Source: Prince Williams / Getty Cardi B has cancelled a few of her concerts last month due to needing more time to heal from her recent plastic surgeries . Last week, she took to social media to give fans a glimpse of the toll that the recovery process has taken on her body. In a now deleted post, the “Press” rapper showed her severely swollen feet and revealed that when she flies her feet and stomach become swollen. Text “RICKEY” to 71007 to join the Rickey Smiley Morning Show mobile club for exclusive news. ( Terms and conditions ). “Look at how swollen my feet get every time I take a plane,” she said. “Imagine my body. Reasons why my doctors told me to chill on shows.” She added that not only is there swelling but she feels a burning sensation in her stomach and feet as well. https://twitter.com/PopSirens/status/1137494708115116034 After giving birth to her daughter, Kulture , Cardi said she underwent plastic surgery again, getting her breast redone by getting breast augmentation and liposuction. On Instagram, the former Love & Hip-Hop star said she misunderstood how long the recovery process would actually take and didn’t follow the doctors orders when he told her not to fly for a few months. SEE ALSO: Here’s A First Look At Cardi B And Offset’s Baby Girl, Kulture [PHOTOS] “One thing my doctor was saying was that you cannot take planes,” Bardi explained. “You cannot take planes for like 3 months. So every time that I keep traveling, like, my feet and my legs, they swell up. Like, I had really bad ‘cankles.’ Then after my shows, I wasn’t really feeling it when I performing, but I would really feel a lot of back pains. And then on top of that, my stitches around my boobs, on the outside, are completely healed, but the inside, you know, you still got stitches in the inside, in my breasts, so they’ve slowly got to heal.” The Bronx native is scheduled to perform on June 16th at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee. There is no word of her cancelling that performance so hopefully she will be healthy enough to take the stage. This story was originally published on MadameNoire.com . Sign Up For Our Newsletter! Close Thank you for subscribing! Please be sure to open and click your first newsletter so we can confirm your subscription. Email Submit [ione_media_gallery src=”https://rickeysmileymorningshow.com” id=”2000235″ overlay=”true”] ALSO TRENDING ON RICKEYSMILEYMORNINGSHOW.COM : Maryland Rapper Killed In Shooting Usher Gets Big Ass Head Tattoo [PHOTOS] Sasha Obama Gets Glamed Up As She Goes To Prom [PHOTOS] Follow @TheRSMS
Source: Jan Kjerrman / EyeEm / Getty UPDATE 6/10/19 at 2:34PM EST : The fire has been extinguished. CNN reports that at least one person was killed in the helicopter crash. — The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) is responding to reports of an accident that occurred this afternoon in the city’s Midtown section. FDNY members are operating on scene at 787 7th Ave in Manhattan, helicopter crash landing. — FDNY (@FDNY) June 10, 2019 According to reports, a helicopter crashed into the roof of a 54-foot office building at West 49th Street and 7th Avenue. Many sirens along 6th avenue in Midtown Manhattan headed to what is being reported as a small plane or helicopter crash into or on a nearby building. — Michael Del Moro (@MikeDelMoro) June 10, 2019 Road closures are expected for emergency personnel and as the building is being evacuated, authorities also urge people to avoid the area. Scene at 52nd between 6th and 7th after plane/helicopter crash in NYC. Building was evacuated. pic.twitter.com/8XqDDRvr2C — CJ Cervantes (@SirVontezII) June 10, 2019 PRELIMINARY UPDATE: There was a helicopter hard landing on the roof of 787 7th Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. Fire has been extinguished. Please continue to avoid the area. https://t.co/pBvrbD1MGh — NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) June 10, 2019 This is a developing story; check back for more details. Source : NBC New York ALSO TRENDING ON RICKEYSMILEYMORNINGSHOW.COM : Maryland Rapper Killed In Shooting Usher Gets Big Ass Head Tattoo [PHOTOS] Sasha Obama Gets Glamed Up As She Goes To Prom [PHOTOS] Follow @TheRSMS
