Source: Gregg DeGuire / Getty We all know Tina Lawson is probably one of the most supportive mothers out there. So it’s no surprise that she mixed being a cheerleader for her oldest child, Beyonce, and raise money for the non-profit gallery and performance complex WACO Theater Center that she co-chairs with her husband Richard Lawson. How did she do this? The theme for the 3rd annual Wearable Arts Gala was “A Journey to the Pride Lands,” inspired by the movie The Lion King. If you didn’t know Beyonce is playing Nala in Disney’s reboot of The Lion King coming out in theaters nationwide July 19th. 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 So of course, black Hollywood came out in the most royal threads as a nod to the motherland and The Lion King! Hitting the pink carpet this year was Blue Ivy Carter, Beyonce, Steve Harvey, Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams, Tyler Perry, Holly Robinson Pete, and Tiffany Haddish to name a few. View this post on Instagram Last night was a dream come true #wearableartgala A post shared by Tina Knowles (@mstinalawson) on Jun 2, 2019 at 6:44pm PDT Maxwell performed at the celebration this year and 7-year-old Blue Ivy Carter reportedly bid 11K diamond ring during the auction. Last year Blue bid 20K on a piece of art at last years auction, but she was promptly stopped by her father Jay-Z so she didn’t win. This years gala raised over 2 million to support the arts in L.A. [ione_media_gallery src=”https://mycolumbuspower.com” id=”3341636″ overlay=”true”] The Latest: Detroit High School For Underserved Youth Has 100 Percent College Acceptance Rate “You Next” Project Illustrates The Impact And Influence Of Black Barbershops High School Graduate Who Received 139 College Acceptance Letters Is Headed To Xavier University Of Louisiana Yale University Elects First Black Student Body President Lonnie G. Bunch III Makes History As Smithsonian’s First Black Secretary Don’t Be Alarmed: Here’s A VERY Rare Photo Of A Young Morgan Freeman Black Music Month 2019 Blair Underwood: Ava Duvernay Made A Grief Counselor Available On The Set Of ‘When They See Us’ Black Music Month: Afrobeats Bangers John Witherspoon Says ‘The Boondocks’ Will Return for a Fifth Season source
Source: Gregg DeGuire / Getty We all know Tina Lawson is probably one of the most supportive mothers out there. So it’s no surprise that she mixed being a cheerleader for her oldest child, Beyonce, and raise money for the non-profit gallery and performance complex WACO Theater Center that she co-chairs with her husband Richard Lawson. How did she do this? The theme for the 3rd annual Wearable Arts Gala was “A Journey to the Pride Lands,” inspired by the movie The Lion King. If you didn’t know Beyonce is playing Nala in Disney’s reboot of The Lion King coming out in theaters nationwide July 19th. 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 So of course, black Hollywood came out in the most royal threads as a nod to the motherland and The Lion King! Hitting the pink carpet this year was Blue Ivy Carter, Beyonce, Steve Harvey, Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams, Tyler Perry, Holly Robinson Pete, and Tiffany Haddish to name a few. View this post on Instagram Last night was a dream come true #wearableartgala A post shared by Tina Knowles (@mstinalawson) on Jun 2, 2019 at 6:44pm PDT Maxwell performed at the celebration this year and 7-year-old Blue Ivy Carter reportedly bid 11K diamond ring during the auction. Last year Blue bid 20K on a piece of art at last years auction, but she was promptly stopped by her father Jay-Z so she didn’t win. This years gala raised over 2 million to support the arts in L.A. [ione_media_gallery src=”https://mycolumbuspower.com” id=”3341636″ overlay=”true”] The Latest: Detroit High School For Underserved Youth Has 100 Percent College Acceptance Rate “You Next” Project Illustrates The Impact And Influence Of Black Barbershops High School Graduate Who Received 139 College Acceptance Letters Is Headed To Xavier University Of Louisiana Yale University Elects First Black Student Body President Lonnie G. Bunch III Makes History As Smithsonian’s First Black Secretary Don’t Be Alarmed: Here’s A VERY Rare Photo Of A Young Morgan Freeman Black Music Month 2019 Blair Underwood: Ava Duvernay Made A Grief Counselor Available On The Set Of ‘When They See Us’ Black Music Month: Afrobeats Bangers John Witherspoon Says ‘The Boondocks’ Will Return for a Fifth Season source
