Black History continues to happen everyday. This month, we decided create a Superhero Guide To Black History Month highlighting musicians, politicians, actors and athletes of influence who are not only dominating in their crafts, but are also helping shape culture in unforgettable ways. Below is a character guide to one of our featured heroes, Issa Rae . 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 Civilian Name : Issa Rae Super Name : Rae Bae Superpower : Magic Creativity Origin : TV & Movies Conquered Territory : Issa Rae is the definition of “making a way out of no way.” Since launching her “Awkward Black Girl” series on YouTube back in 2011, she went on to create more digital content on Pharrell’s “iAmOTHER” YouTube channel, began touring, released a memoir titled The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl (2015) and most recently, teamed up with HBO to debut her original series, Insecure . It wasn’t easy, but she got it done. “I thrive on obstacales,” she once said. “If I’m told that it can’t be done, then I push harder.” The proof is in her mission: Issa was listed in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in 2012 and 2014, has been nominated for two Golden Globes and an Emmy, had a supporting role just last year in The Hate U Give , is co-starring in the Little movie with Marsai Martin in April 2019, and is currently in the pre-production phase for The Lovebirds (2020), American Princess (TBD) and Empress of Serenity (TBD). Her accomplishments are #BlackGirlMagic at its finest! Click HERE to See More Character Guides — ALSO TRENDING ON RICKEYSMILEYMORNINGSHOW.COM : Vintage Photos Of Black History Being Made In America “Black Panther” Returns To Theaters For Free In Honor Of Black History Month These Teachers Have The Most Inspiring Black History Month Decorations We’ve Ever Seen! Follow @TheRSMS PHOTO: Creative Services – iOne/Getty
C harles D. King —the producer behind pivotal films like Fences , Mudbound and Sorry to Bother You —recently made a power move in the entertainment industry. According to Deadline , King’s media company MACRO has inked a first-look deal with Warner Bros. MACRO Inks First-Look Deal At Warner Bros. https://t.co/slakoAd7q9 pic.twitter.com/UQihafRhvL — Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) February 20, 2019 King believes the partnership with Warner Bros. will be instrumental in helping people of color authentically bring their narratives to the big screen, the news outlet writes. One of the projects that King is currently working on through his production company is a film entitled Jesus Was My Homeboy , which is about the life story of Black Panther Party member Fred Hampton . Director Ryan Coogler and WB will work on the project as well. Actors Lakeith Stanfield and Daniel Kaluuya may star in the film. Through the deal with Warner Bros., King wants to bring more stories like these to the forefront. “We are thrilled to join forces with Warner Bros. Pictures and their visionary leadership team whose bold choices have led to some of our industry’s most successful and impactful films,” said King in a statement, according to the news outlet. “This expertise, combined with WarnerMedia and AT&T’s global assets and distribution, offers MACRO an unparalleled opportunity to expand our reach and further our mission of identifying and producing authentic stories by and about people of color.” The Warner Bros. leadership team is excited about working with MACRO. WB Production Head Courtenay Valenti and the studio’s chairman Toby Emmerich said that they are looking forward to producing films that “highlight the authenticity and importance of diversity.” Black producers are landing major production deals. In January, actor Michael B. Jordan ’s production company Outlier Society inked a first-look deal with Warner Bros. In February Marsai Martin signed a first-look deal with Universal through her company Genius Productions. SEE ALSO: Marsai Martin’s Production Company Inks First-Look Deal With Universal Pictures Michael B. Jordan Launches Fellowship For Youth [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3847091″ overlay=”true”]
