Prince George’s County is gearing up for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and there are a host of events that will be taking place in the coming weeks to provide education, support, and resources for survivors and their loved ones.My guests are Sonja Welbourne and Daphne Benbo – Stakeholder Engagement and Affairs for Prince George’s County Government
Prince George’s County will be hosting a variety of events in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month to provide education, support, and resources for survivors and their families. Check out the website for a listing of events. For more information go here: www.princegeorgescountymd.gov
They are the heart and soul of education’s everyday warriors. You may call them the unsung heroes in the classroom. But we don’t always hear their stories of triumphs and challenges. Tonight, a conversation with Substitute teachers. Their resilience, creativity, and impact on students’ lives one classroom at a time.
Guest: Myrtle Washington – President of Washington Substitute Teachers United (WSTU).
Tonight on the Daily Drum…. A mother facing charges for shooting her own daughter. Countdown to the November election with candidates stumping for votes and trying to stay clear of controversy. What’s the deal with Janet Jackson questioning Kamala Harris’ race… and why are so many businesses boarded up in the DMV? We are going to tackle those stories and more tonight as we sit at the Reporter’s Roundtable.
Guests: Micha Green – Managing Editor for Washington Informer Keith Alexander – DC Crime and Courts Reporter for Washington Post James Wright – Reporter for Washington Informer
In Rockville today, a resentencing hearing for convicted sniper Lee Boyd Malvo was indefinitely postponed after Virginia rejected Malvo’s request to be temporarily let out of prison to attend a court session in Maryland. Malvo and his lawyers are requesting the courts adjust his original life sentence to include the possibility of parole. The then 17-year-old and John Allen Muhammad, shot and killed 10 people and wounded three others in the DC region over a three-week span in October of 2002. Malvo has been serving his life sentence without parole in Virginia.
The woman who shot her 13-year-old daughter inside their Seat Pleasant home will remain in jail. A judge ordered Talecka Brown held without bond during a court hearing today. Police say Monday evening Brown shot her daughter in the neck following an argument that turned physical. Then, Brown allegedly told the girl to tell police that she was shot by someone who broke into the home. The injured teen is in stable condition. In court today, prosecutors said that Talecka Brown allegedly left a voicemail this morning with her daughter’s father, saying that if the teen didn’t testify “the whole thing would go away.” Brown is charged with first degree attempted murder.
According to HIPHOPDX, Amazon decided to remove the alleged memoir written by Kim Porter from its platform.
The statement said, “We were made aware of a dispute regarding this title and have notified the publisher. The book is not currently available for sale in our store.”
Kim Porter’s children addressed the claims made in this book and denied that their mother wrote them.
ORIGINAL: September 25 10:50 AM
An alleged Kim Porter memoir is number one on Amazon, but the author can’t say whether the stories in the memoir are real.
“Kim’s Lost Words: A Journey for Justice, From the Other Side” is a 59-page book by Chris Todd, aka Jamal T. Millwood. It is filled with mistakes and outrageous claims, but that does not stop readers from picking it up.
“If someone put my feet to the fire and they said, ‘Life or death, is that book real?’ I have to say, I don’t know. But it’s real enough to me.” said Todd.
“Sometimes you just have to put it out there. Maybe not 100% of the book is true, but maybe 80% is.” Todd claims to have solved many pop culture crimes, but none of his claims have been proven true.
Recently, Porter’s oldest son Quincy made a statement, “We have seen so many hurtful and false rumors circulating about our parents, Kim Porter and Sean Combs’ relationship. As well as about our mom’s tragic passing, that we feel we need to speak out.
The family slammed the book and said she hadn’t written a book before her death. “Claims that our mom wrote a book are simply untrue,” he said.
He continued, “she did not and anyone claiming to have a manuscript is misrepresenting themselves.”
The statement added, “We are deeply saddened that the world has made a spectacle of what has been the most tragic event of our lives. Our mother should be remembered for the beautiful, strong, kind, and loving woman she was. Her memory should not be tainted by horrific conspiracy theories.”
