Proximity Media Presents Wakanda Forever: The Official Black Panther Podcast, Hosted by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Proximity Media, in collaboration with Marvel Studios and Marvel Entertainment, announces an upcoming six-episode podcast about the making of the highly anticipated film “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” opening in theaters nationwide Nov. 11.
Wakanda Forever: The Official Black Panther Podcast explores the next chapter in the story of Wakanda and honors the remarkable legacy of Chadwick Boseman. National Book Award-winning author, journalist, and writer for Marvel Comics’ Black Panther Ta-Nehisi Coates serves as host and writer. Proximity’s Head of Audio Paola Mardo serves as producer, as well as executive producer alongside Proximity’s founders Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, and Sev Ohanian. A preview of the show, which is the first podcast from Proximity Media’s new audio division, is now available across all major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.
Said Mardo, “Ever since Ryan, Zinzi, and Sev entrusted Proximity’s Audio division with this project, our goal has been to tell the story of the making of ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ with as much heart and authenticity as the film itself.”
“With our premiere episode, we’ve accomplished this goal while breaking new ground in the process, thanks to the awesome collaboration between our incredible host Ta-Nehisi Coates, our talented podcast production team, and our collaborators at Marvel and Disney.”
Debuting Nov. 3, the first episode features a conversation between Coates and director and co-writer Ryan Coogler. The two artists and friends reflect on the cultural impact of ‘Black Panther,’ the legacy of Chadwick Boseman and his inspiration to the cast and crew.
“There is no storyteller I admire more than Ryan Coogler,” said Coates, who makes his podcast-hosting debut.
“Any chance to partner with him, Proximity Media and Marvel, is a worthy one. For that opportunity to be a chronicle of the making of ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ was simply too good to pass up.”
Subsequent episodes will be available weekly in January 2023, celebrating the five-year anniversary of the first “Black Panther” film. Guests will include cast and crew, including stars Angela Bassett and Dominique Thorne; score and soundtrack composer and producer Ludwig Göransson; production designer Hannah Beachler; director of photography Autumn Durald Arkapaw; co-writer Joe Robert Cole; producers Kevin Feige and Nate Moore; and more.
Each episode, in tandem with guests’ conversation, will weave host narration, Göransson’s original score, film clips and field recordings. Story editing for the podcast is by James Kim. Audio editing is by Cameron Kell and Cedric Wilson. Sound design and additional music is by Pat Mesiti-Miller. Audio engineering is by Lauryn Newson. Production assistance is from Polina Cherezova.
AirDrop! Connecticut Woman Gives Birth To Baby Boy Aboard Flight 6 Weeks Before Due Date
A Hartford, Connecticut woman gave birth mid-air during a flight to the Dominican Republic. Kendria Rhoden was only 7 months pregnant, but that didn’t stop her baby boy from making his debut 36,000 feet in the air.
In September, the 21-year-old was traveling with her family six weeks ahead of her due date when her water broke on an American Airlines aircraft, WFSB reported. She said she felt her baby kick while she was asleep and the rest is history.
“Everything just happened so fast, it just happened so quick,” Rhoden told the news outlet.
According to KKTV, the aircraft had been in the air for 34 minutes when the healthcare professional began experiencing cramps. She went into full labor immediately after.
The cabin crew and nurses on board jumped into action, assisting with the child’s delivery .
“They were like, ‘Oh, don’t push, don’t push because we don’t see any head.’ I’m like ‘The baby’s coming!'” said Rhoden, per WFSB.
In honor of the miraculous birth, the new mother named her son Skylan.
Rhoden’s sister, Kendalee, who was also on the flight, documented the experience across several videos on TikTok.
Following Skylan’s premature arrival, Rhoden and her new bundle of joy were carried off the plane in the Dominican Republic, where she spent the first four days in the neonatal intensive care unit.
The Rhoden family made their way to an American embassy to not only ensure Skylan’s American citizenship, but to receive a limited-validity emergency passport that lists his birthplace as “in the air.”
