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Marvin Harrison Jr. joins New Balance as the brand’s football face ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft – Andscape

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Last 12 months, Marvin Harrison Jr. has acquired a group of distinctive labels.

Most consider him a “generational talent.” Many consider he’s the best prospect in the entire 2024 NFL Draft. LeBron James even called Ohio State University’s star wide receiver “HIS”

Now Harrison Jr. can be considered the face of football at the footwear company after signing a multi-12 months take care of New Balance, the Boston brand officially announced on Tuesday.

Harrison Jr. – The 21-12 months-old son of former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver and 2016 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Marvin Harrison – joins defensive ends Chase Young and Will Anderson Jr. as the only three players to represent New Balance in the NFL.

However, the brand specifically selected Harrison Jr. the predominant character of the first cleats in the 118-12 months history of the brand, designed especially for American football. New Balance’s debut “Fortress” and “Prodigy” models can be unveiled on Thursday in Detroit ahead of the first round of the NFL Draft, where Harrison Jr. is projected to be the top pick. can be in the top five.

During his rookie season, Harrison Jr. will sport a low-cut silhouette with skill and speed, aptly named “Prodigy.”

“From our first conversation with Marvin, it was clear that he was a perfect fit for us at New Balance,” Naveen Lokesh, New Balance’s director of global sports marketing for American football and basketball, said in a press release. “Marvin’s drive, passion and incredible work ethic are evident on and off the field. His commitment to every little thing he does will help us bring New Balance into the American Football category and push the boundaries of what athletes can do to encourage the next generation. We are excited to start this journey together and co-create our legacy in sports culture.

Over Zoom met with Harrison Jr. a number of days before the draft, who wore a black cap with the word “NB” on it and beamed with pride as he talked about his landmark take care of New Balance.

After a distinguished college profession, Marvin Harrison Jr. will contribute to New Balance’s growing presence in American football.

A brand new balance

How did this cooperation develop? What influenced your decision to begin your NFL profession with New Balance?

I just think that the values ​​we share with New Balance are similar. Most importantly, the brand will allow me to influence the community and the younger generation. I need to encourage young athletes to be great in their very own way.

When did talks with New Balance start? What exactly

My dad handled all my NIL transactions while I used to be in college. He wanted me to focus solely on football. So the process for me only began after last season. Once I began joining meetups, New Balance and I connected on a distinct level. The people on this brand had similar family values, that are really vital to me. New Balance felt like a small family business, which made my decision easier. And now I even have my very own little circle in New Balance.

What does it mean to affix a brand that desires you to be the face of its football journey?

It is unquestionably value being the face of a brand, especially one entering the world of football. But it actually gives me the opportunity to be there and encourage the younger generation. That’s what I’m most enthusiastic about and New Balance looked as if it would feel the same way.

From a footwear standpoint, how involved was the process of pitching New Balance to you?

I measured my feet. This was the first part of the process. Then they began asking what I liked about traffic jams. I could tell they desired to make sure that they provided the best for me, which was an enormous support for me. This moment was special because I felt like I needed to get out of their way and listen to what was best for me. I just told them I desired to feel comfortable and supported and still find a way to perform at a high level. Prodigy blocks tick all these boxes for me. Honestly, I could not be happier with the cork.

Is this the first time you have had your feet officially measured?

When you first get to Ohio State, they measure your feet. But it was my first time since then. I do not think I discovered anything weird this time. My size is my size.

Marvin Harrison Jr. holding one of the first New Balance models from the upcoming football boot collection.

A brand new balance

How would you describe your first training or game in New Balance shoes?

The cleats felt great, mainly because New Balance had already built a repute for lifestyle-based comfort and other athletic shoes for a spread of sports. In terms of comfort, the soccer cleats perform exactly the same as all New Balance products. Now the brand has added a football performance aspect to the mix. As a receiver, I even have to make so much of movements and position my feet to run quickly and alter direction. And the New Balance block allows me to do every little thing at a particularly high level. The combination of comfort and efficiency is unquestionably value attention.

When you reflect in your childhood, when did you realize that your pops had a shoe endorsement deal?

He all the time had all these pairs of Air Jordans that will appear out of nowhere. (laughter) That made me realize he had a contract with Jordan.

Have you ever played in his Jordan PE shoes (players only)?

Nooooo. My dad had completely different designed Astroturf cleats. I played on regular grass as a toddler, so I never used his shoes. I also think he’s perhaps 12 and I’m a size 13.

Any superstitions?

Actually, I have no. I’m able to rock and roll as long as my shoes are good.

In NFL history, only 4 wide receivers have worn off-the-field signature shoes. Can you name them?

I never really followed. But I do know Calvin Johnson had one.

