Author Archives: Sonya's Spotlight
← Older postsDeadpool & Wolverine in theaters Now
July 25, 2024Wolverine is recovering from his injuries when he crosses paths with the loudmouth Deadpool. They team up to defeat a common enemy. DIRECTOR Shawn Levy PRODUCERS Kevin Feige, Ryan Reynolds, Shawn Levy and Lauren Shuler Donner EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS Louis D’Esposito, Wendy Jacobson, Mary McLaglen, Josh McLaglen, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, George Dewey, Simon Kinberg and Jonathon Komack Martin WRITERSRyan Reynolds & Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick & Zeb Wells & Shawn Levy CAST Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin, Morena Baccarin, Rob Delaney, Leslie Uggams, Karan Soni and Matthew Macfadyen RELEASE DATEJuly 26, 2024
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentKamala Harris Announces Presidential Bid Backed By Biden And Record-Breaking Support From Black Women
July 24, 2024“I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination,” Harris said in a statement. BY MELISSA NOEL · UPDATED JULY 22, 2024 Vice President Kamala Harris announced her intention to seek the Democratic nomination after President Joe Biden ended his re-election campaign and endorsed her. This has set up a potential historic bid for the first Black woman and first Asian American to lead a major political party ticket. “I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination,” Harris said in a statement shared on X. “I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party—and unite our nation—to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda,” Harris continued. Biden’s historic endorsement — and Harris’s pledge to unite the party behind her — came Sunday afternoon after he announced that he is dropping his reelection bid following weeks of mounting calls for him to step aside. The president’s bad debate performance called into question his ability to win a second term and govern for another four years. “My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today, I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee,” Biden said.
Posted in Inspirational, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentFIGHT NIGHT: THE MILLION DOLLAR HEIST Premiering Sept. 5 on @Peacock
July 24, 2024FIGHT NIGHT: THE MILLION DOLLAR HEIST, based on the acclaimed iHeart true-crime podcast, follows the infamous story of how an armed robbery on the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life but ultimately transformed Atlanta into the “Black Mecca.” When a hustler named Chicken Man (Kevin Hart) hosts an afterparty to celebrate the fight with a guest list of the country’s wealthiest, including top Black mafia leaders, the night ends with the most brazen criminal underworld heist in Atlanta’s history. Suspected of masterminding the crime, Chicken Man is hellbent on clearing his name but must convince his old adversary, J.D. Hudson (Don Cheadle), one of the first Black detectives in the city’s desegregated police force, who is tasked with bringing those responsible to justice. The series stars Kevin Hart (who executive produces for his company Hartbeat alongside Will Packer), Taraji P. Henson, Don Cheadle, Samuel L. Jackson and Terrence Howard. FIGHT NIGHT: THE MILLION DOLLAR HEIST is created and written by Shaye Ogbonna (Penguin, The Chi, God’s Country). Ogbonna and Jason Horwitch (Echo 3, The Calling) serve as showrunners and executive producers. Will Packer created the idea for the series after producing the Fight Night podcast for iHeartPodcasts. He executive produces along with Sabrina Wind for Will Packer Media; Bryan Smiley and Mike Stein for Hartbeat, Conal Byrne and Carrie Lieberman for iHeartPodcasts; Jeff Keating for Doghouse Pictures, LLC, and Lars Jacobson. Craig Brewer (Empire, Dolemite Is My Name) executive produces the series and directs episodes 101, 102, 107 and 108. The series comes from Universal Television LLC, a division of Universal Studio Group, and is based on the acclaimed true crime podcast Fight Night by Will Packer Media, Doghouse Pictures, LLC and iHeartPodcasts. The biggest night. The baddest hustlers. Anything could go down. #FightNight arrives Sept. 5 on @Peacock
