feature thought leaders from a variety of backgrounds in financial services, including:
Raphael Bostic, President and
each designed to provide in-depth knowledge and practical strategies to enhance their practice:
1. THE CLIENT EXPERIENCE - Deliver exceptional client service with topics like how to speak to clients based on their needs, financial psychology, service offerings, and intergenerational planning.
2. SCALABLE BUSINESS - Build a sustainable, scalable business with strategies for organic growth,
impact, and power transformational change.
"We are excited to bring together such a dynamic community of professionals to discuss and develop strategies that will have a lasting impact on our communities," said George Nichols III, CAP®, president and CEO of The American College of Financial Services "The Conference of African American Financial Professionals is an important part of The College's strategic focus on representation, with an aim to help support a vibrant profession well into the future, and narrow wealth gaps through financial
CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
Donna Brazile, Author, Political Strategist, and Chair of Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board
Michelle Singletary, Author and Award-Winning Personal Finance Columnist, The Washington Post
And other special guests
There will be over twenty breakout sessions led by change agents and industry experts with a focus on empowering Black communities and the advisors that serve them. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in three tracks,
identification of niche markets, when/ how to hire, and Artificial Intelligence [AI].
3. SPECIALIZATION - Specialize in complex planning to differentiate yourself from generalists with topics like retirement income planning, insurance, philanthropy, tax planning, and wealth management.
"The CAAFP is an invaluable opportunity for African American financial professionals to gain insights and strategies that can elevate their practice and positively impact their clients," said Deborah Eskridge
Glenn, MA, MSM, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Interim Executive Director, Center for Economic Empowerment & Equality at The American College of Financial Services "We are honored to host this event and to contribute to the collective knowledge and success of our community."
The CAAFP embodies The College's commitment to inclusivity, engagement, and fostering shared experiences. With a focus on career pathways and advancement, our programming empowers attendees to thrive in the financial industry. These endeavors are integral to The College's strategic roadmap, as we strive to create a more inclusive and prosperous future for all. To learn more about the CAAFP and register, visit TheAmericanCollege.edu/ CAAFP-2024
Founded in 1927, The American College of Financial Services is the nation's largest nonprofit educational institution devoted to financial services professionals. Holding the highest level of academic accreditation, The College has educated over 200,000 professionals across the United States through certificate, designation, and graduate degree programs. Its portfolio of applied knowledge also includes just-in-time learning and consumer financial education programs. The College's faculty represents some of the foremost thought leaders in the financial services industry. Visit TheAmericanCollege.edu and connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Discover all the ways you can expand your opportunities with us.
Dr. Teresa Taylor Williams
Assistant
International Correspondent Ann Brown
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Justin Williams
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Robert L. Taylor
Is it Alzheimer’s? Or just signs of aging? Get screened and find out.
If you have trouble remembering, learning new things, concentrating or making decisions that affect everyday life, the sooner you can find out what’s going on, the better.
Early screening of your cognitive health allows for earlier detection and diagnosis of potential Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia. Early diagnosis means more time to plan for the future, express your preferences for care, adapt your home environment and seek support. We can help you learn about available resources.
Early diagnosis also provides opportunities to try new treatments. For those who are experiencing possible early cognitive decline, we offer the opportunity to participate in ongoing research studies/clinical trials that may help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s symptoms. Our Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease — one of 10 centers in New York State — is funded in part by a grant from the New York State Department of Health.
MUSIC JANET JACKSON ANNOUNCES RESIDENCY AT RESORTS WORLD
Five-time GRAMMY®️ Award-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Fame®️ Inductee JANET JACKSON , has announced her all-new Las Vegas residency and venue debut at Resorts World Theatre at Resorts World Las Vegas launching New Year’s Week. On the heels of her highly successful "Together Again" Tour, the megastar will bring JANET JACKSON: LAS VEGAS to the one-of-a-kind venue for back-to-back performances beginning Monday, December 30, 2024, and on New Year’s Eve, Tuesday, December 31, 2024, with eight additional performances set for 2025 including Valentine’s Day Weekend. Tickets to all ten performances will be available for purchase starting Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at 10 a.m. PT on AXS.com. The highly-anticipated shows are presented by AEG Presents
“Janet Jackson is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in pop music,” said Bobby Reynolds, Senior Vice President, AEG Presents Las Vegas “We could not be more thrilled to close out 2024 with her return to the Las Vegas Strip and her venue debut at our award-winning Resorts World Theatre, and to kick off 2025 with a run of sure-to-be-unforgettable shows. This is a residency fans won’t want to miss.”
