Source: Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic / Getty Disney Channel mourns the death of another one of their young stars. On Sunday, it was announced that “Jessie” actor Cameron Boyce died Saturday night in his sleep. According to law enforcement: “The 20-year-old actor,who starred in several Disney shows including “Descendants,” could not be revived after paramedics rushed to his home. Cameron’s family said he had an ongoing medical condition and died in his sleep the result of a seizure.” Boyce is most known for his role in the ‘Descendants’ TV series and movies, playing Adam Sandler’s son in ‘Grown Ups’, “Shake it Up,” “Austin & Ally” and “Good Luck Charlie.” Cameron’s family released a statement about their son’s sudden passing, writing: “He passed away in his sleep due to a seizure which was a result of an ongoing medical condition for which he was being treated. The world is now undoubtedly without one of its brightest lights, but his spirit will live on through the kindness and compassion of all who knew and loved him.” Fans and family alike have taken to social media to mourn the loss of Cameron. rest in peace to cameron boyce he was so young, incredibly talented, but also one of the kindest ppl I’ve ever met. sending love to his friends & family — James Charles (@jamescharles) July 7, 2019 Tell me why I just woke up and I see that Cameron Boyce passed away all over my tl. #RIPLuke pic.twitter.com/hrKlTXzTIX —
A tlanta-bred rapper T.I. has been a fierce advocate for criminal justice reform and he is taking his involvement in the movement to another level. According to WSB-TV , T.I.—whose real name is Clifford Harris —has joined Atlanta’s city jail task force to change the way the Atlanta City Detention Center is utilized. A newly formed task force charged with finding a new use for Atlanta’s city jail includes criminal justice reform volunteers, activists, council members and… @Tip https://t.co/KEwUAV0UTS — AJC (@ajc) July 3, 2019 The task force—which is being spearheaded by Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms —is comprised of 25 elected officials, activists, and thought-leaders within the criminal justice reform space. They will gather to determine the best way to use the Atlanta City Detention Center where individuals are currently being held for minor offenses. According to a statement released by the task force, Mayor Bottoms wants to transform the facility into a space that can be used for wellness, the reduction of recidivism, and a support center for individuals who are impacted by mass incarceration. “There is a much better use for this facility,” said Mayor Bottoms as she signed legislation to have the jail closed in May. “My dream for this jail, for this physical facility, is that it becomes a center of equity. I see this as a place that we will have access to childcare, GED training, vocational training, also perhaps some type of housing in this place, workspace.” She believes that reimagining the jail will be an impactful step towards getting ahead of crime in the city. Facilities like the one being proposed by the mayor and the task force are needed. According to Patch , Georgia is the No. 1 state in the country when it comes to the number of people who are under supervision. This includes individuals who are in prison or jail or who are on parole or probation. Harris has been dedicated to bettering Atlanta. In April the rapper—who was awarded by the Georgia Senate for his philanthropic efforts—teamed up with the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church to bail out nonviolent offenders so they could be reunited with their families for Easter. SEE ALSO: T.I. Teams Up With Georgia Church To Bail Out Nonviolent Offenders For Easter T.I. Awards Single Mother With $25K Scholarship [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3881815″ overlay=”true”]
O ver a year ago the National Trust for Historic Preservation declared late legendary songstress Nina Simone ’s childhood home a national treasure. Individuals in the entertainment industry have joined forces to support a campaign that would make the restoration and preservation of the North Carolina-based house a reality. @johnlegend , @YusufCatStevens , and More Come Together to Help Preserve Nina Simone's Legacy #TelltheFullHistory https://t.co/eK1YlGclD3 — Saving Places (@SavingPlaces) July 1, 2019 The crowdfunding campaign—which launched on July 1—is being run on IndieGoGo . Through the campaign, supporters can purchase shirts, postcards, pins and other Nina Simone-inspired items designed by Black artist Dare Coulter. They can also purchase items donated by Issa Rae , Talib Kweli , and Mahershala Ali . Singer John Legend has been instrumental in spreading awareness about the revitalization of Simone’s home. “Spaces devoted to the history and legacy of people of color, especially women of color, are far too few in America today,” he said in a statement. “Preserving places like the Nina Simone childhood home will help keep her powerful story alive. This campaign pays tribute to Nina Simone’s unapologetic pursuit of musical, personal, and political freedom and I am proud to be a part of it.” The singer’s childhood home has been vacant for years. It was on the verge of being demolished until New York artists joined forces to purchase the home in 2017. