Laura Harrier for Porter - 1st June 2020!
“Hollywood” star Laura Harrier covers the latest issue of Porter magazine photographed by Sonia Szóstak and styled by Danielle Goldberg.
When asked if, as a biracial woman with a large platform, she ever feels frustrated being categorized as a spokesperson or activist, simply for speaking out on subjects she’s passionate about: “Being a black woman is something beautiful and it ties us together in a really special way, but I’ve never wanted to say that my life is the same as anyone else’s,” she says. “I always find it a bit strange when I’m asked what it means to be a black woman in Hollywood. I don’t know what it’s like to be anything other than a black woman in Hollywood! I can tell you what it’s like for me, Laura… I want to be a champion, I want to support us, and I want to be representational for us. There were so few women that I could look at growing up and connect with on screen. If I can do that for some girls, I’m more than happy to and feel like I’ve done my job.”
#RIP: ICONIC SINGER Bonnie Pointer of The Pointer Sisters Dead at 69!
Bonnie Pointer, a member of the 1970s R&B group the Pointer Sisters, died Monday morning at age 69. Pointer was an original member of the group, whose hits include "Fairytale," "Jump (For My Love)," "I'm So Excited" and "Automatic." She left the group in the 1970s to begin a solo career, and scored her biggest hit with "Heaven Must Have Sent You" in 1978.
"It is with great sadness that I have to announce to the fans of The Pointer Sisters that my sister, Bonnie died this morning. Our family is devastated, on behalf of my siblings and I and the entire Pointer family, we ask for your prayers at this time," Pointer's sister Anita Pointer told TMZ. "Bonnie was my best friend and we talked every day, we never had a fight in our life, I already miss her and I will see her again one day."
Pointer founded the Pointer sisters with her younger sister June Pointer before Anita joined them in 1971. They became a quartet in 1973 when older sister Ruth joined. At first, the group recorded for Atlantic and won their first Grammy for "Fairytale," a crossover country hit. Pointer left the group in 1977 to sign a solo deal with Motown, where she released two solo albums and scored a hit with "Heaven Must Have Sent You." She also had a hit in 1979 with a disco cover of "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)."
Pointer went on to release two more solo albums in 1984 and 2011. In 1978, she married Motown producer Jeffrey Bowen. They finalized their divorce in 2016.
The other members of the Pointer Sisters continued racking up hit after hit through the mid-1980s with singles like "Jump (For My Love)," "Automatic," "I'm So Excited," "Fire" and "He's So Shy." They would go on to win Grammys in 1985 for "Jump" and "Automatic." In 2006, June Pointer, the youngest sister, died at age 52 following a battle with cancer.
Throughout their career, the Pointer Sisters became known for moving from genre to genre with ease. In a 2016 interview with The Fader, Ruth said they never wanted to be "pigeon-holed" into one category. "We grew up loving all types of music from classical to country, R&B and gospel," she said at the time. "We loved it all. People kept saying, "You gotta pick a category!" Why? Why do you have to do that? It wasn't something we felt we had to do."
#RHOA: NeNe Leakes Calls Out Fake Protesters After She Got Called Out!
NeNe Leakes calls out influencers protesting for George Floyd only out of fear of being called out...
Hmmmmmmmmm, Sit down somewhere!
#MusicNews: Avant Reveals Cover for ‘Can We Fall In Love’!
Avant is releasing his brand new album on July 10th, 2020 via SoNo Recording Group.
Avant revealed the cover-art today on his Instagram, as the release will go on pre-save/order this Friday June 12th.
“Not Gone Lose” premiered in February 2019. The single reached #23 on Billboard’s Urban AC. A visual for the single was never released.
“Can We Fall In Love” is his ninth studio album following the release of “The VIII” in 2015. Outside of the lead single other tracks include “Live A Lie,” “You Don’t Love Me No More” and his new single “Edible.”
“Edible” will be released digitally this Friday June 12th.
The album’s ten tracks are an open love letter with raw honesty and intensity. Returning once again to add his signature style, producer Travis Sayles joins forces with Avant‘s songwriting and lead vocals.
