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John Singleton Reportedly In A Coma After Suffering “Major Stroke”

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Source: NBC / Getty O n April 17, director John Singleton suffered a stroke after returning from a trip in Costa Rica. At the time, it was reported that it was a mild stroke and that the flight back may have triggered it. “On Wednesday, April 17, our beloved son/father, John Singleton, suffered a stroke while at the hospital. John is currently in the ICU and under great medical care,” said Singleton’s family said in a statement to ET . “We ask that privacy be given to him and our family at this time and appreciate all of the prayers that have been pouring in from his fans, friends and colleagues. Thank you, The Singleton Family.” However, things are reportedly much worse than what was originally reported. According to TMZ , Singleton actually suffered a major stroke and is currently in a coma. TMZ got a hold of some legal documents that show that Singleton’s mother, Shelia Ward, is asking to be appointed to be his temporary conservator. Singleton was allegedly involved in several business projects and was prepared to sign “a lucrative settlement agreement,” and his mother wants to handle those affairs while Singleton is hospitalized. According to Yahoo , “a physician submitted a declaration, saying John Singleton was suffering from “major impairment to motor skills and psychological functions, including his ability to ‘reason logically.’” Singleton is a legendary film director, screenwriter and producer who is famously known for directing  Boys n the Hood , which gained him a nomination for Best Director at the Academy Awards — making him both the first black man and the youngest ever to receive that nomination. Singleton also directed classics like Poetic Justice, Higher Learning, Baby Boy and 2 Fast 2 Furious. He also wrote all mentioned except 2 Fast, 2 Furious. Singleton has also been an advocate for black voices in media, criticizing Hollywood for not letting black men and women direct black-themed films.

John Singleton Reportedly In A Coma After Suffering “Major Stroke”

Flint To Receive Remaining $77.7 Million From 2017 Federal Loan

Source: Detroit Free Press / Getty As news spread that the White House offered to help France rebuild after the Notre Dame Cathedral fire in Paris, Americans were outraged since adequate help had not yet been provided to the community of Flint, Michigan right here at home. Fortunately, on Monday, it was announced Flint is finally set to receive the remaining $77.7 million it was promised, as part of the $120 million loan allocated to the city back in 2017 following their water crisis . “$77.7 million in loan assistance at a zero percent interest rate with 100-percent principal loan forgiveness,” Michigan Department of Environmental Quality announced . “The loan will fund the completion of a secondary water source pipeline, Dort Street and Cedar Street Reservoir and Pump Station improvements, construction of a chemical feed building, replacement of the Northwest transmission main, water main and water meter replacement, water quality monitoring panels, and contingency service line replacement funding. These projects will enhance the water distribution system by ensuring long-term compliance and protection of public health.” Monroe County and the City of East Lansing will also receive funding to improve their respective water distribution systems . “While we are grateful for this funding it’s important to understand it’s not new funding,” Flint’s Director of Public Works Rob Bincsik said, according to MLive . “The federal government awarded this funding and is utilizing the MDEQ’s Drinking Water Revolving Fund as the mechanism to disperse it to the City of Flint.” This is great news and we’ll continue to keep you informed as updates are provided. Photo: Getty

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Flint To Receive Remaining $77.7 Million From 2017 Federal Loan