F or the ninth consecutive year Loyola High School—an all-male school based in Detroit—had a one hundred percent college acceptance rate amongst their seniors, Rolling Out reported. Detroit male high school maintains 100% college acceptance for 9 years in a row – Rolling Out https://t.co/oi8dfLMKXV #HBCU #HBCUnews — HBCU Lifestyle (@HBCU_Lifestyle) May 21, 2019 The Catholic school was created to overcome barriers to equitable education for youth from underserved communities. Built on the founding principles of “integrity, compassion, and courage” students who attend the school are taught the importance of not only excelling academically but making an impact in their local communities and beyond. The school has an initiative for juniors and seniors called the Loyola Work Experience Program that gives students the opportunity to work onsite at major corporations like DTE, Ford, and General Motors so they can learn how to navigate the corporate world. Loyola has an 8:1 teacher-to-student ratio and a nationally recognized debate team. Graduates will also be supported as they begin their college experience through the school’s High School to College Transition program. Over half of the students in this year’s graduating class will be the first in their families to attend college. They received over 100 college acceptance letters and collectively earned over $1 million in scholarships. The students celebrated their acceptances with a signing day hosted by former NBA player Jimmy King and sportscaster George Blaha . “Detroit needs strong college preparatory education,” school President Fr. Mark Luedtke, S.J. said in a statement, according to Rolling Out. “If we invest in what’s good for the city and what’s good for our young people, our schools will produce students ready for the next challenge in their professional lives. Every one of these young men has the potential to be a future leader in Detroit, and they have prepared themselves while at Loyola High School.” SEE ALSO: Students At LeBron James’ I Promise School Show Impressive Academic Improvement High School Graduate Who Received 139 College Acceptance Letters Is Headed To Xavier University Of Louisiana [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3853200″ overlay=”true”]
B lack barbershops have been a central part of Philadelphia native Antonio Johnson ’s life. From childhood to adulthood, they’ve always been intertwined in his journey. He has vivid memories of his early experiences in the barbershop. As a child he would arrive there at 6:00 a.m. to get his haircut by his uncle—who at the time was DJ Jazzy Jeff ’s barber. There were hats on the coat hooks that marked your place in line. He remembers the scent of the alcohol going across his forehead when his haircut was completed and the feeling of invincibility when he left the barber chair. It was in a Philly barbershop owned by a local named Mr. Leon where Johnson—a Morgan State University graduate—picked up a magazine as a teen and learned about the cultural importance of historically Black colleges and universities. While traveling abroad to places like Cuba he learned firsthand that the impact of barbershops transcended geographically and culturally. The culmination of those experiences led to the creation of Johnson’s “You Next” project. For Johnson, Black-owned barbershops nestled in neighborhoods across America have far more value than simply being places where you can get a cut. Barbershops are embedded in the fabric of Black culture. They’ve become safe spaces for crucial conversations and have evolved into establishments for Black wellness. Through his photo project, You Next, Johnson visually captured the influence and impact that these businesses have on the lives of Black men and women. Bringing this project to fruition was no easy feat for Johnson. He came up with the concept for You Next two years ago and made the brave decision to leave his corporate job behind to pursue this project. He knew that You Next was something bigger than himself and wholeheartedly believed that it would be an important contribution to Black culture. “It was really tough. There were a lot of long nights where I thought about whether what I was doing was smart. It took a lot of faith to step out on that limb,” he told NewsOne. “I found inspiration in the journeys of barbers. When you start barbering you have to be confident and trusting of the process. You have to have faith that the community you’re servicing will support you. That’s what pushed me to move forward with the project. The project went through a few iterations. I wanted to create something that was new and reflective of the time that we’re in.” With the help of a Kickstarter campaign that he launched, he was able to move forward with making You Next a reality. College students from the nearby Atlanta University Center share a moment at Philly’s Finest Barber Shop in Atlanta. Credit: Antonio Johnson Johnson has had many memorable experiences along his journey. He’s witnessed toddlers get their first haircut—which he calls a rite of passage—and has been present for some heated barbershop debates about everything from sports to politics. He also got the opportunity to meet Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ’s former barber. Through the project, he’s been to 16 cities—including New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Oakland—and has highlighted over 100 barbershops. Johnson has transformed his photo project into a coffee table book that will feature 250 black and white images that he’s captured and poignant essays from individuals in the barber community, cultural critics, and leading voices in the