Posted in Movie News | Leave a commentPEACOCK RELEASES OFFICIAL TRAILER FOR NEW SEASON OF BEL-AIR PREMIERING THURSDAY, AUGUST 15
July 19, 2024ABOUT BEL-AIR S3: Set in modern-day Los Angeles, Peacock’s drama series Bel-Air imagines the beloved sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air through a new, dramatic take on Will’s complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. As these two worlds collide, Will reckons with the power of second chances while navigating the conflicts, emotions, and biases of a world far different from the only one he’s ever known. In season three, school’s out for the summer, and Will is doing Bel-Air his way. Being a part of the Banks family has given him a new perspective – it isn’t just about wealth, it means that Will now has options to lean into other things that excite him and has the privilege to dream bigger. As Will makes an exciting pivot, he finds a partner in Carlton, who desperately wants to leave his life of addiction behind and rebuild his damaged reputation. And while the dynamic duo has a lot of exciting wins, working together also reveals fundamental differences in their backgrounds and worldviews. Can a partnership of such extremes work? Pressure at work and home will also pose challenges for Viv and Phil. How does a couple hold strong when their lives are at sea? Hilary’s romantic journey with LaMarcus will face some shocking hurdles, and Ashley’s views on romance will start to blossom as she comes of age the summer before she starts high school, and Geoffrey’s London past will come a little too close to home. Inspired by Morgan Cooper’s viral trailer that reimagined the iconic, culture-defining ‘90s sitcom, Bel-Air takes a fresh and raw approach to this world of swagger, style, and aspiration, while exploring Will’s complex journey through a current lens. The series features an ensemble cast that introduces new sensation Jabari Banks …
Posted in Streaming | Leave a commentThe National Urban League’s 5th Annual Women in Harmony Awards Luncheon
July 17, 2024JUDGE FAITH JENKINS, TRACEY EDMONDS, LISA PRICE AND BEVY SMITH WERE HONORED AT THE NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE’S 5TH ANNUAL “WOMEN IN HARMONY AWARDS LUNCHEON” HELD DURING ESSENCE FESTIVAL WEEKEND IN NEW ORLEANS ON SATURDAY, JULY 6TH Star-studded Red Carpet Celebration of Unity, Purpose and Courage Featured Performances and Appearances by Jenifer Lewis, Kenny Lattimore, Carl Thomas, Koryn Hawthorne, The NFL Players Choir, Dr. Karri Turner, Laterras Whitfield and More The National Urban League presented the 5th Annual Women in Harmony Awards Luncheon yesterday, Saturday, July 6th, in New Orleans. Held at the renowned Ritz-Carlton Hotel, the invitation-only red carpet celebration took place behind the backdrop of the 30th Anniversary of The ESSENCE Festival of Culture–the nation’s most prominent African American cultural gathering of the year. Under the theme, A Celebration of Unity, Purpose and Courage, this year’s luncheon paid tribute to outstanding Black women who lead, create and transform our world. Esteemed honorees were: Judge Faith Jenkins, Tracey Edmonds, Lisa Price and Bevy Smith—who passionately and graciously accepted their awards. Legendary actress Jenifer Lewis also provided a touching moment towards the end of the luncheon, as she gave a tearful recount of her harrowing accident in 2022, her miraculous recovery and her renewed passion for life and empowering her community. The luncheon also featured dynamic performances by R&B sensation Carl Thomas and gospel star Koryn Hawthorne. In addition, attendees had an opportunity to experience the Luncheon’s new Self Care Lounge which featured make-up consultations from Danessa Myricks Beauty, premium lash applications by TheLouLuCollection, aspirational journals and books from Dream Bigger Now TODAY and many more beauty and wellness brands. This year’s sponsors were: Experian, McDonald’s, HCA Healthcare and Amazon. WHO: Honorees: Judge Faith Jenkins, Tracey Edmonds, Lisa Price, Bevy Smith Performers: Carl Thomas, Koryn Hawthorne, The NFL Players Choir Presenters: Dr. Karri Turner, Laterras R. Whitfield Special Guests: Kenny Lattimore, Jenifer Lewis, Beverly Bond/Black Girls Rock! CEO, U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Raheem DeVaughn, Aldis …