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is developing a renovation plan through its African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund. The organization has been working towards ensuring that historic Black sites that are embedded in the fabric of American history are preserved. Other preservation projects that are being worked on through the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund include the restoration of playwright August Wilson ’s Pittsburgh home and a house in Long Island that belonged to John and Alice Coltrane . “The projects celebrate iconic figures, instill community pride, and also provide the opportunity to educate about them and their achievements for generations to come,” said Linda Wilson , Executive Director, Fund II Foundation. SEE ALSO: Nina Simone To Be Honored By The National Trust for Historic Preservation National Trust’s Youth Program To Preserve Black Historic Landmarks [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3881815″ overlay=”true”]
B lack entrepreneur Don Peebles is investing in the futures of women and people of color in the real estate industry. According to The Real Deal , he’s launching a $500 million fund to support developers from underrepresented groups in South Florida, Los Angeles, New York and other cities. The new fund is another example of how Don Peebles has been a long-time game changer in his industry. https://t.co/9bl1w6ak7j — Black Enterprise (@blackenterprise) June 29, 2019 Peebles—who owns the real estate development firm Peebles Corp.—says he’s on a mission to level the playing field when it comes to access to capital. Through the fund he wants to work with developers from different cities throughout the country on projects that will be built on underdeveloped or vacant land. The projects will be a mix of commercial and residential buildings; some of which will have affordable housing units. According to Peebles, the fund will be supported by investors. He’s aiming to work on 60 different projects which will be between $10 million and $70 million each. “The idea is to create this business model that shows that investing in emerging developers and investing in diversity will result in higher returns with less risk,” he said while unveiling his plan at The Real Deal’s annual residential real estate event. “It’s a very positive thing to have the developments that are taking place in communities of color, to have the projects be developed by people of color. We see this as a win-win and an untapped market.” There are several entrepreneurs who are on a mission to make the real estate industry diverse. Johnetta G. Paye, Esq. and Ernestine Johnson created the first Black-owned real estate crowdfunding company to help individuals from underserved communities overcome the obstacles of gentrification by helping them make low-cost real estate investments. SEE ALSO: These Women Are Running The First Black-Owned Real Estate Crowdfunding Company Black Entrepreneurs Raise $8 Million For Barbershop-Focused App [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3881815″ overlay=”true”]
H ouston-based artist Shirley Scarpetta is ensuring that the memory of Maleah Davis is kept alive. In honor of the four-year-old, whose body was discovered in Arkansas just over a month ago, Scarpetta is creating a bronze sculpture in her likeness, CNN reported. MALEAH DAVIS: Houston artist creates sculpture of 4-year-old https://t.co/yY6DTWMRBd — ABC13 Houston (@abc13houston) June 29, 2019 The artist—who is an award-winning self-taught bronze sculptor—was inclined to create the statue because she felt deeply impacted by the horrific turn of events that took place within the case. As a mother, she couldn’t even begin to imagine having something so tragic happen to her children and was extremely upset upon hearing that Maleah lost her life. Scarpetta says Maleah serves as a representation of children who were taken from this earth too soon and that violence against children must stop; that’s the message she wanted to convey through her artistry. “It’s for all of us. Our children are so vulnerable, and people need to be reminded to leave a legacy of kindness and loving one another,” she said in a statement, according to CNN. A private donor is helping bring the sculpture to fruition and it will take about a month to complete. There aren’t any details about where the sculpture will live after its finished, but it most likely will be in Houston. Scarpetta has been showing the progression of the sculpture on Instagram. “I couldn’t get her out of my head for a while now. When this happens, I usually have an out of body experience and have to sculpt it,” she posted . “Her tragedy should not have happened. All those that have babies have a massive responsibility to protect, love, and nurture our babies.” View this post on Instagram I couldn’t get her out of my