Mya-Lecia Naylor, Popular British Actress, Dead at 16

Devastating news today out of the entertainment industry: Mya-Lecia Naylor, a British actress best known for her roles on the programs Almost Never and Millie Inbetween, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday. She was 16 years old. The tragedy was confirmed late Wednesday evening by CBBC, which released the following statement: We are so sorry to have to tell you that Mya-Lecia, who you will know from ‘Mille Inbetween’ and ‘Almost Never’, has very sadly died. Mya-Lecia was a much loved part of the BBC Children’s family, and a hugely talented actress, singer and dancer. We will miss her enormously and we are sure that you will want to join us in sending all our love to her family and friends. It remains unclear at this time just what caused the death of this rising British star. In a statement of her own to E! News, Alice Webb, Director at BBC Childrens said the following: “We are distraught and so terribly sad to hear the news about Mya. She has shone so brightly on our screens, both in Millie Inbetween and Almost Never, and it’s unthinkable that she won’t be part of our journey going forward. “She was hugely popular with our audience, a very talented actress, dancer and singer, and a real role model for her young fans.” All we can verify at the moment, courtesy of Naylor’s agents, A&J Management, is that the young actress collapsed prior to her passing. Aside from her acting credits, Naylor was an aspiring model and singer. She got her start as a toddler on the beloved British sitcom Absolutely Fabulous. From there, Mya-Lecia booked roles in television movies and miniseries before landing her biggest role on the CBBC series Millie Inbetween. Following four years on the show, she transitioned over to the CBBC comedy/drama Almost Never. The official Instagram account for this latter series also mourned Naylor’s death last night, sharing the photo below along with a heartfelt statement that reads: Our thoughts are with Mya-Lecia’s family, friends and everyone that loved her at this very sad time. RIP Mya-Lecia. Many other tributes have also been posted online. For example, this is what I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here star Emily Atack, who previously worked with Naylor, wrote: She was a beautiful and talented girl. A complete joy to be around on the set of Almost Never. Sending all my love to her family & friends. Rest in peace beautiful girl. Writer Matt Leys, who worked on Millie Inbetween with Naylor, referred to the news as “absolutely heartbreaking” on Twitter and added: “Goodbye our brilliant, funny, lovely Fran. You were a miracle. Watching the cast of Millie Inbetween grow with their characters, inform them, let us write it around them, has been an absolute joy. This is such awful, devastating news.” As you can see here, he also tried to comfort fans who were stunned and saddened over the news: In an April interview with TresA Magazine, the late actress noted that she had “some amazing projects” on the horizon. Such an awful tragedy. May Mya-Lecia Naylor rest in peace. View Slideshow: Celebrities Who Died in 2019: In Memoriam

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Mya-Lecia Naylor, Popular British Actress, Dead at 16

First Black Student To Attend Elon University Awarded With Honorary Degree

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A Black woman who broke racial barriers at Elon University was honored by the North Carolina-based institution on Thursday. Glenda Phillips Hightower —the first Black student to be accepted into the school—received an honorary doctorate degree, the Times-News reported. The trail-blazer that led to integration at Elon will receive an Honorary Doctorate during Spring Convocation. Glenda Phillips Hightower entered Elon in the Fall of 1963 beginning a strong rich legacy of black students at Elon. https://t.co/OoZWm99HhH — Elon Black Alumni Network (@ElonBlackAlumni) March 15, 2019 Hightower enrolled 56 years ago during the Jim Crow era. J. Earl Danieley —who served as the university’s president at the time—gave her a full scholarship. Although Hightower was a full-time student she wasn’t allowed to dorm on campus due to her race. While trying to pursue her degree she often faced discrimination from students and faculty. Hightower persevered because she knew that her journey at the school was something bigger than herself and that her presence on campus mattered. She was leading the way for generations of Black students coming behind her and she truly valued education. During her sophomore year, she had to withdraw from the school due to health-related issues. She ended up relocating to Washington, D.C. and took courses at Howard University, George Washington University and Georgetown. A few years later she moved to Iowa and earned a nursing and general science degree from the University of Iowa in 1974. Although she didn’t complete her degree at Elon, the school wanted to honor Hightower for her commitment to changing the racial landscape and opening up doors for other Black students. “Throughout her life, Glenda Phillips Hightower has persevered and chosen the path of love and sacrifice over bitterness,” L’Tanya Richmond , who serves as the school’s Director of Minority Affairs, said in a statement. “In the process, she has changed Elon and paved the way for thousands of Black students, faculty and staff to follow in her footsteps.” Hightower was humbled by the honor. ″‘Thank you’ is woefully inadequate to express to you my gratitude, my humility, my honor and my great satisfaction at being included in a celebration of education and grandness. I didn’t recognize it as leadership at the time, but I certainly am glad that it’s interpreted as leadership.” Universities across the country are honoring former Black graduates who trailblazed paths for students of color. In 2018, Brown University announced that it would rename one of its buildings after the first Black students to graduate from the institution. SEE ALSO: Brown University To Rename Building After First Black Graduates University Of Georgia To Honor First Black Graduate [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3850201″ overlay=”true”]

