by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 15, 2023

Fashion Fair Co-Owner Desiree Rogers Discusses The Rebirth Of Iconic Brand

Fashion Fair, the mother of Black cosmetics brands is back.

Considered the first large-scale Black cosmetics company, Fashion Fair is deeply rooted in embracing and uplifting Blackness. The last decade has seen a rise in Black women of power and status, and the one-size-fits-all approach to cosmetics is no longer a viable business strategy in today’s climate. Fashion Fair is credited with the first major cosmetics company to offer makeup in different hues for women of color. For the past 50 years, Fashion Fair has stood with Black women at the intersection of beauty and culture.

Initially the brain-child of Eunice Johnson, wife of Ebony magazine founder John H. Johnson, Fashion Fair was created to serve Black women. The brand almost met its end but was brought back to life by Desiree Rogers, the company’s new CEO and co-owner.

Rogers spoke with BLACK ENTERPRISE about the brand’s future, the Black beauty consumer and partnering with other Black women to embrace the culture. She was joined by Fashion Fair’s director of marketing Khalia Braxton. who shed light on how Fashion Fair is making moves to center the needs of all Black women.

BLACK ENTERPRISE: Fashion Fair was created in 1973 and lost footing along the way. How did you come into the brand?

Desiree Rogers: My business partner and I purchased Fashion Fair out of bankruptcy. We were the lucky bidders. And so we have been working on the reimagined Fashion Fair for the last two years. Fashion Fair is currently in over 320 Sephoras and we just recently launched in 90 Macy stores.

How does the brand of today differ from its first iteration?

We now use natural ingredients, cruelty-free. We work with a Black dermatologist. Testing has been done on people that look like us. Shades range from very light beige to a black in terms of foundation and all of our products are made in the U.S.

We tried to take the DNA of the original company and then said, ‘What does that look like today?’ We think it has an opportunity to be cross generational.

What makes Fashion Fair special?

Our history. Fashion Fair was here before any of the other companies. The brand’s goal has always been to cherish and be inspired by the fashion, glamour, and beauty of black women.

As far as product we do a lot of work on our product’s undertone. Our dermatologist works on all of our foundations to ensure that no woman, man, or gender identification would struggle because they were a deeper skin tone.

Fashion Fair, Desiree Rogers — Desiree Rogers attends “The Black Beauty Effect” Red Carpet premiere at Regal LA Live on November 14, 2022, in Los Angeles. (Photo: Leon Bennett/Getty Images for Black Experience on Xfinity)

Studies show that the Black community is more likely to brand hop. What is Fashion Fair doing to sustain brand loyalty?

I am not against brand hopping. I would just like us to hop between brands that are Black-owned. I have multiple brands in my purse. I want to support my other brothers and sisters that happen to own makeup companies or hair companies. So we encourage people, especially our people, to invest more in the companies that are represented by people that look like them. It’s very important, and how we generate wealth in our own communities.

We should at least have 15% Black-owned products in each of our makeup bags.

We believe the same when it comes to jobs in the company. We’re really adamant about having 90% of our company look like us, women and Black people. Our suppliers, lawyers, product development, and public relations people look like us.

Anything you want consumers to look for in Fashion Fair’s future?

Khalia Braxton: We’re working on projects that are at the center culture and important to Black women in particular, like Sergio Hudson’s Spring ’24 New York Fashion Week Show Fashion Fair introduced one new product, which is our lip shaper. My favorite is Hickory Brown. It works great with a gloss.

Next week we will be backstage for Hanifa’s bridal show. This is important for brand awareness. People say, “This is my mom’s make-up,” but it’s OK for something to be old. We love Chanel and Fendi. We’re showing that its OK to be 50 years old and still be relevant.

Rogers: Definitely. Also, it’s about supporting Black women. Hanifa is a Black fashion brand. Also, Its at a Black woman-owned resort. Three different organizations owned by Black women coming together to create this journey.

Fashion Fair is a legacy rising from the ashes.