C onnor Benjamin Littlejohn is still in grade school, but he’s already making moves in the literary world. The 10-year-old has penned his own book series for children dubbed Tag, You’re It! , Black News reported. Meet Connor Benjamin Littlejohn, a young reader turned writer whose book series called “Tag, You're It!” is inspiring people young and old! #blackpreneur #blackauthor #blackexcellence https://t.co/gfHCUeIKom — Black News (@BlackNews) February 20, 2019 Littlejohn—who is based in Washington, D.C. —started his book series as an avenue to channel his passion for reading and writing, the news outlet writes. A writing assignment given to him by his fourth-grade teacher sparked the inspiration for the series. The book series that he created is centered on a group of friends who battle monsters and zombies to save their town. Ever since launching the series last year, his books have been added to classrooms all over the country. Littlejohn says that he wanted to create the books so that children like him see themselves reflected in the literature that they read. “I’m really happy that my books are giving kids like me a chance to see themselves in fun stories,” he said in a statement, according to the news outlet. “I love to read and want to encourage other kids to read great books and maybe even write new books of their own.” Teachers throughout the country have said that his books have resonated with their students. “I purchased this book as a read-aloud for my 4th grade class,” said one of the teachers. “My students laughed out loud while listening and were inspired by the creative voice of this talented young author! The cliffhanger at the end left us all very eager for the second installment of the series!” There are many young Black authors who are making a name for themselves. In January, 7-year-old Georgia-bred author Nicholas Buamah had his book Kayla & Kyle The Walking Dictionaries: Election Day accepted into the Library of Congress. Buamah created the book in an effort to help youngsters build their vocabulary. SEE ALSO: Young Black Author Has Book Added To Library Of Congress Entrepreneur Creates Coloring Book Series To Empower Black Women [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3845955″ overlay=”true”]
Source: Station Provided/Radio One / Hot 96.3 Join Our Text Club To Get The Latest Music, Entertainment, Contests And Breaking News On Your Phone. Text BALTIMORE to 24042 to join! Tyga flew into a violent rage Saturday night outside Floyd Mayweather’s birthday party. But, thankfully cooler heads prevailed before anything truly popped off. According to TMZ , T-Raw started the night inside of the Sunset Room in Hollywood, celebrating Floyd’s 42nd birthday, when someone in the crowd go into it with the rapper. Related: Report: Blac Chyna And Soulja Boy Dating to Spite Tyga No word on what the beef was about but, security wanted Tyga out. Guards grabbed the rapper by his neck–yanking him out of the club onto the street. That’s when it escalated, resulting in Tyga reaching for his security guard’s gun. Thankfully, the gun never left the guard’s holster. Tyga and his crew eventually left the club. [ione_media_gallery src=”https://92q.com” id=”3903492″ overlay=”true”]
Q ueen Latifah has broken barriers in both the music and entertainment industries and now she plans on doing the same in real estate. In an effort to level the playing field when it comes to housing equity in her hometown of Newark, the Star actress is creating an affordable housing complex in the city, NJ.com reported. Queen Latifah is coming home to Newark and building $14M worth of new housing https://t.co/GhP6SbZqLf pic.twitter.com/OxI5mwPVBp — NJ.com (@njdotcom) February 21, 2019 The project—which is reportedly going to cost $14 million—will be a community of multi-family townhouses, the news outlet writes. The homes—which will be located on Springfield Ave. and South 17th Street—will include 20 three-family townhomes and an additional mix-use building that will have 16 units. The mix-use building will feature a fitness center and commercial space that will be used by nonprofit organizations. 60 of the units will be market rate starting with a price of $1,800 and 16 of the units will be affordable and based on an individual’s income. The project is being led by BlueSugar Corporation—where Latifah serves as co-president—and GonSosa Development. BlueSugar Corporation has been on a mission to revitalize struggling neighborhoods across the country and GonSosa Development has reconstructed and developed over 1,000 units. There is a need for affordable housing in Newark and those who are involved in the project are excited about making change. “They understand how difficult it is to make ends meet for many residents and want to be part of the solution. They remain dedicated to