B lack youth are displaying excellence in academia. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution , a group of Atlanta scholars took home the title at an annual debate competition hosted by the Harvard Debate Council. The Great Debaters II: Atlanta debate team dominates Harvard tournament – again https://t.co/fkZh5vUrp7 pic.twitter.com/lyKTwfRTzw — WSB-TV (@wsbtv) July 13, 2019 This was the second consecutive year that the Atlanta Great Debaters won the international tournament organized by the Ivy League school. In preparation for the debate the team—who is predominately made up of students of color—participated in a two-week summer program focused on public speaking, competitive debating and political science. After the workshops the students ended their experience with a program tournament; competing against over 400 scholars from around the globe. The students were placed on teams of two. High schoolers Keith Harris and Don Roman Jr. went undefeated in the tournament. “It sends a message to the world to what African American youth are capable of, if they are given access and opportunities,” Brandon P. Fleming , founder of the Harvard Diversity Project. “Most of our students have never been exposed to the power of academic debate. Knowing that they will compete against hundreds of scholars who have years of debate experience, combined with the benefit of private and prep schools to their advantage, we seek to level the playing field by introducing our students to higher level academic disciplines that are typically unavailable in traditional school settings.” Both Harris and Roman were excited to take home the title. They both hope that their win will inspire other Black students to join debate teams. “Our accomplishment is far bigger than us. We are showing the world what black youths are capable of achieving when given equal access, exposure, and opportunities. This win is for our ancestors, our city, and most of all our culture,” Roman told the news outlet. Program organizers are now gearing up for the 2020 residency. SEE ALSO: HBCU Puts Focus On Mental Health So Students Can Thrive Academically Over 100 Homeless Students In New York City Graduate High School [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3881857″ overlay=”true”]
Source: Danny Matson / Getty K Camp Explains His Journey From College Dropout To CEO K Camp is the latest celeb to stop by BET for their Blew-A-Bag series, where we get to hear stories about entertainers bringing home huge checks and spending it all on something they probably shouldn’t. On this episode, the Atlanta-born rapper describes his come up from working at Red Lobster and dropping out of college to making bread and investing in his craft. Now, he’s the CEO of his own record label, Rare Sound. Peep the video down below to hear his story:
Source: WENN.com / WENN 2 Chainz Explores The World Of Vape Pens With Most Expensivest’ When 2 Chainz gets into something, he doesn’t just ask anyone on the street for recommendations–he’s gotta find the Most Expesivest *insert product here* there is so he can experience his new hobby to the highest degree. And that’s where vape pens come in. Just because it’s a vape pen doesn’t mean it can’t be stylish–and if anyone is going to find the right way to do it, it’s this guy. On the latest episode of Most Expensivest , 2 Chainz goes on a journey to meet Mike Ray, the CEO of Bloom Farms, to sample sleekest vape pens on the market. Check out the rapper’s always-comical thoughts on the product below:
Source: FayesVision/WENN.com / WENN Kumail Nanjiani Chops It Up With Desus & Mero About His New Movie, Stuber Kumail Nanjiani stopped by Desus & Mero this week to talk about his new movie, Stuber . While he’s in the building, the comedian discusses still getting confused for Kal Penn from Harold and Kumar , diversity in Hollywood, being nominated for an Oscar, working with Dave Bautista, and how it feels to be asked about his craziest uber stories all the time now because of his movie, Stuber . Peep the hilarious conversation down below:
T here is so much power that lies in controlling your own narrative. However due to the lack of diversity within the media industry authentic stories about the Black experience are often excluded, misconstrued or disregarded leaving several individuals feeling unseen and unheard. The Multicultural Media Correspondents Association is on a mission to tackle the lack of racial representation when it comes to ownership and leadership in the media industry. The organization recently hosted a forum in Orlando that gathered influential Black leaders in the media space to share their experiences and develop strategies to evoke change. The summit—dubbed Taking Control of the Media Diversity Crisis—explored how the racial gap in media ownership directly impacts how the Black community is perceived by others and how African Americans see themselves. It also examined how the decline in platforms owned by people of color has changed the landscape of civic engagement and efforts to create political change. Amongst the individuals