It’s clear in all of the jokes and theories these children have suffered the most. May they all find peace through this devastating events.
September is Self-Care Awareness Month and this morning my guest is urging everyone to take heed. There’s a health event coming up this weekend to help you get started.My guest is Dr. Erica McFarland – Senior Health Advisor for the African America Health Program
The African American Health Program is hosting a Resource Fair Saturday, September 28th from 9am to 1pm at Wheaton Local Park in Silver Spring, MD. The day will be filled with fun for the entire family with health screenings, Tai Chi classes, music, and giveaways. For more information go here: www.aahpmontgomerycounty.org
Tonight on the Daily Drum… a little Monday Morning Quarterbacking on a Tuesday evening. The Washington Commanders got to show off their skills in Prime-Time last night for the NFL’s Monday Night football. The team added another win in their column with QB Jayden Daniels having a stellar game. Fans are elated and feeling a sense of hope we haven’t felt in a minute…. The Dallas Cowboys on the other hand are licking their wounds for another week. It’s an NFL Sports Roundtable discussion this evening on the Drum. Joining me to chop it up are:
Guest:
Wisdom Martin – WUSA TV9 Anchor Wisdommartin7@gmail.com 240-273-2840
Stanford Becton – College Football Reporter for TNT Sports
Facts:
The Commanders are now 2 and 1.
The score last night was 38-33.
Commanders take on the Cardinals Sunday in Arizona.
A 13-year-old girl was shot inside her Seat Pleasant home on Monday. Her mother told investigators someone had shot the teen in the home in the 500 block of 69th place. After further investigation, police say the girl’s mother was the actual shooter. Telecka Brown now faces a charge of attempted murder. Authorities say the teen, who was shot in the neck, is hospitalized in stable condition.
Pay up! That’s what state leaders in Maryland want from owners of the ship that struck and caused Baltimore’s Key Bridge to collapse. Today, Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Attorney General Anthony Brown announced the state has filed a lawsuit against the Singapore company that owns the Dali container ship. In March, the ship lost power then slammed into the Key Bridge causing it to collapse and killing six construction workers who were on the structure. Attorney General Brown says the incident was preventable. The U.S. Justice Department, as well as families of the six construction workers killed, have also filed lawsuits against the ship owners. A spokesperson for owners and manager of the container ship says they “look forward to our day in court to set the record straight.”
It’s a Medical Monday and tonight on the Daily Drum….
It’s an illness that impacts 1 in 6 Black men yearly and sadly the disease will claim the lives of thousands of those men. September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and it’s time to talk, learn, and take action to turn those numbers around.
Guest:
Dr. Pamela Coleman – Professor of Surgery – Urology Howard University College of Medicine.
Kweisi Nesbitt – Creator of #BlackProstateCheckChallenge
It’s another Medical Monday and this morning we shine the spotlight on National Suicide Prevention Month. My guest is a suicide survivor and Founder of Black People Die by Suicide Too. There’s an important event coming up to raise awareness and support vital mental health initiatives. My guest is T-Kea Blackman – Founder of Black People Die By Suicide Too
Black People Die By Suicide Too is hosting a Kickback Brunch Fundraiser: Taking Steps to Prevent Suicide in the Black Community September 28th from 11am to 3pm at the Empanada Lady in Baltimore. For more information go here: www.blackpeoplediebysuicidetoo.org
The Queens in Real Estate Mixer is bringing together incredible female real estate agents in the DMV area to uplift, inspire and motivate. The event will feature speakers, food, games and more starting from 3pm to 7pm Saturday September 28. My guest this morning will be Tasha Lyons – The Lyons Den Group of EXIT Community Realty
In a statement made by the Innocence Project Tuesday evening, “Tonight, Missouri executed an innocent man.”
“The Missouri Attorney General’s Office relentlessly pursued Mr. Williams’ execution and opposed clemency. The Attorney General and Missouri Governor Mike Parson – who ultimately denied the request for clemency – ignored the wishes of the victim’s husband who has consistently made clear that he opposed the death penalty for Mr. Williams.”