First Black Student To Attend Elon University Awarded With Honorary Degree

The Stars Of ‘LITTLE’ Talk Black Girl Magic With BOSSIP And Cast Their Spell On Atlanta

Source: Paras Griffin/ Getty Images For Universal Pictures / Getty ‘Little’ Cast Visits Spelman Before Atlanta Premiere ‘LITTLE’ officially opens in theaters on April 12th, but some 900 lucky students from Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University and Morehouse College packed Spelman’s Sisters Chapel on Thursday, April 4th for a LITTLE conversation with cast members Regina Hall, Issa Rae , Marsai Martin and Director Tina Gordon. Source: Paras Griffin/ Getty Images For Universal Pictures / Getty Welcomed by moderator, Spelmanite Kennedy Rue-McCollough, students and teachers went wild as the ladies walked on stage. Kennedy chatted with the ladies about the importance of women empowerment and how to uplift your sister. In addition, the ladies discussed how they personally deal with responsibility of representation in media and who they look up to for representation. Throughout the conversation, Issa kept the crowd cheering and laughing, especially with her chemistry with Regina on stage. Check out more photos from the Spelman event below, then hit the flip for photos from the premiere as well as interview exclusives with BOSSIP.

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The Stars Of ‘LITTLE’ Talk Black Girl Magic With BOSSIP And Cast Their Spell On Atlanta

Watch: Ms. Evelyn Says Iyanla Vanzant Picked On Tamar In “Braxton Family Values” First Look

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Text “RICKEY” to 71007 to join the Rickey Smiley Morning Show mobile club for exclusive news . ( Terms and conditions ). Source: Braxton Family Values/WE tv / Braxton Family Values/WE tv via MadameNoire.com : As we’ve reported before, despite walking out of last season and their fraught relationship, the Braxton sisters and their mom, Ms. Evelyn, have decided to return to WE tv’s “Braxton Family Values.” After a tense conversation with Iyanla Vanzant , the women in the family have a lot to discuss about how they’re going to proceed in relating to each other, in addition to all of the personal things they each have going on. 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 In the First Look for the new season, we get a little bit of insight into how the family felt about their sit down with Iyanla. They discuss the status of Toni’s relationship with Birdman. There was one instance where he felt her sisters were a little too much in their business. He tells Traci, “I’m not dating the whole family.” She responded but you are marrying into the family. After breakup rumors swirled, Toni said that Birdman is tossing around the idea of elopement. In other relationship news, we watch as Trina deals with the death of her ex-husband Gabe . She tearfully tells her sisters that she didn’t know that she’d never see him again. Traci says that while she didn’t understand everything about their relationship, she knew that Gabe was her best friend. Tamar tells Toni that she and Vince aren’t divorced yet. And in the meantime, she said she’s doing everything on her own, without Vince. Lastly, the sisters and Ms. Evelyn shared what she made of the insight Iyanla shared with them. Ms. Evelyn shared the strongest opinion in the trailer saying about the experience: “Part of it was okay. I think the other part was not okay. I didn’t want to do it the first time, remember. I don’t want to hear criticism. I don’t want to hear it. We can talk but every time you open your mouth, it’s something negative about me and I’m supposed to… giggles. ‘it’s okay.’ That’s crazy … You want to know the truth, I think she picked on Tamar … The good part was the repentance. I really and truly felt good about [Tamar’s apology.]” You can watch this 11 minute “First Look” at the  Braxton Family Values  season 7 below. ALSO TRENDING ON RICKEYSMILEYMORNINGSHOW.COM : Rest In Peace: What We Know About Cliff Dixon Porsha Williams Gives Birth To Baby Girl! [PHOTOS] Tamera Reminisces About The First Time She Met Jay-Z & Gets Dragged By The Beyhive [VIDEO] Follow @TheRSMS