#HipHopNews: Nicki Minaj Teases Release Of Kanye West Collaboration ‘New Body’!
The rap queen popped up on DJ Boof’s Instagram Live on Friday when she was asked by fans about the unreleased song, which also features Ty Dolla $ign. She revealed that she and Kanye shot a video for the long-awaited track, which came as a surprise to many. After her Barbz begged for her to officially release it, she said she would contact Kanye.
“Ok lemme hit ye about new body. I see y’all asking,” she wrote in the group chat.
However, she admitted that she’s not the biggest fan of the song, which has since leaked. “Not gonna lie, I don’t like this song but they do,” added Nicki, who announced that she will host her own Instagram Live next Friday.
“New Body” was originally slated for Kanye’s ill-fated Yandhi album. There were reports of a cleaner version appearing on his gospel album Jesus Is King, but the song didn’t make the cut.
In 2018, Kanye spoke about their collaboration, which is about body shaming. “It’s a Ye concept but I’ma say it to y’all right now. I’m taking two stigmas at once because I love taking stigmas and flipping ’em to a positive–negative energy to a positive,” he told TMZ.
Nicki, who has fielded pregnancy rumors, has remained quiet on social media in recent months. However, she did speak out following the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer. “Let your voice be heard. Be angry. White people have been using violence against us since the beginning of time. We didn’t invent violence & looting,” she said.
After earning her first No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 as a featured guest on Doja Cat’s “Say So” last month, there are also reports that Nicki will appear on 6ix9ine’s new single, which is set to drop Friday, June 12.
Beyoncé Addresses Protesters, Music Industry Sexism in Graduation Speech!
Beyoncé was among the speakers for Barack and Michelle Obama’s YouTube “Dear Class of 2020” virtual graduation ceremony today. During her commencement address, she discussed the protests surrounding the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. Watch her entire speech below.
“Thank you for using your collective voice and letting the worlds know that black lives matter,” she said. “The killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and so many others have left us all broken. It has left the entire country searching for answers. We’ve seen that our collective hearts, when put to positive action, could start the wheels of change. Real change has started with you, this new generation of high school and college graduates who we celebrate today.”
She also discussed sexism in the music industry. “The entertainment business is still very sexist,” she said. “It’s still very male-dominated and as a woman, I did not see enough female role models given the opportunity to what I knew I had to do. To run my label and management company, to direct my films and produce my tours, that meant ownership—owning my masters, owning my art, owning my future and writing my own story. Not enough black women had a seat at the table. So I had to go and chop down that wood and build my own table. Then I had to invite the best there was to have a seat. That meant hiring women, men outsiders, underdogs, people that were overlook and waiting to be seen.”
WATCH
The event also featured Barack and Michelle Obama, Taylor Swift, BTS, Lady Gaga, Chloe x Halle, Lizzo, and Katy Perry.
AGT Host Terry Crews Sends Controversial Tweet About 'Black Supremacy'!
America's Got Talent host Terry Crews sent a controversial tweet on Sunday about "black supremacy." It was the latest in celebrities sharing messages that probably could have used some extra thought before spreading to the world.
America's Got Talent has recently returned to television, providing an escape during what has been, thus far, an unimaginably difficult 2020. The concern about the coronavirus pandemic has given way to a much-needed discussion about a more pernicious virus: racism. In the wake of the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, it's become painfully apparent that we can't rely on some of our favorite television stars to provide us with the comfort and blueprint to mobilization many of us so desperately need. Each day, it seems, another celebrity sends something over social media that goes viral if only for its ignorance. On Saturday, it was JK Rowling, taking an ill-timed shot at the transgender community. On Sunday, Terry Crews decided it was his turn.
Crews tweeted on Sunday the following message: "Defeating White supremacy without White people creates Black supremacy. Equality is the truth." He added, "Like it or not, we are all in this together." There are many ways to fight racism. You can donate to bail reform funds, educate yourself on black history, have difficult discussions with your family and friends. Warning everyone about black supremacy is pretty low on that list.
