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Black Hollywood Brunch with TikTok’s Visionary Voices

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Black creators on TikTok are setting trends. If you are not familiar with the never-ending saga of Reesa Teesa’s marital woes or “the twin you were in?” viral videos or learn the importance of getting a martini in your hand, get acquainted quickly. TikTok has noticed how influential and precious Black creators are to their platform, so that they decided to acknowledge their many contributions with a brunch. On Sunday, February 25, TikTok hosted them 2024 Visionary Voices of Black Hollywood Brunch on the elegant Hotel Bel-Air honoring visionary Black creators and cultural changemakers in media and entertainment. Hosted by TikTok Shavone CharlesGlobal Director of Diversity and Inclusion Communications and Alex Girma, #BlackTikTok Community Manager, the brunch celebrated industry disruptors, creators, decision-makers and allies who’re influencing and amplifying Black voices within the entertainment industry. The TikTok platform is thought for generating excitement across industries by promoting Black voices – as its visionary #BlackTikTok community continues to raise Black creativity and influence the industry on TikTok and beyond. This Black History Month and all year long, they selected to rejoice the greatness of #BlackTikTok by amplifying the culture-defining influence of their community of Black creators.

We were joined by black creators and voices from the world of entertainment, including: Olly Sholotan, Jackie Always, LaLa MilanKaren Civil, Andrzej OkekDeAndre Brown and this yr’s #BlackTikTok Visionary Voices winners, including: Jordan Howlett, LU KALA, Daven Gatesincluding our own ESSENCE Ventures, Chief Revenue Officer, Pauline Malcolm-Thornton.

Black Hollywood Brunch with TikTok's Visionary Voices
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25: Shavone Charles and Pauline Malcolm-Thornton attend TikTok’s Visionary Voices Black Hollywood Brunch on February 25, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for TikTok)

In addition to the attractive scenery and atmosphere, participants hung out together having fun with delicious food, snacks, craft cocktails, experiential installations, a TikTok #ShopBlack experience with Topics, Pat McGrath Laboratories, Ami Cole, FORVR Mood and a wellness pop-up with Nike. The event also featured content capture moments, style portraits from Getty and BFA, and music by Hot DJin addition to an enticing discussion on the impact of the #BlackTikTok community moderated by TikTok Alex Girma and guest stars from ours #BlackTikTok Visionary Voices List 2024 (including Jordan Howlett, LU KALA AND Daven Gates). The panel highlighted the importance of the TikTok platform for creators who use it to grow their personal and skilled brands into profitable businesses. After the panel, we caught up with Girma to listen to her thoughts on the Visionary Voices winners and what’s next for Black creators using the platform. “We want to make sure Black creators feel heard, seen and appreciated. The contribution they make to TikTok is invaluable. Black creators are the ones who started all the trends and dictate what’s hot, so we really wanted to create a space that amplified them so that everyone could see all the work they do every day. This is where Visionary Voices came from, amplifying Black voices in media and entertainment,” she told ESSENCE.

Black Hollywood Brunch with TikTok's Visionary Voices
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25: A view of the atmosphere through the TikTok Visionary Voices Black Hollywood Brunch on February 25, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for TikTok)

TikTok also knows the facility of content ownership and potential economic freedom, especially for Black creators. “TikTok has been amazing for these Black creators because they’ve been in a position to leverage the fan base and community they found on our platform to begin their very own businesses; for instance, Jordan Thee Stallion was just talking on a panel that he had a quick food secrets business stemming from his previous experience within the food industry; Daven Gates also released two cookbooks on his TikTok, Girma said.

Black Hollywood Brunch with TikTok's Visionary Voices
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25: Alexzi Girma and Shavone Charles attend the TikTok Visionary Voices Black Hollywood Brunch on February 25, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for TikTok)

Karen Civil, a well known businesswoman, social media influencer and TikTok user chimed in: “It’s refreshing to see how TikTok is prioritizing Black creators, empowering them in a way that also ensures they will generate financial income for themselves. I confer with FUBU because I feel prefer it’s for us and by us.

What TikTok understands so well is the worth and originality of its Black creators’ content, which ultimately results in virality and trends sweeping the Internet, contributing to a serious cultural renaissance. Shavone Charles, global communications director for diversity and inclusion at TikTok and a cultural connoisseur, spoke concerning the importance of constant to incorporate Black voices within the digital ecosystem to make a cultural impact. “I mainly feel like we’re experiencing a renaissance of Black creativity and creators, pushing boundaries. “Every time it becomes clear that we are the ecosystem and the pulse of what’s next, what’s cool, what is and what will be,” she said.

For Black creators, they consider that the TikTok platform helps amplify their brands and positively change their lives, but in addition they consider that events just like the Visionary Voices brunch help construct community and connections with like-minded people. “I feel very happy to be here. The amount of talent in this one room is wonderful. It’s almost overwhelming and that’s great. Everyone has a radiant and brilliant personality, so I feel truly honored,” said Jordan Howlett, the 2024 TikTok industry disruptor.

