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Dear Sauce Gardner, Black People Cannot Afford to Be Apolitical — Andscape

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Dear Sauce,

Before I get to you Latest Posts about politicsI need to share a quote you could not have heard. No, it is not from Amber Rose, whose appearance on the Republican National Convention gave the look of a cynical attempt to win over young black voters. But on the opening night of the convention Monday, Senator Tim Scott from South Carolina — the one black Republican within the Senate — said:

“America is not a racist country.”

He pressed this rhetoric for years. An enormous round of applause from the predominantly white crowd signed the statement — not since it was historically accurate, but since it soothed their senses. But Scott disparaged black people so as to gain the approval of those that actively work to curtail our rights (just Google Project 2025). While Scott’s statement is simple to refute, it’s also incredibly rude considering how much blood has soaked American soil due to racism. Without turning this right into a full-blown Tim Scott roast session, it’s an ideal jumping-off point for explaining why I’m writing to you in the primary place, Sauce.

It’s great to be right in life. It’s okay to be improper — so long as you learn from the mistakes you inevitably make. But it’s completely unacceptable to be willfully unaware. Scott is willfully unaware. Or possibly he’s just calculating. Or possibly it’s a mixture of each. But Your tweets made an impression on me. It’s not because I believe you lack reason, logic, or mental curiosity. In fact, it’s quite the alternative. You’re young. You’re still finding your way on the earth, as I’m, and you do not know what you do not know. But feigning ignorance is not enough when it comes to matters of life and death.

First of all, nothing said here is supposed to be taken as finger wagging. And I’m not here to let you know how to do your job, since you already do it the most effective within the NFL on this. But as requested In my tweets I try to “get you started.”

I’m not here to ask you to vote Democrat or Republican, because even that’s tied to the long, complex, and ridiculously complicated history of the American political system. But it’s crucial—even for those who don’t vote—to educate yourself about politics, especially as a black man in a rustic that never intended for individuals who seem like us to even sniff at the method. Awareness is a way of survival.

After the failed assassination attempt on Donald Trump, you tweeted a photograph of the previous president raising his fist moments after a gunman in Butler, Pennsylvania, tried to take his life. Your caption read, “Ladies and gentlemen… President Donald Trump.” At first glance, you said nothing improper. He’s a former US president who could return to office in a matter of months. But Sauce, you have got to understand who Donald Trump is as an individual and as a politician.

At 23, you might be just a number of years older than the Central Park Five, now the Exonerated Five, a bunch of teenagers who were wrongly convicted and served several years in prison for the brutal attack and rape of Trishi Meili. Trump called for his or her execution in 1989 and has refused to apologize since 2019. He can be a person whose ties to racism, sexism, xenophobiaa seemingly limitless list sexual assault and rape allegationsand straight blatant rules come from the years before we were born.

That’s not to say President Joe Biden is ideal, because he’s not. He’s old (like Trump) and prone to slip-ups. The 1986 and 1994 crime bills Biden championed have devastated black communities by skyrocketing incarceration rates. He finally apologized, calling on the law “a huge mistake” that “trapped an entire generation,” however the damage stays. His administration’s handling of Israel’s ongoing bombing campaign against Gaza is one other mistake. My point is that this: politicians are human, and humans are inherently flawed, irrespective of how sincere their actions could also be. found similar attitude. But politics and politicians are two completely different conversations.

In my eyes, politicians are messengers. Politics and policy are the things that actually move the proverbial needle and have legitimate impact on our lives. So whenever you tweeted, “I think it’s weird to judge people based on who they vote for,” that resonated with me. It seems reasonable, especially for somebody who has admitted to being “politically unknown.” But people vote for politicians based on the policies they support, and never all of those policies are good or helpful, especially for black people.

Second, politics isn’t only a conversation that happens every 4 years after we vote on who gets to live at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Politics and the policies that associate with it affect every second of our lives. It affects the economic conditions in neighborhoods across the country. It affects the whole lot from local school board policies to highway funding. Politics governs police departments—how they’re funded and the way they operate. You’re a Detroit native, so please consider in things like Flint Michigan Water Crisis, supervision of public schoolsAND the role of your city in determining the end result of the 2020 election have their roots in politics.

