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The documentary “Freaknik” tells the untold story of an Atlanta street party

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LOS ANGELES (AP) – If you have ever attended Atlanta’s wildest gathering called Freaknik, be careful: You may appear in a brand new Hulu documentary about the legendary street party that became popular because of folkloric tales of traffic jams, public nudity and highway debauchery.

Many of these photos will undoubtedly be featured in “Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told.” But the documentary doesn’t solely give attention to the hypersexual environment and public safety concerns surrounding the festival that began 4 many years ago. It also tells the story of how this iconic event began as an easy black college cookout that eventually attracted 1000’s of people from across the United States, defining Atlanta as the cradle of culture and music.

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“It’s more a question of culture. “This is the Atlanta version of ‘Beat Street,’” said Jermaine Dupri, who executive produced the project together with several others, including Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell and 21 Savage. The documentary premiered Tuesday night at SXSW in Austin, Texas. It will stream on Hulu on March 21.

Crowds of people crowd Marietta Street for Freaknik near the intersection of Peachtree Street in Atlanta on April 19, 1996. (Philip McCollum/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP, file)

“This is our story about our contribution to culture,” Dupri continued. “Through the music and the parties that happened during Freaknik. It’s much more than just people standing on top of cars and playing music outside.”

“Freaknik” will feature perspectives from Killer Mike, Jalen Rose, CeeLo Green, Rasheeda and Too $hort. The project features Freaknik founders Emma Horton, Amadi Boone, Monique Tolliver and Sharon Toomer, who discuss the origins of the festival and the name Freaknik – a mixture of picnic and freak. The inspiration for the song was the 1978 song “Le Freak” by R&B group Chic.

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Dupri initially questioned whether the documentary would focus solely on the sexual nature of the festival. But the music mogul believed otherwise after meeting with Swirl Films producers Jay Allen and Nikki Byles, who told him the documentary would give attention to the full story.

“We want people who haven’t experienced Freaknik to relive the good, the bad and the ugly,” Allen said. “The people who were there will be able to tell their stories and their truth.”

Dupri wants viewers to see how Freaknik has elevated Atlanta’s now thriving hip-hop music scene and helped it turn out to be a destination for Black entrepreneurship and empowerment. He heard criticism about the documentary “putting Black people backwards.” There were also reports that some women would take legal motion to dam the documentary’s release for fear of potential exposure in the flashback clips. It is unclear whether a lawsuit was ever filed.

“It’s all educational. For me personally, it is Black history,” said Dupri, who attended Freaknik. “For those who need that reassurance, I would never allow my name to be associated with anything that would take a shine to Atlanta or do anything that I felt would undo that culture.”

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Uncle Luke called these critics “hypocrites” for participating in Freaknik’s lewd activities, after which criticized this generation for admiring hip-hop artists corresponding to Cardi B, Ice Spice and Sexyy Red, who’re known for his or her suggestive performances.

“They’ll get a taste of their own medicine,” said Luke, who was considered the godfather of Freaknik for bringing his provocative nature to the festival. The footage was mostly crowdsourced, with some of his VHS tapes converted to digital format.

Byles secured other recordings by reaching out on social media and knocking on the doors of former Freaknik participants, who passed on what they were comfortable communicating.

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“It’s easy to point fingers at someone else’s children and say they’re living the life they actually lived as parents,” said Uncle Luke. “I wanted to show this perspective. But there’s also this great myth about Freaknik. Many people on the West Coast have heard about it. Some people have heard these stories. It was this story that was never really told. We wanted to tell this story of where it really came from.”

Overall views of the atmosphere at Freaknik21 – Celebrating Savage’s twenty first Birthday at Underground Atlanta on October 23, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo: Prince Williams/Wireimage)

Freaknik was an extensive street party throughout Atlanta from 1983 to 1999. The three-day event, held in April, was organized by black students (Morehouse and Spelman colleges) from the DC Metro Club who were stuck on campus during spring break and decided to assemble in a park to beat the boredom with boom boxes, coolers, and food.

Over the years, Freaknik has turn out to be a grassroots spring break destination, attracting roughly 250,000 partygoers from across the country. The event was so massive that it spread throughout the city center and concrete areas.

However, as Freaknik’s popularity grew, the uncontrollable crowds brought so much of problems. By the mid-Nineteen Nineties, the fun-filled event turned unruly and eventually faded into oblivion after sporadic looting, massive traffic jams, and lewd activities. City authorities shut down the event after tensions continued to escalate between festival-goers, law enforcement and native residents.

Toomer, one of the original organizers, stated that she was impressed by the way the documentary presented the full history of Freaknik. Toomer is upset that the festival has ended, but she hopes that viewers will understand the true essence of their work.