This tweet is just another reminder that, while it is a great time to listen to prominent black voices for guidance on how to take the steps toward ending systematic racism, not everyone is saying the right thing. There is, of course, no scare of black supremacy on the horizon. Crews' tweet plays into the dangerous and false narrative that black rioting has gotten out of control. In fact, any violence that has ensued from the black community is a result of a police force rooted in racism that is desperately in need of immediate reform, if not defunding.
The truth is that peaceful protests are taking place around the world, already leading to incremental changes despite continued police brutality. What we're witnessing in America is both painful and inspiring at the same time. Crews has been spot on in some of his previous messages, reaching out to Gabrielle Union and calling the NFL racist. But his latest tweet shows that we shouldn't blindly listen to all black voices to check our privilege. We should make sure that the reality stars who are speaking out are educated on the issue as well.
Dwayne Wade Reveals His Family Was Followed Amid Gabrielle Union’s Legal Issues with AGT!
Dwayne Wade revealed in a series of tweets the treatment that he and his family allegedly received during the investigation and legal issues that his wife Gabrielle Union had with Americas Got Talent and the production companies associated with the show.
A reporter by the name of Yashar Ali shared the details of the current legal battle that Gabrielle Union is involved in with Simon Cowell and the production team at Americas Got Talent. In response to the report, Dwayne Wade wrote,
“Y’all have deemed her a liar after months of trying to inform y’all of the issues in the work place and also make sure other employees of color that comes after her won’t have the same experiences.”
He continued, Instead of looking thru the lens of someone who has been an advocate for the black and brown community, for women and for rape victims.”
“So instead of making sure your work environment is a a better place for everyone. Y’all have decided that she what? Made it all up because she lost a job? She’s a black women in Hollywood she has lost out on many jobs”
Dwayne Wade ended his tweets on the matter by saying,
“When these negotiations started my house started being watched and my family started being followed. My daughter couldn’t even go to swim class without us being trailed by people looking for answers. Well y’all have the answers and y’all still don’t wanna listen to them.”
Dwayne’s tweets come after it was revealed that his wife Gabrielle Union will be taking legal action against Simon Cowell and NBC Universal.
According to reports, the former America’s Got Talent judge is suing Simon Cowell, Universal TV, Syco Entertainment and Fremantle Productions North America for claims regarding alleged “racist and misogynistic conduct” during her time on the show. In the suit, Gabrielle also alleges that NBC Entertainment chairman Paul Telegdy directly intervened in a probe over the racism and misogyny claims in an effort to “silence and intimidate” her.
NBC has since released a statement denying Gabrielle Union’s claims and defended Paul Teledgy,
“The allegation that anyone involved in this process threatened Ms. Union is categorically untrue. We took Ms. Union‘s concerns seriously, and engaged an outside investigator who found an overarching culture of diversity on the show. NBCUniversal remains committed to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment where people of all backgrounds are treated with respect.”
What are your thoughts on Dwayne Wade’s claims
Reebok Cuts Decade-Long CrossFit Partnership After Insensitive George Floyd Tweet!
Reebok has just announced that it will no longer be renewing its contract with CrossFit. Currently on its 10th year together, the announcement from the sportswear brand came after an insensitive tweet from CrossFit CEO Greg Glassman surfaced. In the tweet, Glassman responded to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation’s stance on the recent unjustified killing of George Floyd.
On top of Reebok’s news, a number of respected gyms and CrossFit Games athletes have also voiced their opinions on the matter, many of which have already taken the “CrossFit” name out of their gym names or have decided to boycott the CrossFit establishment as a whole. One of those athletes that denounced Glassman’s comment was four-time “Fittest Man on Earth” and long time advocator of CrossFit, Rich Froning.
Reebok has addressed the issue with the statement, “Recently, we have been in discussions regarding a new agreement, however, in light of recent events, we have made the decision to end our partnership with CrossFit HQ. We will fulfill our remaining contractual obligations in 2020. We owe this to the CrossFit Games competitors, fans and the community.”
Kendall Jenner Responds to Claims She Photoshopped a Protest Pic!
Kendall Jenner is denying photoshopping a photo of herself holding a Black Lives Matter sign that is circulating on the Internet.
It all started this weekend when a photo of Kendall emerged that seemed to show her holding a protest sign.