making life better in communities like Newark,” said Cristina Pinzon who serves as a spokeswoman for the developers. Like other cities across the country, Newark is experiencing an affordability crisis where many longtime residents are at risk of being displaced due to gentrification. News about Queen Latifah’s plans comes nearly a month after NFL star Marshawn Lynch shared that he was going to purchase real estate in his hometown of Oakland so that people who have lived in the community for decades wouldn’t be pushed out. SEE ALSO: Magic Johnson To Invest In The Revitalization Of Baltimore Marshawn Lynch Is Pushing Back Against Gentrification In Oakland [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3846537″ overlay=”true”]
S erena Williams’ influence spans past the sports world. She’s making a name for herself in the fashion industry as well. Last year Williams launched her own clothing line and this year she’s continuing to make power moves in fashion. According to CNBC , Williams has been appointed to join Poshmark’s board of directors. . @serenawilliams Joins @Poshmarkapp 's Board of Directors https://t.co/oC2DD3dE23 — Black Enterprise (@blackenterprise) February 22, 2019 Poshmark is an online platform created for people across the country to sell their new and used clothing, the news outlet writes. It was founded by Manish Chandra , Tracy Sun , Gautam Golwala , and Chetan Pungaliya in 2011. The marketplace sellers collectively garnered $1 billion since the company was founded. The company is valued at nearly $600 million. Chandra—who serves as the company’s CEO—says that he believes Williams can take the brand to the next level. “What triggered my initial interest [in Williams], is there are very few people who have that focus on excellence. What we are trying to build is a very diverse, independent board, people who can guide us to the next level of growth,” said Chandra in a statement. “Seeing she had the right experience, and the passion for fashion, that’s the way we looked at it.” He also added that the platform was developed by a team of strong women like Williams. The tennis star is beyond excited to join the Poshmark team. She said she’s been shopping on the platform for years. “I’m really excited to join Poshmark because it really speaks to my core values,” said Williams in a statement, according to Ad Week . “They really believe in so many different aspects of my life that I am not only living but I’m also preaching.” Williams is using Poshmark as an avenue for social good. She recently built her own closet on the platform and the proceeds from purchased items will go to the Yetunde Price Resource Center; an organization that she founded in memory of her sister who was fatally shot in Compton in 2003. The organization provides resources and programs for victims of direct or indirect senseless violence. SEE ALSO: Meghan Markle Has Serena Williams’ Back Serena Williams On Colin Kaepernick: ‘Every African American Should Be Grateful’ [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3846537″ overlay=”true”]
Source: Courtesy of Yacht Week East Africa / YachtWeekEA.com Yacht Week. When you close your eyes, you can feel the wind from the water and smell and taste the ocean on your lips. The sun is warming your melanin skin and you are surrounded by lots of other party goers ready for a good time. You hop from boat to boat, partying, drinking, connecting. The music is blaring, the drinks are flowing, you are surrounded by paradise. While there is fun in Croatia, beauty in Greece, and you can never go wrong with Montenegro, Kelsy Horton realized there was a major miss for people of color: no Yacht Week focused on an African or Black experience. Thus, three years ago, Yacht Week East Africa was born. Talk about sailing for the culture! Source: Alexandra Wontorra / EyeEm / Getty This Yacht Week sets sail in the Seychelles where guests can spend two days on land learning about the Seychelles and experiencing the culture prior to setting sail. There are options for attendees to sight see, go shopping and learn more about the islands. During the actual sailing experience, there are options as well. Guests will be able to go on a tropical rainforest hike, snorkel, fish, bike riding, exploring and more. It’s more than just a boat and water! Source: Courtesy of Yacht Week East Africa / YachtWeekEA.com We caught up with Kelsy Horton, Founder and Host of Yacht Week East Africa , who got candid with us regarding why he started