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Chelsea Gray and the Las Vegas Aces’ Path to WNBA History – Essence

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The Las Vegas Aces have every right to be the best dynasty in WNBA history. But to make that claim, they need to do something the WNBA hasn’t seen in years — win a 3rd straight championship.

Luckily, their star point guard and Finals MVP, Chelsea Gray, returned from injury on June 19 after missing the team’s first 12 games. Her impact was felt immediately, including two landslides in her first two games back. For Gray, it wasn’t a change in any respect. “It’s more of a ‘back to business,’” she says. “I’m still getting back into shape, but I feel very comfortable with who I’m playing with.”

That comfort level has been evident on the court. Since Gray’s return, the Aces have lost only one game, including a six-game winning streak. It’s been a whole 180 for the Aces, and they once more seem like the championship contenders everyone expected them to be entering the season.

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“I’m the X factor for this team,” the Duke alum tells ESSENCE. “My teammates have been playing out of position a little bit while I’ve been gone, so there’s peace with me being back in the lineup. They know the point guard is there and they can take their spot.”

A terrific point guard really does make it easier for everybody, and Gray is considered one of the best in the league. With her on the court, the Aces outscor opponents by a median of 10.3 points. It’s night and day when it comes to her back, but that shouldn’t come as a surprise to someone nicknamed “Point Gawd” — a reputation first given to her by the great Candace Parker. She shares that nickname with one other legendary point guard, Chris Paul, and the two share many similar traits.

“My IQ, my knowledge of the game and my leadership are the three things that are most important to me when I’m on the field,” Gray explains. “I have a great feel for who hasn’t touched the ball in a while or what defenses the opposing teams are playing.”

In 2022, it was the regular presence of veteran Gray that led to the Aces’ first championship. The following yr, it was the dominance and emergence of a brand new face in the WNBA, A’ja Wilson. “See what she does?” Gray says of the superstar forward. “She’s the best player in the world, hands down! I can pass her the ball every day. It’s not just her scoring, it’s her defensive skills. She’s the whole package. Anyone who says anything different is wrong and hasn’t watched the game.”

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The final two Finals MVPs will even be teammates in Paris for the Olympics in just a few weeks, but the 12-woman roster wasn’t without controversy. There was plenty of discussion about who didn’t make the team, especially with the two rookies, Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark. The former has been on a roll currently, breaking quite a lot of WNBA records, including the rookie rebounding record previously held by Wilson. Reese’s strong play culminated in her becoming the first rookie this season to win WNBA Player of the Week. Gray sees similarities between the players, but thinks it’s unfair to compare them.

“I think it’s unfair to both of them because, one, Angel is a rookie who’s still learning, and two, I think A’ja is playing the best basketball she’s ever played,” Gray says. “I’m excited about Angel Reese’s trajectory. I think she’s a hard worker, she’s a great rebounder, and she has the potential to be a great defender like A’ja. I might be biased because she’s my teammate and my dog, and I think she’s amazing. It’s hard to compare when she’s playing the best basketball and she’s the best player in the world.”

The Olympics might be a much-needed break for Gray and her teammates. They’ve played longer than some other WNBA team in each of the last two seasons and are hoping to win three more times this yr. In addition to making history, this championship run has added motivation. “My purpose and motivation changed with the birth of my son—he’s a bundle of joy that’s given me a new perspective,” she says.

Gray has done all of it in her legendary profession. She’s already an Olympic gold medalist, a 3-time champion and a WNBA Finals MVP. Add a mother to that extensive resume. She’s now not chasing anything but basketball legend. If she will help the Las Vegas Aces achieve a never-before-achieved three championships this summer, the Hall of Fame won’t be the only place her name is etched.

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Joining the likes of Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, and Rebekkah Brunson, she might be referred to as considered one of the best winners in the game’s history.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Usher to provide the address of the Emory University class start from 2025 graduates

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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.

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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.

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This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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The most iconic moments of the beauty of Robert Flack – Essence

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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.

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In honor of her everlasting legacy, we glance back at some of the most iconic beauty moments of Roberta’s incomparable flack.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Joe Freshgoods X New Balance 992 “Starn Well” is celebrating cooperation

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New Balance, Joe Freshgoods, Chicago

 


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.

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“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.

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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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This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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