Well, the photo soon received backlash because the photo is obviously photoshopped. It looked like her shoulder and arm are warped in the pic circulating the web.
Kendall responded to a tweet and explained that she had no hand in posting or altering that photo.
“this is photoshopped by someone. i DID NOT post this,” Kendall tweeted.
Studio Executives Allegedly Blocked ‘Fantastic Four’ Directors From Casting A Black Actress As Sue Storm!
Josh Trank, the director of the 2015 reboot of “Fantastic Four,” told Geeks of Color in an interview that he originally planned on casting a black actress for the lead role of Sue Storm, but received “pretty heavy pushback.”
“There were a lot of controversial conversations that were had behind the scenes on that. I was mostly interested in a Black Sue Storm, a Black Johnny Storm, and a Black Franklin Storm,” Trank said. “But when you’re dealing with a studio on a massive movie like that, everybody wants to keep an open mind to who the big stars are going to be. ‘Maybe it’ll be Margot Robbie,’ or something like that. When it came down to it, I found a lot of pretty heavy pushback on casting a Black woman in that role.”
Looking back, Trank is a bit embarrassed he did not abandon the project since it did not align with his values.
“I should have just walked when the realization sort of hit me, and I feel embarrassed about that, that I didn’t just out of principle,” he said. “Those aren’t the values I stand for in my own life; those weren’t the values then, or ever, for me. I’m somebody who always talks about standing up for what I believe in, even if it means burning my career out. I feel bad that I didn’t take it to the mat with that issue. I feel like I failed in that regard.”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The presence of a Black female leads in a major motion picture is not impressive. The overall Black representation in Hollywood has also been an issue for some time now. And while “Hollywood has moved on from blackface, it remains terrible at casting people of color.”
Openly Gay South Carolina Student Banned From Graduation for Wearing Pants Instead of a Dress!
A South Carolina teen and Class of 2020 graduate says she was banned from walking at her high school graduation because she wore pants instead of a dress
On Tuesday (Jun. 2), Dynasia Clark, a senior from Lamar High School School in Darlington County, was preparing to walk the stage and become an official high school graduate.
But just before the ceremony, which was held outside to adhere to social distancing standards amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Clark was told she would not be allowed to walk with her classmates because she was wearing pants instead of a dress as required by the school’s dress code.
“I didn’t think it would be that big of a deal, because we’re already here, we’re already fixing to walk but now I can’t go because of a dress code,” Clark told ABC 15 News.
Being openly gay, Clark wanted to feel comfortable in her skin while experiencing this once in a lifetime moment.
“They already know how I am, so they already know that I’m not gonna wear a dress, so I didn’t think they would be like, ‘Oh well, you can’t walk’ because they already know me. I’ve been going to school here for four years.”
After realizing that school officials weren’t going to change their minds, Clark walked off the field and was forced to watch her classmates graduate from the other side of a fence.
“I was okay standing outside the gate watching them graduate because they’re my classmates,” she said. “I wouldn’t want to just go home because I can’t walk.”
During the ceremony, as names were being called, Clark said she was ready to hear her name to acknowledge the hard work she put in over the past 12 years … but she was omitted from the program.
“That was the part that made me more mad than anything because I was there, you could have still called my name,” she said. “It seems crazy to me. It seems stupid, like petty because it was just an outfit to me.”
Clark said she’s still in disbelief about not being able to walk at her own graduation because she had on pants instead of a dress.
“It shouldn’t have stopped me from doing something that I have been waiting on for 12 years. I went to school. Everybody be happy for their graduation day and I couldn’t even experience that,” she said.
Darlington County School District officials released the following statement:
“The Lamar High School dress code for graduation has been in place for more than 20 years. We welcome students or parents who have concerns with any policy or procedure to meet with administration and discuss those concerns.
“In the past, when a student raised concern with the administration about the dress code prior to graduation day, the issue was addressed.”
Clark went on to say that people should be judged by who
Former Republican Secretary Of State, Colin Powell, Says His November Vote Is With Biden As He Believes Trump Has “Drifted Away” From The Constitution!