UPDATE: September 23 12:46 pm
The Missouri Supreme Court has decided to hear arguments on Monday Spetember 23rd in the case of Marcellus Williams, who is facing execution on Tuesday September 24th for the 1998 stabbing death of Lisha Gayle. Williams, who has maintained his innocence, had a previous execution halted in 2017 due to DNA evidence concerns.
The NAACP and Gayle’s family are urging Governor Mike Parson to commute Williams’ sentence to life without parole. Issues of racial bias in Williams’ conviction have also been raised, with the NAACP opposing the death penalty in this case.
ORIGINAL: September 19 3:34 pm
According to CNN, The NAACP is urgently appealing to Missouri Governor Mike Parson to halt the execution of Marcellus Williams, a Black man scheduled to be executed on Sept. 24 for a murder he maintains he did not commit.
The organization warns that proceeding with the execution would perpetuate racial disparities in the justice system. Williams’ legal team argues that his rights were violated during the judicial process, and Governor Parson disbanded a special board investigating his case.
With only days left before the execution, advocates are calling for clemency and a reevaluation of the evidence to ensure justice is served fairly. The case underscores broader issues of racial injustice in the American legal system and the need for reform in the death penalty system.
NAACP President Derrick Johnson and Missouri State Conference President Nimrod Chapel Jr. addressed in an a open letter to Gov. Parson,“Taking the life of Marcellus Williams would be an unequivocal statement that when a white woman is killed, a Black man must die. And any Black man will do.”
Just days after the arrest of Sean “Diddy” Combs and the many reactions to the once sealed indictment, fans take to social media to share their love for Wendy Williams.
Due to medical issues, the television host has been off the air for three years, but fans believe if she were healthy at this time, the Hot Topic gossip session of her show would be fascinating.
One fan said, “Media NEEDS Wendy Williams right now.” They added, “The public is calling her name because nobody gave us the hot topics like her.”
Media NEEDS Wendy Williams right now.
Mama has been off-air for three years and the public is calling her name because nobody gave us the hot topics like her.
Another compared comedian Katt Williams’s method of exposing the industry practices to Wendy Williams and how she was once blackballed for her reports. “Yes, Katt Williams exposed certain people in the industry. However, Wendy Williams also exposed specific industry figures, including Diddy,” they said.
Yes, Katt Williams exposed certain people in the industry. However, Wendy Williams also exposed specific industry figures, including Diddy. Diddy reportedly had her fired from her original radio show & blackballed her from the industry.
Some fans feel Wendy is owed an apology for how she was treated about the high level of gossip she revealed throughout her career. Claiming that the gossip was untrue when she spoke about Diddy and others’ personal life.
Some celebrities have chimed in, like rapper Boosie who sparked controversy on social media after expressing his disagreement with Diddy’s federal charges, suggesting that the mogul is being targeted unfairly.
Boosie argued that Diddy’s alleged actions are common among celebrities and should not result in jail time. Social media users criticized Boosie’s stance, with many highlighting the seriousness of the charges against Diddy.
Diddy, who pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, is reportedly offering his Miami mansion and mother’s home as collateral for bail. His bail request was denied by Judge Andrew Carter, with the agent drawing parallels between Diddy and Epstein in terms of their alleged exploitation of young women.
Get your business plans and business suits ready. The Synergy BWI Business and Networking event is coming up. It’s a chance to meet reps from the SBA, learn how to secure contracting and more. My guest is Ricky Smith – Executive Director and CEO of BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport
Synergy BWI Business and Networking event is Monday, September 23rd from 8am to 4pm at Live Casino and Hotel Maryland. This year’s theme is Navigating New Horizons, Advancing Diversity and Excelling In Business. For more information go here: www.synergyBWIairport.com
Recently, Pharrell Williams shared his opinion of celebrity political endorsements and said he isn’t a fan of them.
He said, “I don’t do politics. In fact, I get annoyed sometimes when I see celebrities trying to tell you [who to vote for]. There are celebrities that I respect that have an opinion, but not all of them.”
