by Fabiola Noel | Jun 5, 2021 | Latest, Social Justice |
Survivors from the 1921 Tulsa race massacre will each receive $100,000 following the centennial.
A Tulsa-based nonprofit will give a monetary gift to the three surviving witnesses of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. In an article in the Washington Post, it was reported that Viola Fletcher, Lessie Benningfield Randle, and Hughes Van Ellis would each be given $100,000 as part of the centennial commemorations.
Foundation founder and executive director Damario Solomon Simmons said the donations demonstrate the foundation’s commitment to ensuring justice for Black communities in Tulsa and across the country.
It is “a significant step on the long-overdue path to justice” and “a show of resistance to Greenwood’s attempts to erase” its Black community.
As a result of experiencing the bloodshed 100 years ago, all three men have talked openly about their experiences to preserve the story.
He recalled when white men and boys were entrusted with the duty of setting the city on fire following rumors of a white girl being assaulted by a Black teen. Some of [the buildings] were set ablaze. It was some of them that they tore up,” she said. “I will never want to see another event like that again.”
In his memoir, Ellis noted how he served his country as a soldier, but upon returning home he realized his skin color would remain a hindrance to progress.
“In my home country, I did not find any of those freedoms I had fought for overseas. Even though freedom was ripped away from me at home, I fought for freedom overseas,” he said “Both my community and home were destroyed. As far as I am concerned, America will be able to resolve this conflict in the long run. In the aftermath of the war, I discovered this freedom I fought for overseas was no longer there. My skin color prevented me from getting GI Bill benefits like white servicemen.”
A highlight of the testimony was Fletcher’s testimony before House members on the continued fight for reparations. While Simmons recognizes that the $300,000 gift pales by comparison to the survivors’ desired compensation, she hopes it offers some comfort and hope.
He expressed his excitement about doing his part to correct these injustices. As we continue to call for reparations, we must alleviate the financial burdens left behind by not only the massacre itself but also systemic racism that followed the massacre. In order to ensure enduring injustices are actively challenged, we have to tell their stories, confront our past, and learn from it. Tulsa Race Massacre changed the course of American history forever. The Tulsa Race Massacre is a prime example of how America continues to struggle with systemic racism.
This article was penned by Jonathan P. Wright. Jonathan is a freelance writer for multiple mainstream publications and CVO of RADIOPUSHERS. You can read more of his work by clicking here.
by Fabiola Noel | Jun 4, 2021 | Black Girl Magic, Digital Mogul, Latest |
The award was created by Ava DuVernay and Google as part of a new partnership for the launch of ARRAY, her multi-platform media company, and arts collective. The grant is specifically dedicated to supporting emerging filmmakers of color.
In a statement, Ava DuVernay said, “I’ve always started my films by self-funding. So it’s a full-circle moment.” I want to identify a new writer/director and work with Google and the grant advisory committee of ARRAY to make their vision a reality. The mission of ARRAY is to create inclusive stories, and we’re happy to also give grantees access to ARRAY Crew so that their film may integrate the world around them into its set.
She hopes the Array/Google Feature Film Grant will help the next woman filmmaker create her first feature film and create a supportive community of diverse storytelling.
According to Ava DuVernay, the purpose of the project is to amplify the voices of black, brown, and women of all backgrounds. Being in a position to award a filmmaker a half-million dollars ten years after starting out with a $50,000 film is a full-circle moment.
DuVernay’s new grant is the result of conversations between the tech giant and DuVernay in which Google pitched the idea of making a huge splash for up-and-coming entertainment creators.
In order for the grant to be given, both parties had to agree that in order to create something extraordinary, filmmakers from underrepresented backgrounds needed tools.
Advisory committees in the independent filmmaking community will select the winner of the grant, Deadline reports. DuVernay will then fund their production with the help of her digital database Array Crew, which utilizes Ava DuVernay’s diversity to offer hiring managers access to underrepresented film and TV professionals.
The director of entertainment partnerships for Google Assistant, Elle Roth-Brunet, said she was honored to help ARRAY display the talents of underrepresented artists. AARRAY and Google Feature Film Grants are in line with the commitment of Google Assistant to being helpful to people in their everyday lives.
This fellowship is part of a collaboration between Google and The Black List for diverse screenwriters.