East Africa Yacht Week, things you need to know, and more. Starting a business can be daunting, what placed Horton up for the task? He told Hello Beautiful , “I started Yacht Week East Africa to provide an Afrocentric alternative to the sailing events that take place in Europe and the Americas. I also wanted to showcase the beauty and culture of East Africa, which is under the radar for many people.” Source: Courtesy of Yacht Week East Africa / YachtWeekEA.com In addition to East Africa being under the radar for many people, sailing isn’t something that Black people are culturally involved in on a large basis. Horton has been sailing since he was a child, “My first sail took place when I was a kid in Chicago, on the waters of Lake Michigan,” he shared with Hello Beautiful. How he got from sailing to a kid to running a yacht week was a little more complex. “In 2015, I moved to Tanzania, which sits on the Indian Ocean, and has a strong sailing community. I started sailing with friends for birthday parties, when guests were in town, and other special occassions. It was at this point that sailing became one of my passions.” Source: Courtesy of Yacht Week East Africa / YachtWeekEA.com And passionate he is! Horton is hosting three different trips in 2019. Currently, there is room to register for two more trips occurring in September and October. The first one is August 30th to September 8th, 2019 and the second one is October 11th – October 20th, 2019. Anyone can attend! Horton shared, “We celebrate Black culture and we welcome anyone from any background to join us.” If you are worried that you can’t swim, don’t be. Horton assured, “You don’t need to know how to swim to attend Yacht Week East Africa. Swiming during the event is totally optional.” Just wear a floatie girl and get ready to slay some serious beach photos! Source: Courtesy of Yacht Week East Africa / YachtWeekEA.com If you are someone that has been to other Yacht Weeks and wondering what makes this one different, Horton reveals, “in addition to sailing, beautiful beaches, and partying, our emphasis on culture and cuisine separates us from the rest. Our sailing locations are also off of the beaten path.” So yes, you will have a one of a kind experience with unique photos focused on our culture. While personally, I have never been to East Africa, Horton was able to help me understand what makes this region so special. “East Africa calms your spirit and is good for your soul.” He boldly boasts, “There’s a strong change that East Africa is more beautiful than your favorite vacation spot.” Wow! He also adds that “the people are extremely welcoming and the culture is very accommodating,” which is also a plus for people traveling while Black. Source: Courtesy of East Africa Yacht Week / EastAfricaYachtWeek.com I was looking through images and the company’s Instagram page and I noticed one thing: there were so many Black women in attendance! It made me wonder if Horton was focused on our demographic and behold, he is most definitely catering to Black women. (Come on, Black man!). “There is something that is very appealing about a beautiful woman in her best swimsuit, laid out on a yacht in the middle of the ocean without a care in the world,” he swoons. What makes this trip so attractive to us? Horton explains, “Add a beautiful backdrop like the Seychelles, plus the fact that the event is curated with them in mind, and our Sisters are ready to sign up!” Source: Courtesy of Yacht Week East Africa / YachtWeekEA.com As mentioned, the company has been around for only three years; however, they are already thinking of expansion. Horton is looking closely at routes in other countries as well as land-based events in Tanzania and Kenya. He tells us to “stay tuned!” …and we are. We end our interview with Horton encompassing Yacht Week East Africa, “It is for us, by us, and we sail for the culture.” Source: Courtesy of Yacht Week East Africa / YachtWeekEA.com You can find out more about Yacht Week East Africa on their website, here . Currently, you have until February 28th, 2019 to book for the August/September or October trip. Get on it! DON’T MISS: HELLO WORLD: Everything You Need To Know For A Girl’s Trip To Martinique HELLO WORLD: Bonaire Is The Perfect Island Antidote For Holiday Fatigue HELLO WORLD: Travel Essentials For Your Next Trip Out The Country [ione_media_gallery src=”https://hellobeautiful.com” id=”3022084″ overlay=”true”]
