Entertainment
From Walmart worker to Olympic hopeful: This is how Dylan Beard overcomes obstacles

Instagram: Dylan Beard
February 11 is a date Dylan Beard will always remember. At this 12 months’s Millrose Games in New York, Beard scored a giant win within the 60-meter hurdles, setting a private best alongside the ability record with the third-fastest time within the 60-meter hurdles. world. What’s much more remarkable is that track and field is not Beard’s only activity – he works full-time behind the deli counter at Walmart.
The victory catapulted Beard onto the national stage, where he is training to compete for a spot on the U.S. Track and Field team on the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.
Beard sat down with ESSENCE in the midst of his busy work and training schedule to discuss his journey, goals and aspirations, and favorite Olympic moments.
“My goal was to repeat what I achieved last year, and with the Olympics this year, I obviously wanted to make the team, but I had no idea that it would be my year in 2024, so it was truly a blessing” – Olympic hopeful Dylan Beard told ESSENCE.
While TODAY In an interview, Beard said, “I think I came out a lot more relaxed, with nothing to lose and a lot to gain.”
Currently, Beard stays an unsponsored athlete, working his “day job” to support himself and proceed competing, but hopefully that can change soon. His goal is to compete “for money prizes and in addition to simply raise his status on the planet [of track and field]”
This is Beard’s tenth 12 months of hurdling. “I began training for this discipline in 2013 and competing in 2014, once I was a student at Archbishop Spalding Secondary School. My coach said, “Just try to jump hurdles,” and that is what I did. He said, ‘We can at all times fix all the pieces later, so long as you possibly can recover from the hurdles now,’” the Baltimore resident said.
Beard continued this introduction to hurdles and ran with all of it the best way to college. “I was blessed to be able to work seven years as a Division I player instead of the normal four. I started my freshman year at Wagner College in 2016, spent two years there, and transferred to Hampton University in 2018, where I earned a degree in biochemistry. But then the Covid-19 pandemic hit and Beard lost two years of competition. “At that point I decided to transfer again as a graduate student and I was able to go to Howard University and meet former Olympian David Oliver as well as the rest of the coaching staff at Howard and that really shaped me as a professional to get me to where I am today,” he stated Beard.
While there have been many changes over the past 12 months, according to Beard, “This is my first year out of school and the only difference is that instead of going to class and doing homework, I exercise and go to work. When it comes to training, there is no difference – it’s still the same goals. We are still competing to win regardless of the race, we want to lower those times and get a little better every time we race and practice. This is really the main goal; it’s just a bigger goal, and then maybe more eyes will be watching.”
Entertainment
Salt-N-Pępa accuse UMG of minor retaliation in the fight for the property of “push it” a few months after Angie Stone claims against the same label

Salt-N-Pepa claims that the Universal Music Group punishes them amongst the legal battle to get masters to work their lives. Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton submitted a civil trial against the Global Music Corporation on May 19, looking for a command relief, declaratory relief and compensation, that are to exceed $ 1 million.
Deidra “DJ Spinderella” Roper isn’t part of the claim. She joined the group in 1987 and was released in 2019. Documents reviewed by Atlanta Black Star reveal that in 2022 the Rap duo “tried to use his rights” to take over the full property of his recordings through section 203 of the Act on the copyright of 1976.

The law allows artists to regain mental property after 35 years. Salt-N-Pepa operates with UMG, respectively through its predecessors of the next plateau and London record records, from 1986 and 1992.
“The fees generated by their sound recordings are significant, generating about USD 1,000,000 in the last five months in the synchronization licenses themselves and generating tens of millions of dollars a year through all forms of exploitation,” says the notification.
UMG “timely notifications of termination were served, but he’s accused of refusing to honor the request. Instead, female hip-hop pioneers claim that a malicious effort made of earnings was implemented and blocking their masters.

Therefore, most of their discography was taken from streaming services, resembling Spotify and Apple Music. “UMG pointed out that it would be a hostage of the plaintiff’s rights, even if it means refueling the plaintiff’s musical catalog and depriving fans of access to their work,” Salt-N-Pepa lawyers have invaded.
Pushing is dated on May 15, 2024 – on the same day lawyers say that some masters (“Hot, Cool & Vicious and” Solt with a Deadly Pepa “) would return to artists.
Additional reverse dates include November 2024 and March 2025 in the case of the recordings of “Black’s Magic”, “A Blitz of Salt-N-Pepa” on November 20, 2025, and around 2026 for “very needed”, “biggest hits”, “let’s talk about AIDS” and “Filly.”
Actually, the very sad BC Angie Stone just sent this film recently, calling for the Universal Music Group for the essentially improper track of it.
pic.twitter.com/un48w4cz8
– Eguapo. (@Tetrillgent) March 1, 2025
They also argue: “UMG seems to take the position that he can unilaterally decide when and/or the recording artist has the right to solve. This is not the right, and the UMG has no power.” Social media users didn’t express support for corporations.
One user on Instagram wrote“What happens to musicians deceiving UMG over their masters and publishing their rights.” Another person commented“It looks like UMG must be dismantled.” Many fans noticed that the Salt-N-Pępa fight resembled Angie Stone’s claims that the corporation stole 4 a long time with their royalties.
People allow Drake hatred to tug them away from the proven fact that there are various artists sued UMG for suspicious business practices https://t.co/jtwn7fcfddd
– The BluePrint (@Southpnw) May 19, 2025
The soul singer tragically passed after a automobile accident in March, just two months after she talked about financial dispute. Fan warned“Yes, we know how it is going to go, rest easy Angie .. Soon there will be a scandal or death.”
UMG at the same time fights with the artist Drake in court. The rapper claims that the label sabotaged his earnings, participating in defamation and harassment during his rap with Kendrick Lamar.
(Tagstotransate) salt ‘n’ pepa
Entertainment
Jayson Tatum is personally about the cooperation of full circle trainers – Essence

