A.J. Johnson, House Party, dance, scene, choreography, dance, movie, Burger King
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 12, 2024

‘House Party’ Star A.J. Johnson Made More Selling Rights To Movie Scene Than From Filming

"House Party" star A.J. Johnson is opening up about how much more she made selling her rights to a scene from the movie than from filming.

“House Party” star A.J. Johnson is opening up about how much more she made selling her rights to a scene from the movie than from filming.

Johnson starred as Sharane in the 1990 cult classic alongside Christopher “Kid” Reid, Christopher “Play” Martin, and Tisha Campbell (Sydney). The film follows a pair of high school students who throw the ultimate house party while Play’s parents are out of town.

One of the most popular scenes from Play’s epic house party features a dance battle between him and Kid against Sharane and Sydney. Choreographed by Johnson, who appeared throughout the film, the dance battle became one of the most iconic dance scenes in movie history.

Johnson recently appeared on Jemele Hill’s “Unbothered” podcast where she revealed the $4,000 she was paid to shoot the movie that took two months to film. Three years after the film’s release, Johnson and Christopher Martin were contacted by Burger King to have their scenes from the movie included in a televised advertisement.

That’s where the pair made real money for their work compared to the “four grand” they each received for starring in the Reginald Hudlin flick.

“Once the movie came out and it was such a hit, Burger King came and asked Play and I if we would sign the rights to one of our scenes for a commercial,” Johnson shared.

“We made more money on that commercial than we made doing the movie.”

Hudlin’s “House Party” was an instant hit. It grossed over $26 million at the box office from an estimated budget of $2,500,000. A franchise was born with “House Party 2” released in 1991 and “House Party 3” in 1994.

In 2023, LeBron James’ SpringHill company released a remake of the film that starred Jacob Latimore, Tosin Cole, and Kid Cudi, among others. The year before, The Library of Congress added the original “House Party” to the National Film Registry.

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Ralph Yarl, Civil Lawsuit, Andrew Lester
by Rafael Pena

April 12, 2024

Missouri Teen Ralph Yarl Navigates Life After Being Shot In The Head 1 Year Ago

Ralph Yarl, the Black teenager who survived a gunshot to the head after ringing the wrong doorbell in April 2023, is still grappling with the profound impact of the traumatic event on his life.

NBC News reports that Ralph Yarl, the Black teenager who survived a gunshot to the head after ringing the wrong doorbell in April 2023, is still grappling with the profound impact of the traumatic event on his life.

“It’s definitely a bumpy journey,” Yarl stated to NBC News in his first interview since the shooting nearly a year ago. “Whenever there’s something that goes on that reminds me of what happened… I just have, like, such a negative wave of emotions, like anger, like disgust. It’s always a mix of good and bad days. And I feel like the good days are when I’m able to be around people that help me build myself up.”

The incident occurred last April when Yarl mistakenly approached the wrong house in Kansas City while attempting to pick up his younger brothers. A case of mistaken identity turned nearly fatal as shots were fired by the homeowner, Andrew Lester, 85, leaving Yarl with a bullet wound to the head and a traumatic brain injury.

Despite his remarkable resilience, Yarl’s life has been irrevocably altered. He shares candidly about the mental and physical challenges he faces daily. From struggling with cognitive functions to experiencing bouts of fear and anxiety, Yarl’s journey toward recovery has been marked by both setbacks and small victories.

Moreover, the shooting has amplified Yarl’s concerns about the rising tide of gun violence in his community. Living in a city plagued by escalating crime rates, Yarl grapples with feelings of guilt and frustration, wishing that his ordeal could have spurred meaningful change, according to the outlet.

Recently, Black Enterprise reported that Yarl was selected for the Missouri All-State Band Honors. He secured a spot as the second chair for bass clarinet, a testament to his musical talent and determination.

Despite being shot in the head and arm by Lester, Yarl, an honors student at Staley High School, persevered. His family revealed that Yarl had previously been recognized in the All-State Band, showcasing his ongoing commitment to his musical passion. Following his injuries, Yarl spent a few days in the hospital before embarking on an engineering internship during the summer. He resumed his studies at Staley High in August.