Colin Powell, a retired general who served under President George W. Bush, is one of the very many retired top military officials who finds Trump’s methods irrational—describing his behavior as “drifting away” from the Constitution. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
In the “State of the Union,” Powell told a CNN reporter, “We have a Constitution. And we have to follow that Constitution. And the President has drifted away from it,” he said when addressing Trump’s handling of the protests going on.
International Business Times reported that Powell cited Trump as a danger to democracy “whose lies and insults have diminished America in the eyes of the world.”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
In his address, Powell, who was also the first Black chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, publicly endorsed Joe Biden. The two are very close, and Biden is now the candidate he will be voting for in the 2020 election.
Trump, known for his impulsive and candid responses, took to his favorite platform, Twitter, to address Powell in a series of tweets.
Nonetheless, Powell believes we are “in a turning point” and is proud of the wide number of former generals, admirals, and diplomats who have openly criticized Trump’s response to the protests.
In his lifetime, this is the most massive protest movement he has witnessed.
“What we have to do now is reach out to the whole people, watch these demonstrations, watch these protests, and rather than curse them, embrace them to see what it is we have to do to get out of the situation that we find ourselves in now,” he told CNN. “We’re America, we’re Americans, we can do this. We have the ability to do it, and we ought to do it. Make America not just great, but strong and great for all Americans, not just a couple.”
Tacoma Mayor Calls On the Arrest of The Four Officers Involved in the Death of Manuel Ellis!
If you don’t know the name of Manuel Ellis, you should.
George Floyd’s death shines a light on the case of Ellis, 33, who died nearly three months before while in police custody. Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards is calling for the four officers involved in Ellis’s case to be “fired and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
“I am demanding tonight that the Pierce County sheriff review and confirm every action taken by each officer. I demand that the sheriff provide details of the actions of each officer on the scene,” Mayor Victoria Woodards said in a statement that aired on television Thursday night. “And I am then directing the city manager to fire each officer involved.”
On March 3, around 11:30 p.m. Tacoma, Washington police officers allege they witnessed Ellis “struggling” to walk at the intersection of 96th Street and South Ainsworth Avenue. According to Pierce County sheriff’s detective Ed Troyer, officers took Ellis into custody after he allegedly assaulted them. Officers gave statements that they did not use excessive force or put their knee into Ellis’ neck.
According to Q13 Fox, Mayor Woodards said a video circulating on Twitter contradicts their story, as well as an autopsy report that was released this week that classified Ellis’ death as a homicide. The Pierce County Medical Examiner’s report found he suffered respiratory arrest due to the style of restraint used by Tacoma police officers on March 3.
Methamphetamine intoxication and heart disease also contributed. Ellis was a drummer and left behind two children. His family said he struggled with addiction and mental health. However, his struggles do not change the narrative of why or how he died.
Ellis, like Floyd, was killed in what happens far too common amongst African American men at the hands of police brutality. All four officers involved in Ellis’ death have been placed on administrative leave. Tacoma Police chief Don Ramsdell assured the public that the department is “committed to the investigative process and the integrity of the findings.”
“I would also like to recognize the compassion and empathy our community has shown during this difficult time. We hear your anger, frustrations, and hopes. I want you to know we continue to be committed to engaging with you on topics of safety, community policing, and race so that all people feel safe in Tacoma,” he added.
Attorney James Bible will represent the family and called on the state Attorney General’s office to see to the investigation. Bible says the Sheriff’s Office investigation into Tacoma Police Department handling of Ellis’ risk conflicts of interests. “They work hand in hand, and they share investigative power of the same area, and they work with the same Pierce County Prosecutor,” said Bible.
NPR reports, Woodard vows to ensure a detailed, independent investigation.
“To my community of African Americans,” she said Thursday, “to my entire Tacoma community, to the Ellis family and to every other family who has been affected by this racism and by police brutality, I say this to you: I’m going to stand with you.”
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘PEEPS OUT’
If you’re going to get naked and do something stupid, try doing it in Florida where it’s a bit warmer like all the other crazy people? Just saying, maybe you’re a grower and not a shower?
HAVE A GREAT DAY EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!
EFREM
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