He continued: “Everyone here is a walking, talking example of possibility. It’s incredibly important to hold events like this so people can see what’s possible.”


This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Tia Mowry’s Shocking Feud With Sister Tamera Revealed as Fans Blame Newly Single Twin for Petty Dispute

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As actress and now Tik Tok star Tia Mowry prepares to launch her recent reality show, Tia Mowry: My Next Act , fans are getting a peek right into a side of her life that has been largely hidden from the general public eye: her strained relationship together with her sister, Tamera Mowry-Housley.

The famous twins, who rose to fame together on the hit ’90s sitcom Sister, Sister, aren’t any longer as close as they once were, something Tia opens up about within the series premiere.

In a small preview common On Entertainment Tonight, Tia opens up concerning the emotional impact of her divorce from actor Cory Hardrick and the isolation she feels not only as a single mother, but in addition as someone who is not any longer near her sister.

Actress Tia Mowry surprised her fans by revealing that she is not any longer near her twin sister, Tamera Mowry. (Photo: @tiamowry/ Instagram)

“The hardest part of my divorce is when I feel like, and I wish, that my sister and I were still close, and that I could, you know, pick up the phone and call her,” Tia says in a confessional. “But that’s not where we are right now.”

The moment caused a stir amongst fans online.

“She’s a terrible twin,” one viewer shared Facebook.

“Did she also divorce her twin sister?” another person asked.

Another follower wrote: “It’s funny how Tia is clearly trying to bring up her sister. However, when she broke up with her ex and they asked Tamera about Tia, she was honest and said, “I stand by my sister’s decision,” maybe Tia should do the same.”

“I know a lot of black Twitter users hate Tamera because of her husband, but I really think the reason they’re apart is because of Tia,” one X user wrote. he wrote“Tia seems to be at a weird point in her life… and I imagine those closest to her wouldn’t like this new version of her she’s trying to show the world.”

But not all fans were surprised. Some viewers who’ve followed the Mowry twins’ careers noted that the gap between them had been evident for years.

“I remember Tia and Tamera’s reality show from years ago and even then their relationship seemed strained and one-sided,” a fan wrote on Instagram. “They always seemed like they were at odds with each other for some reason.”

Another person noted: “It’s been like this for a long time. She wasn’t even Tamera’s maid of honor.”

X fans also joined the discussion, often referencing moments from the sisters’ 2011 reality show Tia and Tamera as clues to what could occur.

“NO disrespect to Tia, if you watched her and Tamera’s show back then she wasn’t the nicest to Tamera…so it’s not shocking that they aren’t close. Even being family you can’t expect to treat people a certain way and still have the privilege of being close to them,” he tweeted user X

“Tamera has never been publicly mean to Tia. She loves her all the time. Tia on the other hand has been picking on Tamera on their reality show, she’s been acting blind to the public negativity towards Tamera, and now she’s saying it knowing it’ll only lead to more negativity. Tia is the problem,” one other as well as.

In October 2020, Tamera revealed that she had not seen her sister in six months, citing the gap between Napa and Los Angeles and COVID-19 distancing as major aspects.

Tamera made a subtle reference to the conflict between her and her sister earlier this yr.

During the forty ninth Annual Gracie Awards on May 23, 2024, Tamera was asked about the potential for playing a matchmaker for Tia on her recent reality show, an issue that was quickly shut down.

“You see, the thing is, Tia’s living her life now, and Tia’s doing Tia. I feel like she doesn’t want any of our input right now, and I can only respect that,” Tamera told the reporter.

When asked if she would seem on “Tia Mowry: My Next Act,” Tamera seemed surprised by the suggestion.

“I didn’t know until the rest of the world found out. She didn’t ask me. She didn’t ask, so I’m taking that as a no,” Tamera said, indicating the gap between them.

For Tia, the series marks a brand new chapter in her life, where she is finally on her own after spending most of her life in relationships — first as a twin after which as a wife. She was with Hardrict for 22 years before they split. The divorce was announced in 2022, and now, for the primary time, Tia is coping with life without her spouse by her side.

The series also addressed Tia’s public relationship together with her ex-husband, with a very awkward moment occurring on the red carpet on the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards on March 7, 2024, when Tia and Cory unexpectedly collided.

Footage from the meeting shows the “Twitches” star, who had previously walked the carpet with Tamera, awkwardly embracing Cory. Initially laughing, Tia hesitated before putting her arm round her, and Cory placed one hand on her shoulder and the opposite in the midst of her back.

The moment went viral, with headlines speculating concerning the state of their relationship post-divorce. On the show, Tia addresses the media frenzy.

“I saw the headlines,” she says. “It was blown out of proportion. It was the first time we’d seen each other on the red carpet since the divorce.”

He explains that the entire incident was just a clumsy situation at an event.

“It’s an event where women are celebrated and honored,” Tia says. “I’ve never been to one of these events. I go to them almost every year. It was so over the top.”

