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WNBA newcomers are ready to elevate women’s basketball

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Kayla Grant theGrio.com

From Angel Reese to Rickea Jackson, 2024 WNBA Rookies talk to theGrio about reaching recent heights in basketball and more.

If this era in sports proves anything, it’s that the essential event is women’s basketball.

This 12 months’s NCAA Championship Game between the South Carolina Gamecocks and Iowa Hawkeyes drew the biggest audience in women’s college basketball history and have become the most-watched college basketball game since 2019. peaking at 24.1 million viewers. The women’s match significantly outperformed the lads’s championship match between the University of Connecticut and Purdue, which drew 14.8 million viewers. Then, Monday night’s WNBA Draft became the most-watched WNBA event on ESPN platforms, attracting 3.09 million viewers who couldn’t wait to see where their favorite players would begin their skilled careers.

“We are witnessing a moment of transformation in sports,” WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said during a news conference Monday evening. “Women’s basketball is not a passing fad. We have been steadily building this momentum for years and we are ready for what comes next.”

The newest generation of athletes in women’s sports is raising the bar and experiencing a large number of extraordinary and unprecedented opportunities. Engelbert noted that women’s basketball, especially among the many 2024 draft class, is on the forefront of change within the industry. In addition to enormous talent, each player brings undying love and keenness to the sport. Inspired by the legendary players who got here before them like Lisa Leslie, Sheryl Swoopes, Candace Parker and coach-turned-champion Dawn Staley, the 2024 draft class is breaking glass ceilings after glass and taking every opportunity available to showcase the abilities they convey to the table – each each on and off the court.

In addition to their undeniable talent, these young women’s presence off the sphere brings a brand new level of recognition to the world of women’s sports. With the introduction of NIL (name, image and likeness) contracts, players are leveraging their unique personalities to attract a brand new fan base for women’s basketball – and this long-awaited opportunity shouldn’t be one to be taken calmly. According to former UConn player Aaliyah Edwards, who spoke to theGrio after announcing she would join the Washington Mystics next season, it is a moment ripe for “humanizing the basketball player” off the court.

Already blazing a trail of celebrity endorsements, “Bayou Barbie” Angel Reese, who raised the bar for NIL deals after announcing her departure from LSU within the semifinals to join the Chicago Sky. It has secured 17 sponsorship deals for the 2022-2023 WNBA season, including partnerships with Amazon, Raising Cane’s, McDonald’s and Coach. With each collaboration, Reese gained a brand new audience, showing not only WNBA fans however the world that there was more to her than simply basketball. As Grio said in the course of the 2024 WNBA Draft, she understands the facility behind each deal and says there is not any likelihood she’ll stop anytime soon.

“(NIL deals) bring more commitment to the game,” Reese said after falling from the head of being drafted to the Chicago Sky. “This class is historic and I think we can all continue to do so. The offers don’t end there, and we will be on the big screens. We will be in commercials that everyone can see.”

In addition to showing how influential and essential such deals may be in advancing an athlete’s profession, Reese’s success highlights the opportunities available to a lot of her WNBA teammates who try to subsidize salaries that are still a small fraction of those offered to even the lowest-ranking players. – Paid male players within the NBA.

In the 2022-2023 season, WNBA players received them average annual salary amounting to $116,580, and the highest-earning players will receive $242,000. By comparison, NBA players earned a median salary of greater than $10 million. Women in sports have been advocating for equal pay and recognition for many years, and the present generation of athletes are continuing that fight. Speaking with theGrio, the overwhelming desire of the category of 2024 is expansion and equality in basketball.

“I want everything we deserve,” said Rickea Jackson, newly drafted to the LA Sparks from the University of Tennessee, referring to the charter flights, big TV deals and nationally televised games that are standard within the NBA. “I feel like we just deserve all of this. This class in particular really takes it up a notch and raises the bar.”

As newcomers to a 27-year-old league, in addition they have an enormous burden on their shoulders. Balancing this recent chapter and advocacy responsibilities with continued agility and respect for many who paved the way in which isn’t any easy task. It’s a balancing act that the majority women know all too well. But if this 12 months’s class can learn anything from other groundbreaking women in sports, like gymnast Gabby Douglas and tennis star Naomi Osaka, it is the importance of prioritizing mental health and well-being.

