google-site-verification=cXrcMGa94PjI5BEhkIFIyc9eZiIwZzNJc4mTXSXtGRM Jurnee Smollett Opens Up About the Challenge of Raising Black Sons in America at the ‘We Grown Now’ Premiere - 360WISE MEDIA
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Jurnee Smollett Opens Up About the Challenge of Raising Black Sons in America at the ‘We Grown Now’ Premiere

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In the recent film, Jurnee Smollett plays a loving mother who lives in the Cabrini Green housing project in Chicago in the Nineties.

Smollett’s character, Dolores, raises her son Malik and daughter as their environment becomes more troubled, tormented by police brutality and gang violence. Dolores wants to take care of Malik’s innocence, but she also must protect him and teach him easy methods to be a young black boy in America. Smollett fully understands the challenge as the mother of Hunter’s 7-year-old son.

“I could relate to this struggle of raising a black son,” the actress tells TheGrio in an exclusive interview. “I would like you to have your freedom. I would like you to have your joy and I would like to guard that energy. But how can I make it easier to channel this energy? How not to interrupt your spirit? How are you able to not make yourself so obedient that you simply aren’t any longer a frontrunner?

“But how can I also tell you that you are a black boy in America. So I’m really still struggling with how do I calibrate this for my son? I want him to be fully himself. I want him to be brave and courageous. I want him to go out into the world, have no limits and not be afraid to fly. But also, you know, this conversation you have to have (about racism in this country).”

, written and directed by Minhal Baig, is a strong film that beautifully portrays this dichotomy through the eyes of two young boys. Malik (Blake Cameron James) and his hot-headed neighbor Eric (Gian Knight Ramirez) are best friends. Eric’s father, Jason, played by Lil Rel Howery, can also be tasked with protecting his son and staying out of trouble as social issues loom in the background. Jason is strict, but his love is just as strong.

Howery, a Chicago native, says the film reminded him of his own upbringing in the Windy City.

“I’m from Chicago, I was born and raised there, I remember that period and everything that happened,” Howery tells theGrio. “When Minhal and I had our first conversation, we were like, ‘Oh, you actually get it.’ Because sometimes I get slightly nervous when people attempt to tell Chicago stories, to be honest with you. This was just beautifully written and beautifully executed.

“I like the perspective of these two young men. We don’t see this sort of friendship amongst black boys. It was so innocent. Most of the guys I do know who watch this movie cry at the end since you forget how innocent these friendships were back then – especially since they were young black men.”

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Smollett grew up in Los Angeles, serving as a baby actor in movies comparable to , but he also remembers the tumultuous ’90s. He brought some of his childhood experiences during the 1992 Los Angeles riots to his character. The fear and uncertainty that accompanied her at that point helped her higher understand Malik’s feelings.

“I remember living in Los Angeles as a kid when the riots happened after Rodney King’s death,” Smollett says. “I remember my mom and dad sitting my oldest brother, Jojo (Smollett), because he had just gotten his driver’s license. I remember them telling him, “If you ever get pulled over, this is what you have to do.” You know, that’s the conversation. I remember perfectly. I think it was about 5, 6, 7 years old – I was young. But I will always remember it.”

Howery adds that it is a “crazy psychological game” that black parents “have to play” in terms of raising children in the US; but it surely shows this struggle with empathy and hope.

“I love the fact that this movie does it in a beautiful way,” Howery says. “It’s so beautiful. It helps me return to innocence.”

can now be seen in chosen cinemas.


This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Your guide to this month’s must-have releases – Andscape

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The sneaker culture machine never stops and even slows down. Whether it is a leaked image of an upcoming collaboration or the newest retro model, there’s all the time something for casual fans and sneaker enthusiasts to discuss. Rapper Travis Scott and Jordan Brand are back with one other big-name collaboration. Others are looking to make their mark with digital design studio-turned-digital moodboard JJJJound, launching collaborations with Reebok and Aimé Leon Dore founders Teddy Santis continuing his stellar run with New Balance. Fan-favorite retros just like the Air Jordan 4 and Nike KD 4 join the discharge schedule together with latest basketball models for San Antonio Spurs rookie center Victor Wembanyama and New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart to round out a month stuffed with releases.

Here are some noteworthy May publications.

Holding it Made within the USA

New Balance MiUSA 993 “Interstellar” is considered one of several models from the Season 5 collection by designer Teddy Santis.