Are statement shoes your goal?

Maybe somewhere further. Whatever happens, will occur as I proceed to construct this relationship. If designer shoes are the direction that New Balance and I resolve to go, that will be great. It would definitely be an honor to have your individual signature shoe. But we’ll see what happens in the future.

You’ve often been called a “generational talent” and also you’re about to begin your NFL profession in a shoe called “Prodigy.” Is there any pressure to adopt these nicknames?

I feel my expectations for myself are equally high. I already put so much of pressure on myself to realize certain goals, a lot in order that I do not think any additional pressure will affect me. I don’t desire to do an excessive amount of, but I need to go on the market, work as hard as I can and provides my all.

Where would you prefer to see New Balance in the next few years as the face of the brand in football?

This opportunity means so much. I hope that my platform and this partnership will help me give back to the communities in Philadelphia, where I’m from, in Columbus, Ohio, where I went to Ohio State, and in any recent city I am going to when I’m called. I’m just able to encourage younger athletes to make it to the NFL in the future.

Have you considered how cool it can be to see kids finally wearing New Balance shoes because of you?

Definitely. Because I already know it can be great. After me, my younger brother (Jett Harrison), who’s 14, will probably be the first to wear New Balance cleats. He’ll have the same shoes as me, which can be really cool. It will even be cool to see how much the brand grows and hopefully takes over the soccer pitch.

Aaron Dodson is a sports and culture author at Andscape. He writes primarily about sneakers/apparel and hosts the Sneaker Box video series on the platform. During Michael Jordan’s two seasons with the Washington Wizards in the early 2000s, the Air Jordan 9 “Flint” shoes sparked his passion for kicking.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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The art collector left his mark on TheGrio’s Masters of the Game

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In the next episode of Masters of the Game, hosted by Touré, we introduce you to Shirley and Bernard Kinsey, an influence couple who’ve dedicated their lives to preserving African American history through art and artifacts. Through greater than 50 years of marriage and a shared passion for education and history, the Kinseys have built one of the largest and most influential private collections of African American history in the world.Kinsey collection— making them true champions of history, art and cultural preservation.

Art collectors

The Kinseys have long believed in the transformative power of education. For them, educating others means sharing the wealthy history of African-American culture through art and historical artifacts. Their collection includes works by iconic artists corresponding to Ernie Barnes, Charles Alston and Beauford Delaney, nevertheless it is their collection of rare historical documents that really stands out. Among their treasures is a heartbreaking nineteenth century letter delivered by an enslaved girl who couldn’t read – she was sent from one plantation to a different under false pretenses. The next work of their collection is Zora Neale Hurston’s brave and hilarious letter to her ex-husband, through which she asks him to remain out of her life endlessly.

From humble beginnings to becoming one of the most influential black couples of our time, Toure’s conversation with the Kinsey family takes us on a journey through the depth, resilience and radiance of African-American culture. Their collection not only preserves history, but in addition inspires future generations to inform their very own powerful stories, making the Kinseys true masters of the game. Don’t miss this episode of “Masters of the Game” at 8 p.m. ET on Friday and 1 p.m. ET on Saturday on TheGrio Cable Network.

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Simone Biles torn apart after giving George Strait’s wife a ‘vulgar look’ while fans came to her defense

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Did Olympic gymnast Simone Biles cut George Strait’s wife’s eyes on the Country Music Awards?

Some people think so after a viral video of Biles, 27, showing her frustration within the audience on the 58th annual CMA Awards on November 20.

In several clips circulating online, the 27-year-old gave Strait’s wife, Norma Strait, a “dirty look” on the annual awards show where her husband was honored with the John Paul II Lifetime Achievement Award. Willie Nelson.

The seven-time Olympic gold medalist asked viewers if she had glanced out of the corner of her eye on the Lifetime Achievement Award winner’s wife through the 2024 CMA Awards. (Photo: @simonebiles/Instagram)

“Does anyone know if there is a dispute between Simone Biles and George Strait’s wife?” – one in all the X users asked on the evening of this system.

X’s post included a clip of Biles looking nervous as Norma and other attendees danced in the gang on the Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony tribute performance.

The tribute to the “King of Country Music” featured country stars Lainey Wilson, Jamey Johnson, Miranda Lambert and Parker McCollum. Additionally, Chris Stapleton joined Strait on stage to walk through the “Honky Tonk Hall of Fame” to conclude the segment.

Speculation about Biles’ possible disdain shown on the CMA Awards has turn into a topic of debate online, with fans and critics taking sides in the controversy.

“I watched it live and wondered the same thing, and then death looked up and down, she definitely hated!” answer on X platform he stated.

Original X poster he replied“As long as I’m not the only one who saw it.”