literary world. The written pieces will cover entrepreneurship, gentrification, faith, and sexuality. It will be published by the Chicago Review Press and is slated to be released in September 2020. An elderly man sits in Atlanta’s Philly’s Finest Barber Shop. Credit: Antonio Johnson At a time where there is a lot at stake for Black folks socially and politically Johnson says that barbershops are needed now more than ever; especially with the 2020 presidential election approaching. He wants them to be utilized as tools to increase votership among the Black community. Going beyond politics he hopes that discussions about ownership, economic empowerment and wellness practices are brought to more barbershops. Barbershops are often a key to economic freedom for individuals who have been incarcerated. “Barbershops have cultivated a sense of community,” he said. “They are the most important small businesses in our country and when we invest in them the return is strong. The You Next project stands on the shoulders of Black barbers that started their own businesses and have allowed us to look fresh for important life milestones like birthdays, weddings, and even job interviews. You Next celebrates the most important business in our community.” Stay updated about the You Next project through Instagram and visit Antonio Johnson’s website . SEE ALSO: Barbershop Books Empowers Black Boys To Read Amid Go-Go Fight, D.C. Gentrification Threatens Important Black-Owned Bookstore [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3845233″ overlay=”true”]
E ducator and historian Lonnie G. Bunch III has dedicated his career to the preservation of important facets of American history. After leading the creation and development of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Newark native will now serve as the Smithsonian Institution’s 14th secretary; making him the first Black person to be appointed to the position, NPR reported. Smithsonian names Lonnie Bunch III as new secretary, the first African American to lead the institution https://t.co/9e9BhKCGCW — The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) May 28, 2019 Bunch was selected by the Board of Regents to take on the role. He succeeds David Skorton who has served as the institution’s secretary since 2015. In his new position, Bunch will be responsible for steering the direction and driving growth for the Smithsonian as well as overseeing the daily operations of all of its libraries, museums, and the National Zoo. He began his journey with the Smithsonian nearly 30 years ago and has held several executive level positions at the National Museum of American History. When he became the director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture there was only one person on staff and no funding. Through his leadership the museum—which has over 40,000 artifacts that capture the essence of the Black experience—has attracted upwards of 4 million visitors. Bunch has also spearheaded capital campaigns for the Chicago Historical Society where he served as president from 2001 through 2005. One of his goals as secretary of the 173-year-old institution is to keep history relevant in a digital age. He wants the artifacts and information housed in the Smithsonian institutions to foster creativity and innovation. “It is important for the public to view the Smithsonian not simply as an addict of nostalgia, but as a cauldron of ideas of innovation and understanding that can be transformative for our country,” he said in a statement. “It must be an institution that is ripe with technology, an institution better suited to serve 21st century audiences, and an institution of research, of great collections, and of wonder that helps America understand itself and its world.” Bunch is slated to officially start his new position on June 16. SEE ALSO: Henrietta Lacks’ Portrait Will Live At The Smithsonian Museum Children’s Museum Celebrating African History And Culture Coming To Baltimore [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3853368″ overlay=”true”]
R eceiving over 100 college acceptance letters can be overwhelming for a high school graduate, but for 18-year-old Normandie Cormier , it was clear that she would begin her next chapter at a historically Black college and university. According to USA Today , after being accepted to 139 colleges through the Common App and the Common Black College App, the Louisiana native has decided to further her education at Xavier University in New Orleans. Most parents and guidance counselors advise high school seniors to apply to more than one college — to have at least one “backup school.” Well, Normandie Cormier of Lafayette had more than 100 backups. https://t.co/JFTxju45Cc — azcentral (@azcentral) May 29, 2019 Cormier has always displayed excellence when it came to academics. Early on she decided that she wanted to enter a program that allowed her to simultaneously earn her high school diploma and a college degree. With the support of her family, she enrolled in Early College Academy which is a part of South Louisiana