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.
“LoveIs ___” 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.
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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
British Interior Minister Amber Rudd.
(Photo: Wikipedia Commons)
British Interior Minister Amber Rudd. (Photo: Wikipedia Commons)
Ralph Ellis of CNN is reporting British Interior Minister Amber Rudd resigned over “inadvertently” misleading the government over Caribbean groups targeted for deportation, known as the “Windrush Generation.” Rudd is the fourth high-ranking official to resign from the administration of British Prime Minister Theresa May. Ellis writes:
“Rudd resigned Sunday amid a growing scandal over the government’s mistreatment of the so-called “Windrush generation,” men and women from the Caribbean who arrived in Britain in the 1950s and 60s, but in recent years have been declared illegal immigrants despite having lived in the country for decades…
Rudd had been under pressure to step down over her involvement in the affair, following allegations that members of the Windrush generation — so named after the ship that had brought hundreds of Caribbean migrants to Britain — had recently been refused medical care, denied housing and threatened with deportation. On Monday, Rudd was due to face a fiery session in the House of Commons. Instead, May is expected to announce Rudd’s replacement, an influential role that comes at a delicate time for the UK government as its negotiates Britain’s exit from the European Union.”
Parliament will debate a petition for an amnesty for “anyone who was a minor that arrived In Britain between 1948 to 1971,” which would include the Windrush generation.
Pasadena, CA - January 2, 2017 - Rose Bowl: Saquon Barkley (26) of the Penn State University Nittany Lions during the 2017 Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual
(Photo by Scott Clarke / ESPN Images)
Penn State running back Saquon Barkley gets drafted to the New York Giants with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodall (Photo Credit: Allen Kee/ESPN Images).
Thursday, Apr. 26, 2018 is the day Penn State running back Saquon Barkley (#26) had envisioned. The football standout was selected by the New York Giants as the second overall NFL Draft pick in the first round.
The six-foot, Bronx, N.Y-born junior that shattered records with his quick cuts, sprinter form and mile-high leaps netted 53 total career touchdowns and 5,538 all-purpose yards. Barkley became the only player in Penn State’s history to gain over 3,000 rushing yards and over 1,000 receiving yards his entire college career. He was the highest drafted running back since Reggie Bush going to the New Orleans Saints in 2006. Barkley’s teammate, wide receiver Odell Beckham, Jr., was so impressed by the Giants’ latest addition, he even sent praises to Barkley via Twitter.
The Burton Wire sat for a chat with the 21-year-old exceptional talent and father of a newborn daughter, Jada Clare Barkley, when he was visiting Atlanta. The soft-spoken, poised student-athlete shortlisted for the Heisman Trophy flashed a pearly white smile for the duration of the interview.. Modest yet focused, Barkley already had a plan B – a career in broadcast journalism – if advancing to the pros didn’t pan out. Little did Barkley know, the four-star recruit’s jersey would go on to sell the most units on draft night than any other first round picks.
Not once losing his radiant, boyish smile the entire chat, Barkley, wearing a white Penn State polo shirt, shared how he maintains work/life balance despite hectic practice and game schedules, his broadcast idols and how choosing to become a Nittany Lion on the gridiron has made him a better person.
TBW: So you’re a journalism major. Talk about your course load and what encouraged you to declare that major.
SB: So I started off wanting to be a business major. I was undecided. A business major is hard to get into at Penn State obviously, especially with the workload and football. My goal in life is to play in the NFL. I am aware that the NFL is not forever. There comes a point in time where you have to start off a career, and I would love to talk about football as long as I can. You’re able to do that, especially with broadcasting, being a commentator, being an analyst. You guys give me a lot of practice, so as I grow and feel more comfortable, I would love to take it to another level where I could be on ESPN, Monday Night Football or College GameDay to talk about the sport because I love football. I love sports. I may not be able to play it forever, but I can talk about it for awhile. That’s kinda why I went into that area.
As far as class, the point I’m at right now really doesn’t have anything to do with what I want to do. We have News Media & Ethics – what’s ethically right, what’s ethically wrong. Next semester, that’s when I get into technology and being on camera. I took a Studio Communication class in high school, so I was able to work behind the camera: not really a big fan of that. I’d much rather be on TV.
Barkley makes a play during Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. (Photo Credit: Scott Clarke/ESPN Images).
TBW: What journalists or commentators would you like to pattern yourself after? Who are you looking at as your muse to drive you towards your destiny?