Ice Spice, Spike Lee, Denzel Washington
by Stacy Jackson

April 12, 2024

Ice Spice Makes Acting Debuts In Spike Lee’s Upcoming ‘High And Low’ Film

Critics and supporters debate whether or not the rapper's appearance in the upcoming Spike Lee film is a fair casting decision.

Ice Spice, the rising rap sensation, is set to make her acting debut in Spike Lee’s upcoming film “High and Low,” an English remake of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 classic.

According to E! News, the “Princess Diana” hitmaker has landed a small role, appearing in one scene. The rapper will appear in Lee’s film, which stars renowned actor Denzel Washington.

While her breakthrough single “Munch (Feelin’ U)” catapulted her to stardom, the 24-year-old artist’s venture into acting has sparked mixed reactions. Some critics question the wisdom of granting her such an opportunity with an A-lister like Washington so early in her career. “She’s famous for 2 seconds and gets to star next to Denzel Washington when Black actors who worked on their craft all they life will never work with him,” one user responded to the announcement on X. Another added, “Collabs with Taylor Swift then Denzel Washington this soon into fame. Her manager and team are elite.”

However, supporters praise the move, citing the long tradition of musicians excelling as actors and arguing that “performing is performing.”

In a June 2023 interview with Teen Vogue, Ice Spice revealed her long-standing desire to be a part of the film industry. “I love movies,” she confessed, “I always wanted to be a part of that, whether it was [starring in] or helping direct it.” She even harbored dreams of becoming “…the biggest director out of New York,” but her mother opposed her pursuit of performing arts, leaving her “mad salty” about it for years.

The upcoming film, which BLACK ENTERPRISE noted is a passion project for Lee and his fifth collaboration with Washington, follows the downfall of a businessman after making a ransom payment to kidnappers. A24, Escape Artists, and Mandalay Pictures have joined forces to develop and produce “High and Low,” with Lee and Alan Fox penning the screenplay.

High and Low will be released theatrically by A24 before a global launch on AppleTV+.

Doctor Uzodinma Iweala, The Africa Center, step down, Harlem, New York, city
by Rafael Pena

April 12, 2024

Uzodinma Iweala, Leader Of The Africa Center, To Step Down In December

Uzodinma Iweala, who has served as the chief executive of the Harlem institution for seven years, will depart at the end of 2024.

The New York Times reports that after shepherding The Africa Center through the challenging pandemic years and securing substantial funding for a major construction endeavor, Uzodinma Iweala, who has served as the chief executive of the Harlem institution for seven years, will depart at the end of 2024.

Under Iweala’s leadership, The Africa Center, formerly known as the Museum for African Art, underwent significant transformation and expansion of its programming. Despite the hurdles posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Iweala’s innovative approach broadened the institution’s outreach to include lectures, outdoor events, and collaborations aimed at fostering connections with the African diaspora and reshaping American perceptions of the African continent.

“I’m really proud of what we’ve been able to build over the past few years, especially in a challenging environment,” he told The New York Times. “It’s the right time to leave for me and for the institution.”

During Iweala’s tenure, The Africa Center forged partnerships with other cultural institutions and universities, organized groundbreaking exhibitions, and initiated important discussions on Africa’s media representation. However, the institution faced ongoing challenges, including delays in construction.

Despite these obstacles, The Africa Center received substantial financial support, including $7 million in funding from New York City’s cultural affairs department and an additional $6 million from philanthropic organizations.

Looking ahead, The Africa Center is embarking on a search for Iweala’s successor, with a focus on finding a leader who can build on Iweala’s interdisciplinary vision and further strengthen the institution’s ties with the Harlem community and beyond.

As Jendayi E. Frazer, co-chair of the Center’s board, remarked, “We love Uzo and are sorry to see him go.” Frazer emphasized the importance of finding a candidate who can continue to advance The Africa Center’s mission and contribute to its ongoing success.

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BernNadette Stanis, Good Times, Netflix
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 12, 2024

‘Good Times’ Star BernNadette Stanis Is Not Pleased With NETFLIX  Reboot 

A cast member from the original "Good Times" series is calling out Netflix's "progressive" animated reboot of the beloved family show.

A cast member from the original Good Times series is calling out Netflix’s “progressive” animated reboot of the beloved family show.