Source: Tawni Bannister / Courtesy of Quan Michelle Name: Quan Michelle IG: quanmichelle_ Agency: Dorthoy Combs Models Claim to Fame: Michelle was one of the faces in Universal Standard’s groundbreaking athletic attire campaign. As a young girl growing up in Baltimore, Maryland Quan Michelle thought a model was someone who “exuded confidence.” Sadly, despite having a longstanding desire to join the industry, that description did not apply to her. “I wasn’t confident growing up at all. I got teased a lot for my height, my weight, I was a bigger girl, taller,” explained Michelle in an exclusive interview with Hello Beautiful. View this post on Instagram Thankful for all that transpired during the past two months. Learned more about this industry, myself, elevated my career and my inspiration is VIVID. The lord holds my hand through tribulations and protects my energy from negativity. I held on to people who wouldn’t blink for me for a long time because I thought I had to. I asked God to remove my enemies and a lot of folks started disappearing. I’m thankful for my mentality, it’s been the hidden gem. Watch company you keep and trust your gut instincts. Some want to use you for selfish reasons that aren’t genuine. Be thankful for those you can trust, confide in and appreciate what you do! Thankful for my home, health, family, tight circle, experiences, contracts and lessons. Blessed to have my blended family who genuinely supports me. Gracious for my team, you all work so hard! To EVERYONE I’ve worked with in 2018 and past. Thank you ALL, you’re all part of my growth! I love you guys and can’t wait to reveal my HUGE SECRET! Xo #Anyways BLESSED X THANKFUL. Periodt . . . . @zacmakeupartist @john___ellis A post shared by @ quanmichelle_ on Nov 22, 2018 at 8:07am PST “As my journey progressed, I gained that confidence. It’s something I had to teach myself, something I had to learn,” she added. One of the methods she used to accomplish that was seeking out role models she could connect with. One of them was industry veteran Tyra Banks . “I am a huge huge Tyra Banks fan. I used to rush home from school and watch her show,” she said. Not only was it comforting for Michelle to see Banks in the spotlight as a statuesque woman with a shapely figure it was healing to hear someone else give voice to the insecurities she was dealing with. View this post on Instagram Behind the scenes from a recent commercial shoot. Photography: @ayceebrownphoto Hair: @jayjstyling MUA: @dawnmua More To Come ! #PlusModel #ModelsOnDuty #QuanMichelle #BeAnthony #Handbags A post shared by @ quanmichelle_ on Feb 15, 2015 at 1:59pm PST “It was very refreshing and nice to feel that you know I can relate to someone. She used to speak on her forehead and about being bigger and an African-American woman in the modeling industry. I just listened to how she did not let anyone stop her from fulfilling her dreams . It was very inspiring.” View this post on Instagram So excited to be working with @rainbowshops today!! @msamodels @msacurve #MsaModels #QuanMichelle #Rainbow #CurveModel #WorkingModel #SetLife #FallFashion A post shared by @ quanmichelle_ on Oct 17, 2017 at 9:55am PDT The inspiration she found in her room on weekday afternoons motivated her to leave not only the city but the state. She was soon making plans to relocate to New York determined to see if like her idol she was capable of making her dreams come true. View this post on Instagram Gotta keep it caliente, feel me?! A post shared by @ quanmichelle_ on Dec 23, 2017 at 12:08pm PST “I was like ‘You know what? I can do this! I am gonna do this and I’m doing it!” As she began to peek out of her comfort zone, she was surprised to a bit of additional inspiration closer to home. “There’s a model from Maryland as well, her name is Liris Crosse . She’s obviously given me such good advice. I really appreciate her support. There are some catty models in the industry, but you focus on the good and people like Liris are the reason why. she’s such a beautiful spirit I can ask for anything anytime and she’s always wiling to help.” View this post on Instagram Asked God, he said “Grind a little harder” @john___ellis @makeupbylucas @statemgmt . . . . . . . #NycModels #Statecurve #BeastMode #SmokingIsBadDontSmokeLol #BlondeHair #CurlyHair #QuanMichelle #SkinGlow #CurlyModels #LAModels #Portrait #Beauty #CurveModel #editorialphotography A post shared by @ quanmichelle_ on Jan 18, 2018 at 4:27am PST With the warm welcome she received from Crosse and other models Michelle has been able to build a support system that’s encouraged her as she booked major campaigns and fit modeling jobs for brands like ELOQUII , Rent The Runway and Swimsuits For All. View this post on Instagram Cute as a