Complexions Contemporary Ballet Celebrates 29th Season With ‘Dream On’ At The Joyce Theater In NYC

by Lauren Nutall

November 10, 2023

Complexions Contemporary Ballet Celebrates 29th Season With ‘Dream On’ At The Joyce Theater In NYC

The renowned Complexions Contemporary Ballet is hosting a two-week engagement to celebrate its 29th season under the creative control of founders and artistic directors Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson.

From Nov. 14 to Nov. 26, the award-winning NYC-based company will offer three programs at the Joyce Theater as well as a series of exclusive events featuring renowned choreographers and artists, including Abdul Latif and Jenn Freeman, who are slated to make world premieres, according to a press release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE.

“We are thrilled to be headed back to The Joyce with ‘Dream On,’ a dynamic program that showcases the talent and incredible range and diversity that has always been the bedrock of our Company,” Rhoden said. “‘Dream On’ is an affirmation of the dream Desmond and I had 29 years ago, and the passion, pride and possibility that have brought us this far and encourage us to keep going.”

Rhoden will make his own world premiere with a performance set to acoustic music from the alternative rock group U2, while guests Ricardo Amarante and Justin Peck will make company premieres. On opening night, poet-journalist Aaron Dworkin is also scheduled to make his first appearance as Complexion’s inaugural Poet-journalist-in-Residence.

Dworkin is a celebrated performing artist and the originator of the word “poet-journalist,” according to his official website. He has been featured in several outlets and publications for his outstanding contributions to the arts including The Today Show, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and Jet Magazine. The former dean and current Professor of Arts Leadership & Entrepreneurship at the University of Michigan’s School of Music is taking on a new role at Complexions.

Complexions has drawn audiences from everywhere for its electric and profound performances, garnering recognition through its skilled artists and creativity. Now, it is showcasing its talents over the course of November, with featured productions from some of the industry’s finest.

Tickets for “Dream On” range between $10 and $75 and are available at www.Joyce.org and by phone at 212-242-0800. Opening night benefit tickets are available here.

Beyoncé Drops New Visual Trailer For Upcoming Renaissance Tour Film

by Mary Spiller

November 10, 2023

Beyoncé Drops New Visual Trailer For Upcoming Renaissance Tour Film

The trailer has already garnered over 500,000 views since its release yesterday.

On Nov. 9, Beyoncé dropped a new trailer for her soon-to-be-released movie created from footage of her recent concert, Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé, to YouTube. The new concept clip shows the inspirational message and striking visuals of Beyoncé’s upcoming film.

The new footage includes some exciting live footage that will be included in the full film’s Dec. 1 release date. The video opened with Beyoncé’s iconic silhouette and a crowd of thousands. The 42-year-old “America Has A Problem” singer began speaking in a voiceover. She said, “I close my eyes and travel through realms of space and time. Reality holds no power or control of my state of mind on my voyage to find a source to charge my inner being. Assembly line frequency as I tap my MPC.”

The slow panning camera quickly cut to never-before-seen backstage footage clips featuring Beyoncé with her daughter, 11-year-old Blue Ivy, and her husband, rap legend Jay-Z. Flashing between the personal backstage shots is roaring footage of Beyonce dominating the stage.

In the voiceover, she continued to deliver a message about how she’s leveraged the challenges of the industry to become the big success that she is today.

“In this world that is very male-dominated, I’ve had to be really tough. To balance motherhood and being on this stage, it just reminds me of who I really am.”

The teaser used the rest of its minute-and-a-half long run time to show some of the highlights of the groundbreaking Renaissance Tour. Her popular song, “Break My Soul,” played over the footage of some of her most complex costumes and iconic choreography moments.

“You are the visual baby. It’s a new birth. I hope you feel liberated or the renaissance is not over,” Beyoncé said as the visuals closed out.

The caption underneath the trailer revealed that the soon-to-be-released concert film will “accentuate the journey of RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR” throughout all of its stops. The description reads, “It is about Beyoncé’s intention, hard work, involvement in every aspect of the production, her creative mind and purpose to create her legacy, and master her craft. Received with extraordinary acclaim, Beyoncé’s RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR created a sanctuary for freedom and shared joy for more than 2.7 million fans.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 10, 2023

Former NBA Champion Andre Iguodala Appointed Acting Executive Director Of NBPA

The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) announced that recently retired former Golden State Warrior player Andre Iguodala has been appointed acting executive director.