Rhoden’s sister posted another TikTok expressing her gratitude to the four “heroes” who helped bring her nephew into the world safely.
“Thank you. We appreciate you for all the hard work you did that day because we know how things really could have went left,” Rhoden’s sister said.
According to Variety, the Powerexecutive and his company, G-Unit Film & Television, agreed to a three-project partnership with Lusid Media. Reportedly, one project is already in the works and is set to be an unscripted true crime series on the Peacock network. The project is slated to come out next year.
50 Cent shared the news with fans on social media, “more heat on the way, must see Tv 📺GLG🚦GreenlightGang i don’t miss 🎯Peacock 💣Boom💨 #bransoncognac #lecheminduroi.”
In another post, the rapper said, “👀if you not with me, you against me. we can work together, or you can watch me work. i’m getting sh*t done whether you like it or not. #bransoncognac#lecheminduroi“
“I am excited by the kind of stories we’re going to be bringing to life together, and can’t wait for the first project to reach Peacock next year,” 50 Cent said in a written statement.
“G-Unit Film & Television continues to go from strength to strength, and this partnership with Lusid is another great collaboration for the team.”
The news comes more than one month after the creator shared that he has felt a sense of freedom since his Starz contract ended. He said on social media, “09-17-22 official day of really owning my content & deciding where and how i do it moving forward!!! GLG🚦GreenLightGang 🎯bulls eye we don’t miss 💣BOOM💨#bransoncognac#lecheminduroi”
Reportedly, Lusid Media President Zak Weisfeld is excited about the partnership, “50 Cent is a storytelling phenomenon, and we’re excited by the combination of our track record in the unscripted entertainment space, and the dynamism of 50 and the G Unit team.” “There’s a whole different energy and a unique point of view that makes our joint projects really special.”
AT&T’s Dream in Black Rising Future Makers Program is Connecting HBCU Students to Greater Possibilities
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) have been greatly celebrated for their ability to empower and provide unparalleled resources for the next generation of leaders.
Designed to recognize and celebrate HBCU students who are making an impact in their communities and campus, Rising Future Makers is a direct extension of AT&T’s ongoing commitment to empower future leaders and create connected communities, while shining a light on the esteemed talent that HBCU’s are known to produce.
AT&T Dream in Black is committed to lending its support by empowering diverse communities and celebrating the culture and creators who shape it through its Rising Future Makers, creating a unique pathway for Black students to achieve greater success.
Bridging the digital divide, which disproportionately impacts communities of color, AT&T Dream in Black provides resources that not only foster economic growth but support educational advancement and innovation within the Black community.
“As a graduate of an HBCU, I know that there is no shortage of talent on our campuses, but oftentimes because of the inequities our community faces, there is a shortage of opportunities. AT&T’s Dream in Black Rising Future Maker’s program supports HBCU students in so many ways – one of the most impactful being the opportunity to be recognized and rewarded for effecting positive change in our communities,” said Ragin Al-nahdy, AT&T 5G squad member.
As a brand known and celebrated for connecting people near and far, AT&T is introducing HBCU students to a new world of possibilities, networking, and mentorship opportunities with Dream in Black partners and celebrity advocates to support their dreams and ambitions.
“AT&T’s Rising future makers campaign is another incredible example of what it looks like to use your resources to give back and invest in the careers of the people coming behind you,” said Gia Peppers, AT&T Dream in Black celebrity advocate.
“Mentorship has been a game changer for me since I was that age in college. Being a part of this campaign has only made me double down on its importance in my career and every person who is following any dream.”
“These students have access to industry experts and leaders who can teach them valuable lessons that they’ll never learn in the classroom alone. When I have the chance to interact with the students, they are always the brightest and best of their HBCUs. It’s an honor to be a part of this campaign.”
Honorees are awarded $5Gs ($5,000) presented by AT&T 5G and a 5G-enabled mobile phone with one year of AT&T service.
“This initiative creates pathways for the next generation of black leaders with guidance from mentors who may have never known who they were without this program, and also by investing $5000, or 5Gs, into each student selected,” said Peppers.