Watch: Ms. Evelyn Says Iyanla Vanzant Picked On Tamar In “Braxton Family Values” First Look

#WatchYourself: The Internet Celebrates ‘Us’ With Chilling Dance Videos & Fan Art

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Source: Splash News / Splash News On Friday, the highly anticipated horror flick Us was unleashed to theaters, causing terror amongst those who took in its eerie details. Along with classic horror movie chills, the layered story caused many discussions amongst viewers and it inspired some imaginative creatives. This should come as no surprise, considering the flick has already raked in $70 million across 3,741 North American locations, according to Variety. This makes Us have the largest weekend for an original horror movie, surpassing 2018’s A Quiet Place . It also has the biggest launch for an original R-rated movie, surpassing 2012’s Ted, and it has the second-best opening weekend of 2019 behind Captain Marvel, which took in $153 million. The movie’s director, Jordan Peele even had the nerve to trump his own record, considering his 2017 movie Get Out opened with $33 million compared to Us ‘ $70 mill. Along with money in the bank, the Internet can’t get enough of the folklore bought to life by Winston Duke, Evan Alex, Shadadi Wright Joseph  and Lupita Nyong’o in an award-worthy performance. In addition to some hilarious Twitter reactions , creatives are taking the lead in promoting the movie with some fire posts. Dancer and Step Up: High Water star Kendra “K.O” Oyesanya (IG: @mizzk.o ) got things rolling in the dance world with an Us -inspired routine. This should come as no surprise since Oyesanya all but broke the Internet in 2018 with her viral Black Panther dance challenge . While the BP challenge got people excited about afrobeat sounds, Oyesanya’s Us routine is sure to bring the horror. View this post on Instagram Went to see @usmovie last night and all I can say is…#WatchYourself Tag @jordanpeele ___________________________ Fam: @antwonkeith @realrhyanhill @thadancingprincess @mizzk.o Shot by: @ant.artefakt Director/Edit: @mizzk.o #usmovie #jordanpeele #lupitanyongo #us #horrormovie #dance #usmovietrailer @shahadi @superevanalex @lupitanyongo @winstoncduke A post shared by Kendra “K.O” Oyesanya (@mizzk.o) on Mar 23, 2019 at 11:17am PDT   Jordan Peele and Lupita Nyong’o definitely approved of the creepy dance routine since they reposted Oyesanya’s clip to their pages. View this post on Instagram RIP me!!! @antwonkeith @realrhyanhill @thadancingprincess @mizzk.o Regram @Mizzk.o: Went to see @usmovie last night and all I can say is…#WatchYourself Tag @jordanpeele ___________________________ Fam: @antwonkeith @realrhyanhill @thadancingprincess @mizzk.o Shot by: @ant.artefakt Edit: @mizzk.o #usmovie #jordanpeele #lupitanyongo #us #horrormovie #dance #usmovietrailer @shaderoom @lupitanyongo @winstoncduke 11:11 A post shared by Lupita Nyong'o (@lupitanyongo) on Mar 23, 2019 at 1:02pm PDT   Dancers weren’t the only ones inspired by the horror flick either. Some artist were already prepping for greatness as soon as the Us trailer hit back in December. The Instagram page @chocolatecitycomics challenged artists to create their best Us -ispired artwork using the hashtag #UsMovieArt, and certain pieces could win the chance to be featured in the marketing campaign and special movie page . Peele supported the art challenge in an open letter reading: “The fan art response to the Us trailer has been inspiring. I am in awe of the artists around the world who took time to create these amazing pieces. Many thanks to Chocolate City Comics (instagram.com/chocolatecitycomics) for their role in encouraging artists to contribute to the conversation.” The results of the campaign were both horrifying and brilliant. Artist Phillip Jordan ( @humangrowth_art ) bought the chills with his Red artwork. View this post on Instagram Lupita Nyong’o 'Us' inspired @lupitanyongo @jordanpeele #lupitanyongo #usmovie #digitalart #digitalpainting #arte #artsy #art #abstract #painting #illustration #design #pen #ink #painting #moleskin #color #draws #draw #drawing #picoftheday #photooftheday #artoftheday #artistspotlight #tbt #rva #804 A post shared by Phillip Jordan (@humangrowth_art) on Jan 5, 2019 at 12:15pm PST   Meanwhile, folks like Nyima Ifé Imani ( @poi.chan ) took a more cartoon-inspired approach…still scary though! View this post on Instagram I CANT WAIT FOR THIS MOVIE TO COME OUT!!! @jordanpeele @usmovie #fanart #usmovie #jordanpeele A post shared by Certified Trash (@poi.chan) on Jan 5, 2019 at 9:41pm PST   Then, there were those paintings that were just horrifying. No debates necessary. Just let Theoplis Smith III ‘s ( @thatlaundry ) painting get in your spirit. View this post on Instagram @jordanpeele warm ups. Not time to prepare for a crazy year. A post shared by Phresh Laundry (@thatlaundry) on Jan 2, 2019 at 8:27pm PST   There’s no denying Us has already made its cultural mark, and it’s just getting started. For more Us -inspired artwork, you can check out the special page here , and be sure to keep future dance moves and chilling interpretations on your radar!  