A press release from the NBPA stated that Iguodala has replaced outgoing Executive Director Tamika Tremaglio, who replaced Michele Roberts in January 2021. As Iguodala starts in his new role, he will work with Tremaglio during this transition period.

“I am honored to take on this role and serve the players, who are the heart and soul of the NBA,” said Iguodala in a written statement. “I’m presented with a unique opportunity to take all that I’ve learned as a player over the course of my 19-year career and apply it to creating an even stronger and more influential union for current and future generations of players. I am thrilled to work alongside our extremely committed Executive Committee to lead the brotherhood through its next stage of advancement and development.”

Iguodala takes over the role after serving on the executive committee. During his NBA career, he has played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, and Miami Heat. He is a four-time NBA champion who has earned his titles with the Warriors while taking home the Finals MVP trophy in 2015.

He has recently joined his former teammates, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, along with Marc Lasry’s Avenue Sports Fund to become owners of TGL San Francisco in the new innovative tech-inspired golf league, TGL, started by Tiger Woods‘ TMRW Sports and the PGA Tour.

It was also announced in October that Iguodala and his venture capital firm have teamed up with his longtime business partner, Rudy Cline-Thomas, to rebrand as Mosaic General Partnership after successfully raising a $200 million fund. Inc. reported that the fund will focus on providing early-stage funding for enterprise software, fintech, and sports companies. Notably, their past portfolio includes startups that achieved significant success, such as Allbirds, Hims, Coinbase, and Carta.

North Carolina Veteran Turned Professor On The Challenges Of Returning To Civilian Life

by Mary Spiller

November 10, 2023

North Carolina Veteran Turned Professor On The Challenges Of Returning To Civilian Life

Ernest Hooker volunteers for other veterans in his freetime between teaching classes.

A Greensboro, North Carolina, man is sharing his story to inspire for this upcoming Veterans Day. Ernest Hooker opened up to WXII about the challenge of transitioning from military service back to the civilian lifestyle to bring awareness to the struggle and help people like him in the future.

A U.S Army veteran honorably discharged nearly 20 years ago, Hooker recalled the struggle of figuring out exactly what to do with himself after getting back to North Carolina in the Nov. 9 report. He quickly learned that finding something to occupy his time and to focus on was the most important thing to get over the transition.

“I’m living proof of going from combat boots to books,” he told the outlet. “Those footsteps are your monuments of your life experiences. Whether they’re hard or whether they’re good. The footsteps that I’ve been taking, I’m not taking just for myself. I’m taking the footsteps of men and women who continue to serve and the veterans that continue to serve.”

Hooker explained that it’s typically the lack of structure after leaving the military that makes it difficult to adjust. The easiest way to overcome the learning curve is to occupy yourself with programs and work that give the same camaraderie and focused directives. He encouraged other veterans making the transition to find things like businesses or higher education institutions. He posited that working with nonprofits dedicated to assisting other veterans is also a good option because it’s fulfilling to help others who came from similar challenges as you did reach their goals.

“If they want to go to a vocational school, that’s fine. If they want to go back to college, like myself, there are resources out there,” he said. “There needs to be more resources for veterans to go into politics, to go into history, to go in whatever capacity. Just giving the veteran an opportunity, you know, opportunity means a lot.”

Hooker himself went back to school following his discharge. He’s now an adjunct professor at North Carolina A&T who volunteers for other veterans outside of teaching academic classes.

Hooker shared that he’s looking forward to attending the Nov. 11 Greensboro Veterans Day Parade with his A&T students. Organized by the nonprofit organization Disabled American Veterans along with North Carolina A&T, the parade begins in downtown Greensboro and will. It will be two hours — uplifting active duty military members, “WWII veterans, Korean War veterans, [and] Gold Star families.”

by Stacy Jackson

November 10, 2023

Mom Takes To Reddit to Discuss Savings Accounts for Her Biological Kids, Bonus Daughter

A mom went on Reddit to ask other redditors for their opinions on saving money for her biological kids but not her bonus daughter.

A mother under the username OP posted a question about whether it was OK to set up savings accounts for her biological children and not for her stepchild on Reddit.

The parent of two offspring and one bonus child posted on the popular subreddit AmITheA–hole to find out if others felt it was acceptable not to create a savings account for a non-biological child from a spouse’s previous relationship. Many users agreed.