“This program is incredible because it doesn’t just teach you how to fish, it gives you the tools and resources you need to catch the fish as well.”
“Every student I’ve met from this program has never wavered and how vital this experience is to not only who they are, but who they will become.”
“AT&T Dream in Black Rising Future Makers will once again amplify HBCUs and shine a light on students who are making positive contributions to our society,” said Michelle Jordan, chief diversity officer, AT&T. “I’m inspired by how these students authentically show up and represent their campus and their community, and we are proud to support their drive to lead through adversity and be the example for future generations.”
We reported earlier about the death of Migosmember, Takeoff who reportedly died earlier this morning in Houston, allegedly at a dice game.
According to TMZ, the shooting and death took place at a bowling alley called 810 Billiards & Bowling Houston at approximately 2:40 a.m. Takeoff, real name Kirshnik Khari Ball, was there with his uncle, Quavo, nee Quavious Keyate Marshall. They were in Houston celebrating the birthday of Jas Prince.
According to Houston Police Department Lt. Salazar, 40 to 50 people were at the venue which is located at 1201 San Jacinto, around 2:40 a.m. when the shooting took place. Two additional victims were located at nearby hospitals, HPD stated.
TMZ obtained footage from the scene that showed a crowd gathering around the fallen rapper immediately after the shooting took place. Takeoff was seen motionless on the ground with a shaken Quavo reacting to his family member being in that state. They tried to move the body but stopped and placed him back on the ground as other people started to call for help.
Word of his death spread quickly over social media as conversations were happening on Clubhouse and Twitter users started sending out messages in disbelief.
Long Live Takeoff!🕊💔 You will forever be remembered. RIP to the best out of all the Migos!😭 pic.twitter.com/jg5WaAB4pc
I was in college when Biggie and ‘Pac were killed and thought there was no way we’d ever experience anything remotely close to that again. Now it’s happening so frequently that you barely have time to recover before someone else killed. RIP Takeoff.
No hot takes. No profound thoughts. Just sad that another rapper, son, brother, and friend has been killed. God be with all those who feel the loss. #TakeOff#MIGOS
Sad & senseless. He was a bystander & got shot. We gotta do something about everyone & they momma in Texas having guns! Especially reckless folk who can’t simply disagree with people-they have to resort to this! My deepest condolences to the whole family of Takeoff. Gone at 28💔 https://t.co/4ifff7xIYL
Laws Aimed at Fixing Policing Are Being Rolled Back After Police Complain It Hurts Their Ability To Catch Criminals
Two years after the death of George Floydled to a nationwide movement and a wave of police reforms, the effort has slowed considerably.
According to the Associated Press, some reforms implemented in 2020 have been adjusted or rolled back after police departments complained it made their jobs harder. Additionally, while governors across the country signed police reform bills, many gave more protections to police officers.
An analysis by the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at the University of Maryland states that across the U.S, governments collectively approved 300 police reform bills after the death of Floyd in May 2020 that affected police oversight, training, use of force, mental health diversions, and body cameras.
Examples include North Carolina, where a law passed giving officers the power to charge civilians who interfere with an officer’s duty but also created a public database of officers who are suspended or fired for misconduct. In Minnesota, where the reform movement began after Floyd’s death, neck restraints were banned, and officers are now required to intervene when they see a colleague using excessive force. The package also created a police misconduct database.
While many reform bills and laws have fallen short of the wishes of Black people and Democrats, they have served as a warning to police across the country that citizens are watching and recording them.
In Washington, Gov. Jay Insleesigned a comprehensive reform package banning no-knock warrants and chokeholds and enacting use-of-force requirements. Police officials in the state argued the reforms went too far.
“There’s just that atmosphere of emboldened criminals and brazen criminality, and people telling law enforcement, ‘I know that you can’t do anything,’ “Steve Strachan, executive director of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, told the AP.
Police across the country have been arguing the reforms are hindering their ability to do their job and are urging people to pressure legislators into reversing the bills and laws. The effort is disheartening for relatives of victims of excessive force and police misconduct.