Jasmine Adams, West Brighton Deli Grocery, weed

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 14, 2023

Weed Run Gone Wrong: Woman Dragged From Staten Island Deli By Hair Files Lawsuit

A 35-year-old woman mistaken for a trans woman has filed a lawsuit against the owner(s) of a Staten Island deli where she tried to cop weed before being brutally assaulted.

On Oct. 9, Jasmine Adams sought compensatory and punitive damages in the suit filed with New York’s Supreme Court from the owner/s of the West Brighton Deli Grocery Corp. She alleged that a male employee used hate language because of her sexual orientation and attacked her physically on the night of July 28. In the lawsuit, she stated that the man referred to her as a “transvestite.”

Jasmine is openly bisexual.

The alleged attack occurred when Jasmine attempted to legally purchase weed for a friend at the Staten Island bodega. The victim, who doesn’t smoke, checked with her friend to ensure the unidentified person wanted the $40 bundle of weed. The West Brighton Deli bodega clerk thought Jasmine was haggling over the price and became agitated. The employee threw the bag of marijuana on the floor.

The 35-year-old woman decided to get a refund after the disrespect, which incensed the man. An argument ensued, and Jasmine said she wanted the employee fired, and he threatened to call the cops on her. She demanded the $40 back, and the bodega clerk called her a “tranvestite.” Allegedly, the unidentified man sprayed her with mace before assaulting her.

Video footage detailed the employee manhandling Jasmine while a crowd gathered outside the front of the store. He allegedly dragged the 35-year-old customer out of the establishment by her braids, leaving her on the curb and kicking her in the face.

Onlookers reacted, yelling at the man that he had taken the situation too far. Wearing a basketball jersey, tee shirt, and jeans, the deli worker returned to the store after the alleged attack.

“Oh my God…. you don’t have to do all that,” a female witness said in the video.

The employee reportedly is still employed at West Brighton Deli. He was also never arrested or charged with a crime. Jasmine described the ordeal as “malicious and emotionally” damaging.

homecoming, Howard University, Centennial

by Jameelah Mullen

October 14, 2023

It’s HBCU Homecoming Season And We Got You Covered

Homecoming season is one of the most anticipated events for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Homecoming is more than just a football game, it’s a week of events that allow students and alumni to come together to celebrate the vibrant history and culture that can only be experienced on a HBCU campus.

The fun-filled week will include parties, celebrity appearances, panel discussions, and other events. Members of the Divine Nine — Black Greek letter organizations — will convene for friendly competition through step shows and stroll-offs.

Homecoming is also an important fundraising event, as it provides an opportunity for alumni to give back to their alma maters.

The festive week ends with the big game, which allows students, alumni, and guests to tailgate, reminisce on old times, and root for their teams. The highly anticipated halftime show allows the bands to show off their skills.

Several schools have already concluded their homecoming festivities, including Shaw University and Alabama A&M. But the season is far from over. If you would like to enjoy the HBCU homecoming experience this year, view the schedule to find a game near you.

Albany State University – October 8-15 (vs. Allen University)

Bethune-Cookman University – October 12-15 (vs. Texas Southern University)

Central State University – October 11-14 (vs. Savannah State University)

Grambling State University – October 8-15 (vs. Alabama A&M University)

Jackson State University – October 8-14 (vs. Alabama State University)

Johnson C. Smith University – October 9-14 (vs. Saint Augustine’s University)

Mississippi Valley State University – October 9-14 (vs. University of Arkansas Pine Bluff)

Morris Brown College – October 7-15 (first homecoming returning with “Full Accreditation”)

Southern University and A&M College – October 8-14 (vs. Lincoln University (CA))

Tennessee State University – October 8-14 (vs. Norfolk State University)

Texas College –October 8-14 (vs. Louisiana Christian University)

Tuskegee University – October 8-15 (vs. Edward Waters University)

Virginia State University – October 7-14 (vs.Bluefield State College)

University of Arkansas Pine Bluff – October 15-21 (vs. Alcorn State University)

Benedict College – October 16-22 (vs. Kentucky State University)

Clark Atlanta University – October 15-21 (vs. Central State University)

Delaware State University – October 14-21 (vs. South Carolina State University)

