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Brazil: Marielle Franco’s Family Requests Protection

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Human rights activist Marielle Franco. (Photo: Google Images)
Human rights activist Marielle Franco.
(Photo: Google Images)

Telesur Brasilia is reporting the family of assassinated human rights activist Marielle Franco has asked for protection after receiving death threats. Media outlets reported last week that local politicians were involved in Franco’s assassination. Franco, who was a council person in Rio de Janeiro, protested against police violence, racial and gender oppression and LGBTQ discrimination. On March 14, 2018, she and her driver Anderson Pedro Gomes were killed in a drive by shooting.   AfroPunk’s ZamaMDoda writes:

“Franco (38) was a Black, lesbian single mother who championed the causes of the poor, the LGBTQ+ community and women in Brazil. She grew up in Rio’s Maré favela and dedicated her life to fighting for the marginalized communities ignored and brutalized by the Brazilian government. As a minority several times over in the Brazilian political sphere, Franco’s impact was evident, displayed by Franco being “the only black woman on Rio’s 51-member city council, having received the fifth most votes in the election that won her the seat,” according to Time.”

Since Franco’s murder, her family has received death threats. Telesur Brasilia reports:

“Family members of slain Black activist and Rio de Janeiro city councilwoman Marielle Franco have requested state protection due to repeated threats and hate speech. The request was submitted to the State Secretary of Security, Richard Nunes, Monday, during a meeting at the Integrated Center of Command and Control (CICC).

‘Me and Monica (Benicio, Marielle’s widow) have been threatened from the very start (of the investigations), ever since we took the lead in speaking out,’ said Marielle’s younger sister Anielle da Silva.

‘We walk the streets, and somebody says something or follows us. There’s no way for us to tell, indeed, if somebody is armed. But we are victims of online and personal hate speech.’

Da Silva went on to state that her family has ‘requested that cautionary measures be taken, at least some degree of protection during our day to day activity, because our lives continue, going to work every day, bringing kids to school. So, we want protection for our entire family. We have nothing at present.’

In March, the United Nations called for an investigation into Franco’s murder.

Read more at Telesur Brasilia or AfroPunk.

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Aretha Franklin: Queen of Soul Dies at 76

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Soul icon Aretha Franklin. (Photo: Google Images)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The world has gone silent with news that Queen of Soul and Rock and  Roll Hall of Famer Aretha Franklin has died. Franklin has sold millions of albums and is known for her seminal songs, “Respect,” and “Chain of Fools,” died this morning following a battle with cancer.  See ABC Chicago‘s story below:

This story is developing. Rest in power to the Queen of Soul.

Read more about this story at ABC Chicago. Follow The Burton Wire on Twitter @TheBurtonWire or Instagram @TheBurtonWire.

Freaky Friday: Rising Star Dara Renee’ Talks Dream Role

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Dara Renee sings her heart out as Savannah in the latest ‘Freaky Friday’ remake. (Courtesy photo)
Dara Renee sings her heart out as Savannah in the latest ‘Freaky Friday’ remake. (Photo: The Disney Channel)

August 10, 2018 may forever be known as Freaky Friday as the Disney Channel debuts a new version of the iconic film based on the classic novel by Mary Rogers. Directed by Steve Carr, this Disney film  stars stage veteran Heidi Blickenstaff and Cozi Zuehlsdorff (Dolphin Tale) as the bickering mother (Katherine) and daughter (Ellie) who both wish they could switch places with the other for a day. Unlike other film and television versions of the film, this reboot is a musical. Newcomer Dara Renee’ steals the show with her mean girl interpretation of the character of Savannah, Ellie’s classmate and nemesis.

Born in Los Angeles, California, and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Dara Renee’ has talent and entertainment in her genes – her mother is an actress and her maternal grandmother was a member of the Baltimore-based group The Royalettes, a quartet of young women who delivered the soul stylings of the mid-1960s. The 17-year-old triple threat is giddy about her role as Savannah, bursting with excitement as we discuss her role in such an iconic franchise and on-the-ground training in a family of performers. “My family is so artsy. We’d be in the living room just singing, harmonizing,” says the breakout star. “Growing up with my entire family in Baltimore and my mother who is also an actress, I loved singing and acting and knew that I could do it.”

