Black Girls Code, Cristina Jones, Kalani Jewel
by Daniel Johnson

April 8, 2024

Black Girls Code Announces Coding Program For Young Coders

Code Along Jr. is an outgrowth of Black Girls Code's Code Along program and is aimed at young coders ages 7 to 10.

Black Girls Code recently continued its partnership with GoldieBlox in their shared mission to educate and inspire the next generation of coders through a free video-based academy, Code Along. According to an April 2 press release, their latest collaboration, Code Along Jr, launched at a live event in March in Los Angeles, is aimed at young coders. Child actress Kalani Jewel will host it, and it has been designed with children ages seven through 10 in mind.

Black Girls Code CEO Cristina Jones said in the press release that the group’s latest venture and its host are perfectly aligned.

“Together, we can change the face of technology,” Jones said. “Kalani, as a vibrant and energetic 12-year-old, is the perfect host for Code Along Jr. She shows girls that tech is fun, not scary. She reaches them at their level and shows them that they can do anything they want. This is so important because tech is at the center of everything we do, and Black girls absolutely have a lot to offer as entrepreneurs, executives, creators, and artists of the future.”

GoldieBlox Founder and CEO Debra Sterling said in the press release that the partnership with Black Girls Code employs a similar synergy as the collaboration between Jewel and Black Girls Code.

“GoldieBlox lives at the intersection of technology, play, and girl power,” Sterling said. “A partnership with Black Girls Code on Code Along Jr. is a natural fit for us. We are thrilled to help expose girls to the magic of tech-enabled creativity and support them on their learning journey.”

GoldieBlox is a toy company that focuses on interactive toys designed for girls. According to its website, its mission “is to reach girls at a young age, and introduce them (and oftentimes, their parents) to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.”

Black Girls Code is filling a critical need in the technology industry. As Fortune reported, only 2% of STEM workers are Black women. Furthermore, only two Fortune 500 companies have Black women as their CEOs. 

Jones told Fortune that the group’s mission is to prioritize inclusion and diversity by empowering Black girls to feel like they belong in the tech industry despite the dismal representation numbers of Black women in the space. 

“We need girls in the room; we need more inclusion in the room,” Jones said. “But the way that we go about it is by creating space for people themselves to understand what their own value proposition is—that they are in the room because they are smart, they’re capable, they’re creative.”

Jones continued, “I really can’t tell you how inspiring it was to be standing there to see little Black girls coming in saying that they’re excited to code and leaving saying that they wanted to come back every day for the rest of their life.”

Jones also described her ambitions to Fortune, “I want to create tables for these girls so that they can create tables so that we can affect change at scale. Because it’s the momentum—once we get going hopefully, it’s like a snowball effect.”

Young coders are encouraged to follow and subscribe to the Black Girls Code YouTube channel and to follow it on social media to receive updates about both Code Along projects. 

RELATED CONTENT: Founder Of Black Girls Code Delivers Cautionary Lessons At Women of Power TECH

Missy Elliott, North American Tour
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 8, 2024

Missy Elliot Prepares First-Ever North American Tour

Busta Rhymes, Ciara, and Timbaland will join her on the road.

Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliot has just announced her first-ever North American tour, labeled “Out Of This World.”

The multi-talented songwriter, rapper, producer, and singer will not be going out alone on this tour. She is bringing heavyweights to take the stage alongside her. Busta Rhymes, Ciara, and Missy’s co-creator, Timbaland, will join her on the road.

“This is an incredible time in my life as I am experiencing so many milestone ‘firsts.’ Being the FIRST female Hip Hop artist to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and now going out on my FIRST headline tour,” shares Elliott. “Fans have been asking me to tour forever, but I wanted to wait until I felt the time was right because I knew if I was ever going to do it, I had to do it big, and I had to do it with family! So get ready to be taken OUT OF THIS WORLD with me, Busta Rhymes, Ciara, and Timbaland! We can’t wait to share this experience with the fans!”