Fayetteville State University – October 15-22 (vs. Johnson C. Smith University)

Florida Memorial University – October 17-22 (vs. Webber International University)

Fort Valley State University – October 15-21 (vs. Morehouse College)

Howard University – October 15-22 (vs. Norfolk State University)

Lane College – October 15-21 (vs. University of Lynchburg)

Langston University – October 15-21 (vs. Arkansas Baptist College)

Livingstone College – October 16-21 (vs. Shaw University)

Miles College – October 15-21 (vs. Allen University)

Savannah State University – October 17-21 (vs. Tuskegee University)

Virginia Union University – October 15-22 (vs. Lincoln University (PA))

Winston-Salem State University – October 15-21 (vs. Saint Augustine’s University)

Allen University – October 23-28 (vs. Edward Waters University)

Florida A&M University – October 21-28 (vs. Prairie View A&M University)

Hampton University – October 22-29 (vs. North Carolina A&T University)

Morehouse College – October 22-29 (vs. Kentucky State University)

Spelman College (SpelHouse) Oct 22-29 ( No game)

Norfolk State University – October 22-29 (vs. Morgan State University)

November 2023

North Carolina A&T University – October 29 – Nov. 4 (vs. Towson University)

North Carolina Central University – October 29 – Nov. 4 (vs. Norfolk State University)

Prairie View A&M University – October 29 – Nov. 4 (vs. University of Arkansas Pine Bluff)

South Carolina State University – October 29 – Nov. 4 (vs. Howard University)

Fisk University – Nov.6-12 (no game)

Dillard University – Nov. 8-13 (no game)

Voorhees University – Nov.9-12 (no game)

University of Maryland Eastern Shore – Nov.16-19 (no game)

Claflin University – Nov.12-19 (no game)

by Jameelah Mullen

October 14, 2023

Rudolph Isley, Co-Founder Of The Isley Brothers, Passes Away At Age 84

Rudolph Isley, founding member of the legendary Isley Brothers, has died at the age of 84.

A representative for the band told CNN that the singer died Oct. 11. His cause of death is currently unknown.

Isley Brothers lead singer, Ronald paid tribute to his brother via Instagram.

“Heaven has gained another angel. Our hearts are heavy as we announce the passing of our beloved brother, Rudolph Isley. As we navigate through this deep sorrow, we kindly ask for understanding and respect for our family’s privacy during this challenging time. Remember to hold your loved ones close. We will miss our brother but we know he’s in a better place. Forever in our hearts ❤️.” The Grammy Award winner wrote.

The group was founded in 1954 by brothers Rudolph, Ronald, Vernon, and O’Kelly. They started out as a gospel quartet before Vernon was killed in a biking accident.

The Isley Brothers rose to fame in 1959 when their song “Shout” became their first song to hit the Billboard top 100 charts.

Rudolph was known for singing back-up, but his velvety vocals were featured on some of their most well-known songs such as “I’ve Got to Get Myself Together” which was released in 1969.

The trio transformed into a full band in 1973 when they were joined by their brothers, Ernie Isley on guitar and drums and Marvin Isley on bass. Their brother-in-law Chris Jasper, a keyboard player, also joined the band.

The group went on to produce several top charting albums like Between The Sheets which peaked at No 19 on the Billboard 200 in 1983.

Rudolph Isley co-wrote several of the band’s most popular songs, including “That Lady.” Released in 1964, the song reached No. 2 on the R&B singles chart and No. 6 on the pop chart. In 2003, “That Lady” ranked 357 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All-time list.

Rudolph left the band in 1986 to become a minister. He briefly reunited with the band on stage in 1992 when the brothers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Rudolph Isley is survived by his wife of 65 years, Elaine Jasper, and his children, Rudy Jr., Elizabeth, Valerie, and Elaine, and brothers Ernie and Ronald, as well as several grandchildren.

BLACK ENTERPRISE sends our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Rudolph Bernard Isley.