head for a while now. When this happens, I usually have an out of body experience and have to sculpt it. Her tragedy should not have happened. All those that have babies have a massive responsibility to protect, love, and nurture our babies. Her name was Maleah Davis, and she is free to fly with all of the other angels in heaven. . . #Maleahforever#Maleah#maleahdavis#memorial#clay#bronze#houston#localartist#loveourchildren#protectouryouth#restinpeace#rose#riseabove#shewillliveforever#texas#murdered#memorial#femalesculptor#sadnews#children#love#honor#sylvesterturner#ourhouston#houstonbaby#shirleyscarpetta#heavenlyangel A post shared by Shirley Scarpetta (@shirleyscarpettasculptor) on Jun 25, 2019 at 10:00pm PDT There have been a few efforts made to memorialize Maleah. There are plans in the works to have the Red Lake Road overpass in Hempstead County named after her. Maleah went missing on April 30 and her remains were found on May 31 in Fulton, Arkansas. In the case, her mother’s fiancé Derion Vence was charged with tampering with a corpse but has evaded more serious charges. SEE ALSO: Here’s How Arkansas Wants To Honor Maleah Davis Medical Examiner Finds Maleah Davis Was Intentionally Killed As No One Is Charged With Her Murder [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3881815″ overlay=”true”]
Source: W.Wade/WENN / WENN Jennifer Hudson spent 4th of July performing live on stage at the Ben Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 37-year-old singer belted out tunes for the audience wearing a silver outfit and shoes. The outfit was created by former Basketball Wives L.A. star Angel Brinks. Source: W.Wade/WENN / WENN The outfit consisted of a light silver bodice with pewter shorts and a matching pewter jacket. Hudson wore big silver hoops and her hair half up and half down in a curly style. View this post on Instagram Every year , I keep my fireworks on the floor ! happy 4th of July ! A post shared by Jennifer Hudson (@iamjhud) on Jul 4, 2019 at 8:47pm PDT She wore silver, sparkly sneakers and posted to Instagram, “Every year, I keep my fireworks on the floor!” So cute! View this post on Instagram I love when yal sing with me ! He was my star ! Thank u babe ! #wawa A post shared by Jennifer Hudson (@iamjhud) on Jul 5, 2019 at 12:14pm PDT The crowd was undoubtedly feeling it as Jennifer Hudson posted a video to Instagram with a fan singing back to her. She affectionately wrote, “I love when y’all sing with me! He was my star! Thank u babe!” View this post on Instagram I wanted to be a firework for the 4th and my glam team turned me definitely turned me into one !! Thank u @adamburrell @waymanandmicah @nailsbydollface @tiffdoeshair #wawawelcomeamerica A post shared by Jennifer Hudson (@iamjhud) on Jul 5, 2019 at 8:29am PDT Jennifer Hudson was styled by celebrity styling duo, Wayman and Micah. Jennifer Hudson had said she wanted to look like “a firework” on the 4th of July, which is what inspired this silver style. We want to know: what do you think of Jennifer Hudson’s transformation into a firework? Is this look HAUTE or NAUGHT? Take our poll below. Take Our Poll DON’T MISS: HAUTE OR NAUGHT: Lizzo Pairs A Neon Dress With Sneakers For A Conversation Starting Look We’re Not Sure About [POLL] HAUTE OR NAUGHT: Draya Michele Sports Toplesses Glasses To The ESPYS [POLL] HAUTE OR NAUGHT: Are You REDy For Monica Brown’s New Hair Color? [POLL] [ione_media_gallery src=”https://hellobeautiful.com” id=”3052845″ overlay=”true”]
Source: Scott Dudelson / Getty Chris Brown made headlines in the last week after his controversial song lyrics went viral. On his latest album, Indigo , the 30-year-old has a new song called “Need A Stack” featuring Joyner Lucas and Lil Wayne. During Brown’s part, he explains he only wants to have sex with Black women with nice hair: “I’ll leave a paper trail, then I’ma need a tip drill Shakin’ it, turn the lights down Bust it for the light bill Diggin’ it, then I’m lickin’ all on that p****, put it right there Only wanna f*** the black b****es with the nice hair .” Text “RICKEY” to 71007 to join the Rickey Smiley Morning Show mobile club for exclusive news. ( Terms and conditions ). Disappointed fans reacted to his lyrics, claiming his sentiments were inherently laden with misogynoir–specifically against Black women with 4c hair. Chris was unreceptive of the feedback and instead opted to go on a rant about negative “booty face a** b*tches.” PSA: you don’t respect black women if you are only respectful to the ones you’re attracted to. #chrisbrown pic.twitter.com/RzJKWvJzbX — Keyaira Kelly (@keyairakelly) July 2, 2019 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 He also launched a “challenge,” daring the angry women to post a photo of themselves. “Okay, challenge: for all the angry uglies that’s mad at what I said, post a picture of what you look like, please,” he said on Instagram . As Chris digs a deeper hole, his mother, Joyce Hawkins, stepped in to defend her son. In a series of Instagram stories, she expressed shock over how the story has blown up. “Headline news!! Hair!! Seriously??! Now what has this world come to?” she wrote. Continuing, “Stay positive. Don’t nobody want to hear that.” It’s interesting Chris and his team have opted to push against the backlash, versus acknowledge the wounds and hurt the lyrics triggered in our community. [ione_media_gallery src=”https://rickeysmileymorningshow.com” id=”1672395″ overlay=”true”] This story was originally published on MadameNoire.com . ALSO TRENDING ON RICKEYSMILEYMORNINGSHOW.COM : See All The Adorable Photos Of Trey Songz’s Son, Noah Tina Lawson Proudly Shows Off Beyonce’s Waist-Length Hair [VIDEO] “I Lost Everything Twice”: Fantasia Explains Why She Does Everything For Herself Follow @TheRSMS