A brand new balance

New Balance has made a reputation for itself as a collaborator brand. Between releases for Joe Freshgoods, Salehe Bembury and Action Bronson, New Balance has used a few of its more popular silhouettes to showcase materials and colours. The 993 “Made In USA” continues this trend as Santis delivers the Spring/Summer 2024 edition of its Season Five collection with New Balance.

The “Interstellar” colorway of the New Balance 993 features plush purple nubuck on the midsole mixed with shades of white to create the proper combination that even New Balance’s fiercest critic will praise. Between these and “Chives” color scheme.New Balance continues its good streak.

Release date: May 2

Retail price: $219.99


A classic gets a vintage treatment

The upcoming Nike Attack “Better with Age” uses a vintage look to match a contemporary wear style.

Social status

The Nike Attack has been one of the featured models in Nike’s lineup since its return in 2023. Whether it was a highly sought-after collaboration with Scott, three premieres Social statusor a each day rotation of essential colours, Nike has made it clear that it plans to make former tennis star John McEnroe’s signature shoes as striking as his playing style.

The “Better with Age” colorway looks to proceed to evolve while paying homage to the past. The distressed look with a mostly off-white upper and cracked blue leather shows that they will easily be identified with a pair McEnroe once owned.

Release date: May 3

Retail price: $135

The Jordan brand completes the OG Jordan 4 series

Air Jordan 4 “Industrial Blue” is a rather refreshed version of the unique colorway.

Mark Jordan

Jordan Brand has made it clear that the Air Jordan 4 can be getting its due in honor of its thirty fifth anniversary with the discharge of the Reimagined Playoff 4 during NBA All-Star Weekend. Adding to the shoe’s highlight is the long-awaited return of the “Industrial” colorway Blue”, a rather darker shade of blue than the unique “Military Blue”, but otherwise consistent with the unique specifications, including Nike Air branding on the heel.

Considering the last time we saw the “Military Blue” version was back in 2012, this is a must-have for enthusiasts and regular folks alike.

Release date: May 5

Retail sales price: $215


The NBA sneaker champion gets one other collaboration

LA Clippers forward PJ Tucker wears the Nike Air Flight ’89 Low PE during their game against the Denver Nuggets on April 4 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles.

Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images

PJ Tucker became famous because the undisputed king of NBA sneakers. Throughout his profession, Tucker had a knack for locating kicks that seemed out of reach. He even made his debut his teammates’ signature shoes before they did it. He’s back along with his third pair of shoes from the collaboration, following his own Nike Kobe 5 Protro PE (2020) i Converse Pro Leather High (2022).

Designed as an ode to his North Carolina roots and love of international travel, the PJ Tucker x Nike Air Flight ’89 Low includes a textured blue suede upper with a “Flight PJ 17” logo adorning the heel. The Flight ’89 model is a classic basketball silhouette once utilized by former NBA forward Scottie Pippen. Tucker’s Flight ’89 will add to the legacy, especially considering the one place you possibly can buy it’s at Tucker’s Boutique, A greater generation.

Release date: May 5

Retail price: $160

JJJJound x Reebok keep it easy and simple

The JJJJound x Reebok Club C ’85 is available in three neutral colorways, including a “Cork Suede” version.

JJJJound

Not every collaboration requires bells and whistles. There are times when less is more after which the JJJJound x Reebok Club C 85 suits perfectly into this rotation. The Montreal-based designer all the time opts for an understated approach, with little variation in materials and an emphasis on colours. The suede version of this Reebok classic is on the market in three options: “Cork Suede”, “White Suede” and “Light Gray Suede”.

Release date: May 9

Retail price: $150


Currently the longest serving womenthe signature basketball shoe is back

The Puma Stewie 3 “Dawn” features fiery colours and floral details that represent New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart’s family and journey.

Puma

With all of the discuss why no black WNBA players have a signature shoe, we should always keep in mind that Breanna Stewart is currently leading the pack as Puma prepares to release the third version of its signature kicks. With tonal shades of orange and pink that mimic an early sunrise, the Stewie 3’s “Dawn” colorway looks set to proceed the success of the previous two models.

Releasing the newest edition of Stewie’s signature line is smart as a brand new era of the WNBA begins this season.