Jackson’s performances at Resorts World Theatre will bring worldclass attitude, starpower, and the experience of a lifetime for fans from around the world. The 20242025 performance dates of JANET JACKSON: LAS VEGAS going on sale Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at 10 a.m. PT include:
December 2024: 30, 31
January 2025: 3, 4
February 2025: 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 15 To purchase tickets and for more information on these performances visit AXS.com and rwlasvegas.com/ entertainment
The 5,000-capacity theatre at Resorts World Las Vegas, exclusively programmed and operated by Concerts West / AEG Presents, is a state-of-the-art, multi-level venue designed by the award-winning international design firm, Scéno Plus. The intimate venue, with the furthest seat only 150 feet from the stage, features unparalleled comfort, unobstructed sightlines, and an unmatched spatial audio experience through more than 200 L-Acoustics speakers powered by L-ISA Immersive Hyperreal Sound technology. For the second year in a row, Resorts World Theatre was named the world’s highest-grossing venue under 5,000 capacity on Billboard’s Annual Top Grossing Venues list for 2023. Based on reporting from November 1, 2022, to September 30, 2023, the 5,000-
seat venue scored No. 1 on the 2023 year-end boxscore chart.
ABOUT JANET JACKSON -Janet Jackson is one of the most influential entertainers of the modern era. Her music has won her 5 GRAMMY®️ Awards, 2 Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, a nomination for an Academy Award along with dozens of American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards. She has received accolades as an actress as well including the NAACP Best Supporting Actor award. Janet is a published author, dancer, businessperson, philanthropist
Springsteen and U2. Even today she continues to make an undeniable impact. In 2018, her last single, “Made for Now” with Daddy Yankee, released by her own Rhythm Nation Records, hit #1 on the Dance Clubs Songs chart making it her 20th single on the chart in the span of her career. In 2019, she was inducted the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside her brothers and in that same year her critically acclaimed Las Vegas residency, “Metamorphosis” closed out to record breaking ticket sales with only 18 dates at the Park MGM's Park Theater. As reported by Billboard Boxscore, the legendary
and one of biggest-selling artists in popular music history. With sales of over 180 million records worldwide, Janet Jackson stands as one of the best-selling artists of all time with a string of hits that have left an indelible impression on pop culture. She is the record holder for the biggest selling debut tour in history and is the first woman to debut in the Top 10 of the Hot 100 charts. She also stands as one of only four artists to have a #1 album for four successive decades alongside Barbra Streisand, Bruce
hitting #1 on the Apple Top 40 US Pop Album chart. Led by five chart-busting hit singles — “What Have You Done for Me Lately,” “Nasty,” “Control,” “When I Think Of You,” —with their complementary, tightly choreographed music videos — and “Let’s Wait Awhile,” Control became Jackson’s first No. 1 Pop album. The album also made Billboard chart history for having the longest continuous run on the Hot 100 with singles from one album, ultimately tallying a remarkable 65 consecutive weeks from that perch. To date, Control has sold more than 10 million copies worldwide.
In 2023, her highly successful "Together Again" tour became the icon’s highest selling trek of her career which featured 36 sold out shows and received rave reviews from fans and press. Okayplayer said “Janet has still got it, serving as our beloved sex symbol, superstar, and Queen of Pop that no one has come close to emulating.” The Chicago Tribune confirmed, “Being a performer, a showstopper, a true delight is not just what Janet Jackson does. It is who she is.” And the Boston Globe claimed, “Jackson is a killer live act.” She recently completed a 35-city extension of the "Together Again" tour that kicked off June 2024 and will launch the European leg September 2024.
singer, dancer, songwriter, producer, and actress is among the biggest Vegas performers of this decade, ahead of Celine Dion (2011), Britney Spears (2013) and the Backstreet Boys (2017). Her critically acclaimed and award winning documentary “Janet Jackson.” brought in over 20 million viewers in one week.