“Any good the reforms that were in place did, they are going to try to undo in 2023,” Nickeia Hunter, whose brother Carlos Hunter was fatally shot by police in 2019, told the AP. “They are trying to roll back every gain that was made.”
Seriously? Fans of Ye Tried to Raise Funds Via GoFundMe to Help Him Regain Billionaire Status
A few people were hoping to help Ye get back to a status he lost due to his recent downfall after making comments that affected his finances. Several GoFundMe pages were allegedly started to help Yebecome a billionaire again, but those plans have failed.
According to AllHipHop, there were several pages started on the GoFundMe platform to help the eccentric rapper formerly known as Kanye West reclaim his billionaire status. The fashion designer lost his billionaire status after Adidas cut all ties with him, lowering his financial status to $500 million.
The pages set up to help Ye were reportedly taken down by the fundraising site.
The latest fallout has cost Ye his billionaire status and made way for hip-hop stalwart Sean “Diddy” Combs to sit at the billionaire’s table. Ye now sits at the “almost there” table currently occupied by music producer Dr. Dre and cannabis business owner Gilbert “Berner” Milam, who both trail the Donda Academy founder with fortunes of more than $400 million each.
Rolling Stone has reported that this isn’t the first time fans tried to raise funds for the embattled Ye.
When Ye reportedly had $53 million in debt in February 2016, a man named Jeremy Piatt launched a GoFundMe account for the controversial artist. He raised $57,398 toward the goal of $53 million. Ye’s camp declined to accept the money raised, but instead of returning the funds to people who contributed, Piatt decided to donate the money to a nonprofit organization, Notes for Notes.
“As reported by TMZ, Mr. Kanye West’s camp has declined the funds raised by this GoFundMe campaign. Since the funds raised will NOT be going to Mr. West, we’re excited to announce that they will instead be directed toward an outstanding charitable organization, Notes for Notes®. In lieu of funding Mr. West’s artistic vision, 100% of the funds will be headed to young aspiring musicians hoping to fulfill their dreams.”
How Milan Rouge Turned Two Shirts into a Premium Clothing Brand Generating $60 Million in Sales
Milan Rouge is the founder and CEO of Milano Di Rouge, the popular fashion brand worn by countless celebrities, including Cardi B, Lala Anthony, Rick Ross, Monica, and many more.
Rouge first launched Milano Di Rouge, which stands for Making Dreams Reality, in 2012.
In the last six years, her company has generated $60 million in sales. Rouge’s success represents hope for anyone ready to chase their dreams with relentless grit and strategy.
I sat with Milan Rouge to discuss her rise to success as an entrepreneur. Here are a few takeaways from our conversation.
Photo Credit: Meech Ward
From The Bottom To The Top
Rouge, a former hairstylist and home health aide, has built a business empire, but she didn’t start at the top. She started the Milan Di Rouge brand with two shirts 10 years ago. She grew up in West Philadelphia in a single-parent household and her father was incarcerated most of her life. Rouge spent her early years growing up in a neighborhood called “The Bottom.”
“I didn’t realize we were poor because everyone around us was in the same economic status,” Rouge shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE.
But, around age 14, Rouge started seeing things differently.
Rouge credits her mom for showing her what is possible when you work hard to go after your dreams. Her mother had her older sister at 15 and dropped out of high school in the 9th grade to care for her child. But she went back to school at 28 years old to become a registered nurse and graduated with a master’s degree in business.
“Seeing her desire to win and making the sacrifice to better herself allowed me to dream. If she could work during the day and go to school at night as s a single mom with two kids to improve our economic status, nothing was going to stop me but me,” said Rouge.
Her mother’s sacrifices allowed her family to move to a middle-class neighborhood: a game changer for Rouge. Rouge’s mind started to open up to the possibilities. “Once you start seeing more, you know you can become more,” she added.