At age 2, Renee’ began her journey into entrertainment, appearing in commercials and print advertisements. Her mother then founded the non-profit “Encouraging Youth To Dream PERFORMING ARTS STUDIO” in Pikesville, Maryland where Renee’ trained and performed leading roles in stage productions, including “Annie,” “West Side Story,” “The Wiz” and “Grease.” The old soul who names Eartha Kitt as an influence and collects vintage 1970s clothing says the journey was, difficult but well worth it. “Perfoming was rough – it was tough and a constant hustle, but after a few years, things fell into place and success came upon me and I’m so happy,” says the giddy perfomer.

Renee’ eventually returned to Los Angeles to begin high school and pursue her acting career. When the opportunity to play Savannah came about, Renee’ wasn’t sure she would be chosen because she was a minor at the time and there was a lot of competition for the role.. “I knew I was talented but I didn’t know how those factors would play out so some insecurities crept in,” she offers,” but I got the role and was ecstatic!  I learned to trust my talent and to never give up because dreams come true,”  says Renee’ who plans to attend college at an HBCU in the near future.

Fans may be wondering how this version of the film will differ from the others. Renee’ is excited about this version of the film not only because of the songs written by Tony award-winners,  impeccable comedic timing by Blickenstaff and Zuehlsdorff and a wonderful ensemble performance, but also because it is a film the entire family can enjoy together. “The songs will have you laughing and crying and everything in between. Even though you still have the vibe and storyline of the classic film, this version is quite unique,” she promises. Taking on a franchise that features legendary actresses like Jodie Foster, Barbara Harris, Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis had to be a bit unnerving for a teenager  but Renee’ rose to the challenge. “Oh my gosh, I was so nervous at first because of the history of the franchise. Then I realized I deserve to be here. I’ve worked hard for many years and I was ready. I’m grateful to be here and counting my blessings.”

Freaky Friday debuts on the Disney Channel, tonight at 8 p.m. EST. Check local listings for channel information.

This article was written by Nsenga K. Burton, founder & editor-in-chief of the award-winning news blog The Burton Wire. Follow her on Twitter @Ntellectual or Instagram @TheBurtonWire. 

Ethiopia and Eritrea Sign ‘Declaration of Peace and Friendship’

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Google Images
Google Images

International media outlets are reporting neighboring countries Ethiopia and Eritrea have signed a declaration of peace and friendship agreement ending decades of conflict. Al Jazeera reports:

Ethiopia and Eritrea have declared their “state of war” over after landmark talks between the neighbouring countries’ leaders, as part of a historic agreement that will see the opening of embassies, development of ports and resumption of flights.

The sudden rapprochement ends a decades-long cold war over border disputes that hurt both countries.

Eritrean Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel, quoting from a “Joint Declaration of Peace and Friendship,” said on Monday that “a new era of peace and friendship has been ushered (in)”.

The “state of war that existed between the two countries has come to an end”, he wrote on Twitter.”

The agreement was signed by Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Monday morning at the state house in Asmara, the capital of Eritrea.

Check out Al Jazeera for more information.

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Love Is: Nuri & Yasir Find Love But What About Ruby?

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Photo: OWN

The internet is all in a tizzy over OWN ‘s latest show, Love Is___ from the king and queen of relationship dramas Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil. The duo behind hit series Girlfriends, The Game and Being Mary Jane are now telling their love story from their adult perspective. The show, which debuted June 19, explores how two people from wait for it — different worlds — unexpectedly come together and find a love supreme.

You can get your groove on while reminiscing on the love that you had while watching Nuri (Michelle Weaver) and Yasir (Will Catlett) find their way in the industry and to each other. Check out what the Twitterverse is saying:

Told from the perspective of the couple’s present-day selves, the romantic drama also revisits the social issues and vibrant black culture of that time reflecting on how it all aligned to shape the couple they have become nearly 20 years later — a power couple navigating a complex set of social codes while also balancing successful careers and a beautiful family. Drawing inspiration from the Akil’s real life relationship journey, the series explores the highs, the lows, and the magic of falling (and staying) in love.