On February 4, 2021, Janet Jackson’s iconic mega platinum-selling third album Control turned 35. The album also returned to the top of the charts,
Combining the power of the live event with a focus on true artist development, AEG Presents is a world leader in the music and entertainment industries. Operating across five continents, the company has an unparalleled commitment to artistry, creativity, and community. Its tentpole festivals and multi-day music events — which include the iconic Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival and the legendary New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival alongside British Summer Time at Hyde Park, Stagecoach, Hangout Festival, Electric Forest, Rock En Seine, and All Points East — continue to set the bar for the live music experience. AEG Presents promotes global tours for artists such as Justin Bieber, Blackpink, Kenny Chesney, Celine Dion, Elton John, Karol G, Paul McCartney, Katy Perry, The Rolling Stones, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, and Tyler, The Creator, in addition to — through its network of clubs, theatres, arenas, stadiums and renowned partner brands such as The Bowery Presents, Concerts West, Frontier Touring, Goldenvoice, Marshall Arts, Messina Touring Group, PromoWest Productions, and Zero Mile Presents — creating and developing an unmatched infrastructure for artist development and audience reach. More information can be found at www.aegpresents.com
Photo: Courtesy Janet Jackson / AEG Presents Las Vegas
ENTERTAINMENT
JAZZ AT JERSEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
THU 11.14 @ 7:30 P.M. TRIBUTE TO FUNK! with Bilal Nona Hendryx, Christian McBride, Savion Glover, Vernon Reid, George Clinton, and Ray Chew
It’s an unmissable night with the living legends of funk. Featuring appearances by:
BILAL, the GRAMMY®️-winning soul singer and songwriter. In addition to his award for “These Walls,” he was nominated for his songs “Little One” and “Matter,” and for his contributions to Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly
NONA HENDRYX of Labelle, celebrating 50 years of the hit song “Lady Marmalade.”
The pioneering songwriter, vocalist, activist and multimedia artist is still breaking boundaries with her ambitious fusion of technology, music, art and performance.
CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE, the luminous 16x GRAMMY®️ nominee and 8x winner who plays everything from Monk to Funk. Bassist, composer, bandleader and NJPAC Jazz Advisor.
SAVION GLOVER, the TONY Awardwinning tap dancer extraordinaire of Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk; The Tap Dance Kid; Jelly's Last Jam and Shuffle Along. Tap legend Gregory Hines calls him “possibly the best tap dancer that ever lived.”
VERNON REID, the GRAMMY®️-winning guitarist and founder of Living Colour
“His rampant eclecticism encompasses everything from heavy metal and punk to funk, R&B and avant-garde jazz, and his anarchic, lightning-fast solos have become something of a hallmark” (AllMusic).
GEORGE CLINTON, the Godfather of Funk.
The frontman of Parliament-Funkadelic is one of funk music’s foremost innovators, with a career spanning five decades, three dozen albums and sweeping musical influence.
With Music Director RAY CHEW (Dancing with the Stars, Showtime at the Apollo, SNL).
Tix: $49-$89. Location: NJPAC’s Prudential Hall.
SUN 11.17 @ 3:00 P.M. CINDY BLACKMAN SANTANA NJPAC DEBUT
CINDY BLACKMAN SANTANA –percussion
AURÉLIEN BUDYNEK – guitar
ZACCAI CURTIS – keys
EMILIO MODESTE- saxophone
Cindy Blackman Santana is a force of nature. A longtime drummer for Santana and Lenny Kravitz, she’s known for the sheer power of her soulful playing. She’s performed with dozens of artists including Pharoah Sanders, Cassandra Wilson, Bill Laswell, Joss Stone, Joe Henderson, Buckethead, Don Pullen, Hugh Masakela
and Angela Bofill. And she leads her own projects, including Another Lifetime and The Cindy Blackman Santana Band. Her solo album Give the Drummer Some (2020) spans jazz, rock and funk, showcasing her versatility both behind the kit and in front of the microphone.
TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®, is one of the largest banks in the U.S., providing over 10 million customers with a full range of retail, small business and commercial banking products and services at more than 1,100 convenient locations throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Metro D.C., the Carolinas and Florida. o learn more, visit www.td.com/us
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located in downtown Newark, New Jersey, is among the largest performing arts centers in the United States. It is the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey — where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day. As New Jersey’s anchor cultural institution, NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the State’s and the world’s best artists, while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city. Through its extensive Arts Education programs, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. NJPAC has attracted more than 11 million visitors (including more than two million children) since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents. Visit www.njpac.org for more information.
Photo Source: NJPAC
BUSINESS
STORYCORPS LAUNCHES BRIGHTNESS IN BLACK
STORYCORPS, the renowned nonprofit dedicated to fostering belief in each other by highlighting our shared humanity, announces the launch of a major new initiative, Brightness in Black. The threeyear initiative – with support from Michael Jordan and the Jordan Brand's Black Community Commitment – will collect and amplify stories that showcase the nuance, complexity, and richness of the Black experience, challenging the pervasive narratives of Black life in America that are often limited and deficit-framed.
BRIGHTNESS IN BLACK SCREEN
Each year, Brightness in Black will work intensively in two different Anchor Communities, collaborating with local media and community organizations to capture asset-framed stories of the Black community, working with partners on content co-creation and distribution, and hosting local events. The goal of the regional effort is to build capacity to sustain narrative change work in these communities long-term. This year's Anchor Communities are Philadelphia and Atlanta, with the remaining four locations to be announced. Stories also will be collected at pop-up events across the country. In addition, Brightness in Black will launch a national content distribution effort, in collaboration with Black media outlets, inviting Black Americans across the country to record their stories, virtually and in-person.