SB: Someone that popped in my head is Michael Strahan because he’s not only doing sports. I forgot what that show is called…Good Morning America…he’s also on that. I see the Monday Night Football guys, the Dan Marinos and be on the sidelines like Matt Leinart with Fox Sports.
TBW: Between practice and making sure you’re performing well on the field, work/life balance can be a little difficult and stressful. How are you balancing your schoolwork and academics versus being on the field?
SB: Actually, it’s not as hard as people think, especially at Penn State. I know a lot of people can complain about that, but I do think Penn State does a great job of getting you adjusted to college as a freshman. So, when you come in as a freshman, you got 10 study hall hours mandatory throughout the week. That’s a lot, so you get to get adjusted to the college workload and playing sports. I was fortunate enough as a freshman to play and have some success. When you get to the next level your sophomore year, because of your GPA, you could go from 10 to 6. You could go from 10 to 0 or 10 to 3. It’s motivation because you don’t want to be in study hall that long.
We got the Morgan Academic Center; it’s beautiful, it’s new and they just built it. There are a lot of resources; you can go in there and write papers. You got tutors. You got it all. That’s another reason why I picked Penn State. I truly think it’s not as hard as you think. It’s hard, especially in the offseason, because you have morning workouts, and you’re tired. You have a lot of stuff that helps you balance it out. I forgot about the academic advisors, but they’re on you. They check your classes and check for grades. You’ve got to meet with them at least once or twice every week.
I don’t know how it is at every other school, but Penn State does a really good job of helping you adjust and balance your workload.
Barkley giving comments at the 2017 College Football Awards media day (Photo Credit: Phil Ellsworth/ESPN Images).
TBW: What’s your current GPA?
SB: That’s a good question; I don’t know what it’s going to be after this semester, but I think I’m at 2.9 or 2.8. I’m shooting for a 3.0; that’s the goal in our running back room. I’m not gonna sit here, lie to you and say I’m the smartest guy of all-time, but I’m a lot better than what I was in high school. I’ll keep pushing for that 3.0. Whatever happens, I’m going to make sure I get my degree.
TBW: What have you been able to improve on the most being at Penn State?
SB: It’s kinda off with school. What I think improved the most is speaking: not only in front of people but using better grammar and bigger words. You can fool someone just by making them think that you’re probably the smartest person in the world just by the way you talk. Another thing is talking to people and building relationships. I understand that relationships go a long way. The people that you meet, especially at Penn State, where the networking is so big along with their alumni association. It’s helping you to meet people that will help you set up better opportunities for the rest of your life.
This post was written by Christopher A. Daniel, pop cultural critic and music editor for The Burton Wire. He is also adjunct faculty in the Department of Mass Media Arts at Clark Atlanta University. Follow Christopher @Journalistorian on Twitter.
Kendrick Lamar wins the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Music. (Google Images)
Kendrick Lamar wins the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Music. (Google Images)
Sandra Gonzalez of CNNis reporting rapper Kendrick Lamar has won a Pulitzer Prize for his fourth studio album “Damn.” Lamar is the first rapper to win the music award. Previous award winners have come from the classical and jazz musical genres. Gonzalez writes:
https://youtu.be/QeFwtA3p4Mw
“Lamar’s politically charged performance at the Grammy Awards in January won him wide praise. ‘DAMN’ picked up best rap album at the award show. His song “Humble” also picked up best rap performance, best rap song and best music video.”
Lamar’s ‘Damn’ was described by the Pulitzer Prize selection committee as “a virtuosic song collection unified by its vernacular authenticity and rhythmic dynamism that offers affecting vignettes capturing the complexity of modern African-American life.”
Former president Nelson Mandela and Winnie Mandela after his release.
(Photo: Google Images)
Former president Nelson Mandela and Winnie Mandela after his release. (Photo: Google Images)
BBC Africa is reporting anti-Apartheid activist and freedom fighter Winnie Madikizela-Mandela has died. The former wife of South Africa’s first black president, Nelson Mandela, “succumbed peacefully in the early hours of Monday afternoon surrounded by her family and loved ones,” following a long illness, which had seen her go in and out of hospital since the start of the year,” said family spokesman Victor Dlamini.
The article reported retired archbishop and Nobel laureate Desmond Tutu praised her as a “defining symbol of the struggle against apartheid”.
“Her courageous defiance was deeply inspirational to me, and to generations of activists,” he added.
This story is developing. Read more on the BBChere.
