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Thursday, October 24, 2019

The ‘Reel Divas’ Initiative Brings Women of Color Together From Film and TV

There is strength in numbers and these women are powerful! According to Deadline, 20 women of color from the film and TV industry have formed The Reel Divas, a group that aims to promote black writers, producers, and directors and increase awareness of Atlanta as a production hub.

“With our brother-in-film, Tyler Perry, getting so much notoriety and acclaim for opening his 330-acre lot here in Atlanta, we feel that the time is now,” says The Reel Divas co-creator Cas Sigers-Beedles, who is also a writer, producer, and director. “Atlanta has already served as the home base and mecca for a lot of TV and film projects, so we are doing our part to continue pushing this narrative to the masses.”

The Reel Divas are award winners, actresses, international and community leaders, producers, professors, directors, and professional women. Some are executives for major companies in film and television, with decades of experience. One of the purposes of The Reel Divas is to advocate for the rights of women in TV and film. The group will focus on being a collective unit to showcase how women are more powerful together than they are individually.

“We are mothers, wives, and daughters, but we are also the writers, producers, and directors of southern Hollywood,” said co-creator Ty Johnston-Chavis, founder of the annual Atlanta Pitch Summit. “We are all consistently working, either in development, production or post-production—and we are here to stay.”

The Reel Divas group members:

Jasmine Guy, Actress, and director

Denise Hendricks — Producer

Terri J. Vaughn — Actress, director, and producer

Gieva Stinchcomb — Producer

Star Smith – Line producer

Lisa “Captain” Cunningham — Writer, producer and director

Wanda Shelly — Executive producer

Autumn Bailey Ford — Producer

Angi Bones — Executive producer and director

Samantha Ramirez-Herrera – Content creator

Deborah Riley Draper – Director and brand consultant

Shante Paige – Producer

Ty Johnston-Chavis — Producer

Cas Sigers-Beedles — Writer, producer and director

Dianne Ashford — Producer

Tamra Simmons – Executive producer

Rhonda Baraka — Writer and director

Tammy Garnes — Producer and actress

Wendy Eley Jackson – Writer and producer

Angela Barnes Gomes – Writer and director



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R. Kelly’s former divorce lawyer wants a judge to make him pay legal bill

Now that R. Kelly’s lawyer has jumped ship and quit his divorce case, she’s asking a judge to order him to pay out the coins he owes her.

READ MORE: R. Kelly faces two brand new charges in Minnesota in 2001 allegation

Lisa Damico, a Chicago-based attorney cut ties with the embattled-and-broke singer back in September. But Kelly still has a $25,000 tab, and now wants at least $12,750 of what he owes to be paid out to her, The Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Damico appealed to Cook County Judge Lori Rosen to order Kelly to pay a portion of his outstanding bill, which stems from his child support case with Andrea Kelly.

In September, Damico cited “irreconcilable differences” with the singer and asked a judge for help in getting Kelly to pay $12,750 on the $25,000 bill. A hearing is coming up on Nov. 4.

Kelly has maintained in these child support hearings that his finances have suffered as a result of the Surviving R. Kelly television that sparked renewed interest in longstanding sexual abuse allegations. Last month, Kelly was arrested on charges of sexually abusing three girls and a woman over a decade spanning from the late 1990s.

In related news, Steve Greenberg said his client is downright miserable and frequently gets emotional, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Kelly is locked up in Chicago’s Metropolitan Correctional Center on child sex abuse charges from several alleged victims.

READ MORE: Keke Palmer left ‘sad’ and heartbroken after watching ‘Surviving R. Kelly’ documentary

“He’s dealing with a lot of stories that have been made up. He’s not a fighter. I’ve seen him cry when he talks about the situation,” Greenberg told the Sun-Times.

However, Greenberg said Kelly is determined to “fight for the truth” to get out.

Kelly is charged with child sex crimes in multiple states but is currently being held behind bars at the federal Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago.

The post R. Kelly’s former divorce lawyer wants a judge to make him pay legal bill appeared first on theGrio.



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The Voice’s Ali Caldwell: ‘You Can Not Run a Successful Business by Yourself!”

Opportunity is all anyone needs in order to get the chance to prove themselves. Particularly in the music business, one chance meeting or performance can turn into a successful career.  In 2016, singer Ali Caldwell auditioned for The Voice (Season 11) and made the competition as part of Team Miley Cyrus, finishing as a semi-finalist for the season.