🚨🚨🚨ATTENTION IT’S TIME

“OUT OF THIS WORLD” TOUR across NORTH AMERICA!!!! With my family @ciara @bustarhymes & @timbaland This Spaceship will be Landing NEAR YOU🫵🏾
RUN 4 COVER!👽🛸🚀🔥

Tickets go on sale for Verizon customers on April 9. The sale for all others will start on April 12 at 10 a.m. local time and can be purchased at Missy-Elliott.com. The Verizon Presale for customers for the OUT OF THIS WORLD—The Missy Elliott Experience can be bought through Verizon Up until April 11 at 10 p.m. local time. For more details, visit Verizon Up.

The concert is being produced by Live Nation, along with Missy’s manager and CEO of Monami Entertainment, Mona Scott-Young. The tour will be a 24-city run in Canada on July 4 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver. The artists will make stops in major cities in the U.S. before ending the tour on August 22 in Rosemont, Illinois, at Allstate Arena.

Scott-Young said, “Missy has always been an iconic groundbreaker and continuously pushes herself to be bolder and go where she has never been before – and surprisingly, one of those places is headlining her tour! For decades, fans and peers worldwide have clamored for Missy to tour, and they’re finally going to get what they’ve been asking for as she teams up with Ciara, Busta, and longtime partner-in-rhyme Timbaland to deliver a start-to-finish, nonstop, high-octane, OUT OF THIS WORLD concert experience. This will be one for the books, so trust me, you don’t want to miss it!”

OUT OF THIS WORLD — THE MISSY ELLIOTT EXPERIENCE TOUR 2024 DATES: 

Thursday, July 4 — Vancouver, BC — Rogers Arena

Saturday, July 6 — Seattle, WA — Climate Pledge Arena

Tuesday, July 9 — Oakland, CA — Oakland Arena

Thursday, July 11 — Los Angeles, CA — Crypto.com Arena

Saturday, July 13 — Las Vegas, NV — T-Mobile Arena

Tuesday, July 16 — Denver, CO — Ball Arena

Thursday, July 18 — Austin, TX — Moody Center

Saturday, July 20 — Houston, TX — Toyota Center

Sunday, July 21 — Fort Worth, TX — Dickies Arena

Wednesday, July 24 — Tampa, FL — Amalie Arena

Thursday, July 25 — Sunrise, FL — Amerant Bank Arena

Saturday, July 27 — Atlanta, GA — State Farm Arena

Thursday, August 1 — Baltimore, MD — CFG Bank Arena

Friday, August 2 — Hampton, VA — Hampton Coliseum

Saturday, August 3 — Belmont Park, NY — UBS Arena

Monday, August 5 — Philadelphia, PA — Wells Fargo Center

Thursday, August 8 — Washington, DC — Capital One Arena

Friday, August 9 — Newark, NJ — Prudential Center

Saturday, August 10 — Boston, MA — TD Garden

Monday, August 12 — Brooklyn, NY — Barclays Center

Thursday, August 15 — Detroit, MI — Little Caesars Arena

Saturday, August 17 — Montreal, QC — Bell Centre

Monday, August 19 — Toronto, ON — Scotiabank Arena

Thursday, August 22 — Rosemont, IL — Allstate Arena

Abortion, Trump, anti, rights, states, president, presidential race, democrats, Biden
by Sharelle Burt

April 8, 2024

Trump Shocks Anti-Abortion Groups By Declining To Endorse National Ban, Says ‘Its Up To The States’ 

Things just got interesting.

Former President Donald Trump shook things up by announcing his stance on a nationwide abortion ban, saying abortion should be left to the states and declining to endorse any national limit. 

Trump made the announcement on Truth Social on April 8, backtracking his initial position, projecting the idea of a 15-week ban in early 2024. After celebrating himself for overturning Roe. v. Wade, Trump now thinks the issue of abortion should be “up to the states to do the right thing.” “My view is now that we have abortion where everyone wanted it from a legal standpoint, the states will determine by vote or legislation, or perhaps both,” he said in a lengthy video. 