StoryCorps CEO Sandra Clark said, "We are honored to launch this important initiative with support from Michael Jordan and
the Jordan Brand's Black Community Commitment. For too long, Black stories have largely been depicted as onedimensional and over-simplified. Brightness in Black encourages the Black community nationwide to challenge and reclaim this narrative by sharing their personal stories of triumph, challenges, resilience, and gratitude. StoryCorps has developed a tried and trusted method for preserving the voices of everyday people and is uniquely positioned to develop this initiative."
BRIGHTNESS IN BLACK LAUNCH
The initiative will officially kick off in the Brightness in Black Anchor Community of Philadelphia, with a launch event on September 14, 2024, at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts from noon5pm. The family friendly event is free
MIELLE ORGANICS CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY
Rolling out proudly honors the 10th anniversary of MIELLE, the preeminent Black-founded, women-led textured hair care brand specializing in natural ingredients. Founded in 2014 by the dynamic wifeand-husband duo of Monique and Melvin Rodriguez, Mielle has become a boundarybreaking leading brand for consumers with textured hair through innovative, technologydriven products, natural ingredients, and inspirational and educational content. The company grew so quickly and successfully that it attracted the attention of Procter & Gamble, joined forces, went global and became exponentially robust.
Mielle products can be found in more than 100,000 stores across the U.S., in retailers such as Ulta Beauty, Sally Beauty, Target, CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens and Walmart
To ensure that it remains true to its roots, Mielle continues to be led by Monique and Melvin, as CEO and COO, respectively, and operates as an independent subsidiary of P&G Beauty
rolling out, a prominent Black-owned media platform based in Atlanta with millions of readers nationwide, features Mielle's founder and CEO on its August digital and print cover, which further demonstrates rolling out's mission to spotlight phenomenal Black female business leaders.
"Monique Rodriguez embodies the strength and agency of Black women in business," says rolling out founder and CEO Munson Steed "Today, more than ever, we are seeing Black women lead in all sectors with a determination to create brands that acknowledge their beautiful uniqueness. I am proud to celebrate Mrs. Rodriguez and
remind the younger visionaries of what is possible. It's a win for today and the future."
Monique certainly merits the attention with her inspiring journey into global entrepreneurship. The timing is perfect as August is national Black Business Month
"It is an incredible honor to grace the cover of rolling out magazine as we celebrate Mielle's 10-year milestone," Monique said. "This cover is more than just an achievement for me; it symbolizes the journey of resilience, passion, and purpose that has driven Mielle from a small startup to a global brand. Our success is a testament to the power of Black entrepreneurship, and I hope this moment inspires aspiring Black entrepreneurs to dream big, work hard and stay committed to their visions. We are not just creating products; we are building legacies and paving the way for future generations."
The unveiling of the rolling out cover coincides with a Regal Reveal event in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, on Aug. 7. Additionally, a commissioned art piece by a Black female artist celebrating the 10th anniversary of Mielle Organics will be revealed during Art Basel
Founded in 2014 by CEO Monique Rodriguez, Mielle is a popular Blackfounded, woman-led global beauty brand that is rooted in natural ingredients. With a heavy emphasis on incorporating healthier ingredients as its "root to results," Mielle Organics' collection of beauty products is designed for Black women. Their products can be found in more than 100,000 stores across the U.S. in retailers such as Ulta Beauty, Sally Beauty, Target, CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens and Walmart
and open to the public and will feature a recitation of an original poem for the occasion by Kai Davis, Philadelphia's Poet Laureate. Additional activities will include community activations; the opportunity for attendees to record an interview in the StoryCorps airstream mobile booth; a host of live performances by artists including Seraiah Nicole; a panel discussion; multimedia displays; and more.
"The Jordan Brand's commitment to the Black community is infinite—central to who we are as a brand," said Sarah Mensah, Jordan Brand President. "We are incredibly proud to be a part of the work StoryCorps is driving with Brightness in Black, ensuring that the voices and stories of the Black community remain a part of our collective history."
BRIGHTNESS IN BLACK HBCU FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
The year-long Fellowship Program is nonresidential and designed for rising junior and senior students attending HBCUs (historically Black colleges and universities) or community colleges within the program's Anchor Community regions. As part of the fellowship, six students in each cohort will receive personal and professional development, specialized facilitator training and a supportive learning community guided by StoryCorps staff, community partners, local content creators, and their fellow cohort members. Throughout the program, fellows will facilitate, record, and help archive interviews, while working on personal Brightness in Black recording projects of their own choosing.