who participated in the summit were iOne Digital President Detavio Samuels and Lori Hall who serves as the Senior Vice President of Consumer Marketing at TV One. Samuels and Hall were featured on a panel that explored diversity and inclusion practices in the media industry and how policymakers can play a role in holding major media companies accountable when it comes to taking corrective action. Other panels that took place during the summit examined the obstacles faced by media owners of color, controlling the narratives in the realm of advertising, and the importance of cultural competency in the media. Influential industry leaders who were apart of these discussions included Erika Alexander , Co-Founder of Color Farm Media, Tanya Grieg Perara , EVP, Comcast NBC Universal, L. Londell McMillan , Attorney and Owner of The Source Magazine, Tirrell D. Whittley , CEO, Liquid Soul and others. It was hosted by Congresswoman Val Demings . “The need for greater media diversity is a national priority. MMCA is committed to moving the needle on media diversity and to be a trusted bridge that brings together policy makers and the media advocacy community to make an impact,” said David Morgan , Founder and President of the MMCA, in a statement. “As an advocate for and a resource to journalists, creatives and other media stakeholders of color, we are excited by the growing support for the MMCA.” Forums like the one led by MMCA are needed. There still are wide racial gaps in film, television, print, and digital ownership. Research shows that less than 1 percent of commercial TV stations are Black-owned. SEE ALSO: Black Entrepreneurs Raise $8 Million For Barbershop-Focused App Black Entrepreneur Receives $1 Million Investment From Jay-Z’s Venture Capital Fund [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3882124″ overlay=”true”]
Trouble a well known Atlanta native has emerged from struggles in life before, his last project Edgewood released under Mike Will Made It’s Ear Drummer Imprint in conjuction with Interscope Records, was his first and only project within that joint venture. According to Trouble , it seemed that he was not being treated as a priority, so he had to make a change. In this exclusive Interview, Trouble opens up about the transition that only recently took place. He also makes mention of the origins of his new single “She A Winner” feat City Girls Yung Miami. Watch The Full Interview Below In an effort to promote the song, ladies experimenting with vegetables gave birth to the #SheAWinnerChallenge . The challenge started from one specific young lady @miinamariie_ on Instagram View this post on Instagram JESUS CHRIST #SHEAWINNER B4 u start hating just drop some s if this normal for u! Where da socks at! A post shared by TrouBle TrouBle (@troubledte6) on Jun 26, 2019 at 9:10am PDT Trouble mentions that there is a mystery artist who was originally supposed to be on the song, but Manager Tekniks of Street Execs suggested to get a girl on the song and that’s just what he did. Stream “She A Winner” Below READ MORE Watch Rapper Trouble Describe What He Looks For In The Perfect Booty How Prison Didn’t Keep Trouble From Rapping [EXCLUSIVE VIDEO] Trouble Speaks Out About Getting Into The Music Business [EXCLUSIVE VIDEO]
Source: Leon Bennett / Getty Cassie Say Team Of Black Women Have Uplifted Her Career Cassie is giving all glory to Black women for giving her career new purpose and effect. In a new interview L’Officiel , the singer/actress/entrepreneur talks about taking her career to the next level now that she is expecting a daughter. “My priorities have absolutely changed, not just for creating an amazing future and life for my daughter, but because I want her to be proud of me,” Cassie shared. “I’ve heard people say that they’re nervous to raise females in today’s world, but I’m excited! I can’t wait to see her grow, learn and challenge the world right back!” A big part of getting to that next level is the work of her new team that is comprised of predominantly Black women. When asked about working with a crew of black female creatives, Cassie explained how the new squad has helped her confidence. “When it comes to me choosing to work with certain people I have to go off of an organic connection. I love the fact that everyone that I work with now communicates fully on every aspect, we are not in competition, we work as a team and they actually understand who I am and who I want to mold myself to become. As a group, we work as a collective. “For me, this is the first time that I feel that I actually have a strong team in place that has my best interests at heart and the added bonus is that the majority of the team are creative black females. To me, it means we see each other,” she continued. “The energy I feel when we’re in a room together is unmatchable. We all have our own levels of experience and we bring our best to the table. We support each other and balance each other out all at the same time. It just works.” We’ll certainly be keeping on eye on Cassie’s moves to see how they reflect this new foray into overt Blackness.