This was the breakthrough Caldwell needed to pursue the career she was passionate about. She released the single “To Be Loved” last year, which was her first commercial release after she competed on The Voice. She’s currently touring with Christina Aguilera as she is preparing her debut studio album entitled “88” which is set for release in early 2020 via 2MaroMusic™/ 2MaroMedia Inc.

With her eyes starting to focus on other business interests outside of music, Caldwell took time from her recent tour and studio time to speak about what’s on her plate, her recent collaboration, and what she is learning about the business that will propel her to success.

What have you experienced thus far in your career that has been unexpected?

I would have to say getting the opportunity to perform in front of thousands, with millions watching, singing and performing some of my favorite artists’ songs on national television and actually receiving acknowledgment and positive responses from them, in particular, Chaka Khan and Patti LaBelle. Being able to perform a Mary J Blige song in front of Diddy and getting that stamp of approval. I mean, I 100% believe in myself, but these things just HAPPENED and I totally wasn’t expecting them to but I do know for a fact they are the rewards for working as hard as I’ve been working for all of these years.

What have you learned, business-wise, that shapes the way you approach your creativeness?

What I’ve learned the most is that you cannot run a successful business by yourself! Even when it comes down to growing and learning, I get that knowledge and know-how from being around and working day-to-day with my manager/business partner, Omar “O2” White (who is one of the smartest men I know). He teaches me and coaches me in certain areas I’m eager to be sharper in. It’s very important for me to take care of my team and people who take the time out of their schedules to help take my vision to the next level. Staying consistent with teamwork will continue to make me a stronger and wiser businesswoman in this male-dominated industry.

Talent is usually the driving force behind a successful artist, but is there anything else you’d like to pursue as far as making your career a success?

Absolutely! I would love to get more into other things outside of music such as a future clothing line, hair line, and cosmetics. I have a lot of fans and people who support me big time and I find happiness in showing them that there are no limits to who you can be and what you can accomplish. So yes, in conjunction with having a successful album release I will be showcasing more of the branding and business lady side of Ali.


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Offset’s baby momma wants regularly scheduled child support payments

Rapper Offset might have to drop some more of that money drip toward child support payments for one of his baby mommas.

READ MORE: Offset changes cover for “Father of 4” album

TMZ reports that Nicole Marie Algarin, the mother of Offset’s 4-year-old daughter Kalea, filed court papers asking for more child support to care for their daughter and she wants the judge to invoke court order payments.

Algarin who goes by Shya L’amour is saying that the Migos front man provides “limited financial support” for their daughter, and it seems as if he’s not giving her payments in regular intervals.

Algarin is not only asking for more money, but she wants the court to make payments official so that she can get those child support checks on a regular rotation.

Offset has reportedly already claimed his kid, and she contends that there’s no dispute as far as determining if the child’s father. DNA has been proven a match, since the two have already taken the test.

If you recall, Offset already featured Kalea on the cover of his Father of Four solo album he released earlier this year.

“The album cover was originally going to be the debut of Kulture’s face, but that obviously changed when Cardi decided to post a pic of Kulture right after she split from Offset,” according to Us Weekly.

READ MORE: Offset’s oldest daughter’s mother says Cardi B has made him a better man

Offset then decided to feature all four of his children on the album’s cover instead. The image features Offset sitting on a black throne with Kulture on his lap, surrounded by his two sons, Jordan, and Kody along with his older daughter Kalea, 3. Those three kids are from his previous relationships.

Algarin also wants the rapper visit his daughter regularly on weekends, holidays and in the summer, according to TMZ. Earlier this year Algarin admitted that the rapper has a good relationship with his daughter.

“Oh she loves him,” she told the outlet. “They’re really good now. He has stepped up, he has been around to show her that affection that she needs.”

The post Offset’s baby momma wants regularly scheduled child support payments appeared first on theGrio.



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‘Joker Stairs’ and the Problem With Meme Tourism

Instagrammers flocking to the Bronx to take one picture defeats the purpose of globe-spanning cultural moments.

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The Best Jobs Are in Government. No, Really

Brett Goldstein learned a few things as a cop and in Chicago’s city hall. Now he’s bringing that civic expertise to the Pentagon.