When she married her husband, she did not have any children. However, he already had a daughter from a previous relationship who was four years old.

“All of that to say, since she was 4, I have taken an active role in parenting/nurturing her even when I was told I’m not her mother and have no say even though I did/do 99% of her care and needs when she is with us,” the Reddit OP shared,

She explains that she later had two children with her husband.

“When I found out I was pregnant [with my first], I immediately started a savings account and routed money to there every pay period. Once I got pregnant again, I doubled the amount so that my kids could have an equal amount,” she explained. “I told my partner about this in passing, but he didn’t really care. He doesn’t contribute to the account. It’s only me, and I’m the only one with access.”

When OP revisited the topic of savings months following their initial discussion, she wanted to be proactive about what would happen in the future when their kids receive the money after graduation.

OP said, “I asked him if he and her mother started saving for her, and he said they hadn’t discussed it or ever started anything. I said he probably should since her mother isn’t reliable in terms of money, and our two will, in fact, be given that money after graduation, and I don’t want any animosity over it.”

OP and her husband agreed on the subject. However, the topic resurfaced when she and some friends discussed saving money for children after viewing a TikTok.

“I said my kids both have accounts and money specifically set up for them. They asked about my bonus daughter, and I said, ‘I will ensure she is safe, fed, and knows she is loved when she is with us, but she’s not my child or my responsibility. So why would I take away from my bio kids to give to her when she has two parents that can do for her what I do for mine alone?'”

Her friends had a different opinion on the matter. They told her she should provide the same opportunity for her bonus daughter if she genuinely accepts her situation.

She asked for opinions on Reddit because she feels she treats her bonus daughter the same as her other children. But she explained how she thought she should not have the responsibility “to do what her parents don’t care to.”

Although many users supported her decisions, one user wrote, “Your partner and his ex sound like pretty irresponsible parents, and it sounds like you’re in it (or planning to be in it) for the long haul with this guy. You say you do 99% of this girl’s care. You are this girl’s de facto parent.”

“You may be very aware of the division between your kids and her, but is she? Does she and will she grow thinking of you as a parent, of you and your partner as a parental unit? How will she feel about all this one day? It just feels intensely unfair for her to get left behind because her bio parents are kinda sucky,” they continued.

“If I were you, I’d set aside for her as well while pushing her father to do it and his ex. Ideally, they pick up the slack there, and you don’t have to continue contributing indefinitely, but she ends up in the same place as her siblings.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 10, 2023

Candace Parker Wants To Return To WNBA But Only If Her Foot Heals Completely: ‘I Can’t Play In Pain’

The Las Vegas Aces won the WNBA championship last season. Although the Aces repeated as champions this year, Candace Parker was unable to help as she was sidelined for the second half of the season when she had surgery on her foot. The status of her health will decide if she plays another season, according to The Associated Press.

Parker discussed her plans with the media outlet as she recovers from her operation on her right foot in July. She is a free agent but would like to return to the Aces if she does play next season.

“I’ll weigh my options. If I feel really, really good, then I’ll play. That’s a big if. I’ve got to get my foot right. My foot was really bad last year. I don’t want to cheat the game or cheat myself,” she said.

The veteran basketball player was on a scooter for 10 1/2 weeks and feels a bit better after having the surgery. Parker said that although she wants to continue playing, she won’t if she is still in pain.

“Every day my foot doesn’t feel great walking,” she said. “I continue to rehab and stuff. I can’t play in pain. It makes the game not fun. I realized on Halloween that I want to take my kids trick or treating. I don’t want to be sitting in the car because I can’t walk. I want to be able to go out to the beach. I love playing beach volleyball. I don’t know if one more season is worth risking that,” Parker said.

Recently, she was in New York at the premiere showing of a documentary featuring her life story, Unapologetic. The film traces her life from her beginnings in Naperville, Illinois, to her career and everything in between.

“A lot of those points in the documentary were well done. I’m proud of it. Proud of the way we handled my injuries, we didn’t make excuses. The way we handled the USA situation. I’m not going to badmouth people. These are the facts however you want to interpret it. This is why I was upset. Same thing with the divorce. We co-parent well. We had experience doing it when I was overseas for eight years.”

From high school phenomenon to changing the WNBA and sports forever.