button! @renttherunway @helenreavey @yukihayashi89 @tawnibannister @statemgmt @stateartistmgmt @draperjames @reesewitherspoon @eloquii #XOQ #MyRTR #reesewitherspoon #QuanMichelle #StateMgmt #StateCurve A post shared by @ quanmichelle_ on May 9, 2018 at 2:31pm PDT The opportunities she earned as a model allowed her to finally have her mother visit her in the city. “I took her out to dinner at Essex on the Lower East side and I cried at the table. I was so embarrassed! It was a very special moment for me. She told me that she always wanted to come to New York. She’s never been here, so we got to enjoy New York together and do all the touristy stuff.” View this post on Instagram Yearning for the REAL springtime.. A post shared by @ quanmichelle_ on Apr 2, 2018 at 10:25am PDT Her mother expressed how relieved she was to see her daughter was able to turn a childhood passion into a full-fledged career . “She is SO proud of me she was so worried when I left the state but now, she’s like okay you got this I see you,” said Michelle. View this post on Instagram A post shared by @quanmichelle_ on Jul 18, 2018 at 9:41am PDT Another benchmark in her career has been appearing in the “liberating” athletic campaign she did with Universal Standard. “I had such a good time on set,” she exclaimed. She described the experience of working with the other models included as one that felt like “a sisterhood.” She worked with the brand to promote their collaboration with Orange Is The New Black’s Danielle Brooks as well. View this post on Instagram What an absolute pleasure modeling for the lovely @daniebb3 clothing line collaboration with @universalstandard on National Television! Any of these clothing pieces make a perfect gift for the holidays! You can shop on Universal's website, or just head over to their instagram and start shopping from there also! Ahhhh, I am elated to share this moment with @jovannaalbino & @bailey.culbreth ! No worries if you missed the show, you know I got the link for this segment in my bio just for you babes! Thank you so much for an awesome experience and what a way to end the year?! Woot, Woot! XOXO . . . . . . #QuanMichelle #JovannaAlbino #BaileyCulbreth #UniversalStandard #DanielleBrooks #CBS #HarryTv #PsModel #CurveModel #MSAmodels #MSAcurve #NYC #USxDB #DaniSweaterDress #DanielleShirtDress #BrooksOveralls #Slay #Slayage #EveryWoman #Designer #Broadway #Actress #Model ps. Lovies I tagged two places for great comfy wide width shoes btw! Oh, you're welcome lol ! A post shared by @ quanmichelle_ on Dec 14, 2017 at 12:07am PST “It was very nice to show that women plus-size women are active . We don’t sit on the couch. We do work out and we should be included as well,” she continued. View this post on Instagram Keep that new year resolution with @universalstandard athletic wear @yuliagorbachenko . . . . #UniversalStandard #athleticwear #workoutgear #plussize #StateModels A post shared by @ quanmichelle_ on Jan 23, 2018 at 2:23pm PST While some decry that brands are late to the body positivity party as just seeking coins Michelle is enthusiastic about the garment industry stretching itself. View this post on Instagram Huge thank you to @mrrichardlawson and @mstinalawson for hosting such a lovely event! The @wacotheater is truly a gem. It was an absolute pleasure to be in attendance to see the marvelous art! Congratulations @beyonce for receiving your humanitarian award and #GloriaCarter for the everyday people award. So blessed to be around so much wearable art, people making a difference and beautiful spirits. . . . . . . . . . MUA: @phamousbeauty Dress: TS Couture Custom Head Piece: @photosbysyranno @_themelroseexp @bbmcqueen_ Shoes @csiriano #wacotheater #wearableartgala #wacotowakanda A post shared by @ quanmichelle_ on Mar 18, 2018 at 5:48pm PDT “I feel like more brands are starting to jump on the inclusion band wagon and it’s nothing wrong with that because we all need representation, we need body diversity.” View this post on Instagram It's GAME time ! . . . . . . . Introducing GAME by @universalstandard ! This is a 5-piece collection of performance #activewear. SPOTLIGHT: Named Armor #Bodysuit. Ultimate freedom of movement in a single piece design with a soft hand feel that creates a next-to-naked sensation. Shop now! Link in Universal's bio as well mine. It's game time, let's tackle 2018! @yuliagorbachenko A post shared by @ quanmichelle_ on Jan 9, 2018 at 10:02am PST She quickly added, “We need racial