Thanks to the courtesy of the trainer
When Jayson Tatum enters the room, he not only brings NBA Superstar Energy – he brings the intention, style and this character “you look how good they smell.” Now basketball phenomena directs all this right into a cordial partnership with the trainer, lighting a brand new fragrance campaign, which seems as personal as powerful.
“It’s a full moment for me,” says Tatum. “When I was about 10 or 11 years old, my mother got a clip from Brown Coach Money for my birthday. It made me feel an adult – as if I had some responsibility. Quickly forward, being an official partner with the trainer feels like this little child lives his dream.”

The latest fragrance of the trainer – Bold, alive and compelled to reverse his head – is deeply realized in the philosophy of the Tatum style. “There is no better compliment than someone who stops you to say:” Hey, you smell nice, “he says. “It’s a sort of certainty that this smell gives you. You may be in a suit at a black party or simply go at night-but in the event you smell good, you walk in another way. You keep your head higher.”
Asked what this smell recalls for him, Tatum doesn’t hesitate: “Extreme confidence.” And this manner of pondering is not reserved just for the days of the game or red rugs – it is something that brings to each area of your life, from personal care to paternity.
“You leave the shower like three or four times a day,” he laughs. “I have face washing, moisturizing cream, beard oil and gel for my curls. Then I am outside the door.” His increased trust? “Fresh cut. There is nothing like leaving a hairdressing chair. You feel unsuccessful.”

In addition to care, the Wellness Rutin Tatum is based on the family. “Being a dad, doing everyday things-pupils, parent-scientific conferences-it brings me peace,” he shares. “It reminds me that I’m more than just an athlete.”
While the trainers’ campaign is the fundamental milestone, Tatum covers unknown with gratitude and openness. “I never thought that the fragrance campaign would take me to the first New York Fashion Week,” he wonders. “I don’t know what will happen next – but I’m excited about what is coming.”
One thing is certain: Jayson Tatum not only defines what it means to be a NBA star – he prescribes the principles of modern masculinity, one Spritz directly.
Entertainment
Minnesota Lynx, Nafiesa Collier, joins the WNBA Jordan Brand – AndScape list

Jordan Brand officially signed the 4-time WnBA All-Star Nafiesa Collier, today announced the company. This announcement coincides with the Tipoff of the WNBA 2025 season.
Collier, the prevailing defensive player of the 12 months, and second place in the MVP race last season, still strengthens his place as one in all the most talented league stars. In addition to W can also be a co -founder of unparalleled, the latest 3 × 3 basketball league, which goals to lift the rim of girls.
“Attaching to the Jordan family, I am now part of the legacy, which consistently defined what is possible in basketball,” said Collier in a press release. “This partnership seems particularly significant since it combines my results on the pitch with influence that goes far beyond the game itself.
“When young girls see this cult figure, I want them to inspire them to aim higher than they think. It is an honor to help achieve a tradition that smoothly combines the athletic size with cultural importance.”

Jordan Brand

Jordan Brand
Collier earlier signed a contract with Nike in 2020, which included each footwear and clothing. During her stick with Nike, she wore several models and debuted Exclusive colours for a lot of KD15 players in 2022
Her signing of Jordan appears when the brand refreshes its women’s basketball composition amongst the popularity of WNBA. Current athletes from Jordan are comparable to Rhyne Howard, Kia Nurse and Jordin Canada.
“Jordan Brand believes that the current monumental transition in women’s basketball can change the world in a similar way that Michael Jordan did in 1984 and later,” said the company in a press release. “By investing in trailblazers such as Collier, Jordan Brand confirms his commitment to shaping the future of basketball, while crossing cultural borders around the world.”
In the first round in 2019, Collier comes out of the best season with Minnesota Lynx. She obtained a mean of 20.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.9 thefts per match, leading the team to the WNBA finals.
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