“Love Is ___” also features Primetime Emmy®-winner Loretta Devine (“Grey’s Anatomy”), NAACP Image Award-nominee Vanessa Bell Calloway (“Coming to America”), NAACP Image Award-winner Tim Reid (“Sister, Sister”), Tosin Morohunfola (“The Chi”), Tammy Townsend (“Sherri”), and Michael King (“Black Lightning”), all with recurring roles. The beauty of the show is the relationship. Some would say, “It’s kismet.” What would Ruby say?

Watch Love Is___on OWN, Tuesdays at 10 p.m. EST. Check your cable guide for channel information.

This post was written by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., founder & editor-in-chief of the award-winning news blog The Burton Wire. Follow her on Twitter @Ntellectual or @TheBurtonWire.

BPM: Black Public Media Wins NEA Grant for AfroPop

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(Blackpublicmedia.org)

The Harlem-based media arts organization Black Public Media (BPM) has been awarded an Art Works grant of $40,000 by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The allocation, one of more than $80 million in approved grants by National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Jane Chu, will help fund BPM’s signature public television series, AfroPoP: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange.

Art Works is the NEA’s largest funding category and supports projects that focus on the creation of art that meets the highest standards of excellence, public engagement with diverse and excellent art, lifelong learning in the arts and/or the strengthening of communities through the arts.

“The variety and quality of these projects speaks to the wealth of creativity and diversity in our country,” said Chu. “Through the work of organizations such as Black Public Media in New York, NEA funding invests in local communities, helping people celebrate the arts wherever they are.”

“NEA’s support for the AfroPoP series reinforces our belief that authentic stories about the African Diaspora are important to keeping the American public informed and engaged about diversity of the African-American and global African experience,” said BPM Executive Director Leslie Fields-Cruz.

For 10 years AfroPoP: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange has been bringing stories about people of African descent around the world to television. Produced by Black Public Media and distributed by American Public Television (APT), AfroPoP is the nation’s only public television series of documentaries on contemporary life, art and culture across the African Diaspora. Hosts of the series have included Idris Elba, Anika Noni Rose, Gabourey Sidibe, Wyatt Cenac, Anthony Mackie, Yaya DaCosta, Jussie Smollett, Nikki Beharie and Nicholas L. Ashe.

Black Public Media (BPM) is formerly known as the National Black Programming Consortium (NBPC).

Find out more about other NEA funded projects here. 

Find out more about Black Public Media at www.blackpublicmedia.org or follow them on Twitter @BLKPublicMedia. 

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Hurricane Maria Killed 70x More People Than Official Toll

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Photo: U.S. Department of Agriculture (Flikr)
Photo: U.S. Department of Agriculture (Flikr)

John Bacon of USA Today is reporting Harvard University released a study that reports Hurricane Maria killed 70 times more people than the official toll offered by government authorities. Bacon writes:

“Authorities in Puerto Rico placed the death toll at 64 after Maria roared through the island Sept. 20, destroying buildings and knocking out power to virtually the entire U.S. territory of more than 3 million people.

Researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, however, surveyed more than 3,000 households on the battered island. By extrapolating those findings, researchers determined that at least 4,645 “excess deaths” occurred during the storm and the weeks that followed.

The researchers said the number was conservative and that the death toll likely exceeded 5,000. Many of the deaths were due in part to power outages that crippled medical and other services.

The study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine.”

Read the entire article at USA Today.

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Mothers Day: How Countries Celebrate Across the Globe

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Google Images
Google Images

Writing for Time.com, Noah Rayman reports on the many ways mothers throughout the world celebrate Mothers Day. Lets check out a few:

China

While relatively new to the country, the imported holiday of Mother’s Day aligned with traditions of filial piety in China, as it has in countries the world-over. On the second Sunday of May, an increasing number of Chinese celebrate the day with gifts and festivities.