Posted in Spotlight | Leave a comment2024 ESSENCE FESTIVAL OF CULTURE™ PRESENTED BY COCA-COLA®
July 16, 2024The ESSENCE Festival Of Culture™ Presented By Coca-Cola® served attendees with unforgettable daytime experiences and electrifying nighttime performances July 4-7. To inspire the record-breaking crowd the first Black woman Vice President Kamala Harris also appeared at the Global Black Economic Forum HQ in a candid “Chief to Chief” conversation with ESSENCE Ventures President and CEO Caroline Wanga. One of the greatest athletes of all-time, an entrepreneur and style icon Serena Williams made her debut during the history of the ESSENCE Festival Of Culture™ Presented By Coca-Cola® during BEAUTYCON™: @ESSENCEFEST Edition and inaugural ESSENCE Black Women in Business Dinner. Vice President Kamala Harris held a candid “Chief to Chief” conversation with ESSENCE President and CEO Caroline Wanga at the GBEF® HQ Experience stage. For 50 years, ESSENCE has taught Black women how to unleash their power shared by Wagna. With less than 122 days left before the election for the next Presidential administration in the United States, Harris urged attendees of the ESSENCE Festival Of Culture™ Presented By Coca-Cola® to enter rooms with their shoulders back and chin up. Ernest N. Morial Convention Center was filled with an indescribable joy that festival-goers could experience as day three continued with a full spectrum of unmatched daytime experiences. Highlights include: A full day of panels at theESSENCE Stage™, including: o Actress Emayatzy Corinealdi and actors Morris Chestnut and McKinley Freeman provided fans with a behind-the-scenes look at Season 2 of the Hulu series Reasonable Doubt during a fireside chat. o Actor Aldis Hodge delved into the mind of Detective Cross and shares how his version of the popular character encapsulates brotherhood, family, and Black love. o Producer Carlos King kept it real(ity) with some of the biggest names in Black Reality TV, the pioneer of bounce Big Freedia, entrepreneur Yandy Smith-Harris, entrepreneur and TV personality Toya Johnson-Rushing. o Mothers of two of the biggest superstars in NBA history, Sonya Curry and Lucille O’Neal, alongside Michelle L. Rice, President of TV One and CLEO TV engaged in a candid conversation around nurturing the talent and …
Posted in 2024 ESSENCE FESTIVAL OF CULTURE™, In The Spotlight | Leave a comment39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards – in Las Vegas, July 20
July 16, 2024TAMELA MANN, KIERRA SHEARD, ISRAEL HOUGHTON, KORYN HAWTHORNE, KAREN CLARK SHEARD, RICKY DILLARD, CHANDLER MOORE, TASHA PAGE-LOCKHARTMALI MUSIC AND MORE ANNOUNCED AS PERFORMERS FOR39TH STELLAR GOSPEL MUSIC AWARDSTHE GREATEST NIGHT IN GOSPEL MUSICRETURNS TO LAS VEGAS AT THE ORLEANS ARENA ON SATURDAY, JULY 20CO-HOSTED BY TWO-TIME EMMY AWARD- WINNER LONI LOVE & RADIO PERSONALITY/COMEDIAN RICKEY SMILEYSET TO PREMIERE ON THE STELLAR NETWORK, SATURDAY,AUGUST 3 AT 8/7C AND 11 PM ET;SET TO PREMIERE ON BET, SUNDAY, AUGUST 4 AT 8/7CView The Full Nomination List Here Kierra SheardKaren Clark Sheard Chandler MooreTamela Mann (CHICAGO, IL) July 16, 2024 – Central City Productions announces the first round of performers set to take the stage for the 39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards in Las Vegas at the Orleans Arenaon Saturday, July 20. Co-hosted by Emmy Award-winning TV personality and comedian Loni Love, alongside Marconi Award-winning radio/TV personality and comedian Rickey Smiley, the 39th annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will premiere on the Stellar Network on Saturday, August 3 at 8PM and11PM EST and in broadcast syndication from August 10, 2024 – September 8, 2024. BET will air the 39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards on Sunday, August 4 at 8 PM ET/PT. The Red Carpet Xpecial will be available via Xumo Play on-demand on August 10. The 39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards to be available on September 9.