Source: DJDM/WENN.com / WENN Set your DVRs or subscribe to the HBO app because our girl Robin Thede is dropping a gem for the culture on August 2 at 11PM. Get Breaking News & Exclusive Contest in Your Inbox: Close Thank you for subscribing! Please be sure to open and click your first newsletter so we can confirm your subscription. Email Submit ‘A Black Lady Sketch Show’ has a crazy cast of talented black women like Issa Rae, Angela Bassett, Patti Labelle, Tia Mowry, Kelly Rowland and so many more! Written by black women, including Robin Thede, Ashley Nicole Black, Gabrielle Dennis and Quinta Brunson. According to HBO the show is described as, “a narrative series set in a limitless magical reality full of dynamic, hilarious characters and celebrity guests.” We aren’t getting Insecure this summer but by the looks of the trailer, this will get us by for now. Check out the trailer here [ione_media_gallery src=”https://mycolumbuspower.com” id=”3341063″ overlay=”true”] The Latest: T.I. Joins Task Force That Aims To Reimagine Atlanta City Jail Over 100 Homeless Students In New York City Graduate High School Disney Star Cameron Boyce Dead At 20: 5 Things To Know About The Actor Real Estate Mogul Don Peebles To Launch $500M Fund For Underrepresented Developers John Legend, Issa Rae And Others Support Crowdfunding Campaign To Restore Nina Simone’s Childhood Home Artist Creates Bronze Sculpture In Maleah Davis’ Honor Purely Poppin’ Pics Of Tennis Star Coco Gauff Drippin’ In Black Girl Magic HAUTE OR NAUGHT: Did Jennifer Hudson’s 4th Of July Look Have A Stylish Spark? [POLL] Yay or Nay: Will ‘Wu-Tang: An American Saga’ Be The Show To Diversify Hulu’s Programming? Showstoppers: 5 Black Disney Princess Clips That Prove Black Girls BEEN Owning Fairy Tales
Meghan King Edmonds has penned a blog entry in which she opens up about something personal and painful. Titled “My Hart,” this post by the former Real Housewives of Orange County star delves in the state of Hart, one of her twin boys, who was born along with brother Hayes in June of 2018. “From the minute he was born I knew something was different with Hart,” wrote the long-time Bravo personality over this past weekend, adding: “The nurses struggled to straighten his legs to measure his length. He suckled hard, shallow, and often until I bled and he spit up black.” Edmonds, who was recently in the news because her husband has been accused of having an affair while she was pregnant with these boys, went on to write that she took Hart to see a pediatric ophthalmologist for a couple of reasons: He couldn’t see his hands, for example, and his eyes remained crossed for too long. The reality star says she was told nothing was the matter with Hart, but she refused to accept this as an answer. “I just knew,” Meghan continues. “I told our pediatrician – she said he was fine. I begged for a neurologist referral and when I got it – he said he was fine. I then begged for a neurologist who specializes in Cerebral Palsy (I jumped through hoops to get this appointment, so many hoops) and she said he might be fine. “I then begged for an MRI.” Via “an elective MRI with anesthesia,” as Edmonds describes it, a diagnosis was finally made. “I sat at a table with my husband for an hour as we waited for Hart to come out of the MRI. Tears gushed from my eyes as I blankly stared at the cars on the highway – but I wasn’t crying,” she recalled in this blog post. “My husband asked me what he could do. ‘Get me a Coke.’ Those tears were for a lot of things, but mostly the unknown and mostly Hart.” Three days after the exam, the toddler’s neurologist called. He relayed the awful news. “Hart has minor Periventricular Leukomalacia on both sides of his brain (namely the white matter), but more so on his right,” Edmonds revealed, explaining in further detail: “She said that this explains all of my concerns: the rigidity in his muscles, the (somewhat) delayed physical milestones, the lack of fluidity with arm and leg movements, the stiffness in joints, the weakness in his lower back, the somewhat favored use of his right side. “She told me this mainly occurs in premies and since he was not a premie (he was born at 37 weeks gestation) she believes this damage somehow occurred ‘a couple months before he was born.’ “She explained that he is at risk for being diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and will be monitored.” Edmonds previously opened up about her reaction to her husband’s misdeeds . But this admission is even more raw and unimaginable. “Hart has irreversible brain damage, it’s called PVL,” Meghan says. “Like I said, I already knew.” Referencing her husband and his reaction, along with how she chose to view the situation, Edmonds adds: “That night Jimmy and I went out to dinner for the first time in weeks. “I explained to Jimmy how we are not somehow compromised or punished for having a child with special needs (whatever that may or may not mean!), we are BLESSED. I will go on about this another time but just know that I do not see his diagnosis as anything but a gift: we were chosen to take on this special person. “I truly feel as if we’ve doubled down and won the underdog hand. Truly.” And Edmonds is stillt trying tomake the best out of the situation. She’s still trying to remain as positive as possible. “I pray for a miracle and I grapple with how to navigate his life,” she wrote. “This is a heavy challenge as a mother: where do we go from here? This is where: one foot in front of the other.” We applaud Edmonds for her candid post and we send her and her loved ones the very best during this difficult journey.