#WatchYourself: The Internet Celebrates ‘Us’ With Chilling Dance Videos & Fan Art

Oprah Says She Knows She’ll Get Backlash From Hosting ‘After Neverland’ Interview

Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Oprah Already Knows Her After Neverland Interview Will Get Hate Oprah Winfrey already knows that she’s going to be sparking some controversy with her new special After Neverland , an interview with the two men who have accused Michael Jackson of sexually abusing them when they were young. “I’m gonna get it,” the talk show host predicted during a taping of the broadcast on Wednesday. But, Oprah argued, the issue of sexual abuse is too important to remain silent no matter how much her program angers the “gloved one’s” fans. “This movie transcends Michael Jackson,” she told an audience of over 100 abuse survivors. “It allows us to see societal corruption.” The program is set to air on March 4, which comes after the second and final episode of the upcoming HBO documentary. Leaving Neverland is a four-hour investigation into the claims of Jackson accusers, Wade Robson and James Safechuck and Winfrey was joined on stage by the two men along with the director Dan Reed for a talk that was filled mixed emotions. Winfrey made it clear that she finds the men’s allegations credible, but the Jackson estate has continued to push back against Robson and Safechuck. Before going public with his abuse claims in 2013, Robson was known for being one of Jackson’s most avid defenders, denying the pop star had ever behaved inappropriately while serving as a key defense witness in the pop star’s 2005 child molestation trial. Safechuck also testified that he was never abused as part of the singer’s 1993 molestation trial, but declined to testify on his behalf in the follow-up trial. Both men say they were groomed by Jackson to stay quiet as he repeatedly told them that their lives would be ruined if they broke their silence.  