“I’m so happy to be co-hosting the Stellar Awards again. Nothing stirs my soul more than gospel music, so celebrating this genre is truly an honor,” shares co-host, Rickey Smiley.Joining previously announced honorees, Kim Burrell (Aretha Franklin Icon Award) and Tye Tribbett(James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award), are newly announced performers: Chandler Moore, Kierra Sheard, Anthony Brown and group therAPy, Da’ T.R.U.T.H, Israel Houghton, Karen Clark Sheard, Kelontae Gavin, Koryn Hawthorne, Lisa Knowles-Smith, Mali Music, Melvin Crispell III, Rich Tolbert Jr., Tasha Page-Lockhart, Ricky Dillard and Tamela Mann. Willie Moore Jr. has been announced as the official blue carpet host. Kirk Franklin, Erica Campbell, and Angel Taylor will also make special appearances.“I am very honored to be …
Posted in In The Spotlight | Leave a commentTHE BLACK AMERICAN MUSIC ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES INAUGURAL ICE MEDAL OF HONOR EVENT IN ATLANTA ON JUNE 2
May 28, 2024Celebrating 100 Years of the Black American Music Art Form Honorees Include Muni Long, Jermaine Dupri, Bryan-Michael Cox, Grandmaster Flash, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Robert “Kool” Bell, Suzanne de Passe and Jeffrey Harleston The Black American Music Association and its Board of Directors, led by Chairman Michael Mauldin, announces The ICE (Imperial Crown of Excellence) Medal of Honor inaugural celebration in Atlanta on June 2, 2024. The attendees of this groundbreaking historic event will be adorned in cocktail attire while dining, honoring and paying tribute to the legends, creative visionaries, and trailblazers within Black American music, who have captivated audiences worldwide and left an everlasting impact on the cultural landscape.The ICE Medal of Honor seeks to shine a spotlight on the indelible contributions made by artists and executives who have enriched the world with their talents and also paved the way for generations to come. The ICE Medal of Honor will serve as a beacon of recognition & education of the Black American music art form, and an ode to the resilience, innovation, and brilliance of its creatives. Honorary hosts for this inaugural ceremony are Michael Mauldin, L.A. Reid & Chaka Zulu.The Honorable Mayor Andre Dickens will be making a special toast and salute to the Honorees along with the City of Atlanta. The Mayor is also being awarded the ICE – Culture & Community Leadership Honor.Among the distinguished recipients of The ICE Medal of Honor are some of the most remarkable names in the industry, including:● Grandmaster Flash – Transformative Award● Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis – Global Creative Impact Honor● Suzanne de Passe – Trailblazer Honor● Jeffrey Harleston – Music Executive Leadership of the Year● Robert “Kool” Bell – Lifetime Achievement Honor● Muni Long, Jermaine Dupri, Bryan-Michael Cox – R&B Song of the Year● SoSo Def Records – Artist Development Label of an Era● LaFace Records – Artist Development Label of an Era● Domani Harris: New Developing Artist of the Year. “We are thrilled to launch the ICE Medal of Honor and …
Posted in R&B Pop Culture, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentEXTRAordinary: How To Be In Demand in Television & Movies as a Background Talent