XCEL Lunch Rewind: A Conversation With Chris Womack And David Grain On Entrepreneurship Beginnings

by Lauren Nutall

October 14, 2023

XCEL Lunch Rewind: A Conversation With Chris Womack And David Grain On Entrepreneurship Beginnings

This past week, some of the country’s most successful Black businesspeople and CEOS convened at BLACK ENTERPRISE’s XCEL Lunch, part of this year’s Black Men XCEL Summit, to share their wisdom about the industry and how they maintain their companies through leadership and excellence.

On Oct. 12, BE facilitated A Masterclass on C-Suite Leadership, which featured several industry leaders, including the President and CEO of Southern Company, Chris Womack, who was this year’s 2023 Excel Award honorée. David Grain, the founder and CEO of Grain Management, LLC, also spoke at the event. The conversation was moderated by none other than BE’s own CEO, Butch Graves Jr., the son of the company’s late founder, Earl Graves, Sr.

This week’s questions: What does it take to get to the C-Suite? And how can you excel once you get there?

The three men joined together to answer these questions, offering gems for aspiring business owners so that they too can find their niche.

As any entrepreneur knows, launching a business isn’t easy and requires sacrifice. However, a far-too-overlooked aspect of starting a business is having a good support system. Though both Womack and Grain’s careers were started in different ways, family is an integral part in both of their stories.

“I was born and raised in South Alabama, about 50 miles South of Montgomery,” said Womack. “I grew up in the 60s and so my mom was a teacher and I grew up with my grandmother and my mother. I would hunt in the morning. I’d shoot squirrels and my grandmother would prepare them before I went to school and I would fish in the afternoons. I mean, I grew up on the land, but I also grew up doing.”

Though Womack was raised in the midst of Jim Crow, he was always inspired to work toward his goals. His family frequently encouraged him in spite of racism’s overreaching influence.

“As difficult and as challenging as it was, my grandmother always said to me that I could be whatever I wanted to be and that I had to work hard,” Womack stated. “I had to study. I had to get it. I had to get an education. And I had to work well with others. But it’s essentially I had to collaborate because she always said you know, ‘You can’t do anything by yourself.’”

Grain recounted his own childhood, revealing that his father and mother heavily inspired him.

“I’m really the product of my parents and my family,” Grain shared. “You know, I was fortunate enough to have both my parents. They were married for 54 years. You know, I didn’t have a sort of Hard Knocks upbringing. I never had to wonder where I was going to sleep, what I was going to eat,” he continued.

The youngest of seven children, Grain’s family stability was due to his parents’ hardworking spirits, a trait that he seems to have inherited.

“My dad was born in Newburn, North Carolina in 1908. He was 54 when I was born, so a little bit older, and he moved to New York when he was 12 with his 10-year-old brother in 1920. Of course, the Great Depression was beginning and they were kind of left on their own so they lived at the YMCA in the Brooklyn Navy Yard,” said Grain.

Grain shared that his father worked a series of odd jobs to make it when he was younger, picking up work for the Prohibition Department and later the U.S. Post Office.

“He was one of these get in early and stay late kind of guys who was always looking for an opportunity to do a little bit better,” said Grain. Eventually, Grain’s father started a trucking business in Midtown Manhattan during the 1940s, where he would deliver postage, as there were no mail rooms. “I was very impressed by my father’s determined hard work. You know there wasn’t a lot of Little League or Boy Scouts or any of that stuff but he taught me how to work.”

His mother and grandmother were equally influential. A member of the Black Power movement, Grain’s mother instilled in him a great sense of pride, encouraging the young man to embrace his identity as a Black man. From his grandmother, Grain learned to turn to spirituality as a source of strength.

Throughout the interview, Womack, Grain, and Graves shared how they came to be business giants, what it was like getting started, and the work it takes to be a true leader. Check out the full panel discussion here.

by Mary Spiller

October 14, 2023

Jada Pinkett Smith Reveals Tupac’s Unexpected Proposal From Rikers Island

Jada Pinkett Smith opened up about an emotional moment in her life during a recent episode of the All The Smoke podcast, dropping Oct. 19. She revealed that Tupac Shakur proposed to her while he was incarcerated in Rikers Island in 1995. She also discussed the situation in Worthy, her upcoming memoir.