He continued, “I’m one of them people [who says], ‘What the heck? Shut up. Nobody asked you.’ When people get out there and get self-righteous and they roll up their sleeves and s**t, and they are out there walking around with a placard: ‘Shut up!'”
He added, “So, no, I would rather stay out of the way, and obviously, I’m going to vote how I’m going to vote. I care about my people and I care about the country, but I feel there’s a lot of work that needs to be done, and I’m really about the action.”
A new online system will make it far easier – and faster – to renew your passport through an eight-step process, beginning with confirming that you meet the requirements.
The State Department says its online passport renewal system is fully operational.
What this means for future users:
You can now skip cumbersome paper applications sent by mail, which can take two months or more to complete.
Once it is confirmed that all requirements are met, you create an account. Users will have 30 days to complete your application after you start it.
Renewal is restricted for those traveling in less than 8 weeks, you cannot renew online.
You can upload a digital photo, but it cannot scan a printed picture or take a photo of an already printed photo.
Get your taste buds ready and rest-up.Dine All Night – DC’s 11-day dining experience that highlights the city’s eclectic food scene kicks off tomorrow. (September 19th). Plus Art All Night is just around the corner. Joining me this morning to spotlight these two signature events is Rosemary Suggs-Evans – Agency Director Department of Small and Local Business Development
Dine All Night returns for a 2nd year September 19th and runs thru September 29th. Close to 60 DC restaurants will be participating. Returning for the 13th year is Art All Night and includes more than 100 local artists and 20 different Main Street and Business Improvement Districts on September 28th and 29th. For more information go here: www.dcartallnight.org
It’s National Voter Registration Day and my guest this morning wants to make sure the effort goes beyond just today. Several Howard University student organizations are joining forces to host a voter registration drive tomorrow. My guest is Veronica Smalls – President of the Howard University Student National Pharmaceutical Association Chapter
Howard University Voter Registration Drive Wednesday, September 18th 11am – 2pm at Louis Stokes Library Law. Hosted by the Students National Pharmaceutical Association, Healthy Democracy Campaign, HUCOP, Medicine, Law, and Dental Programs. For more information go here: www.dcboe.org
Following the arrest, Aubrey O’Day reacted to the news with a cryptic post alluding to reaping what you sow. Aubrey said, “The purpose of justice is to provide an ending and allow us the space to create a new chapter.” She continued, “Women never get this. I feel validated. Today is a win for women all over the world, not just for me.”
She added to TMZ, “I never thought I would see this day. We all buried this inside of us in order to be able to keep going. And not just me, but victims you don’t even know yet. We are all processing what that type of vindication can actually feel like now. Every conversation I’ve had with victims last night has been beyond moving on all levels.”
UPDATE: SEPTEMBER 17, 2024 10:03AM
The federal indictment has been unsealed against music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. He faces three federal charges of racketeering, conspiracy, sex trafficking transportation to engage in prostitution.
Combs was arrested overnight at a Manhattan, New York hotel. His attorney, Marc Agnifilo expressed disappointment with the decision to pursue what he called an unjust prosecution of the rapper and producer.
The arrest caps a year in which Combs has faced numerous allegations from women and men accusing him of physical and sexual abuse.
Marc Agnifilo, attorney for Sean “Diddy” Combs, arrives at Manhattan federal court, Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
ORIGINAL: SEPTEMBER 16, 2024 11:24PM
According to The Washington Post, Sean “Diddy” Combs, was arrested in New York Monday.
“Earlier this evening, federal agents arrested Sean Combs, based on a sealed indictment filed by the SDNY. We expect to move to unseal the indictment in the morning and will have more to say at that time,” U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said in a statement released on X (Twitter).
Marc Agnifilo, attorney for Combs, said, “We are disappointed with the decision to pursue what we believe is an unjust prosecution of Mr. Combs by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is a music icon, self-made entrepreneur, loving family man, and proven philanthropist who has spent the last 30 years building an empire, adoring his children, and working to uplift the Black community.”