This draft class has shown a surprisingly clear mental game, which it also plays. Before the draft, Reese made headlines when she revealed the mental toll of being often called a fierce competitor. In an interview with theGrio, Reese noted that she uses journaling and the support of other professionals to get through difficult times.

Similarly, Celeste Taylor, the fifteenth overall pick within the draft who’s currently headed to Indiana Fevers, told the Grio that she all the time keeps her Bible handy to stay grounded in any respect times. In addition to her mutual support and shut connection to her faith, Jackson told the Grio that when she needs extra strength, she relies on her boyfriend and her two fashionably named dogs, Chanel and Fendi.

“The women in the W(NBA) are absolutely the strongest women,” said Charisma Osborne, reflecting on her journey into the league. “Sometimes there’s a lot of adversity and seeing how far this game has grown, I’m very excited to be a part of it.”

The ultimate goal for each player on this 12 months’s draft class is similar: growing the WNBA. During their rookie seasons, each draftee hopes to proceed to raise the extent of play for future generations. As Commissioner Engelbert stated, this renewed excitement and interest within the WNBA will last “more than a while.” Her sentiments echo within the hearts and minds of each player, they usually are ready to rise to the occasion.

“(I want to) continue to make people see us and notice us and know that we are more than just basketball players,” Taylor told the Grio. “It will take some time. If you invest in us, we will repay you tenfold.”


Kayla Grant is a multimedia journalist whose work may be found on Business Insider, Shondaland, Oz Magazine, Prism, Rolling Out, and more. He writes about cultural, book and entertainment news. Follow her on Twitter: @TheKaylaGrant

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An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit

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Lauren Sánchez has apparently gained a popularity for her fashion hits and misses as social media users began following her every move.

Billionaire Jeff Bezos’ current fiancée stepped into the highlight long before she met the Amazon co-founder, after years spent as co-host of “Good Day LA,” a reporter for “Extra” and host of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and he even starred in a number of movies like “Ted 2.”

She faced criticism for posting a sultry selfie in November in a negligee-inspired gown by designer Laura Basca. In October, the 54-year-old again faced backlash when she showed off her latex Halloween costume as Catwoman.

Now, weeks after being deemed “cheap” and tasteless, the founder of Black Ops Aviation has turn out to be a subject of discussion.

Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez shows off a “winter white” look, weeks after critics slammed her busty latex outfit. (Photos: @laurenwsanchez/Instagram, Theimagedirect.com via Page Six)

On December 5, Sánchez and the business mogul attended The New York Times’ DealBook event in New York City. For the occasion, she wore a white Alexander McQueen suit and a white lace corset. The beaming bride-to-be sent two mirror selfies of her outfit, which she signed: “winter white.”

One follower particularly was stunned by the whole look he ejaculated that she was “very attractive and beautiful, gorgeous and stunning, charming and fantastic young lady, sexy, charming, charming and elegant” in the photos that Sánchez took.

Two other people swooned over the photos and wrote: “So chic and elegant!” and “You look great.” But as you would possibly expect from online viewers, not everyone was impressed.

When Page six published paparazzi photos from the trip, the critic commented: “It’s 30 degrees in New York and she gets out of the limo in a white Miami smock, her bra visible to everyone. No taste. Nothing. A cashmere turtleneck, flannel trousers and a wool jacket can be classy.

Someone else sharply asked: “Who can be the first to tell her that she looks tacky and not elegant and refined? Does she even know what sophistication means? A 3rd person noted: “She looks more like she’s wearing a bathrobe.”

Another person wrote in a comment from a licensed pilot: “White means…” possibly referring to rumors that Sánchez and Bezos are scheduled to exchange vows over Christmas. At least one person doubted the couple would have the opportunity to say “I do.” This person said: “This will be the longest engagement ever. They will NEVER get married and we all know why!!!!”

Sánchez told the “Today” show hosts that she was in the process of planning the big day last month. She didn’t comment on speculation about exchanging Christmas vows.

Renewed interest and scrutiny of Sánchez has increased as the pair have been spotted in various locations in recent months. The couple reportedly began dating in 2018. Their engagement was announced five years later, in May 2023. Their upcoming wedding can be a second journey for each of them.