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Lizzo’s mom and sister dish about her fame, while serving on food truck

Lizzo’s mom and sister are just as great as you’d expect anyone related to the superstar would be.

READ MORE: Lizzo takes legal action over allegations she stole “Truth Hurts” from songwriters

Shari Johnson-Jefferson, Lizzo’s mom, and Vanessa Jefferson, Lizzo’s sister, are always stationed outside of her concerts selling food out of a food truck called ‘Taste of Lizzo.’ They travel with the “Truth Hurts” star serving up support along with selling Lizzo’s favorite comfort foods.

While at the Hollywood Palladium, Access Online caught up with Lizzo’s family members who were cooking up two succulent dishes that have Lizzo’s approval: fried salmon balls, which are her fave even though she claims to hate fish, and “tempo tots.”

It’s been a whirlwind year for two “regular” folks after Lizzo was thrust into the limelight and shot to the top of Billboard with a number one hit.

“Us being together has been the best part,” said Shari.

“And the travel, I’m loving all the travel, just being able to see her go across the country and touch people,” said her sister Vanessa.

Born Melissa Vivianne Jefferson, been able to make her success a family affair. In fact, her mother gushed about the one time she even got to meet Prince before he died.

Lizzo and Prince linked up on the song “BoyTrouble,” dropped on his 2014 album “Plectrumelectrum.” Shari is still on Cloud Nine about the experience.

“He was just sitting there on his motorcycle… he looked like a mannequin, oh, he was just so beautiful,” Shari shared.

“Hey, how you doing?” she asked the Purple Rain star. Prince replied, “I’m good.”

“After it was over we walked out of the room like AAAHHHHHHHHHH,” she said.

READ MORE: Music producer claims he wrote Lizzo’s “Truth Hurts,” and wants credit

Lizzo’s family is super thrilled about having a front seat to witness her rise to fame.

“I’m so proud of her… this has just been the greatest ride.”

Vanessa added, “It’s like being in a tornado and sitting in the middle where it’s so calm… and like, yo, what happened?” She continued, “We just lift her up and make sure she shines and just gives this message of love. It’s really necessary these days.”

The post Lizzo’s mom and sister dish about her fame, while serving on food truck appeared first on theGrio.



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The Internet Is for Everyone, Right? Not With a Screen Reader

Blind users have been fighting for a more inclusive web for over 20 years. Are lawsuits like the one against Domino’s going to make a difference?

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American Roads Are Getting Safer—Unless You're Walking

A government report finds that vehicle-related deaths fell 2.4% last year. But pedestrian deaths are up 50% in the past decade, and no one knows why.

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Hamburg's former refugee Bakery Jatta gets Gambia call-up

Hamburg's former refugee Bakery Jatta is named in a provisional squad for The Gambia's Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in November.

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South Sudan biggest movers in Fifa world rankings

South Sudan are globally the joint-biggest movers on the latest Fifa world rankings jumping up 11 places.

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Samsung Galaxy Fold Review: The Future Won't Fit in Your Pants

The folding smartphone is entirely unique, but also a heavy, awkward pain in the hand—and in the pocket.

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YouTubers Must Unionize, No Matter What Google Says

Video creators are organizing in pockets all over the world—led, in part, by a slingshot maker in Germany.

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We Should Just Build Giant Telescopes ... in Space

Launching a huge observatory poses big risks, so scientists are plotting a new approach: Send it up in pieces, then have robots put it together.

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'Milestone' in polio eradication achieved

The last case of a key form of polio was seen four years ago - but another is still circulating.

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Can South Africa's Democratic Alliance bounce back?

South Africa's main opposition party is fighting over how it can appeal to the black majority.

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Pompeo Was Riding High—Until the Ukraine Mess Exploded

The US secretary of state may be a Trump favorite, but the Ukraine scandal appears to threaten Mike Pompeo’s ambitions for higher office.

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Amazon Echo Dot Deal: It's on Sale for Just $9

This is a ridiculously good price for Amazon's popular 3rd-Generation Echo Dot—but there is one tiny caveat.

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Art starts conversations about being a black, Muslim woman

Buki wants her art to start conversations about what it’s like to be a black, Muslim woman living in the UK.

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Wednesday, October 23, 2019

The African-Italians who want to send migrants home

The migration of Africans to Italy has inflamed politics in the country and complicated life for black Italians.

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