diversity as well,” acknowledging the bias Black models encounter daily. View this post on Instagram Thank you to @mrrichardlawson and @mstinalawson for hosting such a lovely event! The @wacotheater is truly a gem. What an absolute pleasure to be in attendance to see the marvelous art! Congratulations @beyonce for receiving your Humanitarian Award and Gloria Carter for the everyday people award. Thank you for all your efforts to give to others! #wacotheatercenter #wacotheater2018 #wearableartgala #wearableartgala2018 #wacotowakanda A post shared by @ quanmichelle_ on Mar 18, 2018 at 8:13pm PDT A firm believer that, “your fitness journey starts in the kitchen,” she is working with Dominic Nell of City Weeds to promote healthy and sustainable practices in her home city. She is not only contributing financially to the purchasing of raised plant beds but donating time as well. Her modeling career might be moving in the right direction, but she is still seeking inspiration to take her career to the next level. These days she finds it in in the books she totes with her to castings including Susan Moses’ The Art of Dressing Curves and Crosse’s The World Is My Runway. She doesn’t own a television preferring to spend her time learning. View this post on Instagram I ain’t sorry.. nah #CreateYourLane #honoryourcurves #effyourbeautystandards #thickthighssavelives @lanebryant @dorothycombsmodels A post shared by @ quanmichelle_ on May 29, 2019 at 2:18pm PDT She said, “I pretty much will pick up a book about almost anything if I feel like it will help me with my own personal growth.” Michelle hopes to provide aspiring creatives with the support she received from connecting with Crosse. She is currently working on opening a cost-regulated studio to provide Baltimore residents with a fraction of the creative infrastructure of their New York counterparts. “There are so many talented people in Baltimore, and I feel like they don’t have the resources all the time to do what they love. I would love to be the person to help them and provide those things.” She believes her status as a Baltimore native will helps her understand the needs of those grinding in the city in a way that way that Crosse understood hers when she was starting out. “It’s very nice to have that support from someone that understands where I come from,” she stated. DON’T MISS: MODEL MONDAY: Aba Forewa Is Going Full Force MODEL MONDAY: Christina Mendez Kept Her Children First On Her Climb To The Top MODEL MONDAY: Hope Kiriisa Wants Everyone To Embrace Everyday Fabulous [ione_media_gallery src=”https://hellobeautiful.com” id=”3028437″ overlay=”true”]
Source: Cindy Ord / Getty What a difference a few months can make! Cause baby…. Wendy Williams has been out there living her best life as of late as she regains her happiness after her incredibly messy marriage to former manager Kevin Hunter . Now, it appears that the 54-year-old even has a new boo, a much younger boo! Over the weekend during a recent trip to Los Angeles, the iconic talk show host posted up a pic of the two, holding hands by the water. “Last night was the most beautiful sunset in Sherman Oaks with special people. Thank you, California! You’ve won me over! I’ll be back for the Hip Hop Festival in August! #92 .3 #oldenoughtobeyourmother #verysexyman #mynewlife,” she wrote on Instagram. Sadly, we didn’t see a glimpse of his face or get his name. View this post on Instagram Last night was the most beautiful sunset in Sherman Oaks with special people. Thank you, California! You've won me over! I'll be back for the Hip Hop Festival in August! #92.3 #oldenoughtobeyourmother #verysexyman #mynewlife A post shared by Wendy Williams (@wendyshow) on Jun 10, 2019 at 5:53am PDT Clearly, folks are here for it! Singer and reality star Tamar Braxton wrote: “ LOVE IT!!! @wendyshow.” While fans, @alice_in_wndrlan wrote, “Wendy is reclaiming her time! Yasss!!!” and @randirossario asked, “Auntie who dis man ” Meanwhile, the paparazzi (being the nosy folks they are), recently posted a video of Wendy in a car with a man (who we assume, but cannot confirm is her new boo). The paps who mistook this man for Kevin, asked the talk show host a range of questions about her relationship with her soon-to-be ex husband and how she, her son and Kevin are doing in the wake of their split. “Stuff happens in life, and I’ve had a really full life and the things that I have endured…please don’t make me cry,” she said. Wendy then looked to her