Rouge would sell out of inventory in the early years, selling her clothes out of the trunk of her car, but her business barely made money. But after visiting her father in prison in 2015, she received a piece of advice that changed how she would operate her business in the future.
When her father realized it took her three weeks after selling out to replenish her inventory, he told her that her mission was to “never sell out of inventory.” That was also the year Rouge decided to add sweatsuits to her fashion line.
She asked her mom for a $1,200 loan promising to pay her back. “First, she said she didn’t have it. But, five minutes later, my mom put a $1,200 check on my lap,” Rouge said. Fast forward to today, her mother is the Chief Operating Officer of Milan Di Rouge.
She Focuses on Being the Best She Can Be
Rouge believes in focusing on building the best brand you can build and, as much as possible, integrating the things you care about into your company.
“Every single day since I started Milan Di Rouge, I have worked on Milan Di Rouge. I created something that I truly enjoy. It’s not just about the clothes; it’s also about the mission, inspiring and empowering people to make their dreams a reality, and giving back.”
While Rouge acknowledges the importance of knowing your competitors and always thinking ahead, she believes too much focus on your competition can hurt you.
“When you are too focused on your competition, you can’t really focus on your goal. I remember a racing game in the fifth grade. I was about to win until I started looking over at the person close to me. I lost because I was focused on her and not on my goal. And I remember that every time I’m almost distracted by a competitor. “
Rouge had a long list of stars wearing her clothes early on, which helped make her brand more visible. She created a template to reach out to celebrities, explaining what her brand stood for and offering to send a package their way. “Some people said yes, others said no. Others ignored it.” But whenever Rouge heard no, she kept going.
She shared that she embraces failure because there’s always a lesson to be learned and to make you better.
She Continues to Expand Her Mind
Rouge, whose company has been generating millions of dollars in revenue for six consecutive years, is always looking for ways to learn and elevate. As she educates herself, she implements new strategies. In recent years, she started using the high income she earns as an entrepreneur to invest and build lasting wealth. She started learning about the stock market and real estate.
“When I had my son, I realized I didn’t have ownership outside of my business. I had my showrooms in LA, my storefront and office in Philadelphia that I didn’t own.”
That year she purchased her storefront in Philadelphia, a building for her headquarters, her first home, and a property for her mother and sister. Since then, Rouge has purchased 10 additional properties, including a property for her son for his first birthday.”
Photo Credit: Meech Ward
She is a Lifelong Learner
Rouge discussed how crucial it is to continue to learn, which has helped her expand her mind and always think ahead. “I’m always willing to learn, and I accept constructive criticism. I also always think about what’s next to be ahead of the curve.”
“I started Milan Rouge in 2012 but didn’t have mentors until 2018. So I created the Womanaire Club for like-minded women to share resources, challenges, and knowledge so we can learn and improve together.”
This year, Milano Di Rouge is celebrating 10 years in business with a Fashion Show and Gala in Atlanta on Nov. 11th and 12th. Milan Rouge believes she is successful today because she never gave up on her dreams. She believes that others who may be starting from less-than-ideal situations can find success too, if they are willing to be consistent, sacrifice, and let go of what they know to elevate.
“What are you willing to sacrifice? You can’t remain the same person and do the same things. You must let something go for growth to happen. If you are willing to let go, sacrifice, and work hard, you can make your dreams reality.”
About the Author
Anne-Lyse Wealth is a certified public accountant and communications strategist for business leaders. She is the founder of The ALW Communications Agency, which helps leaders amplify their brand through PR and storytelling, and the Plutus Awards-nominated Dreamoflegacy.com, a platform dedicated to inspiring millennials to build wealth with purpose.
Spike Lee, Issa Rae, and Cast of ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Honored At Ebony Power 100 Gala
Black Excellence was the theme at the 2022 Ebony Power 100 Gala Presented by Coca-Cola Zero SugarTM.
Held at Milk Studios in Hollywood on Saturday, the star-studded gala hosted by Emmy-nominated comedian and actress Amber Ruffin brought out some of the most respected names and figures across various industries.