RECORD WITH
BRIGHTNESS IN BLACK
There are a number of ways to participate in a Brightness in Black recording, either virtually or in person. Participants can record with a partner of their choice for a standard 50-minute conversation or alone for a shorter, twenty-minute recording. To record virtually, participants can use StoryCorps' free recording tools such as the StoryCorps App and StoryCorps Connect, or record in person at a StoryCorps event or at one of StoryCorps' Mobile Tour stops (schedule below). Participants will have the option to share their stories with others by adding it to StoryCorps' archive in the Library of Congress American Folklife Center, contributing to a more authentic and dynamic portrayal of Black life today.
ENTERTAINMENT
PEPSI BATTLE OF THE BANDS CELEBRATES A DECADE
The 2024 Pepsi National Battle of the Bands (NBOTB) proudly celebrates its 10th anniversary with an exhilarating lineup of events and performances, spotlighting the rich heritage and vibrant culture of Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU) marching bands. This year's event, themed "Celebrating Champions of Culture," promises a spectacular weekend full of music, education, and community engagement from August 23-25 in Houston, Texas.
"Celebrating ten years of the National Battle of the Bands is a milestone that goes beyond music—it's about the impact these bands have on their communities and the broader cultural landscape," said Derek Webber, CEO of Webber Marketing and Executive Producer of National Battle of the Bands "This anniversary is a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of HBCU marching bands, and we are proud to continue amplifying their incredible stories and contributions."
This year's participating bands include Bethune-Cookman University's Marching Wildcats, Jackson State University's Sonic Boom of the South, Miles College's Purple Marching Machine, Prairie View A&M University's Marching Storm, Southern University's Human Jukebox, Tennessee State University's Aristocrat of Bands, Texas Southern University's Ocean of Soul, and Tuskegee University's Marching Crimson Pipers
In addition to the electrifying performances from the 2024 HBCU band lineup, the event will showcase an exciting lineup of special artist performances. Grammy Awardwinning rapper Lecrae, the legendary Boosie Badazz, and gospel sensation The Walls Group will grace the stage, ensuring a memorable experience for all attendees. Additionally, the Fan Experience at NRG Center will be elevated with a live
AFROPUNK, the global movement exploring all aspects of Black culture around the country and across the world, returns home to Brooklyn this summer for AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA BKLYN
This highly anticipated event will take place from August 23-24, 2024 at the Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park, in partnership with BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!, the longest running free performing arts festival. The two-day event will be an immersive experience that reimagines the future of Black life, creativity, community, and expression as a lead up to AFROPUNK’s 20th anniversary that will take place in 2025.
performance by Rob 49, adding even more energy and excitement to the weekend. The NBOTB weekend kicks off on Friday, August 23, with the Emerging Experience Entrepreneurship Conference presented by JPMorgan Chase from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at The Deluxe Theatre. Later that day, the Back on the Yard Kickoff & Stroll Off Competition will occur at Texas Southern University's Health and Physical Education Arena from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
On Saturday, August 24, the community will unite for the Feeding the Homeless initiative at 2009 Congress Street, Houston, beginning at 9:00 AM. The excitement continues Sunday, August 25, with the Fan Experience at NRG Center from 12:00
PM to 3:00 PM, featuring the HBCU STEM College and Career Fair, showcasing over 40 top HBCUs, colleges, and universities, often providing students with scholarships on the spot. The weekend culminates with the 2024 Pepsi National Battle of the Bands at NRG Stadium. Doors open at 2:30 PM CST, and the show starts at 3:30 PM CST. Tickets are on sale now at NationalBattleoftheBands.com
Know Before You Go: NRG Stadium's Clear Bag Policy will be in effect for Saturday's event. Approved bags for attendees include clear plastic bags no larger than 12" x 6" x 12", (1) gallon clear plastic Ziploc bags, or small clutch purses no larger than 4.5" x 6.5". Be prepared to attend the show with
clear bags.
The National Battle of the Bands' mission is to enhance the exposure of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), their marching bands, and their roles in educating aspiring musicians and developing future leaders. The musical showcase, hosted in collaboration between Webber Marketing and the Harris County - Houston Sports Authority, occurs annually in Houston, TX, at NRG stadium. Event organizers have generated over $1.7 million in scholarships for the participating colleges and universities. For more information, visit www. nationalbattleofthebands.com
AFROPUNK PRESENTS A CELEBRATION OF BLACK
This year’s event will feature a general admission ticket structure, reinforcing the theme of an inclusive future alongside Erykah Badu, who will make her return as a headliner to the AFROPUNK stage for the first time since 2018. Additional performers & programming to be announced.