Source: Paras Griffin / Getty It’s been a while since we’ve conjured up Cynthia Bailey’s ex Peter Thomas and Kenya Moore’s ex, Matt Jordan, but it looks like they’re back in the spotlight, but not for the best reasons. A chauffeur named Anthony T. Greene who claims he was assaulted by Jordan, is seeking $25,000 in damages, plus the cost of attorney fees, and he’s coming for everyone including The Real Housewives of Atlanta’s production company (True Entertainment), Thomas, and of course Jordan, Bossip reports. Greene, who was hired by True Entertainment 2016, didn’t initially go through with pressing charges because the show’s producers talked him out of it. 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 If you recall, there was a wild scene that went down at the grand opening of Peter Thomas’ Club One in Charlotte, North Carolina, on season 9, episode 9, of RHOA, which premiered in 2017. After asking Moore to be the night’s MC, Thomas graciously paid for her and Jordan’s ticket so that they could be sure to attend the event. But right before the event, Jordan and Moore got into a heated confrontation. Moore then asked Thomas to cancel Jordan’s flight from Atlanta to Charlotte, but no one bothered to tell Jordan that he was uninvited. After showing up to the airport and discovering his ticket was cancelled, Jordan drove from Atlanta to Charlotte, arriving at the grand opening to everyone’s surprise. When Moore is alerted that Jordan is at the event, she immediately leaves and tries to exit with Greene driving. According to Moore, Jordan blocked her vehicle with his car in an attempt to get her attention. After approaching Moore’s vehicle, things get physical and he ultimately ends up hitting the chauffeur in the face before he exits the premises. But now, Greene, says he is owed for the physical and emotional stress from the incident. He claims that he had no prior knowledge of Moore and Jordan’s volatile relationship, and because he says the producers were aware that Jordan was on his way to Charlotte, he feels he wasn’t protected during that fateful night. After checking into a hospital the day after the confrontation, he discovered that he suffered from a concussion. Greene also says the aftereffects were so severe that he had to seek psychiatric therapy as a result. Text “RICKEY” to 71007 to join the Rickey Smiley Morning Show mobile club for exclusive news. ( Terms and conditions ). As of yet, none of the parties named in the complaint have issued a response. This story was originally published on MadameNoire.com . ALSO TRENDING ON RICKEYSMILEYMORNINGSHOW.COM : See All The Adorable Photos Of Trey Songz’s Son, Noah Tina Lawson Proudly Shows Off Beyonce’s Waist-Length Hair [VIDEO] “I Lost Everything Twice”: Fantasia Explains Why She Does Everything For Herself Follow @TheRSMS
Source: Regina Wagner/Future Image/WENN.com / WENN Kobe Bryant is a proud papa , a fourth time over. The future NBA Hall of Famer shared a photo of his new baby daughter. The baby girl’s name is Capri Kobe Bryant, and she goes by Koko. The cuteness levels are above average and remember that no matter how you feel about Kobe, kids are always in the no slander zone. Congrats to Kobe and Vanessa Bryant, who bundle of joy arrived on June 20. View this post on Instagram Our little princess Capri Kobe Bryant “KoKo” 6/20/19 A post shared by Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) on Jul 4, 2019 at 11:07am PDT
Source: Bernard Smalls / @PhotosByBeanz Lil Nas X took ownership of his story and identity after coming out as gay and has handled much of the response in the savviest ways possible. The “Old Town Road” star says backlash has increased sine his big reveal and in a new BBC interview the Atlanta native seems at peace with his decision. BBC News reports : US rapper Lil Nas X has revealed he has experienced a backlash on social media since posting cryptic hints on Twitter that he is gay. “I’m not angry… because I understand how they want that reaction,” said the 20-year-old performer. “So I’m just going to joke back with them.” Lil Nas X – real name Montero Lamar Hill – told BBC Breakfast he felt like he was “opening doors for more people”. “I don’t want to live my entire life… not doing what I want to do,” he added. He said he hoped his fans would “feel comfortable” but admitted homosexuality was “not really accepted in either the country [or] hip-hop communities”. Watch the interview below. — Photo: Columbia Records
