THIS IS THE CHRONICLES OF EFREM: The Daily Buzz For Sept 2

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Alfre Woodard, Laverne Cox, Nicole Beharie, & Danai Gurira Cover Essence Magazine

People are always saying they would love to see some new faces on the cover of magazines, and Essence magazine has heard their cry loud and clear. For their 2014 October issue, Essence is giving nods to the shift going on in black Hollywood by featuring new rising stars including Laverne Cox (from Emmy-nominated series Orange is the New Black), Nicole Beharie (Sleepy Hollow), and Danai Gurira (The Walking Dead). They also round out the cover with veteran actress Alfre Woodard (State of Affairs), calling them “Channel Changers.”

Inside, the four ladies talk about television being more diverse and how women of color are storming networks because of talent and persistence.

Catch what they had to say below:

Danai: “It is a golden age. because we’re allowed to see that more people are given a voice, and that is a beautiful thing. We know when there’s been a dearth of this type of diversity. I remember watching Orange and feeling as if something new was happening.”

Laverne: “People are watching television in a different way. I’ve been acting for a very long time and not getting very far, and I would say we needed some sort of systemic revolutionary change for me to have an acting career.”

Alfre: “Is it the golden age, daughters? I want you all to believe: We’re not here because somebody suddenly said, ‘Let’s have some women of color [on TV].’ We’re here because we’re brilliant at what we do. We’re persistent. You could put us at the bottom of the ocean and we’d still come to the top.”

With shows like Scandal making history and pulling in millions of viewers every episode, and proving that America is ready to see more diversity on their favorite shows, it’s going to be amazing to sit back and see more black actresses snag leading roles on television.

We’re ready. The people have spoken. Via Essence.

Family Turns Their Back on Joe Jackson?

Friends claim Joe Jackson is scrounging to make a living and feels betrayed by his family…

According to Page Six [Joe Jackson] feels betrayed by children who shun him and ignore him in his time of need, his associates say.

While Katherine receives more than $1 million annually from Michael Jackson’s estate, Joseph was completely left out of his son’s will. Since Michael’s death, he has scrounged for cash, once even selling perfume at a Las Vegas strip mall. But even that venture soon went south.

Because the perfume line contained his late son’s image, the mall shut down the operation until Joe Jackson could provide proof he had the legal right to sell products. He never did.

“There’d be no Jackson Five, no Michael, no Janet without him,” said a friend of the Jackson patriarch. “He shouldn’t have to call any of them. They should have enough respect and feel an obligation to come out and see how he’s doing. The man did have a series of strokes — and whatever it is that they are holding against him, they need to get over it.”

OOOPS,Tyrese was Caught Flossing a Fake Watch

Poor Tyrese. He got caught on Instagram trying to pass off a fake watch…

Fake Watch Busta, the social media account dedicated to calling out ballers and their fake watches, set their sites on Tyrese and his fake Audemars Piguet.

After Tyrese uploaded video showing off his new watch Fake Watch Busta called him out and the video was soon deleted.

LOL!

Bobbi Kristina’s Husband Nick Gordon Arrested For DUI

Bobbi Kristina‘s husband, Nick Gordon, was arrested for DUI on Thursday – TMZ reports.

Law enforcement sources in Roswell, GA say that after losing control of his BMW, Nick hit a curb and then flew into a fire hydrant. The car flipped upside down, and finally came to a rest after sliding about 200 feet.

When police arrived on scene, it was discovered that Nick was driving on a suspended license, and cops felt that his behavior gave them probable cause to arrest him for DUI.

TMZ is told that police did not conduct a breathalyzer test - but are seeking a warrant for a blood test.

Jay Z & Beyonce HUGGED UP At The 2014 Budweiser Made in America Festival

With only a few days left until the end their "OTR" tour in Paris, (September 12th & September 13th), Jay Z and Beyonce looked very much like a happily wed couple at the day two of the 2014 Budweiser Made in America Festival at the Los Angeles Grand Park.

They partied the night away during a event sponsored by American Eagle Outfitters and watched Kanye West perform from the comfort of the VIP area. Sharings a few laughs and caressing throughout the night, Beyonce re-created her "Drunk In Love" love with short and wavy curls.

Founded by Jay Z in 2012, the two-day concert, held simultaneously with a sister show in Philadelphia, also featured Pharrell, Iggy Azalea and Rita Ora, and Kendrick Lamar among the acts.

It looks like Mama Tina Knowles did know best when she told us that Bey and Jay's marriage is "perfect."

HBO will film Bey and Jay's final "OTR" date in Paris on Sept 12th and Sept 13th before airing them as a concert special on September 20th.

MORE PICS: Dwyane Wade x Gabrielle Union Family Photo + Extra Guests Pics At #WadeUnion

More pics of the #WadeUnion have leaked. And they include a super cute family photo of Dwyane Wade, Gabrielle Union, sons Zaire and Zion and nephew Dahveon. Plus, extra photos of some of the attendees when you go inside…

Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade made it official on Saturday at moated castle Chateau Artisan, which came with many confidentiality agreements to be signed by guests. But the couple has been sharing their own personal bits and pieces with fans from their special day.