Release date: May 14

Retail price: $125


Victor Wembanyama’s Nike PE brings to mind an extraterrestrial moniker

Victor Wembanyama’s Nike Zoom GT Hustle 2 PE “Alien” shoes are inspired by the San Antonio Spurs star’s out-of-this-world talent.

Nike

If there’s one word consistently used to describe Wembanyama, it’s “alien” since Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James gave him a label before the 2023 NBA draft (the nickname already existed much earlier, but more on that later). It’s a very good thing that his gamer-exclusive colorway of the Nike Zoom GT Hustle 2 has been released to the general public and he plays under the extraterrestrial moniker.

At first glance, the sneakers bring back memories Nike Foamposite “ParaNorman” website and shares key features comparable to a glow-in-the-dark sole and black and green color scheme. This edition of the GT Hustle 2 looks like a crossover built to be worn on and off the pitch.

Release date: May 15

Retail price: $170


The king of collaboration Jordana is back

The Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low “Elkins” takes its color scheme from Scott’s alma mater.

Mark Jordan

When it comes to Nike, Scott holds a number one position because the brand’s biggest artist collaboration. Scott recently released his latest model, Jumpman Jacek TRand is currently preparing for one more collaboration with Jordan 1.

This time, the Jordan 1 low clearly differs from other versions by way of color. The first few Jordan 1 collaborations were more tonal and dark. Bright Canary Yellow is paired with a Blue Swoosh on a White upper with a rubberized bottom that’s clearly intended for the summer rotation.

Release date: May 17

Retail price: $150

A fan favorite from the recent past is back

The Nike KD 4 “Weatherman” is known as after Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant’s childhood dream of becoming a television weather forecaster.

Nike

A brand new trend within the sneaker world is iconic athletes who’re still lively within the league, comparable to Los Angeles Lakers forward Lebron James and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, re-releasing retro styles. Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant is now an element of this club as a few of his earlier KD models have been given a retro treatment. The latest retro to join the gathering is the KD 4 “Weatherman”.

First introduced in 2011, the brilliant orange, green and volt shoes immediately caught the attention. Mimicking a weather radar image of a storm, this pair is undoubtedly top-of-the-line examples of the shoe’s motif matching its moniker.

Release date: May 21

Retail price: $130


‘Lightning color hits twice

The Air Jordan 17 Low “Lightning” was originally released in 2002.

Mark Jordan

When it comes to Michael Jordan’s performances as a Washington Wizards guard, most of his on-court activities are memorable. However, his footwear selections are a part of the story. Whether he was wearing the “Cool Gray” Air Jordan 9 or the Wizards version of the Jordan 3, MJ delivered loads of sporting moments. His most notable moment got here when he wore the white/lightning bolt Air Jordan 17 Low throughout the 2002 NBA All-Star Game.

The “Lightning” colorway was eye-catching thanks to its unique packaging. In 2002, the metal briefcase with the enduring Jumpman logo was considered by some to be unique and maybe even excessive. However, it suits perfectly today and likewise helps justify the worth of the Jordan, which is not considered one of the more iconic silhouettes.

Release date: May 30

Retail price: $300


Asics serves one of the best mesh

Asics GT-2160 in white and silver colours are good sneakers for spring.

Asics

With the mesh boyz trend gaining momentum, why not look to purveyors of this style for options? Over the previous few years, Asics has produced some notable retro trainers. The better part is that the majority models were widely available at retail, making it easy to purchase them without having to break the bank. This newest Gel-2160 comes with white mesh, silver overlays and lightweight blue accents. Keep it easy by selecting a white T-shirt and lightweight shorts.

We’ve been bending the principles since they were technically released on April 27, but they’re only now starting to hit boutique accounts.

Release date: April 27

Retail price: $120

Jacob DeLawrence is a contract author, podcaster, and occasional menace to society. When he is not creating, you’ll find him within the gym training for the longer term or arguing about wrestling on Twitter @_jdela.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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Deion Sanders’ son is responding to criticism on social media about the coach’s handling of transfers in Colorado

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BOULDER, Colo. (AP) Colorado coach Deion Sanders and his quarterback son Shedeur took to social media in response to the transfer to criticize the way players were treated at the school.

Former Buffaloes linebacker Xavier Smith said in a recent article published by The Athletic that Deion Sanders “didn’t even try to get to know me” and that he was “destroying guys’ confidence and self-belief.”