Sports, consider it or not, are also a basis for political discussion. As an athlete, you understand the worth of your “prime period.” Boxer Muhammad Ali lost the prime years of his profession after taking over government and refusal to take part in the Vietnam War. This is what we all know in regards to the expansion Women’s sports stems from a single piece of laws called Title IX. Pools, and more importantly who could use them, were once a political issue. In 2020, WNBA players helped turn the tables on a U.S. Senate seat. The decision to allow college athletes earn money from their name, image and likeness is directly related to the economy, the employees’ movement and politics.

In short, when it comes to black life in America, politics are at all times involved.

Sauce, I hope you have got a protracted, successful profession that features winning a gold jacket in Canton, Ohio, someday. But you are going to spend most of your life off the sphere. And politics will play a task in your life whether you ever step foot in a voting booth or not.

I do not believe you have got to be one other sports legend like NBA great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or Ali. You do not have to be an activist. I’m not even saying you have got to speak out on the problems of the day. But what you (or any black person) cannot afford to do is act like these issues don’t affect you or the people you care about. We live in a rustic that had to pass anti-discrimination laws in all areas of life, including on the ballot box, just 60 years ago. What we’ve now could be what we were never meant to have.

I return to a quote from a person who has had more influence on my life than I can truthfully express. In April 1964, Malcolm X gave a speech—probably probably the most famous of his life—titled . I suggest you look it up when you have got time. On the political philosophy of black nationalism, Malcolm X said, “…(it) only means that the black man should control the politics and the politicians in his own community. The days when white people could come into our community and make us vote for them, so they could be our political leaders and tell us what to do and what not to do, are long gone.”

Unfortunately, those times are still very close.

Sauce, you possibly can be anything you wish to be in life, and I’m rooting for you to do great this season. I’m not expecting you to be like former quarterback Colin Kaepernick who became a civil rights activist, or to develop into the following great outspoken athlete. I’m just asking you to pay attention to the world we live in. Being apolitical just isn’t an option. You cannot be willfully unaware of the history of political power, political repression, and political violence in America when it comes to black men, black women, and black children.

Most importantly, you definitely cannot be Tim Scott—a black man who would quite live a lie than ever acknowledge the reality. I don’t desire that to be a part of your legacy, Sauce. And you definitely should not be either.

The better of what

Justin Tinsley

Justin Tinsley is a senior culture author at Andscape. He believes that “Cash Money Records takin’ ova for da ’99 and da 2000” is probably the most influential statement of his generation.


This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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Pharrell Williams ‘Irritated’ by Celebrity Political Endorsements

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Pharrell Williams shouldn’t be a fan of celebrity political endorsements. In an interview with Hollywood ReporterThe multi-faceted star shared her more “humanist” view of politics and her opinion on the music and entertainment industry’s involvement in elections.

“I’m more of a humanitarian. I like people who try to help others. I’m not sure I’ll ever vote for the far right. I won’t,” he reportedly said with fun. “But I’m not really into politics. I do like some of the politics; I think education is important. We have a nonprofit called YELLOW (whose mission is equality through education), and then there’s another 501(c)(3) that helps black and brown entrepreneurs called Black Ambition—those are the things I lean into. I’m not an activist, but I believe in action.”

As hundreds of men and girls rally to support Vice President Kamala Harris within the 2024 presidential election, Williams revealed his mixed feelings about celebrities publicly endorsing political candidates. When asked if he would allow any party to make use of his music of their campaigns, as Beyoncé did with Harris, Williams said no, adding that he sometimes “gets irritated” by celebrities getting involved in politics.

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“Sometimes I get annoyed when I see celebrities trying to tell you (who to vote for). There are celebrities I respect who have their own opinions, but not all of them. I’m one of those people (who says, ‘What the hell? Shut up. Nobody asked you,'” he explained. “When people come out and start thinking they’re righteous, they roll up their sleeves and go around with a sign saying, ‘Shut up!'”

In recent years, celebrity endorsements have turn into a key a part of each parties’ political campaigns. While Williams apparently has no plans to endorse anyone this election cycle, he publicly endorsed former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2016. Similarly, he sent former President Trump a letter demanding that he stop using his song “Happy” at one in all his rallies.