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“I think people will have that moment of, ‘I didn’t know that,’ and they will kind of appreciate it,” she said. “I’m excited about it. It was truly – in its best and worst years – a special event. Over the years, having to start a conversation with a word has been frustrating, unlike the experience that so many young black people have had.”

Director P. Frank Williams said the documentary shows the convergence of politics, media, music and culture. He said that it will also affect those that tried to resurrect Freaknik, but to no avail.

“I know people on the Internet and they’re all looking for candy, fun, girls, turnout and cars,” Williams said. “We gave it to you in case you watch the video. But there are also vegetables, which is black culture. Black identity. I’m attempting to go against a system that was preparing for the (1996) Olympics and didn’t necessarily want these kids on the streets. It’s a much deeper story.

“Everyone is worried about their aunts and all these memes,” he said. “But I hope that when you watch, you will see that we did much more than just party.”

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This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Cécred to run in Ulta as the biggest parnerism in the store

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Cecred, Beyonce, hair care, products


Cécred, a care brand founded by Beyoncé, officially announced the upcoming premiere in Ulta. The edition means the largest partnership in the store to date.

For fans who want to try the singer’s hair line personally, Cécred will start selling its award -winning products in ulta stores throughout the country. According to Businesswire, the largest cosmetics seller in the country will store Collection in over 1,400 locations and online. Beyoncé also divided the news into her Instagram, using her own texts to announce a breakthrough partnership.

The message also appears during the anniversary of Cécred. Since the launch of Marek, she tried to revolutionize and unite care techniques. With Beyoncé’s famous childhood in her mother’s salon, the Cécreda Foundation collection introduced it bestsellers Products such as moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, rice ritual and rose protein and a treatment mask.

Buyers will even have the opportunity to buy popular drops of hair and edge. In addition, Cécred will participate in the first integration of the Ulty salon. Ulty styling facilities, available in all locations, will even promote Cécred products for purchasers by Offering a line during services.

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“Last year, we helped so many to establish a deeper connection with their hair, building a community that will redefine what a typical hair care brand looks like,” Beyoncé said, as reported by MSN.

“Our historical partnership with Ulta Beauty is a significant milestone in our journey consisting of transformation in transitions and salons throughout the country so that everyone can experience.”

Exclusive partnership in Ulta will even be equipped with branded elements implemented throughout the store. Thanks to life displays and non -standard devices, the takeover of Cécred will involve fans and avid buyers. Marketing implementation will even emphasize the brand’s patent bottles.

“It will be very visible, at the front and central devices and strengthening of bottles,” also the general director of ulty, Kecia Steelman. “We intend to strengthen it in a way that we have never done before in our showrooms. It will be a total 360 degree approach. “

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Cécred has develop into a growing name for salon quality products that provides results for healthier hair of all textures. Thanks to their mission, also raising the spirits of entrepreneurs, Cécred is geared toward expanding its reach by Ulta when he begins the next chapter.

(Tagstranslate) black haircare brands

This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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Serayah and Joey investigates $$ they celebrated V-Day in this SC Seaside Escape

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Thanks to the kindness of Serayah

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A few celebrity Serayah and Joey investigates $$ celebrated their Valentine’s Day with an escape in an unexpected place – Folly Beach, Karolina South.

A pair who’ve so much to have a good time, including a baby on the way in which, flew to an exclusive And I maniors beachThree -story coastal sanctuary with Whitaker Group, founded by James Whitner.

Serayah and Joey investigates $$ celebrated Valentine's Day at this coastal escape in southern Carolina
Courtesy has manére beach

They enjoyed the day of affection and loneliness after the hard -working New York Fashion Week, in which Serayah shared the news that she was pregnant during an epic walking on the catwalk for the Lingerie brand love me.

“It seems so surreal; Every day I am amazed at what my body is capable of – Essence said only before Valentine’s holidays. “I’m very excited that I can start this latest chapter in my life and I am unable to wait for all of the adventures which are related to this.”

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Serayah and Joey investigates $$ celebrated Valentine's Day at this coastal escape in southern Carolina
Courtesy has manére beach

During their stay in Haven, the couple enjoyed a walk on the beach (including putting J+S = ❤️ on the sand), pair yoga, perfume classes, delicious dining room and amazing views. They made available some paintings from the time to Instagram real estate with the signature “Where Live Lives”.

The three -sleeping, three -way beach center is the subsequent chapter for the Whitaker Group, behind the favored fashion and footwear boutique, and way more. It can be an art gallery full of the works of Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kaws, Hebru Brantley and many other talented creations.