Sánchez was previously married to celebrity agent Patric Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She can be the mother of a son, whom she shares with Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. Bezos was married to the mother of his three children, Mackenzie Scott, for 25 years once they divorced in 2019.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape

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India Shawn is a contemporary muse with a chilled nature, crafting love stories and heartfelt tales in smooth, charming songs. With over a decade of experience in the music industry as a singer-songwriter, Shawn has incredible strength. She was born in Los Angeles, and her musical roots reach throughout the country. Beginning her profession in her hometown, Shawn eventually found herself in Atlanta, where she immersed herself in the city’s deep-rooted R&B scene, further shaping her artistry.

“I transferred to ATL, I was in 10th grade, and that’s when my music journey really started,” Shawn told Andscape. “I met people who were trying to get by, so I ended up recording and learned what songwriting was really early on.”

Before releasing her debut EP in 2012, Shawn wrote songs and collaborated with artists similar to Chris Brown, El DeBarge, Keri Hilson and Monica. In 2013, she gained much more notoriety when Solange Knowles published her song “I’m Alive” on the Saint Heron compilationmarking her as an artist value watching.

Following the release of the single “There Must Be a God” from the Andscape soundtrack, she caught up with Shawn to learn more about the muse behind the vibes.


Singer India Shawn grew up singing in church with her family. “I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” she said.

India Shawn

Name:
India Shawn

Hometown:

Los Angeles

Artistic soundscape

Airy, soft, telling a story, multidimensional, soft, mysterious, atmospheric

The oldest musical memory

Shawn’s soulful sound is deeply rooted in her upbringing, with influences drawn from her childhood memories and the musical culture of her church. “I sing with my sister all the time, and I also grew up singing behind my mom in church. She was the leader of praise and worship. So I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” Shawn said. “I had these little solos in church, and I believe what made me consider in it was that after the service people got here as much as me with tears of their eyes and said, ‘You really moved me while you sang.’ “These early moments of connection with music and audiences laid the foundation for conveying depth and sensitivity through her music.

Influences

For Shawn, music, especially R&B, has all the time held a special place in her life. “Me and my sister are harmonizing in the living room, just picking some of our favorite songs, including for me Mariah Carey, Babyface, Boyz II Men and (and) Brandy,” she said of her early music memories.

Creative process

Shawn often draws inspiration from real-life experiences and relationships that influence her music. She weaves this into the authenticity and atmosphere of her songs, but she didn’t immediately recognize where her inspiration got here from. “It’s funny that it took me so long to make that connection, but I realized that I was telling my whole story and presenting my business through my music,” she said. “It took me two albums to realize, wait a minute, I’m giving people a lot to understand here… these aren’t just songs. This is truly the life I live.”

Challenges and development

As Shawn’s profession grows, so do his moments of appreciation and reflection. “I literally just thought about a very gradual progression of my career. It’s like step by step, but there are more breakthrough moments. My first tour, which was so beautiful, I just knew I could pack a room and people knew my lyrics and sang my songs to me. Those moments that make the waiting not in vain.”

Shawn has plenty of recommendation for up-and-coming singer-songwriters. Her biggest sacrifice? Collaboration is essential. “I think (cooperation) is really why I’m still here. So find your people… you’ll know when it feels right, you’ll have that freedom and fluidity, and you’ll be able to really create things and create without having to think too much.” He also shares the importance of patience. “Just be patient during the journey. This has been a theme throughout my profession. Let it develop. I feel like more things come from being in that flow and being present reasonably than forcing all of it.

Current project

There should be a God”, the lead single from Andscape , now streaming on Hulu, also serves as a teaser for Shawn’s solo album. “(This song) is such a manifestation of God’s love,” she said. “I think when you find yourself in a place of waiting, you can feel very hopeless. So when you see glimpses of God’s love again, or the fact that you know there is a higher power, there is a source that is thinking about you, has you in mind, has a perfect plan for you, it’s just like the clouds parting. And this is the moment, I understand. I understand that I had to go through all this to get here. And that’s exactly what I felt in the studio that day.”

Sheila Matthews is a digital producer at Andscape and a proud HBCU graduate. She believes “Return of the Mack” must have won a Grammy, and her Twitter mentions are open to all debate.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence

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With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is anticipated to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.

Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.

From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.

In case you missed it, take a take a look at 17 of the very best celebrity beauty moments from the week below.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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