“Politics is not my field of expertise,” he said, at a Clinton rally in 2016“But I am a human being. I am a human being with a family, a human being who shares this Earth with other people. These elections are simply too important. I could not sit on the sidelines and just remain silent.”

Social media users were quick to criticize the Louis Vuitton menswear creative director for his seemingly contradictory comments.

“I respectfully disagree, Pharrell. The voices of the informed can educate,” one user wrote on X.

“That’s a privileged approach, lol,” said one other as well as.

Regardless of your opinion on celebrity political endorsements, Williams’ statement reminds us how vital it’s to do your research and fully understand the ballot before casting your vote.

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Jennifer Lopez allegedly wants ‘revenge’ on Ben Affleck, revealing how he ‘let her down’ in the bedroom amid embarrassing divorce

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jlo-ben-affleck revenge

Soon-to-be-four-time divorcee Jennifer Lopez is reportedly gearing up to disclose unflattering details about her relationship with Ben Affleck following their recent split.

According to a brand new report, Lopez, 55, who has previously praised their passionate sex life in her music, is now considering changing her praise and should be preparing to release a song that paints a very different picture.

jlo-ben-affleck revenge
Sources claim that singer Jennifer Lopez wants to embarrass her soon-to-be ex-husband Ben Affleck with songs about his poor bedroom performance. (Photos: @jlo/(Instagram; Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

As tensions between them intensify following their breakup, a more essential side of their time together begins to come back to light.

Lopez, who once bragged about watching the “Good Will Hunting” actor have sex in the bedroom while singing sensual lyrics in “The Greatest Love Story Never Told,” appears to be changing his tune on Affleck’s abilities in the bedroom.

“When things were going well between them, J.Lo put Ben and his bedroom skills on a pedestal,” the insider said. revealed to In Touch, “but she’s taken off her rose-tinted glasses and is telling people he was actually a pretty selfish and basic lover.”

This marks a major change from Lopez’s previous tributes to Affleck, in which she appeared to idolize him each personally and physically.

Her latest album, This Is Me… Now: A Love Story, released in February, was intended to have a good time their renewed romance.

Lopez’s ninth studio album featured a companion film that showcased their relationship in a vibrant light. While she produced the project herself, In Touch’s alleged source claims that Affleck played a major role behind the scenes, likely controlling the narrative greater than people realize.

Just two months after the project’s premiere, the couple announced their end of collaboration and have remained separated ever since.

However, Lopez’s tone has reportedly modified drastically. She not praises Affleck’s talent but as a substitute expresses frustrations about their personal lives, especially his mediocre performance in the bedroom, a brand new report claims.

“She’s so pissed she wrote all those sexy lyrics about him,” an alleged insider told In Touch, claiming Lopez is considering writing one other song that exposes Affleck’s flaws.

The person said at the time: “She says she’s now ready to write a breakup song that hits where it hurts most and makes up to him for all the ways he let her down, including in the bedroom.”

Adding that Lopez uses writing as an outlet for her emotions and that her team is fully supportive of the idea, the anonymous spokesperson said, “She’s very emotional and angry right now, and part of the way she deals with her emotions is by keeping a journal and writing. Her team is encouraging her to channel that into songwriting.”

Lopez’s longtime manager Benny Medina and her team are reportedly urging her to pursue the project, though some speculate they’ve been working behind the scenes to break Affleck’s image since their marriage began to unravel.

This alleged manipulation is not any stranger to those that have previously been involved with Lopez’s life.

Her first husband, Ojani Noa, recently spoke to the Daily Mail about the similar treatment he experienced during his marriage to the star.

“(Her people) wanted her to look good for everything that was coming out — the movie, the album, and they didn’t want any bad publicity,” Noa claimed. “They made it sound like I didn’t want to be with her, and it was the opposite.”

There’s no word on whether Lopez plans to officially channel her frustrations with Affleck into recent music. She’s currently promoting her latest film, “Unstoppable,” a project she co-produced with Affleck and his longtime friend Matt Damon. Lopez recently attended the Toronto International Film Festival to advertise the film, although Affleck was noticeably absent.