“And whatever they decide must be the law of the land. In this case, the law of the state. “Many states will be different. Many will have a different number of weeks, or some will [be] more conservative than others, and that’s what they will be. At the end of the day, this is all about the will of the people.”

President of the anti-abortion group Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, Marjorie Dannenfelser, released a statement shortly after calling his stance “deeply disappointing.” “We are deeply disappointed in President Trump’s position. Unborn children and their mothers deserve national protections and national advocacy from the brutality of the abortion industry,” she wrote. 

“The Dobbs decision clearly allows both states and Congress to act.” 

The issue of reproductive rights has been an up-and-down battle for Republicans since the Supreme Court overturned the ruling in 2022. In early 2024, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos are children, causing backlash and leaving GOP leaders scrambling for politically acceptable responses. Trump started his message by celebrating the GOP-controlled legislature for approving a bill that protects IVF — putting the candidate more at odds with the anti-abortion movement.

Democrats have been playing offense on abortion, with abortion rights advocates supporting successful campaigns to implement abortion rights into the state constitutions in several red-leaning states like Ohio and Florida. 

In early April 2024, the Sunshine State’s high court issued two blockbuster rulings on access to abortion. According to The Hill, one ruling upheld the state’s 15-week abortion ban, allowing a ban after six weeks of pregnancy to go into effect in May 2024. The other ruling granted permission to a measure that would protect access to abortion in the state if passed in November.

Following the news, President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign released a memo saying Florida will be a target to flip in the upcoming presidential election. 

But he may be in for a fight with Dannenfelser’s group. She vowed that  her group “will work tirelessly to defeat Biden and extreme congressional Democrats.” “Saying the issue is ‘back to the states’ cedes the national debate to the Democrats who are working relentlessly to enact legislation mandating abortion throughout all nine months of pregnancy,” Dannenfelser said. 

“If successful, they will wipe out states’ rights.”

RELATED CONTENT: Ruby Garcia’s Family Upset Over Trump’s Claims He Talked To Them

Hennessy, Teyana Taylor, Damson Idris
by Stacy Jackson

April 8, 2024

Hennessy Unveils ‘Made For More’ Campaign With Teyana Taylor, Damson Idris

The actors embody the multifaceted nature of the Hennessy brand as they channel their style and charm while mixing cocktail staples.

Hennessy has launched its new “Made for More” campaign starring American entertainment mogul Teyana Taylor and breakthrough British Nigerian actor Damson Idris.

Exploring how any drink or occasion can be elevated by adding Hennessy, the centerpiece of the campaign is a series of five offbeat mixing films and five cocktail recipes that showcase Hennessy’s mixability and introduce a fresh, lighter, and brighter visual identity for the brand.

Featuring Taylor and Idris in the project expands the brand’s tradition of collaborating with cultural icons who embody its multifaceted nature, a press release revealed.

“I’m super excited to embark upon this journey with my favorite Cognac, Hennessy,” said Taylor, who seamlessly channels her style and presence while mixing cocktails in the campaign. “Destination: fresh, bright, and invigorating, like any good cocktail should be.” Idris, who shows off his charm and humor stated, “When I think of Hennessy, I think of my three older brothers, I think of amazing memories. The visuals are stylish, the films are fun, it’s magic. It’s cinema.”

In partnership with creative agency Wieden+Kennedy Amsterdam, the five films, directed by Andreas Nilsson, feature celebrities putting Hennessy twists on cocktail staples like the margarita, mojito, and highball. “Together, we’ve created immersive worlds that seamlessly blend culture with the essence of Hennessy. It’s a collaboration that visually captivates and resonates deeply with the spirit of this next era. I’m truly honored to have brought this vision to life. It is one of my favorite collaborations yet,” said renowned photographer Micaiah Carter, who also contributed to the campaign, capturing iconic visuals that reintroduce the brand.