Serayah and Joey investigates $$ celebrated Valentine's Day at this coastal escape in southern Carolina
Courtesy has manére beach

The spot on the beach can be a physical statement, from a arresting shade, which staines the outer surface among the many joyful beach in the realm, to the proven fact that they welcome people in a spot where black people couldn’t access in the past in the south of Karolina. As Whitner said in a press release about real estate in 2024: “We are involved in creating space in which members of the black and brown community can accept luxury on their own conditions, and the concept A has manière beach is a testimony to this unwavering commitment. “

Serayah and Joey investigates $$ celebrated Valentine's Day at this coastal escape in southern Carolina

“It’s more than a destination; He embodies strengthening and inclusion, “he added. “When choosing Folly Beach, a place with the history of exclusion, we not only rewrite the narrative, but also recover it.”

This is what makes it a perfect place to flee for Joey and Serayah.

Serayah and Joey investigates $$ celebrated Valentine's Day at this coastal escape in southern Carolina
Courtesy has manére beach

By offering a spot for retreats and events, the beach has a manére is a bit wrapped in a surprising place. The group also has maniére living in DC, a hotel that’s an extension of their streetwear boutique. Other retail locations Maniére are in Atlanta and Houston.

Serayah and Joey investigates $$ celebrated Valentine's Day at this coastal escape in southern Carolina
Courtesy has manére beach

As for a pair, they have been together since 2023. This shall be Joey’s second child and their first together. “We are both in love with the idea of ​​expanding our family together,” she told us earlier. “It’s a blessing to be able to share these moments and be in harmony about all this.”

Serayah and Joey investigates $$ celebrated Valentine's Day in this coastal escape in southern Carolina
Courtesy has manére beach

Check out a couple of photos have Manére Beach and their time together. Learn more concerning the hotel jewel a-ma-aniere.com.

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This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Lebron James has another shocking profession with a stadium worker, but this time everything went differently

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NBA All-Star Lebron James reunites with a woman in Oregon that he bumped into during a game in 2019. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

NBA Superstar Lebron James never forgets. Regardless of whether this is a key game, a former opponent, or – apparently – a court waitress five years ago, the king’s memory is as sharp as his game.

During the nice and cozy -up before playing in Portland on Thursday, February 20, James noticed a familiar face – Katy Stevens, a court waitress with whom he by chance collided in a viral moment in 2019.

Without hesitation, the 4 -time NBA MVP ran and surprised her with a warm hug, reviving the connection, which for the primary time captured the hearts of fans years ago.

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At the initial moment, which took place in December 2019, James by chance collided with Stevens, sending flying drinks. However, as a substitute of going further, he stopped in the course of the sport to assist her, he checked her later, and even briefly went with her arm-rose show of humanity with superstar at the height of his power.

NBA All-Star Lebron James re-connects with a woman in Oregon, which he fell into during the game in 2019. (Photo of Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
NBA All-Star Lebron James re-connects with a woman in Oregon, which he fell into through the game in 2019. (Photo of Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

The 40-year-old still dominates within the league and proved that his memory is as elite as his game.

Despite the years that passed, he recognized Stevens and, like their first meeting, their meeting quickly became popular.

After dropping 40 points, eight rebounds and 4 assists in winning 110-102, he resonated the moment with fans when Hous common It’s with 52.3 million watching on Instagram.

“They have always released her … Union, which, she will call a weapon,” certainly one of the fans joked.

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“As many faces as he sees every game, it’s amazing, he remembered her and gave her some love,” wrote another admirer.

Compliments appeared: “Another in Bron”, “Legendine” and “Leremberseving”.

Some comments based on humorous.

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“I would never take a shower again,” I read one comment, and another speculated: “And I bet she got a colleague who hated Lol.”

Many saw interaction as another example of James’s incomparable character.

“How it looks when you know you will be successful, but you are still humble,” said one person.

Another added: “He will never understand how people hate this guy, a rare legend on the floor and outside.”

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One of the fans simply summed up: “That’s why he is a king.”

The fantastic thing about this congress is honest. NBA players often cross paths with the world staff, but rarely turns into a significant connection that lasts years.

Thinking concerning the original moment, James he said Athletics: “To be able to make someone’s moment. … it’s very, I don’t know, it’s just something that I can’t really explain. I think it’s just really cool. … In a sense, I got lost in words when you hear other people’s thoughts at such a moment. “

He added: “Just humiliated and I tell you as always. I never think that I can be in this position, play the game I play in, and inspire people I can inspire and make such moments. Even if in this case it comes from children or an adult. “

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NBA has modified since 2019 – only five players from the present Portland list were even within the league, when James and Stevens met for the primary time, and just one, Anfernee Simons, remains to be with Blazers.

Lebron James, with 21 NBA All-Star selections in his name and associated with Vinc Carter for the player from essentially the most seasons played within the history of the league, stays the premise.

But some things simply exceed basketball, and five years later each James and Stevens show that sometimes essentially the most significant moments in sport don’t occur on the pitch, they occur within the meantime.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjoz-vtwgiw

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(Tagstotransate) Lebron James

This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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