Source: Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic / Getty Disney Channel mourns the death of another one of their young stars. On Sunday, it was announced that “Jessie” actor Cameron Boyce died Saturday night in his sleep. According to law enforcement: “The 20-year-old actor,who starred in several Disney shows including “Descendants,” could not be revived after paramedics rushed to his home. Cameron’s family said he had an ongoing medical condition and died in his sleep the result of a seizure.” Boyce is most known for his role in the ‘Descendants’ TV series and movies, playing Adam Sandler’s son in ‘Grown Ups’, “Shake it Up,” “Austin & Ally” and “Good Luck Charlie.” Cameron’s family released a statement about their son’s sudden passing, writing: “He passed away in his sleep due to a seizure which was a result of an ongoing medical condition for which he was being treated. The world is now undoubtedly without one of its brightest lights, but his spirit will live on through the kindness and compassion of all who knew and loved him.” Fans and family alike have taken to social media to mourn the loss of Cameron. rest in peace to cameron boyce he was so young, incredibly talented, but also one of the kindest ppl I’ve ever met. sending love to his friends & family — James Charles (@jamescharles) July 7, 2019 Tell me why I just woke up and I see that Cameron Boyce passed away all over my tl. #RIPLuke pic.twitter.com/hrKlTXzTIX —
Just a few days ago, Joy-Anna Duggar and her husband, Austin Forsyth, shared some unbelievably tragic news: When they went in for the 20 week scan for Joy-Anna’s pregnancy, the doctor couldn’t detect a heartbeat. Miscarriages typically happen during the first trimester, but for some reason, Joy had one halfway through the gestation – and it was clear that she and Austin were absolutely devastated by the news. Thankfully, as they explained in their social media posts about the news, they’ve been able to find some solace in their faith. “Although we don’t understand why,” they wrote, “God has given us unexplainable peace and comfort during this very difficult time.” “Yes, it still hurts and we have cried countless tears, but we know that we can trust the Lord.” They also revealed that during the scan, they learned that they were going to have a daughter , and that they named her Annabell Elise. As for the meaning behind the name choice, they said “Annabell means ‘God has favored me,’ and Elise means ‘God satisfies.'” “What a precious thing to know that when our daughter opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was the face of Jesus.” Along with their written post, they also shared a photo of Joy in a hospital bed with Austin comforting her. The next day, they shared even more photos, including some with their late daughter . Those are the ones we’re going to be discussing today. In the caption of the photos, Joy wrote “We only had her for 20 weeks, Life is fragile and precious.” “So thankful the Lord gave her to us for that short time! She will be in our hearts forever!” She also thanked her followers for their love and support, and her best friend, Carlin Bates, “for coming to town to be here for me and for doing my hair and makeup for pictures with our little girl!” They didn’t share a photo of Annabell — the most you can see of her is a hat covering her head as Joy holds her. But because she was in the photos at all, and because of Joy’s comments about having her hair and makeup done, a lot of people are feeling a lot of feelings about all of this. As one of their followers said, “This is a very private moment for y’all to be sharing it … sad. Y’all are different.” “OK, that needed to be a private moment,” another Instagram user agreed. “Not something that you get your hair and makeup done and dress up a miscarriage. We are all praying for you but REALLY. Get real!” One person went a step further, commenting “Honestly it seems a little sadistic to me to have a full on photo shoot with a deceased baby, just for likes on the internet. I could never.” Another particularly insensitive comment read “Hair and makeup to take pics with your dead baby?! Jesus sweetheart your families priorities are disgusting.” These are just a small sampling of the comments on Joy and Austin’s Instagram post, but similar things were said in several places across the internet where the Duggars are discussed. And it’s honestly not OK. The loss that Joy has experienced