Entertainment
Zoe Saldana’s take on Nina Simone’s 2016 biopic resurfaces on the 21st anniversary of the singer’s death

An try and honor Nina Simone’s legacy on the 21st anniversary of her death has reignited the furore surrounding the controversial biopic starring Zoe Saldana as the late icon earlier this week. The film “Nina” premiered in April 2016, but even before the premiere there have been strong reactions about the actress changing her appearance for the role.
In this role, the “Avatar” standout wore a prosthetic nose that flared her nostrils, an Afro wig and was covered in deep-tinted makeup that mimicked Simone’s mahogany skin.

The “I Put a Spell On You” singer died of natural causes after a battle with cancer on April 21, 2003. She was 70 years old.
Her estate shared a post on X celebrating her life with a surprising portrait of Simone. However, retweets and replies reveal that she is endlessly attached to the cinematic flop from almost a decade ago. “I just got mad again.” he wrote user X, who re-shared the post together with photos of Saldana and Simone.
Another response To read“I still can’t believe they blackfaced her. And what’s worse, she agreed!” A one that rated Saldana based on her acting skills he wrote“I confirm what someone says. Zoe did a great job playing her and I enjoyed the movie. She’s nothing like her, but she got the job done.
I just got mad again. https://t.co/NZBsbS8aOR pic.twitter.com/8JF98EHLxv
— Princess (@themultiplemom) April 21, 2024
According to Hollywood reporterMary J. Blige was originally cast for the role, but financial problems led to her departure from the production. Saldana, who identifies as a Black Latina with Dominican, Puerto Rican and Haitian roots, responded to early outcry from fans of the legendary artist who were unhappy with her participation in the concert.
“I never should have played Nina,” she said during a 2020 interview with Bese. “I should have done everything I could with the advantage I had 10 years ago – which was a different lever, but it was leverage nonetheless – I should have tried everything I could to cast a black woman in a role that was uniquely perfect black woman,” Saldana added.
Four years earlier, nonetheless, she took a distinct position.
“Women’s stories aren’t important enough, especially black women’s stories. I made my choice,” Saldana told Allure. “Do I continue to pass the script around and hope that the “right” black person does it, or do I say, “You know what? Whatever consequences this may bring, my casting is nothing compared to the fact that this story needs to be told.”
Simone’s daughter, Simone Kelly, echoed similar sentiments, speaking out against the film, which was released a yr after the official What Happened to Miss Simone documentary.
“There are many great actresses of color who could better represent my mother and bring her to the screen with the right script, the right team and a sense of wanting to bring the truth of my mother’s journey to the masses,” said Kelly the New York Times 4 years before the film saw the light of day.
Sam Waymon, Nina’s brother, shared scathing comments about the casting when he told the New York Daily News that it was “an insult to our people and their fight and all the things that Nina represented in her music and all the things that she stood for in own life. It takes a lot of courage and audacity to do this.” He said of Saldana’s dark complexion that it is “what we consider blackface.”
Michaela Coel in my opinion looks a lot like her, probably unrelated, but seeing these photos of Nina it reminded me of someone and I just remembered who pic.twitter.com/D9g8JDtRqr
— 🤠Sairam💜 (@CZApolitica) April 22, 2024
Saldana has previously mentioned that her success in films is due in part to her roles in science fiction series such as “Star Trek” and “Guardians of the Galaxy.” She claimed that the characters she chose suspended reality, allowing her to be colorblind as an artist and allowing fans to not care about her ethnicity and skin color.
Elsewhere, reacting to the estate’s well-intentioned posts, many people suggested that “I May Destroy You” actress Michaela Coel should be cast as the “High Priestess of Soul” if ever another attempt to tell her life’s story results in It will be possible. for the big screen.
Entertainment
Usher to provide the address of the Emory University class start from 2025 graduates

It seems that there will not be much that Usher Raymond IV – Better, known to the world, simply as a USher – no. He can sing. He can dance. He can sing and dance while skating. He works. Sells Las Vegas residences. Performs philanthropic work.
And also performs the completion addresses. Usher was utilized by the University in its own yard. May 12 Usher will provide the address at Emory University 180. Ceremony of graduation and shall be awarded with an honorary doctorate in humanitarian letters from the institution. This will not be the first Usher Rodeo with an honorary doctorate; In 2023 Berklee School of Music in Boston He awarded the International Superstar with distinction. He also gave comments then.
Usher will not be alien to Emory University. His non-profit, New Usher Lookwhich according to the website“He transforms the lives of malnourished youth through a comprehensive program that develops passion, global leaders”, has established cooperation with Emory’s University’s University Goizueta Business School in a 400-hour program helping to prepare teenagers for faculty. Apparently, non-profit influenced over 50,000 students.
“I spent my life following my spark – my passion – and trying to support young people when they find and follow their own passions. I am excited that I have the opportunity to talk to these amazing Emory students who graduate and prepare for imprint in the world – said Usher in Billboard statement.
Usher is one of the most successful musical acts in history, selling over 80 million records, winning many Grammy awards and has toured throughout the world since his profession in the mid -90s. His album “Confessions” from 2004 is the second best -selling album from 2000 and is taken into account by Rolling Stone as one of the best albums of all of all of all.
YES!
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Entertainment
The most iconic moments of the beauty of Robert Flack – Essence