Article was written by Jonathan P-Wright, freelance writer for R.N.H. Magazine and C.V.O. of RADIOPUSHERS
by Jonathan P-Wright | Jun 2, 2021 | Editorial Pick, Latest, Trending |
“FRIEND OF MINE” BY KELLY PRICE
“THE THINGS YOU DO [BAD BOY REMIX]” BY GINA THOMPSON FEAT. MISSY ELLIOTT
“HONEY” BY MARIAH CAREY
“SUMMERTIME” BY BEYONCÉ FEAT. DIDDY
“BREAKDOWN” BY MARIAH CAREY FEAT. BONE THUGS-N-HARMONY
“MO’ MONEY MO’ PROBLEMS” BY NOTORIOUS B.I.G.
“LOVE @ FIRST SIGHT” BY MARY J. BLIGE FEAT. METHOD MAN
“LET ME BLOW YA MIND” BY EVE FEAT. GWEN STEFANI
“Can’t NOBODY HOLD ME DOWN” BY PUFF DADDY FEAT MASE
“CAN’T LET HER GO” BY BOYZ II MEN
“ONLY YOU” BY 112 FEAT. NOTORIOUS BIG
“NEVER LEAVE YOU” BY LUMIDEE
“I’LL BE MISSING YOU” BY DIDDY FEAT. FAITH EVANS AND 112
“SPENDIN’ MONEY” BY R. KELLY
“YOU DON’T HAVE TO WORRY” BY NEW EDITION
Puff Daddy ft. Busta Rhymes and The Notorious B.I.G. “Victory,” No Way Out
Puff Daddy ft. Carl Thomas, Ginuwine, and Twista “Is This the End,” No Way Out
Puff Daddy ft. Foxy Brown “Friends,” No Way Out
“Niggas Bleed,” “Notorious Thugs,” “Another,” “Playa Hater,” “Nasty Boy,” “You’re Nobody (till Somebody Kills You)” from the album Life After Death.
Brian McKnight: “You Should Be Mine (Don’t Waste Your Time)” from the album Anytime
I’m sitting in my living room listening to the album “Personal Conversation” by Case (S/O to Case, your music is the perfect tempo to create a classic article) and watching one of my favorite TV shows, “Jeopardy.” The “cool factor” of Jeopardy is even if you don’t know the answer, it’s super intriguing to find out the absolute truth of the question. So when I research all of the “true” classics Stevie J has produced or contributed to, I find myself in another episode of jeopardy.
Hidden genius is a beautiful quality because it doesn’t seek attention, superficial attraction, or seeks its own interest; the motivation is fueled by passion and relentless ambition. The characteristics of Stevie J are a perfect blend of God-given vision, gargantuan inner drive, unflinching confidence, and an ounce of insanity. Ok, I love Case, but the “Red Berry” Ciroc is kicking in, so I fast-forward to “Can’t nobody hold us down” off the “NO WAY OUT ALBUM.
“Normally, when you hear a sampled song, it doesn’t reinvent itself; however, that’s part of the secret formula for Stevie J. Stevie J has an amazing ability to complement a track with an untraceable production approach and signature melodic finish.
The footprints of legends can only be followed and not duplicated, and that’s why his trademark sound will and must be publicly declared. I’m so amped right now!! Music is the soundtrack to life, and when “VICTORY” comes on, so many visions and thoughts are racing through my mind. I’m pacing through my condo rapidly like I’m in the ring of a championship fight.
Yo, the sun don’t shine forever
(You can turn the track up a little bit for me)
But as long as it’s here then we might as well shine together
(All up in my ears)
Better now than never, business before pleasure
(The mic is loud, but the beats isn’t loud)
P-Diddy and the Fam, who you know do it better?
Timeless music!! How did Stevie J know what to add or cut from this sample and then make it work? Success has different outlooks, but the ingredients are always consistent. Stevie J hears a sound only he can ascertain and develop. When he enters into a studio, the room feels, smells, looks, and resonates with an ambrosial atmosphere.
Every great performer, athlete, entertainer, and etc has this creative arena within their mind which enables supernatural results and unfathomable heights of a phenomenon. I just finished listening to “PAIN” and “Is This The End” blares through my speakers like a Hip Hop symphony. Ginuwine, Twista, & Puff Daddy own this track like it is a birthright, and it flows like a sonic motion picture in “HD”.