alleged Bae and apologized. Turning back to the paps, she was clear: “I didn’t plan on this, but it is what it is…I have a very full life. Thank you for watching. Adding, “I would ask you to respect our privacy, but please, I don’t respect people’s privacy. That’s why I do the hot topics,” she quipped. When asked if we would ever see the three of them together , Wendy screamed, “Yes,” reminding them that their son is going to graduate from college and get married one day and both his parents will be there for him. Take a look below via Shaderoom: View this post on Instagram TSR STAFF: Tanya P.! @tanyaxpayne ____________________________ #TSRExclusive: #Roommates, I know y’all have seen #WendyWilliams on the ’gram cuttin’ up lately! Sis has been out zzdippin’ & zzdoin’ it while she’s been in Los Angeles and has even snagged herself a lil’ bae! _________________________ Earlier today we reposted, a photo she uploaded where she’s seen hand-in-hand with her “special someone” as they watched the sunset together. ___________________________ Last night Wendy was picking up some soul food with her new (alleged) boo and even spilled tea on what’s REALLY going on at home. Though Wendy seems to be in good spirits, she did break down into tears while talking about her situation. Make sure to watch the WHOLE video #Roommates, lets say… it gets interesting. Enjoy! #HowYouDoin A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom) on Jun 10, 2019 at 8:49am PDT Listen, we are so happy for Wendy! Girl, go be with whoever makes you feel loved, seen, respected and happy. You deserve it! RELATED NEWS: Summer Jam Was Lit, But Wendy Williams’ Single Swag Was A Mood Wendy Williams Is Living Her Best Life, Hung Out With Blac Chyna Last Night Boy Bye: Kevin Hunter Officially Out As Executive Producer Of ‘The Wendy Williams Show’
Source: Scott Dudelson / Getty UPDATE #2 (11:30 PM): Bill’s rep confirmed to TMZ and media outlets that the rapper passed away Sunday night around 9:30 PM. “Bushwick Bill passed away peacefully this evening at 9:35 p.m. He was surrounded by his immediate family. There were incorrect previous reports that he had passed away this morning. We are looking into doing a public memorial at a later date. His family appreciates all of the prayers and support and are asking for privacy at this time.” R.I.P. Bill. We were with you till the end you don’t have too suffer no more pops. You always wanted your own rolling stone cover & Dawnya made it possible. Love you 4ever our last convos I’ll value till the day I’m with you. pic.twitter.com/yYBUG6thW5 — . (@Yungknxw) June 10, 2019 UPDATE (11:10 AM): Bill’s publicist told TMZ that despite posts from Scarface and other conflicting reports, the rapper is “still alive and fighting cancer”. She told the outlet that some of Bill’s family members are by his hospital bedside right now and others are on their way. As to how the information of his passing began to spread like wildfire, she says someone got incorrect information about Bill’s health. As reported earlier, Bill was supposed to take part in a concert in Dallas featuring The Beatnuts, but he was unable to perform as he was hospitalized. View this post on Instagram Contrary to what has been prematurely, insensitively, and inaccurately posted/reported – My dad IS NOT dead, he’s still alive and fighting for his life. He needs your continued prayers and support. Certain people have been so quick to write him off as dead so they can capitalize off it, and it’s messed up because yall really think these people care about him. There is no Geto Boys without Bushwick Bill. Please repost to help combat the fake news. Thank you @tmz_tv & @realdawn_p for the updated report. On behalf of the family we’re requesting privacy until further notice. #news #bushwickbill #chuckwick #getoboys #tmz A post shared by Bushwick Bill (@therealbushwickbill) on Jun 9, 2019 at 9:57am PDT “Contrary to what has been prematurely, insensitively, and inaccurately posted – My dad IS NOT dead, he’s still alive and fighting for his life. He needs your continued prayers and support. Certain people have been so quick to write him off as dead so they can capitalize off it, and it’s messed up because yall really think these people care about him. There is no Geto Boys without Bushwick Bill. Thank you @tmz_tv & @realdawn_p for the updated report. On behalf of the family we’re requesting privacy until further notice.” See original story below. Bushwick Bill , the giant-size