The 76th Emmy Awards red carpet on September 15, 2024, showcased an array of stunning and handsome fashion moments at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Just in case you missed we had to share some of our favorites.
(Monday, September 16, 2024) – Sad news to report this morning in the world of entertainment. Tito Jackson, part of the famed Jackson 5, has died. His sons posted the passing on Instagram saying “It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson is no longer with us. We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken.” No details given on the cause of death.
FILE – Tito Jackson, a member of the famed Jackson 5, poses for a portrait in Los Angeles, July 24, 2019, to promote his solo project, a new version of his 2017 song “One Way Street.” (Photo by Mark Von Holden/Invision/AP, File)
Tito was the third of nine Jackson children, which include global superstars Michael and sister Janet, part of a music-making family whose songs date back half a century. Tito Jackson, born October 15, 1953 Toriano Adaryll, was 70.
With just weeks to go before Election Day, my guest this morning wants to make sure DC residents are ready to exercise their right to vote. My guest is Gary Thompson – Chair of DC Board of Elections
National Voter Registration Day is a nonpartisan civic holiday dedicated to celebrating our democracy. Since its kickoff in 2012, the holiday and its team of thousands of Partners have worked to get over 5 million Americans registered to vote in time for their next trip to the ballot box For more information go here: www.dcboe.org
(Sunday, September 15, 2024) – Former President Donald Trump was the apparent target of another assassination attempt. The FBI says it is investigating the attempt that occurred Sunday at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Fl. Trump who was golfing at the time, was not hurt and a suspect is in custody.
Police officers direct traffic near Trump International Golf Club after the apparent assassination attempt of Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump in West Palm Beach, Fla., Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Terry Renna)
No information released on the suspect. But Palm Beach County Sheriff Rick Bradshaw said they recovered an AK-47 with scope, two backpacks, and a GoPro camera from the bushes where the gunman had posted up just 300 to 500 yards from Trump. According to Bradshaw, it appears the gunman was planning to record his actions.
Photos that show an AK-47 rifle, a backpack and a Go-Pro camera on a fence outside Trump International Golf Club taken after an apparent assassination attempt of Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump, are displayed during a news conference at the Palm Beach County Main Library, Sunday. Sept. 15, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Stephany Matat)
The gunman was apparently spotted by the Secret Service in the bushes. Bradshaw said that agent shot at the suspect who fled the scene in an SUV and was later taken into custody in a neighboring county.
The attempted assassination comes just nine weeks after Trump was grazed by a bullet at a Pennsylvania rally. That suspected gunman was fatally shot by agents.
The Boar’s Head plant in Jarratt, Virginia, at the center of a deadly listeria outbreak in the U.S., is closing down following nine deaths and 57 hospitalizations linked to its products.
The United Food and Commercial Workers Local 400 Union announced the plant’s indefinite closure, expressing support for affected workers. The union negotiated agreements with the company to provide workers with transfer opportunities or generous severance packages.
The recall over listeria concerns initially announced on July 26 has since been expanded to include an additional 7 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products.
According to a report in Essence, Hurts popped the question in a tropical locale just before the season. He even hired a violinist to play during the romantic moment.
Hurts and Burrows have dated off and on since meeting as students at the University of Alabama. Where Burrows became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and Hurts became a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. as well as a star quarterback.
In the May/June 2023 issue of Essence he expressed his love for Burrows, “I knew a long time ago,” he said. “I mean, to this point in my life, that’s an irreplaceable feeling. I think that’s what allowed us to get to where we are now.”
It’s the love we love to see and celebrate! Congratulations to the future Mr. & Mrs. Hurts.
Howard University’s 2024 opening convocation will take place on Friday, September 13 at 11 AM in Cramton Auditorium. This year, Mark A. L. Mason Sr. (BBA ’91), vice chair of the University’s Board of Trustees, will serve as the keynote orator. To view, click here.
Recently, Usher revealed to US Weekly that the next goal he wants to accomplish in his career, it has to do with the Academy Awards.