D. Wade shared a beautiful photo of his blushing bride, his sons Zaire & Zion and nephew Dahveon moments after their nuptials. Loving the kiddies’ black trimmed white jackets and bow ties!

After sharing a fitting photo with her dress designer, the picture perfect bride let her hair down in her second look of the night. She was flawless in yet another custom Dennis Basso for Kleinfeld dress. And she shared her special moment with the caption, “Thank you thank you thank you @DennisBasso for helping me design THE most perfect gowns for the most special night of my life... So grateful... So happy”

Other friends who snapped pics before the ceremony:

L.A. Clippers point guard Chris Paul and his wife Jada looked nice in their white and black, requested by the bride.

Newlyweds Dorell Wright and his wife Mia, in a sexy strapless white jumpsuit, were in attendance.

Miami Heat baller Udonis Haslem and his wife Faith came out for the wedding.

A.J. Johnson served up some sexy in a white backless gown. Werk!

“Love in the City” star Chenoa Maxwell kept it elegant in a white flowy dress.

Although no pictures of LeBron James and Savannah at the wedding have surfaced (yet), our source confirms they were both there. Common, Teddy Riley and ESPN host Stephen A. Smith were also in attendance.

Speaking of Teddy Riley…

90s R&B group Guy reunited to perform some of their hits during the reception.

And guests were treated to parting keepsakes complete with mini red velvet and chocolate cakes, a little moonshine, umbrellas, bow ties and a church fan. It mimicked a scene from the film The Color Purple. A choir sang a song from the movie, “God Is Trying To Tell You Something” as they walked into the reception.

Nice!

Ludacris Hosts Annual LudaDay Weekend Celebrity Basketball Game At GSU

As the LudaDay Weekend 2014 continued, Ludacris hosted his annual celebrity basketball game at the Georgia State University Sports Arena in Atlanta.

Toya Wright, Keshia Knight Pulliam, LeToya Luckett, Monyetta Shaw, Rasheeda, Eudoxie and more, came out to watch Team Luda take on Team YMCMB. The ladies, who all rock’d their heels, smiled for the camera while posing courtside.

Dwight Howard, Kenny Burns, Laura Govan, Shad Moss, and Larenz Tate, to name a few, suited up for the game – with the win going to Team Luda. Angela Simmons and Sevyn Streeter were also spotted in attendance.

Catch more pics from the game below..

It’s good to see Luda doing good things for a cause!

WEEKEND WEDDINGS; Evan Ross & Ashlee Simpson and Jenny McCarthy and Donnie Walhberg

Romance was definitely in the air this weekend, as Ashlee Simpson tied the knot with her longtime boyfriend Evan Ross on Sunday (August 31).

According to E! News, the “Pieces of Me” songstress said “I Do” with her handsome beau at his mom Diana Ross’ massive estate in Greenwich, Connecticut and her five-year-old son Bronx walked her down the aisle.

An eyewitness shared, 'The bride wore her hair down in beachy waves, and her groom sported a black velvet tux with a white silk trim.”

Of course, Ashlee’s sister Jessica Simpson served as maid of honor, while Jess’ daughter Maxwell and son Ace handled the flower girl and ring bearer duties.

Also, Jenny McCarthy and Donnie Wahlberg just got hitched on Sunday (August 31).

According to a report, the New Kids on the Block singer and his “Singled Out” bride said “I Do” at the historic Hotel Baker in St. Charles, Illinois (near McCarthy’s hometown Chicago) in front of guests that included Sherri Shepard, Joey McIntyre, Jordan Knight, Jonathan Knight and Donny Wood.

Unfortunately, Donnie’s brother Mark Wahlberg didn’t make it to the event, as his daughter Ella’s 11th birthday party conflicted with the date.

The “Italian Job” hunk sent a sweet video, though- "I love you, Donnie, we're very happy for you. Sorry we couldn't be there, we'll see you soon."

As for the bride’s apparel, Jenny picked up her dress at Bergdorf Goodman and looked stunning. She previously told People that she didn’t necessarily need a crazy fancy fete- "I could get married in Kentucky Fried Chicken. I don't care as long as the heart is in the ceremony."

TIME‘s “Negrophobia” Article Prompts Twitter Backlash

Phobia: an extreme or irrational fear of or aversion to something. Some people fear spiders, others fear Black people. The term used by TIME magazine is called “negrophobia.”

Demonstrators protest the shooting death of teenager Michael Brown

The latest eye-brow raising Journalism bit suggests that the deaths of Eric Garner, Michael Brown and the many Black men who’ve died (in similar circumstances) before and after are a result of an irrational fear. But the controversial “negrophobia” term is problematic on so many levels and raises several questions.

Where are the medical diagnostics? Is it not contentious to reintroduce the term “negro” to present day lexicon? By using the word “phobia” are we not being asked to have sympathy toward racists and bigots?

The article written by Brandon Hill, a Political Science and African & African American Studies major at Stanford University, ends on a solid note. Everything before it is a conversation about racism without using the term “racism.”

Needless to say, social media madness caused a viral uproar. Just look at the tweets of blacklash and revolt below