Text “RICKEY” to 71007 to join the Rickey Smiley Morning Show mobile club for exclusive news. ( Terms and conditions ). When you have friends like Serena Williams and Amal Clooney you already know that your baby shower will be lavish. Gary With Da Tea is reporting that over $200,000 was spent on Markle’s baby shower. 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 The shower was held at the Mark Hotel in NYC. Markle didn’t open up any gifts and plans to look at them when she is with Prince Harry . The baby is expected to arrive in April. SEE ALSO: Black Twitter Goes Apesh*t Over Beyonce And Jay-Z’s Meghan Markle Tribute After a long two months, Wendy Williams is finally coming back to her show. Gary With Da Tea mentioned that she will return on March 4th after dealing with Grave’s Disease and other medical issues. Make sure you get all of Gary’s Tea up top! Check out photos of Meghan Markle and her baby bump below! ALSO TRENDING ON RICKEYSMILEYMORNINGSHOW.COM : Jussie Smollett Turns Himself In Over Disorderly Conduct Charge [PHOTO] Wendy Williams To Return To Her Talk Show After Long Break Barack Obama Spent His Presidents’ Day With John Legend, Chrissy Teigen, And Ayesha & Stephen Curry [Photos] [ione_media_gallery src=”https://rickeysmileymorningshow.com” id=”1949828″ overlay=”true”] Follow @TheRSMS
Source: John Lamparski / Getty This was one of those weeks where the loses weren’t one hundred percent loses, and the wins are up for debate. But we’ll leave it up to your interpretation. Check out the W’s below and find out who took L’s on the next page! Winners Barack Obama (sort of) One young scholar put Barack Obama in the deep florescent spotlight when he brought up the topic of masculinity. During a My Brother’s Keeper town hall in Oakland, California, the former pres and NBA star Steph Curry talked to young men of color about their upbringing, philosophy and ways to succeed in America. Towards the end of the discussion, one person asked Barack how they can collectively change the narrative on what it means to be a man in the midst of unhealthy masculinity. Barack’s response was interesting to say the least. Along with talking about being responsible, being kind, being compassionate, etc., Barack also threw in a little criticism for hip hop. It’s well known Barack is an avid listener of rap music , but when it comes to flossing, he had some thoughts: “Let’s face it, a lot of hip-hop and rap music is based around me showing I have more money than you, I can disrespect you and you can’t do nothing about it, I’m gonna talk about you and punk you. Ironically that actually shows the vulnerability that you feel.” He continued: “If you were really confident about your financial situation, you’re probably not gonna be wearing an eight-pound chain around your neck. If you are very confident about your sexuality, you don’t have to have eight women around you twerkin’. You seem stressed that you’ve gotta be acting that way. I’ve got one woman that I’m very happy with.” Now granted, Barrack’s words are seeping with rigid ideas about sexuality and success. I mean if bills are paid… Why can’t I wear my gold chain! And all consenting twerk teams are welcome if we’re keeping it cute and safe, right? However, Barrack does have a point about the realities of juggling heavy chains and multiple sex interests. I mean, eight women are twerking in front of you? Are they getting paid? Do they have substantial health benefits? How long will the twerking go on, and are their adequate lunch breaks? All questions that need answers. And don’t get me started on that eight pound chain. Can someone say neck pains. Barrack is only watching out for the people. Check out his whole spiel in the clip below starting at the 52:17 mark.
Source: Jason LaVeris / Getty T.I.’s older sister has died. According to TMZ , Precious Harris died Friday just over a week after getting into a serious car accident in Atlanta. Sources tell the site Precious had been on life support since the accident and remained unresponsive until her death View this post on Instagram We Love You Dearly Baby Girl…. @preciousharris1913 A post shared by TIP (@troubleman31) on Feb 20, 2019 at 1:53pm PST TIP and Tiny are reportedly devastated as they both were very close to Precious. She often appeared on the couple’s VH1 show, “Family Hustle.” It’s unclear what led to the car crash, but sources tell TMZ Precious hit a pole, which triggered an asthma attack. Precious Harris was 66. [ione_media_gallery src=”https://92q.com” id=”3941034″ overlay=”true”]