AFROPUNK continues to explore the diasporic spectrum of Blackness while actively redefining the modern cultural experience, celebrating life, music, food and culture, offering a safe haven for all attendees to show up who they are and as they are.
At AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA BKLYN, festivalgoers will experience a space where the future of Black life, creativity, community and expression are reimagined. BLKTOPIA is the manifestation of an inclusive and intentional tomorrow, centered around a Black perspective, embodying the collective 'future of' and our unapologetic 'freedom to.'
Tickets to AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA BKLYN are now available to AFROPUNK email subscribers at a reduced price and are accessible through an exclusive pre-sale
link until 2 PM ET on Saturday, July 20th. Tickets will be available for non-subscribers to purchase beginning Saturday, July 20th at 3 PM ET on Ticketmaster. com. Stay tuned for all official updates and announcements surrounding this summer’s event on social at @AFROPUNK on X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. AFROPUNK is an integrated media platform and global music event platform giving voice to the unwritten, unwelcome and unseen. AFROPUNK is redefining the modern multicultural experience through its mission to unleash freedom of expression and to honor the power of individuality while strengthening our community. AFROPUNK creates an anchor for its growing audience of multicultural youth through its annual AFROPUNK BROOKLYN event and other events in Miami, Minneapolis, Paris, London, Atlanta, Johannesburg and beyond, while continually enhancing engagement and promoting conversation through content, commerce, and community.
AFROPUNK is devoted to creating safe spaces for the expression of Black liberation and a Black Future where we
love ourselves and each other without preconception. The AFROPUNK tenets serve as a North Star and remind people to check themselves, ego, and each other when we enter the shared spaces.
A multi-faceted ecosystem that uplifts the Global Black experience through frictionless, borderless economic advancements at the intersection of community and culture, ESSENCE Ventures is a member of the Sundial Group of Companies and is the parent company for ESSENCE Communications, Inc., AFROPUNK, Beautycon and Essence Studios
BRIC is a leading arts and media institution anchored in Downtown Brooklyn whose work spans contemporary visual and performing arts, media, and civic action. For over forty years, BRIC has shaped Brooklyn’s cultural and media landscape by presenting and incubating artists, creators, students, and media makers. As a creative catalyst for their community, BRIC ignites learning in people of all ages and centralizes diverse voices that take risks and drive culture forward. BRIC builds Brooklyn’s creative future.
ENTERTAINMENT
REVOLT RETURNS
REVOLT , America's fastestgrowing Black-owned multimedia company, is excited to announce the return of REVOLT WORLD, a one-of-a-kind event celebrating the intersection of culture, creativity, and community. This year's event, themed "We Are the Future," is set to return to Atlanta, GA at Pangaea Studios from Friday, September 20th – Sunday, September 22nd. Presented by Walmart, the event will feature a dynamic talent lineup of today's biggest names including Boosie, Key Glock, Cash Cobain, Mariah The Scientist, Offset, Byron Messia, Lay Bankz, Lady London, Law Roach, Speedy Morman and more.
Participants can also look forward to exclusive live tapings of popular REVOLT shows like "Caresha Please," "Drink Champs," "The Blackprint," "Baller Alert Live," and "Big Facts." The event will include specially curated spaces for gamers, podcasters, creators, along with unparalleled careerbuilding programs, furthering REVOLT's mission to empower and inspire the Black community.
"REVOLT is home for the next
SEPTEMBER WITH OFFSET , YUNG MIAMI & MORE
presenting partner, joined by major sponsors including PepsiCo's portfolio of brands, McDonald's, and State Farm PepsiCo's supporting brands include Starry™, who will complete the Starry FizzFest™ Competition - awarding HBCU student finalists and one grand prize winner, Doritos,®️, who will help bold creators unleash their full potential at the Creator Studio, and Mountain
brands and creators who are changing the game through our new Black & Unlimited experience – The Shoutout," said Allison Rand, Associate Director of Brand Experience and Talent Partnerships at Walmart "We are proud to continue our partnership with REVOLT WORLD, where we can collectively support and amplify Black voices and innovation."
generation of creators and cultural leaders actively shaping Hip Hop and youth culture globally," said Detavio Samuels, CEO of REVOLT. "We believe in creating the future we want to see by providing our community access to experiences like REVOLT World that introduces a new category of cultural events that not only entertains and informs, but truly changes lives." Walmart returns as the
Dew™, who will continue to support the gaming and streaming community through the Gaming Zone. McDonald's will debut a space at REVOLT WORLD to engage fashion contributors, highlighting participants' unique styles and McDonald's investment in Black fashion designers, along with the return of the beloved fry truck.