Anthony Barboza/Getty Images
Robert Flack, a valued singer, songwriter and pianist, died on February 24, 2025, at the age of 88. The legendary singer, whose velvety voice again defined the soul and R&B, stays a everlasting icon of elegance, emotions and artistry. With timeless classics, resembling “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and “The First Time Ever and Wis See Your Face”, the singer died the audience captivated the audience along with her ability to weave delicacy and power in every note. Not only will we take heed to her repetitive music, but we won’t stop eager about its most iconic moments of beauty.
In the 70s Robert seriously swayed Afro – a daring statement of being black and proud – during performances at live shows, including the famous Newport Jazz festival. Two years later, she honored the scene of Ronnie Scott in London along with her hair drawn into the band, combined with dramatic long eyelashes, which defined her characteristic appearance. Always to experiment with hair, she also accepted braids decorated with beads, without effort combining style and cultural pride.
Just a few many years quickly forward, and Robert was still turning her head. While playing in Gillette Civil Rights 2010 between Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals, she stunned the navy blue eye shadow, a dark light highlighter and daring red lipstick. The following yr, she performed at Bideawee Ball from 2011 with full rhythm – eyeliner, mascara, highlighter and its characteristic red lips. And in 2020 she performed unforgettable during the 62th annual Grammy Awards, wearing a beautiful curly crown and the same red lipstick that we met and loved.
In honor of her everlasting legacy, we glance back at some of the most iconic beauty moments of Roberta’s incomparable flack.
Entertainment
Joe Freshgoods X New Balance 992 “Starn Well” is celebrating cooperation

Joe Freshgoods selects five years and counts with New Balance because of his latest version 992 “Arged Well”, a tribute to his creative partnership with a characteristic brand of sportswear, which still supports his design talents and a contagious passion.
After Debut On the Joe Freshgoods New Balance 992 website, Chicago Creative is preparing for a wider version of February 28 via newbalance.com and chosen retail sellers. The new edition of the sneakers means the fifth anniversary of Joe of New Balance, milestone after almost stood before closing his now widely beloved and known brand.
The document coming in June 2025 is shared within the history of Joe’s success, from his start as an area Streetwearus brand in his hometown of Chicago to providing New Balance partnership in 2020, when he wasn’t sure find out how to keep his business.
“He examines how the partnership influenced the global culture of sneakers and development transparency”, Joe common In the announcement on Instagram, “which was more important to me than just doing it about tennis games. This is a real life. ”
The trailer of the documentation offers access to Joe’s journey, presenting his modest approach to success and its influence on the Boston brand of sportswear founded in 1906. Since joining New Balance, Joe Robinson (higher referred to as Joe Freshgoods), a champion with a young history.
Five years later, with 20 Sneakers Publishing House and counting the most recent cooperation of New Balance Joe Freshgoods is a love letter for his creative journey with the Boston brand.
“Sometimes I feel that I shouldn’t be here. But I am here and say, “Oh, I’m good at what I do,” he says within the film.
Project 992 “Agnish well” attracts the inspiration from the primary cooperation of Joe Freshgoods from New Balance – the edition of New Balance 992 “No Emotions”, also referred to as “heart anatomy”. It was a right away hit and celebrated in the course of the NBA All-Star weekend, and now charges resale prices around $ 3,000.
While the explanations for the New Balance revival may vary, many consider the primary release of Joe 992 to be a catalyst that enlivened the brand. Sneakers have pink and red suede silhouettes placed on an olive mesh base and accented saddle skin on the tongue and rear card.
Four sets of lace are attached, and the box is decorated with unique details reflecting the theme “aging well”. In addition, Joe Freshgoods designed the “Championship Dreams” leather university jacket to commemorate his five -year success as a designer.
“I wanted this jacket to capture the essence of the last five years – each project was a milestone, another closed chapter, another dream,” Joe signature Post on Instagram. “Over time, I had the honor to tell culturally important stories, and this jacket reflects this travel project according to the design.”
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