Pinkett Smith, 52, admitted that recording the Audible version of her memoir was emotionally taxing for her, especially when it came to talking about her experience with Tupac. She prefaced that she didn’t believe that he proposed to her because he was in love with her, but rather because he needed someone to ground him while in prison, Vibe reported.

“When I wrote about that in the book and when I had to talk about it, speak my words for the Audible version of the book, that was probably one of the more painful parts,” she said on the podcast. “Seeing him there, the condition that he was in and having to leave him there. He was in bad shape. And so, when he asked me to get married, he was at Rikers.”

She continued, “And I knew at that time that he needed somebody to do time with him, which I was gonna do anyway. He didn’t have to marry me to do that. I’m here. He needed a rock. He needed — because of our friendship and everything we had been through together, he just wanted to feel that solidified foundation. ‘Cause I promise you, he would’ve married me and divorced me as soon as his a** got out. He would’ve! I can be real with it… I just think it was the mind state that he was in, you know?

“He wrote me this long letter, and even before ‘Pac went to jail, he was starting to shift in a certain manner.”

The actress and Red Table host explained that she knew what went into the proposal at the time and posited that being married would help him to clean up his image.

“I think that for him, he just felt like, ‘OK, if I can tether myself, it’ll keep me on a trajectory.’ But trust me, he would’ve divorced me as soon as he — one thing he wouldn’t want me as is a wife. I know that for a fact!,” she told the host.

Pinkett Smith concluded that she believed that Tupac was ultimately just shaken up from being locked up at Rikers.

.

Jada Pinkett Smith reveals that Tupac proposed to her while he was in jail.

Jada and Tupac met at Baltimore School of the Arts as teenagers. They had a tight bond up until Pac’s death.

Full episode with Jada drops Thursday 10/19 on our YouTube. 💨 pic.twitter.com/XjOE7hb1DD

— SHOWTIME Basketball (@shobasketball) October 13, 2023

Federal Judge Orders Redrawing Of Galveston County Voting Maps, Citing Violations Of Voting Rights Act

by Daniel Johnson

October 14, 2023

Federal Judge Orders Redrawing Of Galveston County Voting Maps, Citing Violations Of Voting Rights Act

Federal Judge Jeffrey V. Brown ruled that Galveston County’s commissioner courts maps violated the federal Voting Rights Act when they were drawn in 2021, and ordered the county to draw new maps by Oct. 20.

According to the Texas Tribune, the Trump-appointed judge ruled that the map “denies Black and Latino voters the equal opportunity to participate in the political process and the opportunity to elect a representative of their choice to the commissioners court.”

The trial, which began in August, established that Galveston County used its first opportunity to draw maps without government oversight to stop Black and Latine voters in the county’s Precinct 3 from exercising control over their political representation. The only Democrat on the county commissioner court, a Black man named Stephen Holmes, was elected directly from Precinct 3.

Galveston County Judge Mark Henry, a Republican, indicated that he would appeal the ruling, saying “The County followed redistricting law and did not engage in any racial discrimination,” Henry said. “We believe this will be vindicated by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. As County Judge, I have never lost a voting rights act case on appeal.”

https://twitter.com/TXCivilRights/status/1712848886904021091?t=kcsTMP5MB7_MktQaaMSw4w&s=19

Sarah Xiyi Chen, an attorney in the Texas Civil Rights Project’s voting rights program, issued a statement on Oct. 13 that read, “We are thrilled with today’s decision — now, Black and Latino Galveston residents will once again have a fair shot to influence the decisions that shape their community.”

Chen continued, “The residents of Galveston fought hard for this win, sharing their stories and pride from the historic Precinct 3 — we are glad they are finally able to get the relief they deserve. We hope the commissioners court takes this opportunity to draw a new map that ensures that the community will have their votes, voices and needs heard for the next decade.”

The Department of Justice found the maps so egregious that they made a move to fight the county maps a mere four months after they were initially adopted, later joined by the County’s local LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) chapter and three local branches of the NAACP.