“Candace Parker: Unapologetic” premieres Sunday on ESPN and @ESPNPlus 🍿 pic.twitter.com/r7ssrWYhPW

— ESPN (@espn) November 9, 2023

Unapologetic will be airing on ESPN on Nov. 12.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 10, 2023

Judge In Young Thug Case Will Allow Rap Lyrics As Evidence In RICO Trial

The ruling could set a dangerous precedent.

An important decision has been made in the RICO case against Atlanta rapper and label owner Young Thug. The judge in the case has ruled that lyrics that the recording artist rapped in sound recordings can be used as evidence against him and his associates.

According to ABC News, after defense attorneys for Young Thug argued that using his lyrics in the case against him violates his freedom of speech, Judge Ural Glanville stated otherwise. She ruled that 17 sets of lyrics presented in the indictment could be admitted in the trial.

“I’m conditionally admitting those pending lyrics, depending upon – or subject to a foundation that is properly laid by the state or the proponent that seeks to admit that evidence,” Glanville said.

She also stated that if prosecutors want to submit any additional lyrics as part of the alleged evidence, they would have to be given to her to review before the trial starts later this month.

“I would just ask the state or just remind the state if any other lyrics are sought to be admitted—that I’d have to go through this same analysis,” Glanville added.

In the indictment, prosecutors argued that the lyrics prove that the alleged crimes committed took place and are relevant to the case that’s being presented.

“The lyrics are being used to prove the nature of YSL as a racketeering enterprise, the expectations of YSL as a criminal street gang,” Fulton County Assistant District Attorney Mike Carlson told the judge on Wednesday.

Yet, Young Thug’s attorney, Brian Steel, stated that lyrics heard on record are a form of artistic expression and should not be used as evidence of his true state of mind. He even went as far as saying that all the lyrics that Young Thug said were not even written by him.

“[Prosecutors] are targeting the right to free speech,” Steel said.

The 30-year-old recording artist was charged with conspiracy to violate the RICO Act and participating in street gang activity in May 2022. He was later hit with another charge of participating in street gang activity, three counts of violating the Georgia Controlled Substances Act, possession of a firearm while committing a felony, and possession of a machine gun.

He pleaded not guilty to all charges. Opening arguments are slated to begin on Nov. 27.

Teyana Taylor Partners With Sweetgreen To Help Support Single Mothers

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 10, 2023

Teyana Taylor Partners With Sweetgreen To Help Support Single Mothers

Teyana Taylor is giving back to the community.

Teyana Taylor has partnered with the healthy food chain Sweetgreen to provide resources to single mothers.

From Nov. 8 – 11, “The Teyana Taylor Plate” will be available at select Atlanta-based Sweetgreen locations to support The Tender Foundation. The Atlanta-based organization offers financial support and resources to single mothers in need. The multifaceted entertainer took to Instagram on Thursday, Nov. 9, to share the exciting news.

“AunTey getting her own @sweetgreen plate yallllllll!!!!!! 👏🏾 Thank you sooooo much @sweetgreen for partnering to support @tender foundation with me!!” she captioned the post.

“Starting tomorrow, 11/9, the “Teyana Taylor Plate” will be available ONLY in Atlanta ONLY in-store, and ONLY for four days! So pull up and try it out!!!”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jimmy Neutch- Shumpert (@teyanataylor)

The “Thousand and One” star also promoted the in-store event to celebrate the new limited-time partnership.

“Oh… and MEET ME!! 😉 I’ll be pulling up to @sweetgreen OG location between 12-2 pm at Ponce City Market – 650 North Ave NE, Suite 102B, Atlanta, GA 30308, so come eat with me!!!! 🥦,” she wrote.

The Atlanta locations offering “The Teyana Taylor Plate” include Emory Village, Lenox Square, Ponce City Market, Perimeter and West Midtown.

“As a longtime Sweetgreen fan, I jumped at the opportunity to play with their new menu and create a plate that fuels my body,” Taylor said of the partnership.

“I’m excited to launch this collaboration in Atlanta and give back to the Tender Foundation, an organization that does incredible work to uplift our community, while also bringing my fans something delicious.”

Taylor recently announced her separation from her longtime partner, Iman Shumpert. The former couple share two daughters, Junie and Rue.