BernNadette Stanis, who played Thelma Evans on the 1970s family sitcom, is speaking out on Netflix’s new Good Times reboot that sees cartoon versions of the beloved original cast still living in the projects while making light of the daily adversity they face. With a baby who sells drugs, Stanis says the new animated series is nothing like what she and other original cast members previously pitched to Netflix.

She recalls actor Jimmie Walker, who played JJ Evans in the original, contacting Norman Lear’s office–the original show’s executive producer– to pitch a Good Times cartoon that would include everyone minus the late Esther Rolle.

“A few months later, I think six months later, they came up, and somebody said they had a cartoon coming,” Stanis told TMZ.

“My manager called up Norman’s office to see if we were included. I mean, if you’re gonna do that, let us know. They said, ‘Oh no, it’s going to be generations later and it’s going to be like progressive,’ or whatever,” she shared. “But [Netflix producer] Brent Miller loves us very much–loves me and Jimmie–I know that. He said, ‘I can give you a small role in there.'”

Described as an “edgy, irreverent reimagining of the TV classic,” the Netflix reboot sees a fourth generation of the Evans family living in a housing project while surviving “the system on the South Side of Chicago,” showrunner and executive producer Ranada Shepard says of the show.

“It’s about a Black family that comes together, laughs together, and survives the system on the South Side of Chicago,” Shepard said. “What you’ll get from that is a lot of social commentary, a lot of pushing the boundaries, a lot of feel-good television, but also a lot of things that may be in the vein of The Simpsons and South Park and Family Guy. When you’re looking back 10 years later, you’ll be like, ‘They said that on Good Times?’ Oh my gosh.’ ”

Also executive-produced by Stephen Curry, Seth MacFarlane, and Lear, the animated reimagining includes the voices of Yvette Nicole Brown, J.B. Smoove, Marsai Martin, and Jay Pharoah. But after seeing the trailer, Stanis called out Netflix for alluding to a more “progressive” version of the show but leaving out the fact the family still lived in the projects with a drug-dealing toddler.

“When you see something that actually is not progressive, it kind of brings you back into the projects two generations later,” Stanis said.

“Thelma had a baby, what happened to that baby? I wanted to be a surgeon, I guess I was. JJ was a famous artist. So you have positive images generations before that and then all of a sudden you see this?”

Stanis remains hopeful that after watching the new show, she might change her mind.

“Maybe they’ll bring it back to a more positive situation. But, when you have the name Good Times on top of that, our audience of 50 years has been really in our corner,” she said. “They’ve always supported us. So, they were disappointed that they didn’t have it more progressive as the way I was told it would be.”

Netflix’s animated reboot of Good Times premieres on Netflix on Friday, April 12.

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Black Men Face Heightened Risk Of Prostate Cancer, Highlighted By O.J. Simpson’s Passing
by Rafael Pena

April 12, 2024

Black Men Face Heightened Risk Of Prostate Cancer, Highlighted By O.J. Simpson’s Passing

Prostate cancer remains a significant health concern for Black men, who are disproportionately affected by the disease.

Prostate cancer remains a significant health concern for Black men, who are disproportionately affected by the disease, according to ZeroCancer.org. According to recent data, 1 in 6 Black men will develop the disease in their lifetime, with Black men being 1.7 times more likely to be diagnosed and 2.1 times more likely to die from the disease compared to white men.

Dr. Vipul Patel, medical director of the Global Robotics Institute, underscores the treatability of prostate cancer, especially when detected early. He explains, “A man who gets prostate cancer, even if they have high risk, they are usually treatable.”

The recent passing of O.J. Simpson at age 76 following a battle with prostate cancer serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of early detection. Simpson’s journey with the disease, revealed through social media posts and subsequent news reports, underscores the complexities and challenges associated with prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. Manish Vira, system chief of Urology at Northwell Health Cancer Institute, emphasizes the evolving nature of prostate cancer screening guidelines, which are currently under review by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Dr. Vira told ABC News, “We care deeply about ensuring that men have the best information available to them…science and medicine are constantly advancing, so we are committed to updating our recommendations on a regular basis.”

According to ABC News, the USPSTF is reassessing prostate cancer screening protocols, with potential revisions anticipated within the coming years.

