News Stories

*Atlanta – The Bronze Lens SuperStars Luncheon, an annual fete in Atlanta, is known for announcing firsts. Friday (08-24-18) was no exception when Connie Orlando, EVP Head of Programming at BET Networks promoted the rebranding of Centrix to BETher, the first 24/7 channel devoted to programming made for and by women of color. The announcement was fitting for the venue as the SuperStars Luncheon, a highlight of the Bronze Lens Film Festival, celebrates achievements of Black women in front of and behind the camera lens.

This was BET Networks first year as a sponsor of the Bronze Lens Film Festival signature luncheon event where three awards were presented. Tina Lifford, Aunt Vi on the hit series “Queen Sugar” airing on OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, accepted the Visionary Superstar award to a standing ovation. Ms. Lifford’s work as a motivational speaker, gifted playwright, and killer scenes from “Queen Sugar” were showcased to the packed house.

Ayoka Chenzira, Ph.D., accepted the Catalyst SuperStar award for her pioneering work in independent cinema. Her work in interactive digital media production, in which she was the first Black woman to earn at Ph.D. from Georgia Institute of Technology, mesmerized the room. Ms. Chenzira is now Chair of the Department of Art & Visual culture at Spelman College. To her delight, she noted that many of her former students had films entered in the festival.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/08/9th-annual-bronze-lens-film-festival-superstars-luncheon-promotes-rebranding-of-centrix-to-bether/

*The Black Women’s Expo descended upon the city of Atlanta earlier this month, drawing thousands of people for it’s 24th annual event – part of a three-city tour that started in Chicago in April and culminated in Dallas on August 26. The event, which spanned over three days (Aug. 10-12), featured a wide array of uplifting and empowering educational sessions, lectures, panel discussions, corporate displays and entertainment.

This year’s theme was “She Matters,” and numerous celebrities and community leaders were in attendance, including Emmy Award winning actress Regina King (Seven Seconds, American Crime) who served as the keynote speaker,  Lamman Rucker (Greanleaf),  Angela Robinson (The Haves and the Have Nots), Dr. Heavenly Kines (Married to Medicine), Kim Fields and Cynthia Bailey (Housewives of Atlanta). R&B crooner Ginuwine serenaded the ladies during a concert to close out the weekend, performing nostalgic hits such as “Pony,” “Differences” and “In Those Jeans.”

“It is a really special thing when you have an opportunity for your artistry to meet your philanthropy,” said Regina King, referencing her role in Netflix’s Seven Seconds, which tackles racism and police brutality among other issues. “The things that go on in our community are stories that we can’t stop talking about. I feel very lucky that I get to be an artist that gets the opportunity to keep the conversation going.”

The Black Women’s Expo was started by founder Merry Green of MGPG events in 1994. Initially held in Chicago every year, Green has decided to expand the expo to Atlanta and Dallas.  As one of the nation’s premier events catering to African American women and their families, the Black Women’s Expo will celebrate a quarter century of empowering its community in 2019. For more information, check out www.theblackwomensexpo.com. And of course, see the video above for an inside look into the expo weekend in Atlanta!

*A good movie usually remains with you days after you’ve left the theater and although KIN the movie doesn’t hit theaters until August 31, producers of the project are gearing up for the film in a major way. KIN is the story of “an unexpected hero” destined for greatness.

Chased by a vengeful criminal, the feds and a gang of otherworldly soldiers, a recently released ex-con and his adopted teenage brother are forced to go on the run with a weapon of mysterious origin as their only protection.

KIN stars James Franco, Jack Reynor and Miles Truitt. To celebrate the film’s release, the studio invited EUR out for a fun game of laser tag with some of the most influential people on the gram.

We met up at UltraZone in Sherman Oaks where we were prepped on our mission for the day. Some of our favorite online personalities like Khadi, Dyvon, Arriana Jonae and E Breezy along with actress Aadyn Encalarde were in attendance to fight for their group’s championship on the battlefield. When I tell you these personalities are the best to play laser tag with, please, believe me.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/08/thrilling-and-suspenseful-laser-tag-for-kin-the-movie-pics-trailer-look/

Eid-al-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice”, is a two-day Islamic holiday celebrated around the world. Beginning Monday and ending Tuesday, Muslims traditionally give praise for when Allah appeared to Ibrahim in a dream and asked him to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, as a sign of his faith.

During the festival, Muslims gather in their best garb to eat traditional food, exchange gifts and pray. Check out some of the beautiful images from Eid-al-Adha across the globe.

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Source: https://newsone.com

Yesterday, the French Tennis Federation president, Bernard Giudicelli, went viral after banning Serena Williams‘ catsuit from the French Open. Everyone has been blasting the 60-year-old and now Nike has responded.

Nike responded on Twitter with a photo of Serena with text that read, “You can take the superhero out of her costume, but you can never take away her superpowers. #justdoit” See below:

Giudicelli said in an interview with Tennis Magazine’s 500th edition, “I believe we have sometimes gone too far. Serena’s outfit this year, for example, would no longer be accepted. You have to respect the game and the place.”

Twitter is obviously outraged by the decision, which is clearly racism and sexism. Click here for the reactions.

Considering the serious backlash, it would be no surprise if the French Open decides to “reverse” their ban. Saying Williams doesn’t have respect for the game is asinine and insulting. Serena Williams is the winner of 23 Major singles titles at the French Open. The reason why the French Open sells tickets is partly because of Serena’s presence. No one has more respect for the game than Serena.

Put some respect on her name, Mr. Giudicelli.

Source: https://newsone.com

“Ford Motor Company’s partnership with us in the Ford First Gen program brings a comprehensive, innovative and collaborative approach that exemplifies an important part of ‘the Spelman Promise’ – ensuring that every Spelmanite graduates with a competitive edge,” says Mary Schmidt Campbell, President, Spelman College.

In an effort to increase the representation of Black first-generation college students at Spelman College, the institution has teamed up with Ford Motor Company for the creation of a new initiative, the Journal of Blacks in Higher Education reported.

Dubbed Ford First Gen, the program is designed to help aspiring college students overcome socio-economic barriers that prevent them from furthering their education, the news outlet writes. Through the initiative, participants will be able to take advantage of services and resources that will ensure their personal, academic, and professional success; including being mentored by students who are in their junior year at Spelman. After going through the program, students will have the opportunity to mentor those who are following in their footsteps. Mentors will be awarded $10,000 towards their tuition.

Under the program, there will be seminars hosted that are related to career development and goal setting, trips that will give participants the opportunity to interact with individuals who are making moves in industries that they aspire to pursue careers in, and students will also be aligned with summer internships to build upon their professional experiences.

Mary Schmidt Campbell, President, Spelman College, is excited about the partnership with Ford Motor Company and believes that the program will be nothing short of impactful. “Ford Motor Company’s partnership with us in the Ford First Gen program brings a comprehensive, innovative and collaborative approach that exemplifies an important part of ‘the Spelman Promise’ – ensuring that every Spelmanite graduates with a competitive edge,” she said in a statement, according to the news outlet. Ford is looking forward to helping students of color overcome barriers to education. “Ford First Gen is a unique approach to helping break down barriers to success that are sometimes faced by first-generation students,” Pamela Alexander, Director of Community Development at Ford Motor Company Fund told Diverse Issues in Higher Education. “We are very excited about the opportunity we have to impact students’ lives through the mentorship, education and cultural experiences that Ford First Gen will offer, and given Spelman’s rich legacy of success, we could not ask for a better partner for this program.”

Source: https://newsone.com