The actress kicked off the year with a captivating performance in A.V. Rockwell’s A Thousand And One, playing the lead role of Inez, a Harlem native who kidnaps her 6-year-old son, Terry, from the foster care system. Together, the pair set out to reclaim their sense of home, identity, and stability in a rapidly changing New York City. Taylor’s performance in the film seemingly highlights her understanding and support of single mothers.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 10, 2023

Coach Prime Deion Sanders Scores Guinness World Record With Massive Football Lesson

Some would say Deion Sanders has earned his money and more since being signed as the head coach at the University of Colorado Boulder, and he hasn’t even completed his first year. Another week, another record. This past weekend, on Nov. 5, Sanders entered the Guinness World Record after holding a football lesson at the school’s facility.

According to Buff Beats, the NFL Hall of Famer, who also answers to Coach Prime, set the Guinness World Record for the largest American football lesson when he conducted one at the CU Indoor Practice Facility. He did the lesson with Colorado and UCHealth and broke the record of 250 people attending such an event when he attracted 280 participants.

The event was a football clinic that brought out children between 7 and 10. There was also a question and answer session for the adults who attended. According to CBS News, the coach also had help with the instructions given to the kids by CU football alumni Darian Hagan and Lance Carl.

The clinic was part of UCHealth’s Ready.Set.CO initiative that encourages Colorado residents to lead a healthy lifestyle. Coach Prime has been given the informal “Chief Motivation Officer” role for the Ready.Set.CO challenge, according to the website.

Sanders has been a boon to the spirit, finances, and sports program ever since he accepted the head coaching position at the school. Yahoo Finance reported last month that he has reportedly generated $90.6 million in revenue for the university from ad deals to celebrity endorsements and increased media coverage. Not only that, but the football team had a 1-12 record last year, and even if the team loses its remaining games, they will still have a better record as they sit at a record of 3-4.

The Buffaloes will have a chance to even their win-loss total at 2 p.m. on Nov. 11. They welcome No. 23rd-ranked Arizona for the school’s Senior Day.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Gives Fans A Courtside Treat After Getting Ejected For Slam Dunk Stare Down

by Sharelle Burt

November 10, 2023

Giannis Antetokounmpo Gives Fans A Courtside Treat After Getting Ejected For Slam Dunk Stare Down

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo gave some fans a different experience during a game against the Detroit Pistons.

Antetokounmpo decided to take in some of the game by sitting courtside after getting ejected for “two unsportsmanlike technical fouls,” CNN reports. During the third quarter at the Fiserv Forum, Antetokounmpo did what he does best by postering over Pistons center Isaiah Stewart with a brief stare-down before getting back downcourt. Referees didn’t find it too amusing and found the emotional reaction was enough to give the NBA champion his second technical foul of the night, which resulted in him being ejected from the game.

GIANNIS EJECTED AFTER STARE DOWN 😳 pic.twitter.com/ue53QFjjOT
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 9, 2023

His first technical foul was given during the first quarter for using profanity toward game officials. Even game commentators expressed confusion about the officials’ decision.

Surprised by the refs’ reaction, the two-time MVP then briefly sat with fans who were seated courtside before heading to the locker room. After the game, Crew Chief Rodney Mott explained why the Bucks big man was ejected.

“After the dunk, Giannis turns to his opponent and taunts him, and a taunting technical foul was called, an unsportsmanlike,” Mott explained.

“And he was ejected from the game, per rule, because two unsportsmanlike technical fouls; you are ejected from the game.”

This fan may have the greatest courtside video ever 😂🔥

(h/t @overtime ) pic.twitter.com/EdxOmS23xa
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 9, 2023

According to the official National Basketball Association (NBA) rulebook, the rule states, “If a player blatantly taunts an opponent, a technical foul shall be assessed.” It continues, “If a previous unsportsmanlike act has been committed and if this situation is BLATANT, a technical foul must be assessed and the guilty player(s) must be ejected.”

Fellow NBA player and Bucks teammate Damien Lillard described the referee’s decision as a “bad tech.”

Head coach Adrian Griffin said he was “surprised” at the call. “It’s an emotional game. He made a phenomenal play,” Griffin said, according to The New York Post. “It was exciting, emotional and I thought he moved on fairly quickly. So, I was surprised with the second technical, but that’s up to the league to decide.”

The night wasn’t a total wash as Antetokounmpo finished with 15 points, leading the team to a 120-118 victory.