is huge, and one that not everyone will go through. You can judge the Duggars for all sorts of things, but you can’t judge them for she’s grieving now. It’s not uncommon for people to do photo shoots like these to remember the only time they’ll be able to see and hold their child, and if Joy wanted to look nice for such an unimaginably tragic occasion, what harm does it really do? Besides, so many women have already thanked her for, as they see it, being brave enough to share such personal photos because they too have had similar losses, and it’s nice to know they’re not alone. Some may have a hard time looking at these photos, and that’s understandable. View Slideshow: 33 Stars Who Have Suffered a Miscarriage Others may not be able to comprehend why she’d want these photos, let alone why she’d want to share them with thousands upon thousands of strangers, and that’s fine too. But we can let the girl grieve, can’t we?
A tlanta-bred rapper T.I. has been a fierce advocate for criminal justice reform and he is taking his involvement in the movement to another level. According to WSB-TV , T.I.—whose real name is Clifford Harris —has joined Atlanta’s city jail task force to change the way the Atlanta City Detention Center is utilized. A newly formed task force charged with finding a new use for Atlanta’s city jail includes criminal justice reform volunteers, activists, council members and… @Tip https://t.co/KEwUAV0UTS — AJC (@ajc) July 3, 2019 The task force—which is being spearheaded by Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms —is comprised of 25 elected officials, activists, and thought-leaders within the criminal justice reform space. They will gather to determine the best way to use the Atlanta City Detention Center where individuals are currently being held for minor offenses. According to a statement released by the task force, Mayor Bottoms wants to transform the facility into a space that can be used for wellness, the reduction of recidivism, and a support center for individuals who are impacted by mass incarceration. “There is a much better use for this facility,” said Mayor Bottoms as she signed legislation to have the jail closed in May. “My dream for this jail, for this physical facility, is that it becomes a center of equity. I see this as a place that we will have access to childcare, GED training, vocational training, also perhaps some type of housing in this place, workspace.” She believes that reimagining the jail will be an impactful step towards getting ahead of crime in the city. Facilities like the one being proposed by the mayor and the task force are needed. According to Patch , Georgia is the No. 1 state in the country when it comes to the number of people who are under supervision. This includes individuals who are in prison or jail or who are on parole or probation. Harris has been dedicated to bettering Atlanta. In April the rapper—who was awarded by the Georgia Senate for his philanthropic efforts—teamed up with the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church to bail out nonviolent offenders so they could be reunited with their families for Easter. SEE ALSO: T.I. Teams Up With Georgia Church To Bail Out Nonviolent Offenders For Easter T.I. Awards Single Mother With $25K Scholarship [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3881815″ overlay=”true”]
Source: Ted Soqui / Getty Kamala Harris Has A Plan To Invest In Black Homeownership According to CNN , California Sen. Kamala Harris unveiled a $100 billion plan to invest in black homeownership. Harris would reportedly invest $100 billion of federal money into housing assistance for black families as part of an effort to close the racial wealth gap in the United States. Harris tweeted: “A typical black family has just $10 of wealth for every $100 held by a white family,” she said. “So we must right that wrong and, after generations of discrimination, give black families a real shot at homeownership — historically one of the most powerful drivers of wealth in our country.” Harris’ housing program would come in the form of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grants limited to families with incomes up to $100,000, or $125,000 in high-cost areas. Harris also pledged to work to expand HUD’s fair housing program, strengthen anti-discrimination lending laws and amend the Fair Credit Reporting Act to require that credit scores include rent, phone and utility payments.