While screening recommendations may evolve, it is crucial for individuals, particularly those at higher risk, such as Black men, to engage in informed discussions with their healthcare providers about the disease’s cancer screening and diagnostic evaluation.

Raising awareness about prostate cancer risk factors, promoting regular screenings, and advocating for equitable access to healthcare resources are essential steps in addressing disparities in prostate cancer outcomes among Black and African American men.

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Eric
by Black Enterprise

April 12, 2024

Eric “Shake” James Celebrates 414 Day With New Adidas Rivalry Low Sneaker

The 414 Rivalry Low sneaker commemorates the essence of Milwaukee with signature touches from DAY ONE Forum Low.

The latest collaboration between Adidas and CLICK founder Eric “Shake” James is an exclusive Rivalry Low sneaker release in commemoration of Milwaukee’s 414 Day.

Shake, a philanthropist and proud Milwaukee native, has infused the 414 Rivalry Low with the essence of the city. “414 Day is a special time dedicated to celebrating the essence of Milwaukee,” Shake said in a press release. “The upcoming sneaker launch holds particular significance as it marks the first of its kind for this occasion.”

The 414 Rivalry Low foundation features a cream upper as the base and a textured “Cream City Brick” tongue design. The sneaker’s signature Three Stripes arrive in green with red accents, evoking the iconic color scheme of the Milwaukee Bucks.

As a nod to Wisconsin’s beloved culinary tradition, cheese blocks grace the heels and right tongue, while the left tongue features a pint glass decal, a symbol of the city’s rich brewing heritage. Carrying on his signature touch from the release of the DAY ONE Forum Low, Shake has adorned the sneakers with microphone keychains, a homage to his hip-hop roots and the sneaker culture that has inspired his journey.

Shake has partnered with the adidas Cornerstone Community to uplift underserved communities in Milwaukee. Since 2020, in partnership with Shake’s J.A.Y. Academy nonprofit, they have hosted over 15 events. Initiatives like wellness workshops, professional development programming, a dedicated community space, and youth scholarships are in the works for 2024 and 2025. “I’m deeply appreciative of adidas Cornerstone Community for their continued support, and I eagerly anticipate the opening of the physical home for J.A.Y. Academy in August, which promises exciting opportunities ahead,” Shake said.

Shake and Adidas are celebrating the new collaboration with several events ahead of 414 Day. On April 12, they will host an electrifying release party featuring performances by Lil Kim, Brooklyn Queen and a live DJ set by Mr. New York. A collaboration event with Wood U on April 11, welcomed local students at Siefert Middle School to customize gifted sneakers during the day of free footwear design workshops.

“It was truly heartwarming to share this memorable experience with the students of Siefert Middle School, and it was really special to see all the sneaker designs they created,” the CLICK owner said.

The 414 Rivalry Low, priced at $130, will be available on April 13 at CLICK stores and online, with the first 414 pairs numbered to honor the day that inspired this unique creation.

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Ja Morant, Self-Defense, Lawsuit
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 12, 2024

Ja Morant Can Argue Self-Defense In Lawsuit Filed Against Him

A judge ruled against Joshua Holloway who is suing Ja Morant alleging assault, reckless endangerment, and infliction of emotional distress for a fight during a pickup basketball game in 2022.

A lawsuit was filed in September 2022 by a then-17-year-old teenager who accused Memphis Grizzlies’ Ja Morant of hitting him while the two engaged in a pickup basketball game at Morant’s parents’ house earlier that summer. A judge has ruled that Morant acted in self-defense when he struck the teenager that day.

Shelby County Court Circuit Judge Carol Chumney ruled against Joshua Holloway, who brought the lawsuit against Morant after the two had an altercation at the Eads, Tennessee, home on July 26, 2022. She stated that the NBA player “enjoys a presumption of civil immunity” when she cited Tennessee law since the issue of self-defense was raised by Morant’s attorney. Morant’s attorney said he struck Holloway first “to protect” himself against the teenager.

In her judgment, she wrote that “a provocateur generally cannot invoke self-defense; if you start a fight, then you should be ready to finish it” under Tennessee law. She said Holloway wanted to fight when everyone else wanted to play basketball.