“Our new ‘Made for More’ campaign is bringing to life this notion of 1+1=3, showcasing the unlimited possibilities and introducing another side of the brand with beauty, fun, and open-mindedness,” Julie Nollet, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Hennessy, explained. “It shakes up the brand perceptions and builds on its legacy for a new generation.”

Ahead of its April 8 launch date, the new Hennessy campaign appeared during the Dreamville Festival, curated by J. Cole and his team, on April 6 and 7.

Paul Kagame, Rwanda, genocide
by Daniel Johnson

April 8, 2024

Rwandan President Paul Kagame Blames International Community For Genocide Inaction During 30-Year Commemoration

During the 100 days of killing an estimated 800,000 people were left dead. 

During a commemoration of the 30-year anniversary of the beginning of 1994 Rwandan Genocide, Rwandan President Paul Kagame blamed the inaction of the international community for extending the horrors his people faced. 

The Rwandan Genocide began after a plane carrying then-Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana, a Hutu, was shot down as it flew over Kigali. The Tutsis were blamed for the death of Habyarimana and a campaign of blood was waged against them in response. Hutu extremists also killed some moderate Hutus who tried to protect the Tutsis during the 100 days of killing which left an estimated 800,000 people dead. 

As the Associated Press reported, the commemoration was attended by world leaders, including former U.S. President Bill Clinton, who was the American president during the genocide, as well as Israel’s president, Issac Herzog. 

Kagame said during his speech, “It was the international community which failed all of us, whether from contempt or cowardice.”

Kagame continued, “Our journey has been long and tough. Rwanda was completely humbled by the magnitude of our loss, and the lessons we learned are engraved in blood. But the tremendous progress of our country is plain to see and it is the result of the choice we made together to resurrect our nation.”

Clinton, along with French President Emmanuel Macron admitted failure. Clinton did so after he left office, saying that the inaction in Rwanda by his administration was one of the greatest failures during his tenure. Macron recorded a message before the commemoration, saying that France and its allies did not have the political will to do so. 

An analysis of the foreign policy towards the Rwandan Genocide by Foreign Policy seems to agree with Macron, putting the onus on not only America and France, but on the way that the UN functions in general. 

As Bronwen Everill, a lecturer in history and a fellow of Gonville & Caius College at the University of Cambridge writes, “The failure of the United Nations to expand the remit of its peacekeepers on the ground—hamstrung by a Chapter 6 mandate that limited its activities to implement the Arusha Accords—left soldiers powerless to stop the killing happening right in front of them.”

Kagame, who is credited with leading the rebels that ended the Rwandan Genocide, has been accused by human rights groups of creating a climate of fear. He has also been accused of forcing his political opponents to flee the country or having them disappear, while others were killed. Kagame, according to a column by Tafi Mhaka for Al-Jazeera, should not be absolved of his own abuses. 

Mhaka writes, “So editors should stop declaring Kagame a “pioneer”, calling him “inspirational” and claiming he is a “standard bearer” in African politics. He cannot be considered any of those things until dissenting Rwandans stop being threatened, arbitrarily jailed or forcibly disappeared. Rwanda and Africa deserve much better.”

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Hotel Rwanda’ Hero Rusesabagina Freed from Rwandan Jail

South Carolina, NCAA National Championship, Iowa, Basketball
by Rafael Pena

April 8, 2024

Winning Time! South Carolina Secures National Championship With Victory Over Iowa

Raven Johnson's determination propelled South Carolina to a resounding 87-75 victory over Iowa in the national championship.

The Athletic reports that guard Raven Johnson’s determination and Dawn Staley’s coaching propelled the South Carolina Gamecocks to a resounding 87-75 victory over Iowa in the national championship, culminating in an undefeated season for the Gamecocks. Johnson, motivated by last year’s disappointment, played a pivotal defensive role in containing Iowa’s Caitlin Clark, limiting her scoring opportunities and contributing to South Carolina’s triumph.