Despite their divorce, the “Baggage Claim” actor and Cory have maintained a cordial relationship publicly. Tia’s decision to share her journey after leaving her marriage and starting over has charmed fans, lots of whom are desirous to see her re-enter the dating world.

While the series guarantees to delve into Tia’s personal and skilled life, fans are undoubtedly hoping it can also make clear her relationship with Tamera. While the older twin hasn’t been advertised as a part of the series, viewers are hopeful of a reconciliation, especially because the series features Tia’s children and friends, but not her sister.

As the premiere of Tia Mowry: My Next Act quickly approaches, fans are preparing for an intimate take a look at Tia’s life after divorce and maybe a deeper understanding of the dual sisters’ complicated relationship.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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5 Questions for Jocko Sims

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Hulu’s newest series, How to Die Alone , is the proper mix of comedy with little gems of life lessons hidden in between. Series creator Natasha Rothwell, best known for her role as Kelly on HBO’s Insecure , is an executive producer and co-showrunner who writes and stars within the series.

How to die alone” follows Mel (Rothwell), “a paid-off, fat, black JFK airport employee who’s never been in love and forgotten how to dream until a chance encounter with death catapults her on a journey to finally take flight and start living life by any means possible.” Actor Jocko Sims, who plays Alex, Mel’s boss and ex, stopped by theGrio for our latest “5 Questions” series to debate the brand new show, what it was like working with Rothwell, what drew him to the project, and more.

Sims says Rothwell and the indisputable fact that the show is a comedy drew him to the project. “I’m just grateful to Natasha for giving me that opportunity, you know, for helping me believe in myself after years of not being able to do it. I wanted to do it. It’s a dream come true. I’m 43. So thank you, Natasha,” the actor says.

Six episodes of (*5*) are actually available on Hulu. Watch the complete interview above and head to theGrio.com for more “5 Questions.”

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Maury Povich’s shocking double life of numerous affairs and sex parties revealed after publication of his wife Connie Chung’s memoir

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Former talk show host Maury Povich and former news anchor Connie Chung have remained married for 40 years. (Photo: @TheMAURYShow/X)

Connie Chung’s latest memoir hit stores on September 17. While the celebrity host was promoting her book, “Connie,” rumors about her marriage to speak show host Maury Povich resurfaced.

Maury Povich, 85, married Connie Chung, 78, in December 1984. The couple has one son, Matthew Jay Povich. Unconfirmed allegations of infidelity have plagued the couple for nearly 20 years.

In 2006, a producer of The Maury Povich Show filed a $100 million sexual harassment lawsuit against the show’s host and other staff members. Bianca Nardi alleged that Povich had a sexual relationship with one other producer, Donna Benner Ingber.

Former talk show host Maury Povich and former news anchor Connie Chung have been married for 40 years. (Photo: @TheMAURYShow/X)
Former talk show host Maury Povich and former news anchor Connie Chung have been married for 40 years. (Photo: @TheMAURYShow/X)

Povich was 20 years older than Ingber. Nardi said the alleged extramarital affair fueled a hostile work environment that included sexual remarks, pornographic videos and parties known to “invite open and familiar sexual activity,” in line with Online radar.

“We do not believe that Ms. Nardi was a victim of unlawful sexual harassment and we intend to vigorously defend this lawsuit,” an NBC spokeswoman said. Rebecca Marks said on the time. The judge ultimately ruled that Nardi’s lawsuit needs to be dismissed decided in closed-door arbitration.

Reports claimed that Connie Chung was “humiliated” over the sexual harassment lawsuit. She was also reportedly upset that her personal life had grow to be a subject of public discussion and divorce was an option. However, the previous CBS Evening News anchor remained married to Povich.

“I did it backwards, but it turned out perfectly,” Chung quotes People in a September 2024 article. “First I forgot about the wedding, then I forgot about the baby. And so I ended up having a career — a long, flourishing career. And then I had a long, flourishing period to raise my son.”

Of the difficulties in her marriage to Povich, Chung said: “If we fight at night, he wants to make up before we go to bed. But when I wake up in the morning, I want to keep fighting. I’m not done yet.”

Connie Chung was born and raised in Washington, D.C. Her media profession began within the Seventies when she was a Washington correspondent for the CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite.

Maury Povich, a D.C. native, met his future wife in 1969 while they were each working at television station WTTG within the nation’s capital. Povich was a reporter, while Chung was what was then called a “copy girl” within the newsroom.

“Maury never paid any attention to me,” Chung explained in a May 2022 interview with CBS News. “I would rip the text off the typewriters and give it to him.”

Connie Chung and Maury Povich met again in 1977 in Los Angeles while working at CBS’s KNXT. They dated for seven years before officially marrying in 1984.

Povich returned to the East Coast to launch “The Maury Povich Show” in September 1991. The popular daytime talk show aired until September 2022. Chung has hosted news shows throughout her profession, including “Eye to Eye” for CBS and “20/20” for ABC.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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