Source: Dennis Van Tine/Future Image/WENN.com / WENN Keke Palmer On Working With Cardi B & Her Thoughts On Nene Leakes Keke Palmer stopped by Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live recently to chop it up with Andy Cohen about anything and everything. While she was in the hot seat, Keke talked about working with Cardi B and Jennifer Lopez on the upcoming movie “Hustlers” and says that Cardi B taught her some dance moves. She also shares her thoughts on the R. Kelly docuseries “Surviving R. Kelly,” saying what her experience was when he mentored her at the start of her music career. Check out a couple clips from her time on the show below:
Source: Peter Forest/Getty Images for OWN Bossip Be Trippin: Essence Fest 25 Hey beautiful people, it’s your wanderlusty buddy-pal Alejandro with another White Diamond-splashed Essence Fest adventure to recap. And yes, there are taupe kitten heels, bedazzled bodysuits, snazzy toe rings, stretchy floral fabrics, young aunties in polka dot hot pants and big Bluetooth energy (courtesy of Pop-Pop Frankie Beverly) sprinkled into this journey. Sounds amazing, I know, so let’s get into it. But first–I have to thank Ford for loaning me a 2019 Ford F-150 Limited (basically an Autobot) for the trip. I’ll call him Optimus Jr. and he’s simply incredible with the best fuel mileage of any new-age truck. I drove from Atlanta to NOLA (470 miles) without stopping for gas and STILL had 100 miles left to E. It’s absolutely life-changing (if you have an older vehicle like myself) with a planet-shaking sound system, dependable navigation interface, spacious interior (sooo much backseat space for luggage unlike most pickup trucks), MOONROOF, self-parallel parking (yes, you read that right) and buttery smooth leather seats. Source: Alex Ford/iOne This isn’t a commercial (I promise) but I told them I would let yall know how impressive the F-150 is. My only (small) complaint is the $69 is takes to fill up. STRESSFUL. But yea, I’m a fan and recommend you take one for a spin someday. Now, back to Essence Fest that attracted 1.7 billion people (I counted) to the (not) Big (enough) Easy this year for some good ‘ole fashioned day drinking shenanigans in wig-melting, eyebrow-sizzling heat. At one point, it was 104° outside but that didn’t stop anyone from attending an impressive array of events and brunches and lunches and dinners and pop-ups and soirées and kickbacks and meet & greets this year. There were SO MANY EVENTS. Almost too many. And these were my faves: View this post on Instagram Regal vibes at the @spotify #AreAndBe event! #EssenceFest • • : @gabriel_williams1 : @braided__ x @mauimoisture #SpotifyHouse A post shared by Lexi (@lexiwiththecurls) on Jul 7, 2019 at 8:48am PDT Spotify’s star-studded House of Are & Be was a VIBE with well-moisturized somebodies and the most IG-friendly photo booth experience at the festival. Look at our Digital Comms Director Lexi killin’ it. View this post on Instagram #SpotifyHouse vibes with @omarihardwickofficial @uluz3 & @iamluckydaye •• Thanks to @spotify for the #EssenceFest weekend love! Good times! •• : @gabriel_williams1 / iOne Digital A post shared by Bossip.com (@bossipofficial) on Jul 11, 2019 at 10:05am PDT Yep, EVERYBODY was there. View this post on Instagram Ava Duvernay, Gayle King & More Attend The Summer Of OWN Essence Cocktail Party •• LINK IN BIO •• #BOSSIP —— (OWN/Photographer Peter Forest) A post shared by Bossip.com (@bossipofficial) on Jul 7, 2019 at 9:21am PDT Ava Duvernay, Gayle King & more stopped by the exclusive Summer Of OWN Essence Cocktail Party at Legacy Kitchen for great vibes, impossible amounts of food (IT WAS LITERALLY A FEAST–THANKS OPRAH!) and all the Dove products you could stuff into your luggage. It was quite the event. View this post on Instagram @universalpictures threw an extravagant First Look soirée with the prettiest flowers on Earth & open bar for