"Walmart is dedicated to driving visibility to Black-led
Last year's event attracted over 30,000 participants throughout the weekend and delivered endless viral moments and learning opportunities, and this year promises to bring an even greater impact.
REVOLT WORLD continues to embody REVOLT's mission to drive cultural conversation and foster community engagement, featuring curated spaces such
as a gaming house, wellness area, creator studio, podcast village, insights lab, and career center, offering participants a comprehensive experience that connects, educates, and inspires. To learn more about Walmart Black & Unlimited: The Shoutout and how you can be a megaphone for the Black creators you love, visit WalmartShoutout. com.
REVOLT is the leading Blackowned and operated multimedia platform servicing content 24/7 across digital, linear, and live media channels. The platform produces rich content and original material with the biggest names in Hip-Hop, along with reports of breaking news, current events, trends, and announcements within the Black cultural movement and Hip-Hop world. REVOLT takes pride in its diversity, both in its mindset and its company makeup, further instilling its dedication to culture within its staff and audiences. Founded in 2013, REVOLT attracts over 50 million millennials and Gen Z audiences through their disruptive, authentic material across all platforms. In 2021, REVOLT launched a brand new digital mobile app where users can view extended releases, live updates from relevant news, exclusive specials, and much more.
END NOTES
FASTEST MAN IN THE WORLD VICTORY
One step changes history – a step on the moon, a step on a continent, or a step across a finish line in first place for the first time in 20 years. One step is all the time that Lyles led the men’s 100-meter Olympic final on Sunday night, but one step was all he needed. His gold-medal finish is the first by an American in the 100m dash since the Olympic Games Athens 2004, when Justin Gatlin won it in 9.85 seconds. Gatlin’s time would have tied for fifth in this year’s race. It’s the first time in history that seven men crossed the line in under 9.90 seconds in a wind legal race, shattering the famed 10-second barrier. Lyles ran it in 9.784 seconds, beating Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson by five-thousandths of a second.
Lyles exploded into a packed scene in Paris’ Stade de France. He met a raucous crowd charged with an in-arena light show, and with his own reserve of spring-loaded energy combusting, beckoned them to feed the atmosphere with more. Then he ran a race whose excitement paralleled the crescendo of the crowd.
He had the slowest reaction to the gun and occupied last place, eighth, through the first 40 meters. He moved into seventh at 50 meters, passing U.S. teammate Kenneth Bednarek, and jumped to third by 60m, hunting down Thompson, who was the world’s fastest man entering the race and would remain so for just 30 more meters. By the last 10m, Lyles and Thompson were dipping – leaning into the finish alongside five other sprinters. A sevenway photo finish was the result. The
athletes would have to wait for the official results.
Lyles walked over to Thompson to congratulate him.
“After the race I came up, we were waiting for the names to pop up,” Lyles said. “And I'll be honest, I came over, I was like, ‘I think you got that one big dog.’”
race in the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, is reinventing himself as a sprinter. After proving his dominance in the 200m, Lyles seeks to master the 100m. His conquest of the 100m on Sunday keeps Lyles’ goal of winning three Olympic golds alive. He’s slated to compete in the 200m, a race he’s
But then the results appeared, oneby-one they were displayed on the screen with Lyles earning gold, Thompson silver, and Team USA's Fred Kerley bronze. Lyles’ top finish in the 100-meter dash is the 27-year-old’s first Olympic medal in the event.
“My name popped up and I’m like, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m amazing,’” Lyles said. “I'm going to be honest, I wasn't ready to see it.”
Lyles, winner of the 100- and 200-meter
not lost in two full seasons (since the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020), on Monday. After that he’ll contribute to the USA’s 4x100 meter relay, and – if he could put himself in the event – the 4x400 meter relay.
“I didn’t feel a lot of joy last time I was at the Olympics,” Lyles said. “This time, I have a lot of joy, a lot of excitement. It’s a wonderful crowd, and I am ready to perform for them.”
Lyles’ mojo is drawn from crowds that
Lifetime Announces BIOPIC "MISS CLEO:
Lifetime expands the network’s summer movie slate with all-new biopic about beloved television personality and cult icon, Miss Cleo: Her Rise and Fall, premiering on Lifetime Saturday, August 10 at 8/7c, followed by the documentary Call Me Miss Cleo at 10/9c. Starring Robin “The Lady of Rage” Allen (On Ten, Tha Dogg Pound & Snoop Dogg: Who da Hardest) along with Shane Johnson (Power) and Ian Bohen (Yellowstone) and directed by Tim Reid (Sister, Sister) the epic journey picks up in the late 90s’ when, single mom Youree Dell Harris finds herself desperate to take care of her family and takes a job at the Psychic Readers Network — only to become one of the networks most beloved personalities, Miss Cleo. But her challenges don’t end there and when the network faces allegations of fraud and deception, they turn their sights on Miss Cleo. For the first time ever, Miss Cleo’s side of the story will finally be told.