Community College’s campus. Outside of school, she was very involved in her local community, often mentoring young girls who want to pursue careers in STEM, tutoring youngsters and adults, and volunteering at a nursing home. The journey hasn’t been easy for Cormier. She’s dealt with several immune system issues which have caused many hospital visits. Despite her health ailments, she prevailed. She ended up graduating with a high school diploma and an associate’s degree. Her dedication to her education and making a positive impact in her community caught the attention of higher education institutions across the globe and earned her $8.7 million in scholarships and grants from GE, Burger King and other companies and organizations. Her hospital visits led her to choose a career path in medicine. “Since I was a child, I was always in and out of the hospital,” Cormier told USA Today. “When I was young, it affected my self-esteem. But now I can use it to inspire others.” She said selecting Xavier University of Louisiana was an easy decision because her personal goals are aligned with the school’s values. The aspiring doctor hopes that her journey will inspire others. SEE ALSO: Yale University Elects First Black Student Body President 14-Year-Old Sydney Wilson Becomes Youngest Student Accepted Into Spelman [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3853200″ overlay=”true”]
Source: Getty Images / Morgan Freeman We’ve heard the running joke all our lives: Morgan Freeman was born old! As funny as that it, there’s actually very little evidence to prove the contrary. There’s a whole thread on the Internet dedicated to finding out whether the Oscar winner is actually an alien being living among us. Like seriously, when was he ever young. Cyber Sai: “I just recently watched “Eyewitness” a Sigourney Weaver movie from 1981, she made it 2 years after Alien. Morgan Freeman had a role as a cop in the movie. In the movie he does have black hair, but he still looks old. And this movie is from f**ing 1981…over 30 years ago. Was Morgan Freeman ever young?” Of course, the responses, like Morgan Freeman’s age, were out of this world. Lockedout6: He’s not bounded by space and time. Right now, I’m reading every post as if Morgan Freeman himself was narrating it. Penisochio: Huh, was God ever young. Good question. YellowShampoo: he looks like a male version of the oracle. maybe he’s just a program in the matrix But if you dig deep enough, there is an actual photo of a younger Morgan Freeman. Source: Getty / Getty Not like teenager young, but not as old as we’ve seen him in our lifetime. Source: Getty / Getty Someone on Twitter dug even deeper and found the UNBELIEVABLE photo of Mr. Freeman as a child ! Wow. We’ve officially seen it all.
Source: Getty / Getty The Beyhive damn near fainted earlier this week when it was announced that Beyonce ‘s first ever film, Carmen: A Hip Hopera , is heading to Netflix on Saturday, June 1st. It’s hard to believe that the Robert Townsend directed flick came out on MTV almost 20 years ago! Sharing this gem in honor of Carmen: A Hip Hopera coming to @netflix !! @Robert_Townsend talking about @Beyonce ’s audition is everything! pic.twitter.com/AkkH3bJihz — Shondaland (@byshondaland) May 30, 2019 And it was the first time we got to see 19-year old Bey show her acting chops and spit a couple of bars. Hella tours, hella hits, one marriage, and three children later, Beyonce is still snatching our edges with every move she makes. In 2019, she’s revered as one of the greatest performers to ever grace the stage. But in 2001, she was just a teen branching off from her from her budding music career in order to find her voice. And that, she did. Source: Getty / Getty 2001 was a pivotal year in lots of ways for many people. The devastating September 11th terrorist attacks took place in New York City, changing the face of America as we knew it. That same year, the first Ipod was released, and Wikipedia made its online debut. Bill Clinton was leaving office, Hillary Clinton was sworn into senate, while Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake rocked their infamous Denim on Denim couple’s look to the American Music Awards. But besides starring in Carmen, here’s what the Bootylicious Queen Bey was doing in 2001.
Source: WENN.com / WENN The world is marching to the rhythm of West Africa. Afrobeats have gone global and artists are clamoring to capitalize off of the infectious sound. Afrobeats, not to be confused with Afrobeat, created by Fela Kuti, gets its upbeat and energetic melodies from a hybrid of West African music and American jazz and funk. Wizkid, Davido and Tiwa Savage are just a few of the artists who have helped take Afrobeats abroad, introducing it to the world at large. Its popularity has prompted Sony Music and Universal Music Group to open offices in Lagos, Nigeria to help develop the talent behind the music. With backing like that, Afrobeats has a bright future! For Black Music Month, we put together a playlist that’s sure to get you moving no matter where you are in the world.