O ver a year ago the National Trust for Historic Preservation declared late legendary songstress Nina Simone ’s childhood home a national treasure. Individuals in the entertainment industry have joined forces to support a campaign that would make the restoration and preservation of the North Carolina-based house a reality. @johnlegend , @YusufCatStevens , and More Come Together to Help Preserve Nina Simone's Legacy #TelltheFullHistory https://t.co/eK1YlGclD3 — Saving Places (@SavingPlaces) July 1, 2019 The crowdfunding campaign—which launched on July 1—is being run on IndieGoGo . Through the campaign, supporters can purchase shirts, postcards, pins and other Nina Simone-inspired items designed by Black artist Dare Coulter. They can also purchase items donated by Issa Rae , Talib Kweli , and Mahershala Ali . Singer John Legend has been instrumental in spreading awareness about the revitalization of Simone’s home. “Spaces devoted to the history and legacy of people of color, especially women of color, are far too few in America today,” he said in a statement. “Preserving places like the Nina Simone childhood home will help keep her powerful story alive. This campaign pays tribute to Nina Simone’s unapologetic pursuit of musical, personal, and political freedom and I am proud to be a part of it.” The singer’s childhood home has been vacant for years. It was on the verge of being demolished until New York artists joined forces to purchase the home in 2017. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is developing a renovation plan through its African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund. The organization has been working towards ensuring that historic Black sites that are embedded in the fabric of American history are preserved. Other preservation projects that are being worked on through the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund include the restoration of playwright August Wilson ’s Pittsburgh home and a house in Long Island that belonged to John and Alice Coltrane . “The projects celebrate iconic figures, instill community pride, and also provide the opportunity to educate about them and their achievements for generations to come,” said Linda Wilson , Executive Director, Fund II Foundation. SEE ALSO: Nina Simone To Be Honored By The National Trust for Historic Preservation National Trust’s Youth Program To Preserve Black Historic Landmarks [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3881815″ overlay=”true”]
B lack entrepreneur Don Peebles is investing in the futures of women and people of color in the real estate industry. According to The Real Deal , he’s launching a $500 million fund to support developers from underrepresented groups in South Florida, Los Angeles, New York and other cities. The new fund is another example of how Don Peebles has been a long-time game changer in his industry. https://t.co/9bl1w6ak7j — Black Enterprise (@blackenterprise) June 29, 2019 Peebles—who owns the real estate development firm Peebles Corp.—says he’s on a mission to level the playing field when it comes to access to capital. Through the fund he wants to work with developers from different cities throughout the country on projects that will be built on underdeveloped or vacant land. The projects will be a mix of commercial and residential buildings; some of which will have affordable housing units. According to Peebles, the fund will be supported by investors. He’s aiming to work on 60 different projects which will be between $10 million and $70 million each. “The idea is to create this business model that shows that investing in emerging developers and investing in diversity will result in higher returns with less risk,” he said while unveiling his plan at The Real Deal’s annual residential real estate event. “It’s a very positive thing to have the developments that are taking place in communities of color, to have the projects be developed by people of color. We see this as a win-win and an untapped market.” There are several entrepreneurs who are on a mission to make the real estate industry diverse. Johnetta G. Paye, Esq. and Ernestine Johnson created the first Black-owned real estate crowdfunding company to help individuals from underserved communities overcome the obstacles of gentrification by helping them make low-cost real estate investments. SEE ALSO: These Women Are Running The First Black-Owned Real Estate Crowdfunding Company Black Entrepreneurs Raise $8 Million For Barbershop-Focused App [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3881815″ overlay=”true”]