May 27, 2024For many actors, winning an Oscar is the ultimate accolade, which brings respect in an industry that is oftentimes competitive and toiling. Having a passion for the craft, getting regular work and generating a lucrative salary are motivations that keep most actors in the acting game. But the starting point of becoming an actor, could just be becoming an Extra – also known as a Background Talent. There are many Oscar winners who first started out as extras. Brad Pitt, Bruce Willis, Lady GaGa, Viola Davis, Donald Glover, Terry Crews, Channing Tatum, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, Megan Fox, George Clooney, Bruce Willis and Marilyn Monroe are just a few huge movie actors who started as a background talent. I’m still actually compiling the long list! What set these actors apart from the regular background artist is the belief in themselves that they were indeed, EXTRAordinary, instead of just an Extra. Yes, being considered an Extra or a background talent isn’t too appealing to many actors, especially when extras are at the bottom of the totem pole in pay and often don’t get much respect. But like many things in life, it’s not where you start, it’s where you finish that truly matters. . The journey to becoming an actor can be one of the most frustrating journeys one might experience in job hunting, but it can also be one of the most incredible and rewarding journeys, if you have the right attitude. Your destiny as an actor is determined by your talent, but it is also determined by what you think of yourself and persistence. Whether you’re a background talent or principal actor, never think of yourself as someone of little significance or as just an extra. Think of yourself as EXTRAordinary. I began my acting career in high …
Posted in Inspirational, MOTIVATION | Leave a commentTHE CITY OF ATLANTA TO HOST BLACK GIRLS ROCK! AWARDS SHOW TAPING LIVE ON JUNE 27 AT THE FOX THEATRE
May 23, 2024Academy Awards-Nominated Actress Danielle Brooks to Host BLACK GIRLS ROCK!® Awards 2024 THE STAR-STUDED CELEBRATION PAYS TRIBUTE TO AWARD-WINNING ACTRESS TRACEE ELLIS ROSS, ACCLAIMED FILMMAKER GINA PRINCE-BYTHEWOOD, ICONIC SINGER AND BROADWAY LEGEND STEPHANIE MILLSDESIGNER AND PHILANTHROPIST AURORA JAMES, MATERNAL HEALTH & WELLNESS ADVOCATE, LATHAM THOMAS, ARTIST, ANIMATOR AND SUSTAINABILITY TRAILBLAZER MAYA PENN, AND GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING SINGER, ACTRESS, AND ENTREPRENEUR FANTASIA TO BE HONORED [BUSINESS WIRE]–Beverly Bond, CEO and founder of BLACK GIRLS ROCK!, has announced that the eagerly awaited BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Awards show is returning to television this year through an exciting new broadcast partnership with Lifetime A&E Networks. BLACK GIRLS ROCK!® celebrates the outstanding contributions of trailblazers, entertainers, icons, community activists, pioneers, business moguls, thought leaders, and rising stars. The show will be taped at the Fox Theatre on June 27 and will air August 1, 2024, on Lifetime. ritically acclaimed actress, singer, and producer Danielle Brooks, known for her roles in Orange is the New Black and The Color Purple, will host the triumphant return of the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Awards. The 2024 star-studded lineup of celebrants includes former BGR! Awards host, Founder and co-CEO of Pattern Beauty, and actress Tracee Ellis Ross (Star Power Award); Acclaimed Filmmaker of The Woman King and Love and Basketball Gina Prince-Bythewood (Shot Caller Award); GRAMMY Award-winning singer, actress, and entrepreneur Fantasia (Black Girl Magic Award).Creator of premium fashion Brand Brother Vellies and The Fifteen Percent Pledge initiative, philanthropist Aurora James (Boss Up Award); Artist, animator, and sustainability advocate Maya Penn (Young, Gifted and Black Award); ‘Mama Glow’ founder, maternal health advocate, doula and wellness practitioner Latham Thomas (Community Change Agent Award); singer and Broadway icon Stephanie Mills (Living Legend Award) to be honored. “As the BLACK GIRLS ROCK!® Awards make their much-anticipated return to television on Lifetime, we are thrilled to reignite this empowering platform on a new network in the vibrant city of Atlanta, our new cultural epicenter for celebration,” stated Beverly Bond. “In a world where the voices of women of color are often …
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