The incident occurred at Morant’s home during a pickup basketball game. The Memphis player stated that Holloway was frustrated that he had already lost a couple of games, and he allegedly threw an aggressive one-handed pass at him when Morant was checking the basketball. He said the ball hit the left side of his face.

While testifying on the witness stand in December 2023, Morant said that after throwing the ball at him, he asked the teenager, “What you on?” Instead of answering, Holloway pulled up his shorts, which he took as an aggressive fighting stance.

Nike, Kobe Bryant Sneakers, Mamba Day
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 12, 2024

3 Kobe Bryant Sneakers Styles To Be Released On Mamba Day, April 13

The day celebrates the eighth anniversary of Bryant's last NBA game before he retired from the league.

This weekend marks a significant day for sneakerheads and Kobe Bryant fans: April 13th, 2024, is Mamba Day. The day celebrates the eighth anniversary of Bryant’s last NBA game before he retired from the league.

According to Sports Nation, Nike is celebrating Mamba Day by releasing three versions of Kobe sneakers. The sneakers available for purchase are the Kobe 8 Protro Venice Beach, the Kobe 6 Protro Italian Camo, and the Kobe 4 Protro Philly. You can get them on the SNKRS app or the Nike site.

All three sneakers will cost $190 each, and the Kobe 8 Protro Venice Beach will also be available in $120 grade school sizes and $90 little kid’s sizes.

Kobe fans will also have a chance to purchase another pair of their idol’s sneakers before he signs a contract with Nike.

Nike’s competitor, Adidas, is also releasing a Kobe-branded sneaker on April 13.

The Adidas Crazy 98 will also be sold on the Adidas website at 10:00 a.m. In adult sizes, the sneaker costs $150.

Kobe, one of the greatest players to hit the hardwood, ended his career historically. While playing against the Utah Jazz, he scored 60 points to place an exclamation point at the end of his playing days.

Kobe’s legacy continues as his merchandise typically breaks records at auctions. On March 30, a championship ring he won was auctioned off for a record-breaking $927,200. According to CBS Sports, the ring was the one that he won in 2000 with the Los Angeles Lakers. The ring was originally given to his father, former NBA player Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, who consigned it in 2013 when it sold for $173,000.

Kobe’s ring was the highest price anyone has ever paid for an NBA championship ring, surpassing the $705,000 that someone bought at an auction in 2021 for Bill Russell’s first championship ring from 1957.

Pastor James Dawkins, homeless man, Miami, Antwane Lenoir
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 12, 2024

Pastor Killed After Allowing Parishioner To Temporarily Live At Church

James Dawkins has been charged with the alleged killing Antwane Lenoir who allowed him to stay at the church.

A man who was allowed to take refuge in a Florida church has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder after he allegedly stabbed a pastor to death inside the place of worship.

According to CBS News Miami, 44-year-old James Dawkins has been charged with killing the pastor of Westview Baptist Church, 41-year-old Antwane Lenoir, on April 6. The pastor, who was employed as an armed security guard, called a locksmith to change several door locks in the church. While the locksmith was at Westview, Dawkins and Lenoir reportedly got into a verbal dispute. The pastor had allowed Dawkins to live at the church temporarily. According to police, as the men continued to argue, without provocation, Dawkins stabbed Lenoir several times before fleeing from the church.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue arrived to find Lenoir’s body on the ground with multiple stab wounds in his neck.

Police officers discovered Dawkins around NW 62nd Street and NW 27th Avenue and took him into custody the next day. When questioned, police said Dawkins gave a “self-serving” statement that “was determined not to be consistent with the evidence obtained throughout the course of the investigation.”

7 News Miami reported that Lenoir’s family said Dawkins played the keyboard at the church. When he fell on hard times, the pastor offered to help him and allowed the 44-year-old to stay at Westview. Lenoir was killed when he allegedly tried to end the arrangement.

Lenoir was married with four children between the ages of 13 and 20, according to CBS News Miami, who spoke to his wife, Bree. She spoke highly of her husband and didn’t think she’d be without him.

She told the media outlet, “He was a very good example of a selfless individual, a joy-filled person. “He always smiled, and even if things were looking kind of grim or dreary, you wouldn’t know it by his countenance.”

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