soon-to-be movie of the moment #QueenAndSlim. I only saw the first 12 minutes but it looks incredible in a ‘Love Jones’ had a baby with ‘Set It Off’ kinda way. Big shouts to @lenawaithe & everyone involved #TrustGod #EssenceFest #SupportBlackFilm (Swipe) A post shared by Alejandro NIGlesias (@alejandro_niglesias) on Jul 10, 2019 at 12:30am PDT Universal Pictures threw a swanky First Look soirée where they showed the first 12 minutes of soon-to-be movie of moment “Queen & Slim.” It looks incredible. No, seriously. View this post on Instagram Finallyyy met Brandy who was gracious with her time & glowing at @att’s lavish #DreamInBlack brunch #EssenceFest #CUZIMYOSISTAAA #MoeToThe #Braiderella #ItsPossibleee A post shared by Alejandro NIGlesias (@alejandro_niglesias) on Jul 11, 2019 at 12:20am PDT Brandy stunned at AT&T’s extravagant Dream In Black brunch (that also celebrated Ava Duvernay and Zendaya ). She looked and sounded AMAZING. View this post on Instagram She crashed my pic but it’s all love at #EssenceFest (If my potential boo is reading this in her bonnet with the chin strap, I don’t know this woman ) Thank you @starz for another amazing experience #TakeTheLead A post shared by Alejandro NIGlesias (@alejandro_niglesias) on Jul 8, 2019 at 8:29pm PDT Starz always has great Essence Fest events and this year’s Lounge was another win. Source: Alex Ford/iOne The magnificent Motown Manor had tarot card readings, henna painting, celebrity MUAs for guests, braid adorning, open bar and a live performance/intimate chat with BJ the Chicago Kid. Very dope. View this post on Instagram Favorite #EssenceFest moment (so far) #WaitForIt (had no idea Ari Lennox was so fine ) #GirlLemmeBuyYouCrystals #ThriftingSpreeOnMe #TheSheaToHerButter #AriHive A post shared by Alejandro NIGlesias (@alejandro_niglesias) on Jul 6, 2019 at 10:43am PDT Shea butter baby Ari Lennox gave us a classic moment at Airbnb’s elegant A Woman’s Path To Power event. THEY HAD DELICIOUS MINI-SHRIMP PO’BOYS. Source: Alex Ford/iOne HBO’s intimate Black Ladies in Comedy brunch celebrated Insecure’s Natasha Rothwell (Supervising Producer & Actress), A Black Lady Sketch Show ‘s Dime Davis (Director) and Lauren Ashley Smith (Head Writer) who chatted about Blackness in very white Hollywood spaces. Great convo and even better food. Source: Nigel Degaff Our good friends at Ford painted the future proud with a culturally delicious Ride & Drive experience combining art, food and fellowship. View this post on Instagram Kicking off #EssenceFest with @disney. Y’all see Will behind me? He plays all day. Lol #DisneyXEssence #Essence A post shared by Dani Canada (@iamdanicanada) on Jul 5, 2019 at 8:55am PDT Disney’s preview brunch for “The Lion King” and several other future box office smashes from “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” to “Frozen 2” was, well, magical. View this post on Instagram This was the moment when luxurious linens magically appeared on me in the Superdome. Pop-Pop Frankie had the aunties in taupe kitten heels going crazy. This is big Bluetooth energy. Lord, please let my shoulders be this full of life at 72. Meemaw was right—they don’t make music like this anymore #EssenceFest A post shared by Alejandro NIGlesias (@alejandro_niglesias) on Jul 11, 2019 at 7:06pm PDT Forever First Lady Michelle Obama and Final Boss auntie MJB set the tone for Pop-Pop Frankie to unleash big bluetooth energy during a dazzling performance that closed out Essence Fest with the biggest of bangs. Overall, I really enjoyed Essence Fest 25 and LOVE that it lived up to the hype. Special thanks to Team Epiphany for the exclusive invites, Legacy Kitchen ‘s wonderful staff who blessed us with fresh (and delicious) beignets, Ford, HBO, AT&T, BET, OWN, Disney, McDonald’s, Coca Cola, Universal and Motown. Thanks for reading and follow my unsupervised shenanigans on IG (@alejandro_nigelsias). See ya next time!