However, the legendary gymnast had her defenders. For example, user X sent“He’s probably just watching her reaction (honestly) without thinking about the cameras.”

“Nothing happened” – another person he argued. “George Strait’s wife doesn’t care about messy things like that. It looks like Simone could have a resting face. She wasn’t the one black person either. There are many Black people in country music, from singers to musicians.

Similar entry To read“I saw it and cringed, it’s just her face, but she should politely decline if she doesn’t like country music.”

Another fan he wrote“She probably saw the camera give attention to George Strait’s wife and just looked around curiously. I do not think she’s giving a mischievous have a look at all, she just looks like she’s noticed that the camera is specializing in the people next to her.

Despite questions on Biles’ on-screen response, the multiple-time world champion expressed her excitement to attend the 2024 CMA Awards on the day of the event.

Biles reposted photos from the evening on her Instagram Story. In one photo, shared by hairstylist Justin Revenge, the Olympic gold medalist showed off the short red dress she wore to the red carpet, in addition to the silver off-the-shoulder dress she wore to the CMA Gala.

The star of the Netflix docuseries “Simone Biles Rising” appeared at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville to present the Female Vocalist of the Year award to country singer Lainey Wilson.

Lainey Wilson won the Female Vocalist of the Year category, beating out fellow nominees Kelsea Ballerini, Ashley McBryde, Megan Moroney and Kacey Musgraves.

Biles herself had a successful 12 months as an athlete. The Texas native won 4 medals on the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, bringing her profession total to a record 11 victories for an American gymnast.

However, Vice President Kamala Harris couldn’t replicate Biles’ success because the Democratic presidential candidate in 2024. Harris lost to former President Donald Trump within the nationwide election.

Biles publicly called on current Democratic President Joe Biden to take a stand on behalf of American women before Republican MAGA leader Trump enters the White House on January 20, 2025.

“Mr. Biden, you need to stand up, straighten your back and shake some things up before you go… xoxo women of America,” the Olympian wrote on Twitter on November 6 in response to the election results.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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What do you know about Cynthia Erivo?

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Cynthia Erivo, Wicked, Cynthia Erivo controversy, Black Hollywood, theGrio.com

With the discharge of Wicked fast approaching, it’s protected to say that Cynthia Erivo is on fire straight away.

The film adaptation of the Broadway musical (which is an adaptation of a best-selling novel based on one other novel) is about to open to over $175 million worldwide this weekend, and Erivo has just landed a significant deal.

Universal Pictures has struck a first-look cope with its production company Edith’s Daughter, Deadline reported.

“Having spent the last three years working with Donna Langley, Peter Cramer and the Universal team on Wicked, I have experienced first-hand the love and fearlessness with which they tell stories and uplift narrators,” said Erivo. “I am absolutely delighted to take the next step in our cooperation under our first-look agreement. This is not only a milestone for my production company, but also a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of diverse voices in film. I can’t wait to bring our visions to life and share them with the world!”

However, some could also be just discovering the 37-year-old from Stockwell, London (where she was born right into a family of Nigerian immigrants) or may don’t know about her background and profession to this point. There’s quite a bit to like about the Emmy, Grammy and Tony winner – and much more to grasp beneath the surface. Below we have gathered some things you have to know about Erivo, including some very necessary ones.

He is a Broadway sensation

Before Erivo became a star of the silver screen, she made a reputation for herself on the stage. The actress’ breakthrough role was the role of Celie within the musical adaptation of “The Color Purple” on Broadway. From 2015 to 2017, she delivered critically acclaimed, groundbreaking performances, winning the 2016 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.

She has played several iconic black characters

Aretha Franklin, Harriet Tubman and Recy Taylor are black American historical figures immortalized on screen by Erivo, who has played all of them in movies. Shortly after her Broadway run in 2017, Erivo played Taylor in “The Rape of Recy Taylor.” She then starred as Tubman within the 2019 film “Harriet.”

In 2021, Erivo played Franklin within the National Geographic anthology “Genius: Aretha”. While critics praised her performance, Franklin’s family had a special tackle the project, claiming she was never consulted and even felt “disrespected” by the production team.

He is a queer icon

Earlier this yr, Erivo received the Schrader Award from the Los Angeles LGBT Center as a self-proclaimed member for her talent and support of the queer community.

“Acknowledging that I am queer publicly – especially in the public eye – means taking a risk to claim my freedom,” she said in her speech through which she agreed to return out as queer later in life. “It seems we prefer to see the world in black and white rather than accept the difficult (but beautiful) complexities of our humanity.”

Although it has never been explicitly confirmed, Erivo has long been considered one half of a fairly powerful Black Hollywood power couple, as she is commonly seen at red carpet events alongside fellow industry heavyweight Lena Waithe.