Usher said, “I could win an Oscar. There’s many ways. There’s documentaries that have won Oscars.”
He continued, “There’s live performances that have won Oscars. Who knows? Musical scoring. So many different things in musical categories that may potentially play. Yes, I would love to find a script. I’d love to be able to someday say that I won an Oscar.”
Usher has released his new concert film called Rendezvous in Paris, which captures his performance in the French city. “One beautiful part about going to the movies is you have to put your phone down,” he says regarding the film in theater until Sunday, September 15.
“We put so much energy and effort into making this film something that the entire world would be able to experience, because many people didn’t get the chance to make it to Las Vegas [for my residency]. They didn’t get a chance to make it to Paris. But this film captures so much of the live performance and then some.
The 34th Annual Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival is coming up this weekend and it’s packed with free events for the entire family complete with music, food, and culture.I have the Co-Chair with me to share all the details. My guest is Davis Stansbury – Co-Chair
The 34th Annual Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival is Saturday, September 14th from 10am to 7pm at Navy Marine corps Memorial Stadion in Annapolis. Admission is free. For more information go here: www.kuntakinte.org
(Wednesday, September 11, 2024) – The family of Howard Stanley Beverly known to his fans as “Frankie Beverly” announced this morning the passing of the beloved singer and songwriter. No details were given on the cause of death. The family says Beverly passed away on September 10th. Frankie Beverly was 77.
In a statement released on social media, the family asked for privacy and understanding saying they needed time to navigate feelings of sorrow, reflection, and remembrance. Beverly was a legend in the industry. The singer, songwriter, and producer was best known as the founder and frontman of the R&B sensation band Maze.
Frankie Beverly was a fan favorite around the country and here in the DMV where he was known to sell out D.A.R Constitution Hall every time he would come to town. Beverly performed his final concert in Philadelphia at the Dell Music Center in North Philly, were he had wooed crowds for decades.
Frankie Beverly, of Maze, arrive at the BET Awards on Sunday, July 1, 2012, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
Born on December 6, 1946 in Philadelphia, Beverly’s career began in the 1960s and spanned nearly 60 years with his smooth blend of soul, funk, and R&B. His hits were plentiful like “Before I let Go,” “We Are One,” “Back In Stride,” “Love Is the Key,” and many more.
Tributes and condolences are pouring in from around the country for the man known for his all white outfits from head to toe. Frankie Beverly dead at the age of 77.
Tuesday, shortly after the Harris V. Trump debate singer Taylor Swift announced that she supports VP Kamala Harris in her campaign to become President this November.
In an Instagram post to her over 280 Million followers, holding a cat Taylor Swift states, “I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election.”
She continues, “I’m voting for @kamalaharris [Kamala Harris] because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them. I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos.”
This announcement came in immediate response after Swift acknowledges she was made aware that Al of her was falsely endorsing Donald Trump. She added, “It really conjured up my fears around Al, and the dangers of spreading misinformation. It brought me to the conclusion that i need to be very transparent about my actual plans for this election as a voter. The simplest way to combat misinformation is with the truth.”
The Miami-Dade Police Department has released the full bodycam video from Tyreek Hill’s detainment ahead of Sunday’s Dolphins-Jaguars game.
An officer is seen knocking on Hill’s window after he’s pulled over for speeding in a black McLaren sports car. The officer tells Hill to roll down the window, but Hill says “Give me my ticket, bro, so I can go, I’m gonna be late.”
The officer then pulls Hill from the car and several officers force him to the ground and place him in handcuffs. At one point, an officer says to another “You know who that is, right? It’s one of the Dolphins’ star players.”
The footage also shows two of Hill’s teammates, Jonnu Smith and Calais Campbell, being ordered to leave as they try to speak to the officers. Hill is released after about 25 minutes and tells the officers he’ll “see y’all in court” as he leaves. MDPD has ordered an investigation into the incident and placed one of the officers involved on administrative duty.