figure who, along with fellow Geto Boys Scarface and Willie D kicked down the door for Houston rap to be noticed nationally has reportedly succumbed to pancreatic cancer. He was 52. Tributes have begun pouring in from Scarface to Bun B , Slim Thug, Questlove and more. In May, Bill revealed he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer . He told TMZ and others that he was prepared to fight and ultimately beat the disease. He announced a F*ck Cancer tour that was supposed to kick off Saturday in Dallas, Texas. Born in Jamacia in 1966, Richard Stephen Shaw eventually found his way into the hearts and minds of rap fans under the moniker Bushwick Bill when he joined forces with Scarface and Willie D to form the third and most popular version of the Geto Boys. Bill, having been a Geto Boy since 1984 when J. Prince first started Rap-A-Lot Records, was there for the original incarnation of Raheem, Slim Jukebox, and Sir Rap-A-Lot and then Prince Johnny C, Slim Jukebox, Bushwick Bill, and DJ Ready Red in 1985. A self-proclaimed introvert , Bill often said in interviews that he “never had a big personality” but it came out on stage, often. In June 1991, before the group’s most famous album came one of the more fascinating stories in rap history. After shooting himself in the eye on accident, the incident turned into the landmark album cover for We Can’t Be Stopped . Thus, the legend of Bushwick Bill was born. “I figure keeping it myself is not really helping nobody, and I’m not really afraid of dying because if anyone knows anything about me from [his 1992 song] ‘ Ever So Clear ,’ I died and came back already in June 1991, so I know what it’s like on the other side,” Bill told TMZ in May. He had planned to release three albums to set his children up in lieu of his untimely demise. RELATED: Bushwick Bill Gives Health Update As Geto Boys Reunion Tour Gets Canceled
Source: Provided: AT&T / AT&T Stop by any of these participating AT&T locations and see a store rep for more details!!! • 3330 Camp Creek Pkwy. East Point, GA 30344 • 4805 Briarcliff Road NE. Atlanta, GA 30345 • 7105 Stonecrest Pkwy. Lithonia, GA 30038 Source: Provided: Radio One / Radio One
Source: Radio One / Radio One Digital HOT 107.9 Birthday Bash is right around the corner! HOT 107.9 with AT&T wants to celebrate all things (404) and the new American Dream and wants to make the dreams of one local musician come true! We’re looking for the hottest new artist in the (404). Help us find the next artist to perform at the Birthday Bash Block Party stage! 1. Upload your thirty second video to Instagram and remember to @ HOT 107.9, @ A-T-T and use the hashtag #ItsA404Thing. 2. Tag your friends and make sure they repost AND share! We’re making One Dream Come True! Brought to you by AT&T #ItsA404Thing and Atlanta’s Number One Hip Hop Station…. HOT 107.9 CLICK HERE FOR CONTEST RULES
B illionaire Robert F. Smith ’s act of kindness has inspired other entrepreneurs across the country to pay it forward. A Black-owned barbershop in North Carolina raised money to help high school seniors pay off their debt so they would be able to graduate, WBTV reported. Season Bennett learned 14 seniors at East Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte wouldn’t get their diplomas with the rest of their class if the overdue school fees weren’t paid. So Bennett asked the community for help eliminating the $4,500 debt. https://t.co/tELwhA0miB — NewsChannel 12 (@wcti12) May 30, 2019 After seeing Smith’s commencement speech—where he promised to eliminate the student loan debt of Morehouse College’s entire 2019 graduating class— Season Bennett was prompted to do something special for students in Charlotte. Bennett, who owns Headlines Barbershop with her husband, got in contact with the staff at East Mecklenburg High School to see if any seniors had outstanding debts that would prevent them from graduating. After learning that 14 students collectively had $4,500 in debt, Bennett decided to raise funds for the teenagers. Many of the fees they had were tied to their participation in the school’s band program. With the help of her local community, she was able to raise enough money to cover the debt. NFL player Thomas Davis was instrumental in helping Bennett and the barbershop reach its goal. “It seems like that’s just basic in our culture. You need to get at least your high school diploma,” Bennett told the news outlet. Several individuals have stepped up to help high school