Shedeur Sanders responded on X, the platform formerly referred to as Twitter, that he didn’t remember Smith. Sanders wrote: “The brother must have been very middle-class at best.”

Smith was hampered by injuries to the Buffaloes. He earned All-American honors as a freshman at FCS Austin Peay in 2023 and has since followed coach Scotty Walden to UTEP.

Last fall, Smith told the Associated Press: “We all have expectations of a coach, and I feel like those expectations haven’t been met.”

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Shedeur Sanders’ post sparked an exchange that amplified Smith’s complaints.

Colorado receiver Kaleb Mathis posted a video of himself taking down Smith in practice last spring, and Smith’s Austin Peay teammate Jaheim Ward noted that Mathis had just 38 yards rushing last season.

That tweet led to the release of Ward’s profession stats at the FCS school (36 tackles over the last three seasons), prompting Deion Sanders to write “Lawd Jesus” in a tweet above a screenshot of Ward’s stats.

When someone complained about Shedeur Sanders’ behavior on social media and the Buffaloes’ 4-8 record last season, the coach defended his QB son with these words. “He will be number 5 in the rankings. Where are you going, son? Lololol, I have time today. Lolol.”

Deion Sanders Jr., who chronicles the team through Well off Media, posted above a comment shortly after the Athletic article: “That’s why we run our own media and control our own narrative.”


This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Fans believe that Aoki Lee Simmons’ strange behavior and relationship with a 65-year-old man is due to having “white friends”

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Aoki Lee Simmons Turns Off Her IG Comments After Breaking Up With Her 65-Year-Old Man.

Aoki Lee Simmons often faces criticism regarding her appearance, body, or her desire to pursue a modeling profession during college. And now she’s attacking fans on Instagram who say she’s acting like she’s on drugs.

Many people also criticized the 21-year-old model’s behavior online, with some accusing her of using cocaine. In a video taken from her Instagram Live, she stated that her excessive behavior is a results of her sugar consumption and her “nerdy” personality, relatively than cocaine use.

Aoki Lee Simmons Turns Off Her IG Comments After Breaking Up With Her 65-Year-Old Man.
Aoki Lee Simmons says her sugar consumption and being a “nerd,” not drugs, are accountable for her personality. (Photo: @aokileesimmons/Instagram)

“I don’t do drugs” decided Simmons in a recording captured by Live Bitez. “I don’t take Coke. I just like sugar and I’m a nerd. I don’t think any of you have friends who are real nerds. For example, you don’t have any friends who have ever played Dungeons and Dragons. I’m just a nerd. That’s all.”

“I used to be an overall intelligent girl, now I do cocaine,” the Harvard graduate added sarcastically, before noting that she has a high IQ and went to an Ivy League school.

When The Neighborhood Talk shared the clip on Instagram, fans immediately reacted, claiming in the comments that Simmons was not using drugs.

“It doesn’t do drugs at all. Just a black girl who is super hyper and honestly grew up with friends on YT.” recorded one fan. “Oh my God, she’s just acting like a black girl with white friends. It’s nothing deep or drug-like,” another one repeated.

“Where do you all see drugs? I just see a grown-up kid,” one in all them remarked. One critic added: “She’s annoying, like she wants to fit in at the dinner table with the cool kids.”

Several other people blamed Aoki’s parents, Kimora Lee Simmons and Russell Simmons, including one who wrote: “I don’t think she’s anything like she looks, she talks exactly like her father talks, she talks with her lips and talks very fast “As he at all times did, she is literally his twin.”

Another added: “If you all watched Kimora’s show you’ll know that this girl has ADHD/ADD and has at all times had a hard time.”

One fan noticed Simmons’ short-lived relationship with a 65-year-old man, restaurateur Vittorio Assaf. Photos of them kissing on the beach while on holiday in Saint Barthélemy last April shocked her fans after they hit the internet.

The Aoki and Serafina Restaurant Group founder ended their relationship shortly afterward, but fans compared the young model to her mother and father.

Kimora, 48, met the 66-year-old Def Jam mogul when she was just 17 years old. The duo married in 1998 and had two children, Aoki and 24-year-old Ming, before divorcing in 2009. Although Russell was aware of his daughter’s relationship with an older man, her mother apparently expressed concerns about the age difference between them.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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