Who could make “death” sound so good? Stevie J!! The overall instrumentation and sonic delivery of this track are matchless in this current era. My adrenaline is wearing off a little, so as I sit by red berry Ciroc self-down, I flip over to the track “HONEY” (Bad Boy Remix). This universal track connects with every race, gender, and a hater! Jadakiss rips it from the beginning, Styles P supplies his signature gritty undertones, Mase provides the perfect god-flow finger roll, Puff is simply being Puff, Mariah is like cool whip.
She’s good on top of any dessert! Stevie J’s behind the scenes influence is visible throughout each verse, hook, string, chord, and baseline. Stevie J is James Worthy on the fast break, and nobody finishes better. Who can make a pop record cross over to streets better than Stevie J along with the Hitmen production team.
Stevie J understands the language of music, and that’s an inborn God induced gift. Possessing the ability to coordinate over 7 instruments simultaneously, manage sound, tones, voice inflection, intonation, and most importantly, artistic chemistry.
I stop and do a 100 quick push-ups to get my blood flowing and raise my adrenaline. I switch to “Mo Money More Problems” from the 10X platinum “Life After Death” album. Once Big said ”
Uh, uh, B.I.G., P O, P P A, no info, for the, DEA
Federal agents mad cause I’m flagrant
Tap my cell and the phone in the basement
My team supreme, stay clean triple beam lyrical dream
Man, need I say more about this classic record that Stevie J was a part of during the meteoric rise of Notorious B.I.G. How many producers/people would Sean Combs trust with the music and career of B.I.G?
How many producers possess the patience, instinct, and overall musical acumen to deliver for arguably the greatest MC of all time (Its always a toss-up between B.I.G & Tupac). Stevie J’s catalog is responsible for the biggest hits during an entire decade only and not to mention after the 90’s.
When I think about the song “I’ll be missing you” and the impact the record has made worldwide and continues to assist in healing the emotional wounds of people, I often wonder the metal state of mind he commanded during those studio moments.
Knowing that B.I.G. was recently buried and the entire world was waiting and needed this record for their eternal playlist. Stevie J, Puff, Faith, 112, & Sauce Money engineered one of the greatest songs of unity in the league of “We are the world.” Everyone in the world felt compelled to mourn and be inspired at the very exact moment.
Once again, the beautiful mind of Stevie J provided the finely detailed production assembly of emotion, chords, guitar strings, blissful sounds, and undertones of Faith and 112 and made history again. But, unfortunately, most people admire, detest, applaud, aspire to, and reject Stevie J every Monday night via VH1.
The television showcases a very small portion of his life. Stevie’s life is an authentic soundtrack, and we’ve only heard a few tracks of his life. In 2016, Stevie J will ascend to new heights and release new musical jewels for the world to love again.
Stevie J is mentally, physically, and spiritually in the best shape of his life, and he’s leaving no stone unturned. Multiple movies, TV shows, business ventures, and more occupy his current and 2016 roll-out calendar.
The infamous Stevie J bus has turned into super-ultra RV, and more people have come aboard for apparent reasons. But, when you closely examine his catalog, journey, sound, music production, Faith, and God-given talent, there can only be one title: “LORD OF THE STRINGS.”
This article was penned by Jonathan P. Wright. Jonathan is a freelance writer for multiple mainstream publications and CVO of RADIOPUSHERS. You can read more of his work by clicking here.
by Derrick T Lewis | Jun 2, 2021 | Business News, Latest, Tech News |
People are saying all kinds of different things about this month’s cyberattack on Colonial Pipeline’s operations, but one thing is for sure, this attack made every American aware of their extreme dependence on a company they’ve never even heard of. Many things need to be talked about this cyberattack, but the name of the company “Colonial” pipeline became a hot debate across the country.
Of all the things that are wrong with the company and it’s name, the branding of the company and its logo is the most disturbing. It is safe to say that the company didn’t bother to do anything about it’s logo and branding since the days of the Kennedy administration while the world kept moving on and kept spending on their branding and advertisement.
Let’s talk a little bit more about the history of this company and try to scratch the reason behind the boring and outdated logo of the company and why they didn’t care about the branding of their company at all.
Shall we?
Nine oil companies in the year 1961 started a joint venture and created a pipeline. The basic purpose of this pipeline was to deliver fuel from Houston to New York without any hurdle. That was the time when marketing was not the utmost priority for companies that were not in the eyes of the public and silently doing their important work for the citizens. Therefore, the branding and naming of the company were considered irrelevant to the public.