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Oprah Says She Knows She’ll Get Backlash From Hosting ‘After Neverland’ Interview

Wife Of Blackfaced Virginia Governor Ralph Northam Gave Cotton To Black Students, Told Them To Imagine Being Slaves

Text “RICKEY” to 71007 to join the Rickey Smiley Morning Show mobile club for exclusive news.  ( Terms and conditions ). Source: Pool / Getty Via Bossip : Throw the entire Northam family in the trash. Virginia Governor Ralph Northam , you know, the one who was exposed as a blackface participant in his medical school yearbook? Right. Well, according to CNN , Northam’s wife, First Lady of Virginia Pam Northam, recently handed out handfuls of cotton to Black children who were on a tour of the governor’s mansion. 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’ll recall, Pam Northam restrained her husband from doing the moonwalk dance at his press conference explaining how he’s not racist or a habitual blackfacer, but he once put on blackface to impersonate Michael Jackson. At the time Pam called the press conference “inappropriate circumstances” for Ralphy Boy to bust out MJ’s iconic dance defiance of physics. Sounds like “inappropriate circumstances” meant more “don’t do the racist things we love in front of all these people” as opposed to “honey, that’s racist”. SEE ALSO:  Katy Perry Under Fire For ‘Blackface’ Shoes [PHOTOS] While guiding the children through the home’s kitchen Northam told the children holding cotton to imagine themselves being slaves in the fields according to one of the children’s mother in a letter addressed to the First Lady. The forces of Eddie Bauer evil are REALLY putting a damper on Black History Month . The mother who aired out Pam Northam is Leah Dozier Walker who works as the director of the Office of Equity and Community Engagement at the Virginia Department of Education. Her 8th grade daugther had good enough sense to not accept the cotton the Northam tried to force on her. We imagine she gave her the most legendary side-eye of all time while doing so. Clap for her. “During the tour of the Mansion Cottage, (Walker’s daughter) and two of her (fellow) pages were asked to hold cotton that the First Lady retrieved from a bowl on a nearby table,” Walker wrote in the letter. “Mrs. Northam then asked these three pages (the only African-American pages in the program) if they could imagine what it must have been like to pick cotton all day.” Walker’s daughter also had some bars for Pam Northam. The Walker women are not for play. “The comments and just the way you carried yourself during this time was beyond inappropriate, especially considering recent events with the Governor,” Walker’s daughter wrote to the first lady. “From the time we walked into the mansion to the time in the cottage house, I did not receive a welcoming vibe. It was very testing to know I had to go somewhere, and I had no choice as to if I went, I had to be respectful, and be on my best behaviour (sic), even when the people in positions of power I was around were not doing the same.” Throw this whole family away. [ione_media_gallery src=”https://rickeysmileymorningshow.com” id=”1949990″ overlay=”true”] ALSO TRENDING ON RICKEYSMILEYMORNINGSHOW.COM : T.I.’s Sister, Precious Harris, Dead at 66 All The Beautiful Photos Of Keshia Knight Pulliam’s Daughter [PHOTOS] KTLA Anchor Chris Burrous Dies After Putting Crystal Meth In Anus Follow @TheRSMS

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Wife Of Blackfaced Virginia Governor Ralph Northam Gave Cotton To Black Students, Told Them To Imagine Being Slaves

Heisenberg, That You? $13 Million Worth Of Methamphetamine Found Hidden In Frozen Strawberries

Source: Bashir Osman's Photography / Getty $13 Million In Meth Found Inside Frozen Strawberries These drug cartels are becoming more and more creative with their various methods of smuggling their product into the United States. According to a CNN report customs officials found $13 million dollars worth of meth inside of a tractor trailer at Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge cargo facility in Texas. A 42-year-old Mexican driver was arrested. Authorities seized the tractor/trailer along with 906 pounds of methamphetamine (411 kg) that was worth about $12,700,000, CBP said. It’s unknown what made the border agents believe there was something sketchy about either the driver or the shipment, but when they referred the vehicle to further inspection, that’s when they discovered the 350 packages of drugs. “This was an outstanding interception our officers accomplished this weekend,” said Port Director David Gonzalez of Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. “Our officers’ astute sense of awareness and tenacity is unparalleled and truly commendable.” These strawberries were about to get some smoothie-drinker high as hell.

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Heisenberg, That You? $13 Million Worth Of Methamphetamine Found Hidden In Frozen Strawberries