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“Power of the Dream” Offers an Intimate Look at the 2020 WNBA Season – Andscape

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The racial reckoning that gripped the country with Black Lives Matter protests in the summer of 2020 set the stage for the WNBA to hitch the fight against social injustice.

New Prime Video documentary directed by Dawn Porter gives viewers an intimate look at the 2020 WNBA season. While isolated in a bubble – affectionately often known as the Wubble by fans – at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, it provides an exclusive look at how 144 WNBA players handled the coronavirus pandemic as they prepared to begin the season, advisable for girls who died after encounters with police that directly impacted the 2020 election. To say the story was gripping could be an understatement.

“When they started describing what it was like, I thought, ‘Sure, why wouldn’t I want to talk about how the WNBA helped save democracy?’ So that’s how it started,” Porter, who directed award-winning documentaries about civil rights activist John Lewis and the assassination of presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, told Andscape.

After a yr of production, archival materials and a movie of a retired American soccer star Megan Rapinoeon a cell phone, the documentary shows viewers the first meeting with the future US senator Rafał Warnockprinting Vote Warnock T-shirts and intense collective meetings about whether postpone matches following the August 2020 shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Andscape recently sat down with Porter to debate the impact of the WNBA and the impact of the film.


Why was it so necessary to detail the origins of the WNBA and its history of support on this documentary?

This is a extremely necessary query that goes to the heart of this film. When you bring latest fans to women’s basketball, you desire to be certain that folks understand the struggle that helped bring women’s basketball to where it’s today in terms of respect, but in addition understand what it took to get so far in advocacy. Supporting yourself and the sport in the name of respect. Everyone likes to say that fighting for things is in our DNA. They do not have the luxury of people assuming they’re unbelievable top-level athletes. They must demand respect. As a bunch, they at all times worked collectively because that they had to work together to extend their pay (and) get travel support.

When all these social justice crises were happening in the United States, there was no intention to stay silent. They said, “We fought hard for this platform, but as individuals we are people who care about people who look like us.” And they weren’t going to sit down idly by while people were being murdered in the streets.

What exclusive behind-the-scenes content should loyal WNBA fans who follow the motion continue to exist Wubble expect?

The mobile phone footage (Megan Rapinoe) is just a few of the footage we’ve got to make use of in the film to indicate what the conditions were like, what their protest meetings were like and the way they coped. Not everyone feels the same. Not everyone was convinced that they needs to be collective, but they worked through it to succeed in group consensus. So all this could be seen in the film. How they got here up with the idea of ​​wearing these T-shirts after which saw them printing them. You see this meeting with Raphael Warnock and also you see how their support began long before lockdown was introduced. You see the history of what they have been doing all along and also you see that their support during the pandemic has been an extension of what they have been doing consistently.

Given the divisive media controversies which have plagued the league a lot this season, how do you think that this film offers greater insight into the league’s players?

(Sue Bird) emphasizes that the league is far more about supporting one another, but each teams are competitors. They play physical and I feel individuals who have not watched them play may need been surprised. I do not know what they expected. Basketball is a physical sport they usually are playing a physical game. They’re competitors. But this doesn’t indicate hostility or anger. People impose this narrative on others. I feel while you look at what (the WNBA) has done collectively and consistently over so a few years, that to me is who they’re. That’s why I feel the video will help. We’ve been doing this for over a yr. So that is how we preface all this controversy, it wasn’t like we desired to tell a selected narrative. We just told the narrative that was already there.

What did you study WNBA players during the filming process?

I used to be moved, inspired and proud of these women. They are intelligent, strategic, persistent, fearless and honest. It would begin to get really hard for them and at some point Layshia Clarendon, who was on Dream at the time, said: “I have to step back for a moment – it’s too much.” Then Sue Bird stepped in. You see them saying that is what I want and you then see people coming and helping.

So I definitely think you see a story of collective motion that’s so mature, mature beyond the years, beyond their years. All this – asking, in search of, begging and persuading. They put all their energy and skill into working to elect a Democratic senator, who then, by the way, flipped the Senate, put Democrats on top of things, and was in a position to vote for (Supreme Court Justice) Ketanji Brown Jackson.

What do you hope latest and seasoned fans alike take away from this documentary?

I hope they’ll see a unique dimension of the league. But I also hope they understand it. We have some really cool sequences where we’re just watching great basketball. So we do not lose basketball for activism. Basketball is there. So I hope people can have an even deeper respect for the W that comes out of this. They can have come for the game, but I feel they’ll come out for the women. So I’m really excited for people to learn just just a little bit more about who some of these other players are. (People) start talking about ‘Say Her Name’ and I feel they’ll mention a couple of more names.

Mia Berry is senior HBCU author at Andscape, covering every part from sports to student-led protests. She’s from Detroit (What’s up, Doe!), a protracted-suffering Detroit sports fan and Notre Dame alum who randomly shouts “Go Irish.”

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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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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