students pay off their debt to walk across the graduation stage and receive their hard-earned diplomas. In May Valerie Castile —the mother of Philando Castile —paid off the lunch debt for students at Robbinsdale Cooper High School so that they could graduate. Outstanding high school lunch debt has become an evolving issue across the country. According to USA Today , 75 percent of school districts in the U.S. had unpaid student meal debt during the 2016-2017 academic year. SEE ALSO: Philando Castile’s Mother Pays Off Lunch Debt For High School Students In Minnesota Army Sgt. Surprises Daughter At High School Graduation [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3853200″ overlay=”true”]
Last summer there where a slew of teen shootings in metro Atlanta. These unfortunate events spawned the community to leap into action to stop any further any senseless violence and loss. (See Reec of Hot 107.9 on 11 Alive Talking about 2018 Teen Violence Prevention). This year several organizations have banded together to be proactive in their approach to keep our communities teens safe this summer and prevent families from dealing with the tragedy that last years summer presented. This initiative has been dubbed #Project79, and the collaborative is spearheaded by Keith A. Lewis, Founder of I’m a father First Foundation. Through strategic partnerships with businesses, non profits, community leaders and venues, Project 79 will offer daily activities, job opportunities and mentors for teens, mainly young black boys and men. These initiatives will range from seminars, group Stone Mountain climbs and even a water gun fight! Here are a few upcoming events!
T his year’s Tony Awards could turn out to be a historic evening for Black women in the realm of dance. According to Forbes , choreographer and artistic director Camille A. Brown is the first Black woman to be nominated in the Best Choreography category in 23 years. #ICYMI this piece about @CamilleABrown #dance #choreographers https://t.co/AZnPkrZzVK — Dance/USA (@DanceUSAorg) June 7, 2019 Brown—who is the founder of the New York City-based Camille A. Brown & Dancers dance company—is nominated for her work on the play Choir Boy . The play, which was written by Tarell Alvin McCraney , chronicles the experiences of a Black student who leads a gospel choir. Brown intertwined the storyline with powerful forms of dance expression. She says the premise of the play prompted her to pull inspiration from South African dance traditions, Step dance routines, and Juba dance which was started by Africans who were enslaved. “When I was hearing the spirituals [in Choir Boy] I was thinking about the historical context of them because they’re over 200 years old, but then looking at the men [in the cast] and how they are walking in life in 2019,” she told Deadline in an interview. “I told them that this was a time for them to be unapologetic on stage, and to step into what all this means. I told them, you’re carrying this historical information but you’re also carrying who you are. It’s not just about me coming in and putting in steps – there has to be the need and intention, an urgency, this combination of working and moving our bodies in space and having a dialogue.” The award-winning choreographer has had a storied career in the dance industry. She attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and the Performing Arts and went on to dance with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Brown’s dance company has performed internationally and she has led the choreography for shows that include Once on This Island and Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert! . Brown says being nominated for the Tony Award is meaningful and speaks volumes about the need for more representation in dance and theatre. “When I wanted to do theatre, I didn’t see many reflections of myself. This Tony nomination is so important to me, and has deep meaning, because the last black woman that was nominated in this category was Marlies Yearby in 1996, for Rent ,” she said. “I have I hope that a young black girl who wants to choreograph for theater but doesn’t necessarily see many black females can see a reflection of herself through me.” The 73rd Tony Awards will air on June 9. SEE ALSO: Yale University Elects First Black Student Body President Lonnie G. Bunch III Makes History As Smithsonian’s First Black Secretary [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3853862″ overlay=”true”]