Join the Top Men’s and Women’s HBCU Golf Program for their annual community meet and greet at the historic Langston Golf Course. The event will feature the 2024 NEC Champions. The event takes place Friday, September 13 from 5pm-7pm at Langston Golf Course 2600 Benning Rd. NE DC 20002. My guest this morning is Coach Sam Puryear. For more information contact Sheldon Holloway at sheldon.holloway@howard.edu or call 404-580-9621
Iconic actor James Earl Jones, known for his powerful voice and memorable roles in “The Lion King,” “Star Wars,” and “Field of Dreams,” has passed away at the age of 93.
According toAP News “his agent, Barry McPherson, confirmed Jones died Monday morning at home in New York’s Hudson Valley region.”
“He passed this morning surrounded by his loved ones,” McPherson said. “He was a great man.”
Overcoming a severe stutter and racial prejudice, Jones became a trailblazer in the entertainment industry, winning numerous awards and accolades for his work on stage and screen.
His legacy includes iconic performances in film, theater, and television, as well as his distinctive voice work on CNN, Darth Vader in Star Wars, and Disney’s “The Lion King.”
Jones’ impact on American culture and the arts is celebrated, with a Broadway theater being renamed in his honor in 2022. His remarkable career and contributions to storytelling will continue to inspire generations to come.
Recently, Jay-Z announced Kendrick Lamar headlining next year’s Super Bowl and discussed Kendrick’s talent in his statement. The Super Bowl LIX Halftime show will take place at The Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, LA on Sunday, February 9, 2025, airing on FOX.
Many from the industry weighed in on Kendrick Lamar’s upcoming Super Bowl Halftime Show performance, Cam’ron & Ma$e revealed that they think Jay-Z was hating on Lil Wayne by choosing Kendrick Lamar to headline the Super Bowl in New Orleans.
Cam said about Jay-Z’s choice, “There’s no reason why Little Wayne should not be performing the Super Bowl. It’s one person who’s stopping this. You know, it’s not really a secret. Lil Wayne had a problem with somebody before who’s kinda part of the organization running it. This is payback.”
Ma$e and Cam alluded to the rumor that Jay-Z blocked them from participating in the Fanatics Fest and added, “I’m a start saying names. The hate is crazy.”
Master P another strong advocate for Lil Wayne to be included in the performance, citing his status as a legendary hip-hop artist from the city. Kendrick Lamar’s announcement sparked controversy and calls for recognition of local talent in the halftime show lineup.
“Salute to @kendricklamar for performing at the halftime show at Super Bowl LIX.. well deserved, he’s one of the hottest music artists in the world and has one of the biggest songs right now,” he said.
He continued, “As Ambassador of Entertainment in the City of New Orleans, I have to agree with the fans that @liltunechi #LilWayne should be a part of this celebration as well. He’s one of the greatest [hip-hop] artists alive, still relevant and he’s a New Orleans native.”
He added, “Let’s not miss this cultural moment in the South. Life is too short! We have to give our legends their flowers while they are here.”
Jay-Z spoke on the matter, highlighting, “Kendrick Lamar is truly a once-in-a-generation artist and performer.” He continued, “His deep love for Hip-Hop and culture informs his artistic vision. He has an unparalleled ability to define and influence culture globally.”
He added, “Kendrick’s work transcends music, and his impact will be felt for years to come.”
According to The Washington Post, the teenage suspect in Wednesday’s mass shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia has been publicly named and charged with murder. The suspect has been identified as 14-year-old Colt Gray. He faces four counts of felony murder and is expected to be tried as an adult. Gray’s first court appearance is scheduled for Friday morning at 8:30am ET. Two students and two teachers were killed in the shooting, while nine others were wounded.
Authorities stated Gray’s father, Colin Gray, 54 was charged Thursday with “four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder and eight counts of cruelty to children.” Investigators discovered Colin gave his son the weapon as a gift.
“The actions of both Colin Gray and his son tore apart the Apalachee High School community,” Nick Suplina, a spokesman for the group, said in a statement Thursday evening.