WARNING: The following photos are both heartbreaking and disturbing. In many ways, however, they are also very important. Days after Joy-Anna Duggar and husband Austin Forsyth revealed to the world that the former recently suffered a miscarriage , meaning they had lost their expected second baby, the Counting On stars posted two new pictures on Instagram. Each features the husband and wife cradling their stillborn daughter. It’s tragic, but true: Because Joy-Anna did not lose the child until her 20th week of pregnancy, she actually had to give birth to its corpse. We hate to be so blunt, and we truly cannot comprehend what this must have been like, but it’s simply what sadly transpired for Joy-Anna. “We only had her for 20 weeks, Life is fragile and precious,” wrote Joy-Anna, and Austin as a caption to these images, adding: “So thankful the Lord gave her to us for that short time! She will be in our hearts forever! Thank you all for your love and support! “We can feel the prayers! Thank you, @carlinbates98 for coming to town to be here for me and for doing my hair and makeup for pictures with our little girl!” Joy-Anna and Austin, who are already parents to one-year-old son Gideon, talked candidly about the awful news that they lost baby-number two in a black and white Instagram photo on Wednesday. Here is the photo: And here is what they wrote: Today marks one week since we heard these words… “So this is your baby’s heart (pointing to the ultrasound screen). I don’t hear a heartbeat or see any movement.” We had gone in for our 20-week ultrasound and gender reveal. It was a baby girl. Although we don’t understand why, God has given us unexplainable peace and comfort during this very difficult time. Yes, it still hurts and we have cried countless tears, but we know that we can trust the Lord. In the words of King David after the loss of his baby, “I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me” (2 Sam 12:23). We don’t grieve as those who have no hope because we trust that we will see this little one again. We named her Annabell Elise. Annabell means “God has favored me”, and Elise means “God satisfies”. What a precious thing to know that when our daughter opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was the face of Jesus. Please pray for continued healing, not only physically but for our hearts as well. In response to the miscarriage, many loved ones have sent their condolences to the TLC personalities. “We were so sad to hear that Joy and Austin’s baby girl passed away mid-way through their pregnancy,” Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar wrote on Instagram in response to this news, adding: “The pain of losing a child is unimaginable. Yet, for the one whose hope is in God, there is a peace that surpasses our finite understanding. “We pray that God will comfort Joy and Austin and carry them through this difficult time.” Added Jessa Seewald: “@AustinandJoyforsyth our hearts are breaking over your loss. Such beautiful words you’ve written in your post. Annabell will forever be in our hearts. We love you all and are praying for God’s peace and comfort during this time.” And Anna Duggar: “Austin and Joy we love you both so much and my heart aches for your loss, we look forward to meeting Annabel Elise one day in heaven!” And even Tori Roloff of Little People, Big World fame chimed in as follows: “I am so sorry. You are in my prayers. How blessed she is that she gets to be with Jesus and she gets to call you two mom and dad.” Austin and Joy-Anna had announced they were expecting again on May 1. “Our favorite math is addition and we are very excited to share that the Forsyth family is adding a member!” they said at the time, continuing: “Marriage and being a mom and dad to Gideon has already far exceeded our expectations. “We are looking forward to loving another little one and seeing what special dynamic he or she brings to our family. Table for 4 sounds perfect!” We send our thoughts and prayers to the couple during this tragic time. View Slideshow: The Duggars: Who’s Courting? Pregnant? Next In Line? [MORE UPDATES!]
Source: Splash News / Splash News Kawhi Leonard’s Decision To Sign To The Clippers Lead To Russell Westbrook Slander If you went to bed early last night, you missed an epic night of #NBATwitter ! Around 2am ESPN Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news that after several tense days of waiting, Kawhi Leonard would be taking his talents to Los Angeles…TO THE CLIPPERS Free agent forward Kawhi Leonard has informed runners-up teams of his plans: He's signing with the Clippers, league sources tell ESPN. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 6, 2019 Almost immediately after that, Woj announced that the Oklahoma City Thunder were trading Paul George to the Clippers. Oklahoma City is trading All-Star Paul George to the Los Angeles Clippers for a record-setting collection of draft choices, league sources tell ESPN. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 6, 2019 With the balance of power in the NBA distributed so evenly, basketball fans rejoiced. Then they roasted Paul George’s poor unwanted teammate Russell Westbrook. Jalen Rose and PG-13 tried to come to brodie’s defense, but alas… Reporter: So Paul George what made u leave Westbrook and thunder pic.twitter.com/a3VLi8JZr5 — aPimpNamedSlickback (@aPimpNamedSlic8) July 6, 2019 Whether you love or hate Russell Westbrook we’re pretty sure you’re going to get a great laugh out of the jokes. Flip the page for the foolery.