Reflecting on her team’s journey, Johnson expressed her satisfaction with overcoming challenges: “It was a revenge tour, and there’s no better way than to play them in the championship and beat them.” Last year’s incident, where Clark dismissed Johnson’s scoring capabilities, served as additional motivation for the Gamecocks, leading to a fiercely contested matchup.

Coach Dawn Staley’s emotional investment in the game was palpable, driven by a desire to avert last year’s outcome. Staley’s proactive approach throughout the season underscored her commitment to guiding the team to victory. Despite Iowa’s early lead, South Carolina remained composed, drawing on their depth and resilience to stage a comeback.

The Gamecocks’ depth proved crucial, with multiple players making significant contributions on both ends of the court. Freshman guard Tessa Johnson’s stellar performance, alongside Kamilla Cardoso’s dominance in the paint, propelled South Carolina to a decisive victory. Staley’s strategic substitutions showcased the team’s adaptability and determination, particularly Johnson’s defensive assignment on Clark,

While Iowa mounted a late rally, South Carolina’s unwavering resolve ensured its victory. The Gamecocks’ relentless defensive pressure and cohesive teamwork stifled Iowa’s offensive momentum, securing their status as national champions. Staley’s leadership and the team’s collective effort were instrumental in achieving an undefeated season and cementing South Carolina’s legacy in women’s college basketball.

In acknowledging Clark’s impact on the game, Staley commended her resilience and poise under pressure: “Her shoulders were heavy and getting a lot of eyeballs on our game. And sometimes, as a young person, it can be a bit much, but I thought she handled it with class.”

As Staley emphasized, the victory instills confidence and trust in the team’s ability to overcome adversity, laying the foundation for future success on and off the court.

Child Abuse, Ladesha Powe, Jose Roldan Jr
by Daniel Johnson

April 8, 2024

Parents Charged With Manslaughter And Child Abuse Following Infant’s Death

The pair allegedly fell asleep while intoxicated, and their daughter suffocated between the cushions of their couch.

Ladesha Powe and Jose Roldan Jr. were arraigned on April 3 by Judge Richard Santoni in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The two stand accused of involuntary manslaughter and child abuse concerning the death of their six-month-old daughter, Faith Hope Roldan. 

As M-Live reports, the two are represented by Aiyana Godsil from Kalamazoo Defender. The pair, as News Channel 3 reports, allegedly fell asleep while intoxicated, and their daughter suffocated between the cushions of their couch.

According to court documents obtained by the outlet, Rodan, 40, and Powe, 29, admitted to drinking alcoholic beverages and sharing a joint on the night their daughter died. 

Rodan told investigators that he had nine or 10 “tall boys” of Twisted Tea, which is a 25-ounce can of tea mixed with alcohol and fell asleep on their couch the night of Dec. 13, 2023. Meanwhile, Powe told detectives that she was “a lot far gone, wasted maybe, like very, very wasted” before falling asleep on the couch with the baby in her arms after drinking some of Rodan’s beverages.

At some point during the night, according to the court documents, the baby fell out of her arms and in between the couch cushions. Rodan adjusted his position on the couch, which resulted in the baby becoming smothered. She kicked her feet and cried before she became completely still and lifeless. 

“At some point, Jose lays down on the couch to fall asleep, and Ladesha sits down by his feet with Faith in her arms,” the documents state. “Ladesha appears to fall asleep, and Faith falls out of her arms and lands behind Jose and wedges in between Jose and the back of the couch.”

The affidavit continued, “Jose eventually readjusts himself and the baby becomes completely smothered, kicking (her) feet, crying, until Faith becomes lifeless.”

In the footage recorded in their home’s living room, Powe appeared to wake up, search for the baby, and then went to her bedroom for the night.

According to the documents, once Jose realized Faith was not breathing, he woke Powe up.