Today's ruling reaffirms that every citizen's right to vote and representation should be protected and valued.

We, at @TXCivilRights, have always stood against policies and practices that silence the voices of underrepresented communities, including Black and Latino voters. https://t.co/q6tm4lAkq7

— Rochelle Garza (@RochelleMGarza) October 13, 2023

This comes as the Supreme Court appears to be on the cusp of allowing a South Carolina map that was deemed racially biased by a lower court. According to Reuters, the 2022 version of the Republican drawn map removed 30,000 Black residents from a district. A panel of three federal judges ruled in January that the map violated the 14th and 15th Amendments barring racial discrimination in the election process and promising equal protection under the law.

Leah Aden, a lawyer with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, told Reuters that the map’s changes “reflects that there was a racial target, it reflects that there was a significant sorting of Black people, it reflects unrebutted expert evidence of race rather than party explaining the assignment of voters.”

In a similar case, the Supreme Court ruled against Alabama Republicans in June 2023, ordering them to redraw their maps, making them create a second majority-Black U.S. House district in the state.

by Jameelah Mullen

October 14, 2023

Black-Owned Whiskey Company ‘Uncle Nearest’ Launches Cognac Brand

Black-owned whiskey brand Uncle Nearest is expanding its product line to cognac.

The company announced its acquisition of Domaine Saint Martin. Located in the French town of Cognac, the esteemed estate traces its lineage back 350 years and was once owned by the Martell family, makers of Martell Cognac.

Uncle Nearest’s latest venture will be led by company president Adrian Parker; Brielle Caruso, the chief marketing officer; as well Chauncey Hamlett, CEO of The Formulation Group, who will spearhead innovation. Parker credits Fawn Weaver, Uncle Nearest founder and CEO, for the company’s groundbreaking expansion.

“Under Fawn’s guidance and innovative approach, the Uncle Nearest team has created a playbook for independent spirits that has never before been seen,” Parker said in a press release.

The company plans to use the grapes from its vineyards to produce a line of cognacs that will be released in upcoming years. The company also announced that it will be making improvements to vineyards and the distillery. Fawn Weaver, spoke about the company’s expansion.

“The Uncle Nearest brand thrives on its profound story of love, honor, respect, and heritage. Our mission in cognac echoes this essence,” she said.

Weaver went on to discuss the company’s unique approach to launching the new cognac brand.

“Our brand strategy pivots from the norm. We are unveiling a short film first at several film festivals, then launching the brand.”

The company has not yet revealed the name of the new cognac, but plans to announce it in 2024.

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey pays homage to the world’s first-known Black distiller, Nearest Green. The brand has held the consecutive title for the most awarded Bourbon and American Whiskey from 2019 to 2022. Uncle Nearest has over 900 awards since its launch in 2017. Located in Shelbyville Tenn, the 432-acre Nearest Green Distillery, is now the seventh-most visited distillery in the world.

by Daniel Johnson

October 14, 2023

LeVar Burton Announced As 2023 National Book Awards Host

LeVar Burton has been named the host of the 2023 National Book Awards following the backlash to Drew Barrymore’s ill-fated decision to resume her daytime talk show ahead of the WGA agreement with streamers and studios.

The National Book Awards issued a statement on Sept. 13 announcing that they had dropped Barrymore as the host of the prestigious literary awards ceremony.

“The National Book Awards is an evening dedicated to celebrating the power of literature, and the incomparable contributions of writers to our culture,” the statement read. “In light of the announcement that ‘The Drew Barrymore Show’ will resume production, the National Book Foundation has rescinded Ms. Barrymore’s invitation to host the 74th National Book Awards Ceremony.”

According to NPR, Burton last hosted the ceremony in 2019 and indicated in a statement on Oct. 13 his pleasure resuming that role for the organization in a climate where books that make statements against oppression are seemingly under attack.

“I’m a big believer in the power of the written word, and am proud to stand alongside the National Book Foundation to celebrate exceptional storytelling and the Foundation’s mission to make books accessible to everyone, everywhere,” Burton said. “It’s an honor to return as host of the biggest night for books, especially in a moment when the freedom to read is at risk and literature both needs and deserves our recognition and support.”