However, there was a small private concern that the name of the company should have some relevance and hint of American gravitas, and they thought that the word “Colonial” will do the trick, and somehow it actually did. Therefore, the original and more bulky name “Suwannee Pipe Line Company” was replaced with “Colonial Pipeline” in 1962, and it’s still the same in 2021.
You might already know that back in the day, terms like “National” and “Federal” were used to express the gravity of any company or institute. So, with that logic, the word “Colonial” did just the trick as two of the states that this pipeline was going to connect are the original of the thirteen colonies. However, at the start of the sixties, “Colonial” started to sound like an outdated term, and no one was quite very happy with the name of the companies that had this word in them. It is the reason that trademark office record shows a decline of usage of the word from 0.027% to 0.007% in logos of companies.
In today’s world, this word sounds straight away bad and geriatric. People have long realized the negative connotations attached to this word, and they start to see through the strategy of the great empires to colonize the weak and oppress them, and they are calling them out in 2021. Therefore, when the cyberattack happened, and the name of the pipeline company started to make headlines, Americans were not really happy with it.
But, let’s just forget about the name of the company for a while for argument’s sake and have a look at the logo of the company. The logo of the company is its initials “CP” within a cross-sectional view of the pipeline. Given the logo trends in the sixties, it is a pretty clean and clever logo. However, if you see it now, you’ll find it strangely odd and outdated. On the contrary, different companies that had direct customer dealing or are directly relevant with the life of consumers made a lot of effort in improving their logos through their branding campaigns like that of Coca-Cola and General Electric.
So, the real question is why “Colonial Pipeline” didn’t bother to invest in the branding of the company and work on its logo or name, for that matter, until it became a controversy? The answer is simple. The company was silently doing its work, and there was no direct relation of the consumer with the company in their everyday life. Therefore, they never really cared about the need for time and changing their name or logo according to modern standards. It is safe to say that if they had to deal directly with their consumers or if they had a direct customer base, they would have changed it for good a long time ago.
If the past few weeks have revealed anything about the company, it’s that it has failed to meet the modern standards, and it’s pretty outdated. Had it been the center of the public eye, they would have worked on its name and logo and took the branding of the company more seriously.
So, if this cyberattack revealed one thing, its that the branding, especially the name and the logo of company holds a significant importance that is quite often overshadowed by window dressings.
Therefore, from now on, let’s not forget that name and the logo of any brand is the biggest representative of nature and ideology that a company represents. Let this crisis be a lesson for all of us, and may we always be able to stand on the right side of history.
This article was penned by Jonathan P. Wright. Jonathan is a freelance writer for multiple mainstream publications and CVO of RADIOPUSHERS. You can read more of his work by clicking here.
by Derrick T Lewis | May 31, 2021 | Black Girl Magic, Business News, Latest |
The Everything legendary founders went into the shark tank with their plant-based meat products and came out with a $300,000 deal and a nationwide deal with Target. Beginning May 15th, 2021, this black-owned and operated producer of plant-based meat will be available across 13 different states at 310 Target locations.
Everything legendary released an Instagram post alerting followers of the deal with Target. In their post, the plant-based meat brand announced the 13 states that would carry their products. They also mentioned that they’re working hard to expand to additional stores, but it’s all up to the demand they receive in the first 310 stores.
Though demand for their product doesn’t seem to be an issue for Everything legendary, according to Brie Boswell, some shipments will sell out in a matter of days, all because people love the burgers so much.
The three founders, Jumoke Jackson, Duane “Myko” Cheers, and Danita Claytor, pitched their vegan brand to the sharks during the 12th season of Shark Tank. The trio finalized a deal with Mark Cuban for $300,000 in exchange for 22% of the company.
Everything legendary is taking advantage of this vegan movement by showcasing a delicious and healthy product. Co-founder Duane has shown so much confidence in their product that he believes Everything legendary has the best tasting vegan product on the market right now.
Now, this black-owned meat brand has the chance to extend to thousands of households. Everything legendary has already shown success due to their exposure on Shark Tank, as they generated $250,000 in revenue within 24 hours of being featured on Shark Tank. Now thanks to Shark Tank and their national Target deal, Everything Legendary will be available to many more people throughout the United States.
This article was penned by Jonathan P. Wright. Jonathan is a freelance writer for multiple mainstream publications and CVO of RADIOPUSHERS. You can read more of his work by clicking here.
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