“Jose said that when he woke up, he found Faith wedged between the seat and back cushions; when he tried to wake her up, he discovered that she was not breathing. Jose then woke up Faith’s mother, Ladesha Powe, and she called 911.”

EMS arrived on the scene, attempted to save the infant’s life, and took her to Bronson Methodist Hospital, where she died the next morning at 9:07 am.

The medical examiner from Western Michigan University determined that the cause of death of Faith Rodan was mechanical asphyxia and that she died of homicide. 

Judge Santoni took particular offense to Jose’s actions, at one point telling him that the actions he was accused of were “grossly negligent.” The pair, who have three other children, will not be allowed to visit them without supervision from child protective services as a condition of their bail, per Judge Santoni.

Their cash bond was set at $100,000. Powe is scheduled to return to court on April 24 for a preliminary hearing with Kalamazoo County District Judge Kathleen Hemingway. Rodan is scheduled for an April 30 preliminary hearing with Kalamazoo County District Judge Becket Jones. 

RELATED CONTENT: Ohio Mom Of Abused 4-Year-Old Daughter Sentenced To Life In Prison

Johnathan Majors, Probation, Grace Jabbari
by Daniel Johnson

April 8, 2024

Jonathan Majors Avoids Prison Time, Gets Probation For Assaulting Ex-Girlfriend

Ahead of the sentencing, it was not expected that Majors would face any jail time, but his court battles are still ongoing.

After Jonathan Majors was convicted of misdemeanor assault by a Manhattan jury in December, he faced up to one year in prison.

On April 8, however, Majors avoided jail time but was sentenced to a year of probation and domestic violence counseling. Judge Michael Gaffey also issued a protection order, which Majors financed, for his ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari.

Majors wore an all-black ensemble and greeted his supporters in court. After his conviction, Majors was dropped from several roles, including his role as Kang the Conqueror, by Marvel Studios, which had positioned him as the central figure in its latest slate of Marvel Cinematic Universe films.

As Yahoo reports, Jabbari gave an emotional victim impact statement, saying, “He is not sorry. He has not accepted responsibility. He will do this again. He will hurt other women. This is a man who believes he is above the law.”

Assistant District Attorney Kelli Galloway asked Judge Gaffey to sentence Majors to either 52 weeks of a domestic violence program or 26 weeks of jail time. Galloway said that Majors lacked any contrition and hid behind a “high-powered PR campaign” employed against his victim. 

Jabbari accused him of assault in March 2023, claiming that he attacked her while the two were in the back seat of a vehicle driven by a hired driver. Jabbari accused the actor of striking her head with an open hand, twisting her arm behind her back, and fracturing her middle finger. 

Meanwhile, Majors claimed that she was the aggressor, saying she was jealous after reading another woman’s text on his phone. Majors claimed he was trying to get his phone back and escape from Jabbari. 

Majors’ career was on an upward trajectory following a lauded role in The Last Black Man in San Francisco. He then landed starring roles in Lovecraft Country, Creed III, and The Harder They Fall. 

Majors is also the subject of at least two more allegations of abuse from other women, Rolling Stone reported in June 2023. Those allegations were corroborated by accounts from more than a dozen other people. The women eventually revealed themselves in an interview with The New York Times.

Majors was not expected to face jail time ahead of the sentencing, but his court battles are still ongoing. In March, Jabbari filed a civil suit against Majors, alleging that he was previously violent with her in London and Los Angeles. 

Jabbari also accuses Majors of assault, battery, and defamation in the suit. Major’s attorney, Priya Chaudhry, informed the outlet that he is preparing to file a countersuit against Jabbari. 

Chaudhry issued a statement ahead of the sentencing, claiming that her client “continues to draw strength from his friends, fans, family and dogs” and that Majors anticipates “closing this chapter” and “redirecting his time and energy fully toward his family and his art.”