Mexico

Mexico takes very Mother’s Day very seriously. In fact, Manuel Gutierrez, president of the national association of restaurateurs, told the Washington Post in 2012 that May 10-whatever the day of the week-is the busiest day of the year for Mexican restaurants. Flowers are a must, but the day is also filled with music, food, celebrations, and often a morning serenade of the song “Las Mananitas” from mariachi singers:

“Awaken, my dear, awaken/ and see that the day has dawned/ now the little birds are singing/ and the moon has set.”

Russia

In the former Soviet Union, mothers were celebrated on International Women’s Day on March 8, a celebratory date that has since become an internationally-observed dayto honor women and reflect on the goal for gender equality. In 1998, post-Soviet Russia introduced Mother’s Day on the last Sunday in November, but most of the gift giving still happens in March.

Egypt

Mother’s Day in Egypt and several other Arab countries falls on March 21, the first day of spring. The widely observed unofficial national holiday is a day of gift-giving and celebration. There are so many gift ideas for your Mum, so there are no excuses for the people of Egypt to at least find one way to show some appreciation towards their mother on this special day.

South Africa

According to MothersDayCelebration.com, In South Africa, Mothers Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in the month of May. People of South Africa celebrate Mother’s Day in its true spirit by acknowledging the importance of mothers in their lives and thanking them profusely for all their love and care. People also gift flowers and cards to their mother as an expression of their heartfelt feeling of gratitude and affection, making use of services similar to Fiesta Flowers Plants & Gifts to do this.

The most commonly used flowers on Mothers Day is the traditional carnation. People wear red or pink carnation for mothers who are living while white carnation is used as a symbol of mothers who are dead. In South Africa, Mother’s Day is taken as an opportunity to thank not just mothers but also grandmothers and women who are like mothers.

Mothers are pampered by caring children on the day. Many children treat their mother with a delicious breakfast in bed but owing to the changing lifestyles, a large number of people take their mother out for dinners. Young children present their mothers with homemade gifts while the elder ones buy gifts for their mothers. Gifts that elder children buy include perfume, chocolates and jewellery, such as from Jacobs the jeweller, if this can be afforded.

Brazil

In Brazil, Mother’s day is called Dia das Mães. Retailers, shops owners, restaurants and families start preparing a few days before Mothers Day. The celebration in Brazil is similar to the Unites States. People go out with their families for brunch, buy for their mother some cute little remembrance like gifts or flowers. People utter words of appreciation for their mother and grandmother on Mothers Day in Brazil. An interesting tidbit is 40 percent of Brazilian mothers prefer electronics according to a study cited in the article.

Read more at Time or MothersDayCelebration.com.

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Happy Mothers Day from The Burton Wire

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As I celebrate my 3rd Mothers Day, I must thank the woman who started it all. Like many of you, my Mom is my first best friend and the person whom I most love and admire. She is an excellent role model and the mother I aspire to be as I raise my Kai as an only parent. For those of you who are fortunate enough to still have your Mother in your life, cherish everyday, make the best of it and don’t sweat the small stuff. For those whose mothers have transitioned, who may have strained relationships with their mothers or may have never known their mother, hang in there on this celebratory day which can also be a day of mourning or sadness for many.

For those of you who want to be mothers and aren’t yet, I understand. Celebrate the mothering that many of us do in our lives on a daily basis and know that in someone’s life, you fulfill that role more than you know. As a student said to me a few weeks ago, “Dr. Burton, you’re the mother of this department. You take care of us and make everything better.” On that particular day, I felt like I had not accomplished anything meaningful and realized when hearing those words, many students see me in that way as I have heard some iteration of those words each year of my 18 years as a professor. Working with students and Junior faculty is a type of mothering, even though the womanist/feminist in me thinks and chuckles, “Why do I always have to be someone’s mama?”

I understand wanting to be a mother in the traditional sense and thinking it’s never going to happen while the world is watching and celebrating mothers. Mothering happens everyday in many different ways so embrace your day. Remember adoption is a great option (shameless plug) and mentoring matters. Whatever your situation, know that someone is thinking of you on Mothers Day.