Honorees of the night included legendary film director Spike Lee who was presented with the Icon Award by his longtime friend and collaborator actor Roger Guenveur Smith.
The Academy Award-winning director shared his history with the HBCUs Morehouse and Spelman while accepting his award and making subtle nods to a few of his cult classic films like School Daze, Do The Right Thing, and Crooklyn.
Emmy-nominated actress and producer Issa Rae shared a sister empowerment moment with Nia Long when the Best Man star presented Issa with the People’s Choice Award. Long recalled her first time meeting Issa during her “Awkward Black Girl” days and needing a writer.
“But she was not awkward, she was a star,” Long said of Issa.”I knew in that moment, that I was watching a star be born.”
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 29: Issa Rae (R) accepts the People’s Choice Award from Nia Long (L) onstage during EBONY Power 100 at Milk Studios Los Angeles on October 29, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for EBONY MEDIA GROUP)
The Harder They Fall star Jonathan Majors graced the stage to present the cast of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever with the For The Culture Award. Letitia Wright, Dania Gurira, and Lupita Nyong’o were in attendance to accept the award and promote their new sequel ahead of its November 11 release.
Insecure actor Kendrick Sampson became a central figure during the social justice movement of 2020. His continued activism made him the perfect candidate to present Tamika Palmer and Wanda Cooper-Jones, the mothers of Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, with the Social Justice Award.
Fellow Insecure star and Top Gun: Maverick actor Jay Ellis took the stage with actress and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Garcelle Beauvais to present Target’s Senior Vice President of Marketing Maurice Cooper with the Corporate Citizen Award. Singer/actress and Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kandi Burruss (2022 EBONY Power 100 honoree) presented McKissack & McKissack President and CEO Cheryl McKissack with the Black Business Award.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 29: (L-R) Wanda Cooper Jones and Tamika Palmer accept the Social Justice Award onstage during EBONY Power 100 at Milk Studios Los Angeles on October 29, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for EBONY MEDIA GROUP)
Other presenters of the night include Janelle Monáe who kicked off the night by introducing Tony Award-Winning Actor, Myles Frost, who performed a few of the King of Pop’s biggest hits “Heartbreak Hotel”, “P.Y.T.” (Pretty Young Thing), and “Rock with You” from his portrayal of Michael Jackson in Broadway’s MJ the Musical.
Queen Sugar star Bianca Lawson came out to introduce a performance by Nigerian rapper, Tobe Nwigwe. The Black Panther: Wakanda Forever cast will also cover Ebony’s November digital cover.
Migos Trending: Reports Surface That Rapper Takeoff Shot Dead in Houston at 28
Reports have surfaced that the Grammy-award-winning rapper Takeoff from the group the Migos was shot dead in Houston, Texas.
UPDATE: 2 other victims taken in private vehicles to hospitals.
Media partners: We are not releasing an identity of the deceased victim until his family is notified & ID verified by Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.
Multiple sources say Takeoff, real name Kirshnik Khari Ball, was shot over a dice game. He was one-third of rap trio Migos alongside his uncle, Quavo and cousin once removed, Offset.
According to HPD Lt. Salazar, 40 to 50 people were at 810 Billiards & Bowling, located at 1201 San Jacinto, around 2:40 a.m. when the shooting took place. Two additional victims were located at nearby hospitals, HPD said.
Photos posted to social media by TMZ showTakeoff wearing a white shirt with black pants and Quavo in orange trying to help him.
A video of the aftermath showed a man matching the description of the rapper lying motionless on the ground.
This is a developing story. Very sad.
Updating our story. Takeoff from Migos is dead. Quavo was not shot. This is wild. Sending condolences to the family.
We will not post gruesome videos or photos out of respect for the family. But here are photos of Takeoff that show him in his light as one of the members of The Migos.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 23: Takeoff and Quavo of The Migos perform onstage at the 2019 BET Awards at Microsoft Theater on June 23, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 23: (L-R) Offset, Take Off and Quavo of Migos attend the 2019 BET Awards on June 23, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