Despite their split, the duo have remained in touch, reportedly raising their combined family together. Lopez and Affleck were recently spotted at the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel, where they met up with their children — Affleck’s daughter Seraphina, 15, son Samuel, 12, and Lopez’s twins, Emme and Max, 16 — for a family chat.

Art often imitates life, and Lopez’s story suggests she could use this tumultuous time to fuel her creativity. Whether it’s a chart-topping song or successful movie, the fallout from this breakup could encourage her next big hit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mMFIOGsIdA


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Fans slam Oprah Winfrey’s ‘shady’ move to hide her secrets after blocking upcoming documentary on her life

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oprah winfrey documentary

Oprah Winfrey has officially halted production on her online documentary, but fans want to know why.

The billionaire actress and former talk show host reportedly spent “a fortune” to make sure the docuseries never saw the sunshine of day after she fell out with Oscar-winning filmmaker and director Kevin Macdonald over the biopic project.

oprah winfrey documentary
Oprah Winfrey faces criticism after paying a “fortune” to block a documentary about her life. (Photo: MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images)

According to Page SixA rep for the 70-year-old media mogul confirmed she paid to shelve the documentary after her content take care of Apple expired in September 2022.

“As her Apple TV+ deal was coming to an end, Ms. Winfrey purchased the rights to her docuseries and has since decided to put the documentary on hold,” Oprah’s spokesperson told Page Six.

Additionally, one other source said, “Kevin made a video, but Oprah didn’t like it and refused to make changes, so Oprah gave Apple her fee back.”

While speculation suggested McDonald refused to comply with Winfrey’s requests to edit, the TV personality’s team denied the claims, with Oprah’s camp insisting to Page Six that “it just wasn’t the right time to do the documentary.”

It comes amid speculation that Winfrey spent “millions” on the rights to the documentary. However, Team Oprah dismissed the concept the deal was price seven figures.

Deadline Originally announced as an Oprah Winfrey documentary for Apple TV+ in January 2021, MacDonald teamed up with Emmy-nominated producer Lisa Erspamer to create the now-cancelled biopic, which was to be presented in two parts.

They previously worked together on the documentary “Whitney,” which premiered in U.S. theaters in July 2018.

Internet users reacted to the news that the documentary had been frozen, with many wondering whether Winfrey was fearful that some damaging information was about to be released.

“Well isn’t that suspicious!” one person wrote within the Page Six comments section. Another person asked, “What is she afraid of or hiding?”

Similar footage appeared on the X program. For example, in response to an article concerning the cancellation of the documentary, an individual identifying himself as a Donald Trump supporter he tweeted“What is Oprah hiding?”

Another X account published“Oprah Winfrey spent a fortune to prevent a documentary from being released, that sounds credible… money tells the truth… not the truth.”

Winfrey was a goal of conservatives throughout the 2024 presidential campaign. The Tennessee State University graduate endorsed Democratic vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris, drawing the ire of Donald Trump’s MAGA legion.

After making a surprise appearance on the Democratic National Convention in August 2024, Winfrey faced backlash from Trump supporters over allegations of abuse related to the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy in South Africa.

Winfrey apologized to the parents of scholars who accused a Leadership Academy worker of molestation in 2007. Tiny Makopo, a dormitory supervisor at the college, he was acquitted of 14 charges related to allegations of abuse.

Winfrey’s announcement that she would hold a virtual “Unite for America” ​​rally in support of Harris also sparked outrage from the appropriate.

Critics have relentlessly hounded the “Beloved” star over her alleged “disappearance of girls” allegations, despite no evidence to support the disappearance of any Leadership Academy students.

Oprah Winfrey was born on January 29, 1954, in Kosciusko, Mississippi. After graduating from college and dealing in journalism, she became a household name, hosting the favored program “The Oprah Winfrey Show” from September 1986 to May 2011.

The so-called “Queen of All Media” has built an empire price $3 billion. Winfrey earned an Oscar nomination for her role within the 1985 film “The Color Purple.” She can be a two-time Emmy winner.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mMFIOGsIdA

This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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