To my Mom who is thebomb.com, thanks for being you and all that you do. To Kai, thanks for giving me the opportunity to be your mother. To everyone, Happy Mothers Day!

This post was written by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., founder & editor-in-chief of the award-winning news blog The Burton Wire. Follow her on Twitter @Ntellectual. Follow The Burton Wire on Instagram or Twitter @TheBurtonWire.

Iyanla Vanzant: Award-winning Author Offers Inspiration

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Award-winning author Iyanla Vanzant. (Photo: CAA)
Award-winning author Iyanla Vanzant. (Photo: CAA)

Iyanla Vanzant, internationally acclaimed Spiritual Life Coach, New York Times Best-Selling Author, and Emmy Award-winning television personality made a stop in Atlanta for “Get Over It!: An Evening with Iyanla Vanzant,” an interactive spiritual production, which was held live at the Fox Theatre on Tuesday, May 1 at 7:30 pm. In celebration of her 18th book, Get Over It! Thought Therapy for Healing the Hard Stuff, Vanzant stopped in Atlanta on her first solo tour in 18 years. This event brought the beloved thought leader up-close and in-person to her dedicated fans for an evening of healing and restoration. Using the book as a guide, Vanzant introduced the spiritual principles behind her revolutionary thought therapy with love, humor, and her signature straight-talk. Attendees were met with a worksheet which the spiritual leader walked them through in an effort to break negative thought patterns that impede happiness.

The immersive and provocative experience was filled with meditative moments, enlightening truths and self-reflection. Vanzant shared personal stories of trauma, success and everything in between with attendees. Wearing a dazzling floral couture dress and sky high heels, the truth teller walked attendees through a myriad of thought exercises, motivational mantras and emotions in her signature presentation style. Never one to “put on airs,” the spiritual life coach removed her shoes and shared stories of resiliency and her journey towards self-awareness and hope with delighted fans who greeted the fan favorite with a standing ovation.

The Burton Wire had a chance to speak with Vanzant about her tour and new book, which Vanzant described as a step in the process of healing. From her first book, Tapping the Spirit Within: A Path to Self Empowerment for Women to  Get Over It! Thought Therapy for Healing the Hard Stuff, Vanzant takes readers on a journey to discovering their best selves and living their best lives. The host of OWN‘s mega hit, “Iyanla: Fix My Life,” talks about the importance of learning about yourself in her books. She says, “Each book is a process of personal and spiritual development and using universal laws and spiritual development to help people grow in the knowledge of who they are.” Vanzant’s latest book and tour are committed to helping people remember who they really are and were born to be. Vanzant, who grew up with a foundation in African and Native American culture believes, “We are truly demonstrations of the Creator. We are unique and creative demonstrations of God.”

As we live in a world where religion is often used to justify heinous treatment toward various groups, Vanzant makes clear that she is focused on spirituality not religion. “I never endeavored to teach religion. I always endeavored to teach spiritual awareness and consciousness,” the Emmy award-winner offers. Vanzant takes the tools she uses to help readers with personal growth and development in her books and applies them to her interactive tour, where she literally walks the audience through the process of discovery and healing.

The life coach decided to embark on the tour because she wanted to “touch the people, but not through the television screen.” The biggest reason Vanzant wrote this latest book and is on tour is because she wants people to take responsibility for healing their minds. “If we look at what’s happening in the world with all of the upset about the leadership of this country and all of the things that are changing so quickly in this world including the weather, we can’t sit around and just be victims of what’s going on,” says the spiritual leader. “We really have to examine what we’re thinking, how we’re thinking and why we’re thinking it and the results that it’s bringing us.” Vanzant believes there is work to do because too many of us are stuck on what happened to us 15 or 20 years ago, instead of being present fully in this moment.  The award-winning author states, “You are responsible for what’s going on in your life and if what’s going on in your life is not what you desire, then you’ve got to get over it.”

This article was written by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., founder & editor-in-chief of the award-winning news blog The Burton Wire. Follow her on Twitter @Ntellectual.

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