Burton has been an advocate for books and reading since his days hosting Reading Rainbow, a show promoting children’s literacy that aired on PBS from 1983 to 2006. Burton also hosts a podcast, LeVar Burton Reads, where he narrates fiction selections. He also has served as the American Library Association’s honorary chair during that organization’s Banned Books Week in clear protest of the book bans that have been popping up all across the country aimed at books that frankly discuss racism or LGBTQ+ individuals in general.

According to Entertainment Weekly, on Oct. 13, Ruth Dickey, Executive Director of the National Book Foundation, which presents the awards ceremony, said: “From his role as the beloved host of ‘Reading Rainbow’ to his new documentary ‘The Right to Read,’ Burton’s unique and contagious passion for books has inspired countless readers. This year — more than ever before — books are at risk, and we are tremendously proud to have a champion like Burton celebrate authors, translators, and readers everywhere as the host of the 2023 National Book Awards.”

In 2022, Burton shared how important Reading Rainbow was to him during an interview about his career and his Lifetime Achievement Emmy Award, telling Entertainment Weekly, “Television had become a really important part of the daily lives of America’s children, and the question was, and always is, how do we get our children to read more?”

Burton added, “How do we more effectively submit that relationship between an emerging reader and the written word? And television was a very counterintuitive medium to enlist as an aid in this process.”

Burton reflected on the show, and told the outlet that his most important and his most lasting legacy will be Reading Rainbow, because the show is directly responsible for fostering a lifelong love of reading and books in children. Burton also lamented the loss of shows that appeared alongside Burton’s show on PBS like Sesame Street and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, saying, “We know how good those shows are now by the truth of the absence of shows like them. They may get some social emotional awareness from Mr. Rogers, they’ll get some rudiments in letters and numbers and the same from Sesame Street, and they’ll be encouraged to develop a personal relationship with the written word and storytelling through Reading Rainbow. That’s a pretty good moment.”

by Lauren Nutall

October 14, 2023

Artist Malaika Favorite Brings Princess Tiana To Life In New Disneyland Mural

A new mural at Disneyland is bringing Princess Tiana to life.

Artist Malaika Favorite is creating the painting as part of the company’s upcoming attraction, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which is slated to open at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort in 2024, according to the Disney Parks Blog. A Louisiana native, Favorite channels the state’s vibrant culture for the piece, drawing inspiration from the colorful art that decorates the streets and New Orleans’ rich history. The collage will reference a number of scenes from the movie, including Tiana’s culinary journey and some of the film’s other beloved characters, such as Louis, the trumpet-playing alligator that Tiana befriends.

Favorite graduated from Louisiana State University, where she earned her BA and MFA degrees in 1971 and 1973, respectively, according to Art Span. She is a renowned painter who is best known for her use of oil, acrylic, and watercolors and her empowering portrayal of Black American heritage. Favorite has received numerous awards and grants over the course of her career, including the 2005 Louisiana Literature Prize for Poetry. Her work has been featured in several books, such as Art: African American by Samella Lewis, Black Art in Louisiana by Bernardine B. Proctor and the St. James Guide to Black Artists edited by Thomas Riggs. Favorite’s paintings can also appeared in museums throughout Louisiana, including Baton Rouge Gallery, Alexandria Museum of Art, and many more.

Carmen Smith, the park’s senior vice president of creative development, discussed selecting Favorite to complete this painting with Click Orlando.

“When we were exploring how to introduce guests to the story of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure as they prepared to embark on the attraction, maintaining the authenticity of Princess Tiana’s experience as a young Black woman striving to achieve her dream in the soulful backdrop of New Orleans was one of our highest priorities,” she said, “It only makes sense that an extensive search for an artist who could bring our vision to life brought us to Malaika’s doorstep.”

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is replacing the popular Splash Mountain, which permanently closed in May 2023, according to The Los Angeles Times. The attraction, which had been at the resort since 1989, quickly became a fixture at both Disneyland and Disney World. However, it has now been retired in favor of this newer project.