Levi’s Jeans, Beyoncé, Michelle Gass
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 8, 2024

Levi’s Jeans Now All The Rage With Stock Price Rising Due To Beyoncé’s New Song

The stock price in Levi's soars after Beyonce's new song shouts the brand out.

Once again, Beyoncé is significantly impacting fashion trends. Following the song “Levii’s Jeans” from her new album, Cowboy Carter, stocks in the Levi’s brand rose 20%.

CBS News announced the stock price increase on April 4, pushed by Beyoncé’s mention of the American brand. The track, featuring Post Malone, appeared with the rest of the album on March 29. However, the success of this particular song has bled over into the fashion industry.

Upon the news, Levi’s CEO Michelle Gass expressed how this “moment” stirred by Queen Bey has impacted its business.

“I would just say that denim is having a moment, and the Levi’s brand is having a powerful moment around the world,” said Gass. “One of the things that really is significant about the Levi’s brand, and we place a lot of emphasis and investment is making sure that Levi’s brand remains in the center of culture. And I don’t think there’s any better evidence or proof point than having someone like Beyoncé, who is a culture shaper, to actually name a song after us.”

Moreover, Levi’s also changed its Instagram name to “Levii’s” to further highlight Beyoncé’s recognition of their brand. The company also continues collaborating with Black artists and expanding its iconic denim collection. More recently, they worked with Parisian rapper Jewel Usain for his Colors performance.

Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” pays homage to the Black influences in country music. The album includes 27 tracks, with additional features from Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus. Her song “Blackbiird” showcased upcoming Black female country singers as well.

This is also not the first time the pop star has stopped the world outside of music. Upon her request for silver attire at her Renaissance World Tour, sales for glittery looks boosted sales for small businesses. As rumors of a Cowboy Carter Tour loom over fans, how Beyoncé will continue to promote country-inspired outfits has yet to be seen.

RELATED CONTENT: Beyoncé Adding Another Trophy To Her Shelf: Singer To Receive Innovator Award At iHeartRadio Music Awards

Francesca Amewudah-Rivers
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 8, 2024

‘Romeo & Juliet’ Actress Uplifted By Theatre Company Amid Racist Bullying

After online racist bullies attacked "Romeo & Juliet" star Francesca Amewudah-Rivers, her theatre company issued a statement condemning the behavior.

The latest actress taking on one of the titular roles in Romeo & Juliet is being affirmed by her theatre company after racist online bullying.

Upon the February announcement of Francesca Amewudah-Rivers’ casting as Juliet in the West End production, the actress faced intense ridicule. The level of harassment compelled the Jamie Lloyd Company to address the issue. In a statement issued on March 5, they condemned the abuse toward the young star.

“Following the announcement of our Romeo & Juliet cast, there has been a barrage of deplorable racial abuse online directed towards a member of our company,” detailed the statement obtained by Complex. “This must stop. We are working with a remarkable group of artists. We insist that they are free to create work without facing online harassment.”

Furthermore, the statement emphasized that abuse of any form toward their cast or crew has “no place” in its production and in the world of theater.

“We will continue to support and protect everyone in our company at all costs. Any abuse will not be tolerated and will be reported. Bullying and harassment have no place online, in our industry, or in our wider communities.”

Questions regarding Amewudah-Rivers’ portrayal of Juliet were due to her race and skin color. These concerns were especially magnified as her co-star Tom Holland, who will play Romeo, is white. The swarm of negative reactions online sparked a greater conversation about racism’s ongoing presence in theater and entertainment.

Deadline reports that Amewudah-Rivers is a relative newcomer, making her West End debut with this adaptation of Romeo & Juliet. Prior to this role, she appeared in two seasons of BBC’s Bad Education and has stage experience in other venues.

Despite the backlash, the show must go on. Amewudah-Rivers will take the stage when Romeo & Juliet begins its 12-week run on May 11. It will continue performances at the Duke of York’s Theatre in London until Aug. 3.

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