Known for her work during the late 1990’s and early 2000’s with the Psychic Readers Network, this professional telephone and television
psychic Youree Dell Harris (Allen) was launched into the pop culture zeitgeist when the network’s infomercials took off, making her a cult icon as the TV persona Miss Cleo. Fondly remembered for donning a colorful turban in a candlelit room, Miss Cleo dutifully listened to callers detailing the most intimate details of their lives. Miss Cleo ultimately became the face of the Psychic Readers Network, earning the trust and loyalty for those that called her. Years later, Harris’ world was
anticipate greatness, making his debut Olympic experience in the Tokyo 2020 games an underwhelming one.
“I just remember being so, ‘This is not it,’” Lyles said of his thoughts as he stood behind his blocks in an empty stadium. “‘This is not fun. This is not cool. This is not what I wanted. This is not what I thought it was going to be like.’ And that’s literally the last few thoughts I had going into my mind before getting into the blocks.”
Lyles took bronze in Tokyo 2020 200m race, and the loss fueled him. Sunday’s 100m was just the opening act to Lyles’ Olympic Games. He had “ICON” painted in blue polish on his fingernails during 100m prelims, is a fan of flashy fashion, and lets his major personality saturate every room.
“The line between confidence and cockiness is so blurred,” Lyles said. “It’s all an opinion.”
“I want my own shoe,” Lyles said after his race. “I want my own trainer. Dead serious … Even Michael Johnson didn’t have his own sneaker.”
Lyles, an advocate for the publicity of track and field, seeks more for the sport and his fellow athletes.
“I want to see a continuation of the ability to take advantage of moments for our sport,” he said. “... This needs to be accessible because this is a world sport.”
The world watched Lyles become its uncontested fastest man alive in a buzzing Stade de France that would soon stand empty, clinking and humming as it awaits his return in the morning to fill it once again.
HER RISE AND FALL"
turned upside down with complaints that the Psychic Readers Network was fraudulent and spread false advertising. Facing angry fans, Harris was forced to defend her reputation to clear her name and escape financial devastation.
Miss Cleo: Her Rise and Fall also stars Daphne Maxwell Reid, Cocoa Brown, Dwayne Boyd, Towanda Braxton, Jaida Standberry, Marley Taylor, Amelia Young, Stevie Baggs Jr., and Leslie Black Miss Cleo: Her Rise and Fall is produced by Hillionaire
Productions for Lifetime and produced by Jami McCoy-Lankford and Samone Norsworthy, Anthony Standberry, Ahmed Hussain and Jami McCoyLankford serve as executive producers and William J. Cone serves as consulting producer. Tim Reid directs a screenplay by Camara Davis Call Me Miss Cleo the documentary chronicles the icons rise, fall, and reinvention of the ’90s TV psychic Miss Cleo. Known for her larger-than-life persona and memorable accent, Miss Cleo, born Youree Dell Harris, garnered a nationwide cult following on the Psychic Readers Network, a popular telephone hotline that later came under fire for its alleged deceptive practices. Featuring interviews with celebrities and those closest to the self-proclaimed voodoo priestess, the film explores the many layers behind a complicated and charismatic figure. Call Me Miss Cleo was produced by Gunpowder & Sky for HBO Max Van Toffler, Floris Bauer, Barry Barclay, Anne Loder, Jennifer O’Connell, and Lizzie Fox serve as executive producers. The documentary is directed by Celia Aniskovich and Jennifer Brea
NOAH LYLES CELEBRATES AFTER WINNING GOLD IN THE MEN'S 100-METER FINAL AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES PARIS 2024 ON AUG. 4, 2024 IN SAINT-DENIS, FRANCE.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
If you are anywhere in your journey with substance use disorder,
I want you to stop, look around and open your heart.
Revel in the abundance of your existence. See how small substance use disorder can be when sat next to all that you are or ever could be.
Fill your existence with beauty, purpose and a life of service.
And your substance use disorder— your history of addiction, the things you may have done that you are not proud of—will one day be small enough to deal with while allowing you space to live this life of joy.
Hold on.
We are not the sum of our scars but rather a beautiful mosaic of the life they hold together.