He has a novel sense of fashion

From shaving her eyebrows to her signature long and ornamental nails, Erivo is understood for her daring sense of fashion. Her uniqueness was even incorporated into her makeup for “Wicked.” The makeup artist used stencils to attract eyebrows and add freckles. Meanwhile, a special shade of green face and body makeup was developed to make Erivo’s melaninated skin appear “clearly” on screen, and the shade was named “Cynthia Green,” the film’s makeup artist said People Magazine. It’s value noting that despite the hours-long application process required day by day for months of filming, she also said that Erivo “never, ever, ever complained.”

She doesn’t suffer fools

Social media was abuzz this week with response to actor/podcast host Dax Shepard’s invasive query about Erivo’s signature elaborate manicure, specifically how he moves through it while using the lavatory. When footage of her interview with Shepard hit the Internet, many individuals were quick to sentence its inappropriateness, asking her how she wipes herself while having very long, jeweled nails.

“My answer is that no one wipes their ass with just their fingers. You use wipes, right? And you wipe it off,” she replied calmly.

Erivo further expressed her annoyance with this query; the one she had exhibited before.

“I understand, it annoys me. Come on, guys,” she said. “I understand, but I’m a functioning adult and I’ve never walked around smelling like… you know.”

People participating within the discussion found this query rude, disgusting and invasive. It can also be, as Erivo identified, unoriginal. In response to this viral exchange, some have responded by demonstrating how they adapt these very human processes to long fingernails – and shockingly, it’s just about the identical process we have all been doing since potty training. It’s really not that complicated.

Cynthia Erivo Recalls Her Reaction to Fan-Made 'Wicked' Poster: 'I Probably Should have Called My Friends'

He has some questionable tweets in his search history

When it was announced in 2018 that Erivo would play Harriet Tubman within the biopic “Harriet,” the British actress’s seemingly problematic comments made years earlier about the language of Black Americans inevitably resurfaced. As previously reported by theGrio, this compounded existing questions about the choice to forged British-born Erivo because the historical African-American hero, given what some perceived as a disdain for African-American culture.

“As for the tweets, they were taken out of context, giving me no room to explain what they meant – and they weren’t actually mocking anyone,” she explained on the time: Complex reported. “It was not intended to be (offensive) at all. It was to celebrate a song I (wrote) when I was 16.”

Speaking further about the controversy during an event on the Toronto International Film Festival, she said: “I actually have never… never spoken negatively about people because I don’t desire to; I don’t desire this energy to be passed on to others.”

She continued: “I do not think it’s good for us in any respect; I do not think it serves any purpose apart from to bring negativity into my life and yours, and I just don’t desire that.

Perhaps he has some tension with the band in “The Color Purple.”

For unknown reasons, Erivo claims she was not invited to a special screening of the musical “The Color Purple” for family and friends, which was also attended by other members of her Broadway forged. It’s a bit strange that the Tony-winning revival star wasn’t on the guest list. When asked about her apparent rejection in the course of the interview and whether it reflected her initial considerations for Celie’s role within the film adaptation, Erivo suggested she couldn’t talk about it.

Despite every little thing, he’s capable of admit his mistake

Erivo can have had mixed emotions previously as a result of questionable comments or her unwavering passion for her craft, but she is ultimately capable of admit when she was incorrect. In the lead-up to Wicked’s premiere, fan-made art got here to light that edited the film’s poster to look more like the unique Broadway Playbill, obscuring Erivo’s direct gaze with the brim of her witch hat. The actress was initially very offended, but later admitted that she can have overreacted.

“I think for me it was a human moment…” she later explained. “I probably should have called my friends, but I’m fine.”

Cynthia Erivo accepts Los Angeles LGBT Center award for speech on freedom to 'be different'

After all, she is an expert

Say what you want, but Cynthia Erivo is robust and talented. He can also be a one that is alleged to place the nice of the team ahead of his personal glory. During a recent appearance on “Cutting room floor” podcast, she described her technique of coming into harmony together with her “Wicked” co-star Ariana Grande and the way the 2 worked together to create a unified sound fairly than resorting to diva-like behavior in an try and outshine one another.

For example, although she and Grande have very different voices, Erivo noted that what they’ve in common is way more necessary.

“I think what connects us is the way we hear music, so we can hear each other,” she explained. “And the beauty of singing with someone who can also hear is that you follow each other back and forth. We can find ways to make our textures and sounds make sense, and that’s really hard with humans.”

Erivo added: “It also signifies that you found someone completely selfless because they care about working with you, and being an element of that’s essentially the most amazing thing. When you find someone who’s committed to creating sound together, (there may be) no ego.

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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