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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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Former Bad Boy artist Shyne reveals his true feelings about Diddy’s role in sending him to prison following Mogul’s recent arrest

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Former rapper turned politician Moses “Shyne” Barrow has broken his silence on the recent arrest of Sean “Diddy” Combs.

The Belize-born artist, once an integral a part of Diddy’s Bad Boy Records, has publicly shared his thoughts for the primary time on the music executive’s recent legal troubles.

Though he’s made it clear that Diddy’s legal troubles “don’t make him happy,” the “Bad Boyz” chart-topper stays adamant that his former boss “ruined” his life.

Former Bad Boy artist Shyne blames Diddy for his 10-year sentence for a 1999 nightclub shooting. (Photo: Prince Williams/WireImage; Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

Shyne’s statement got here just days after Combs was arrested on federal charges including extortion, human trafficking and prostitution, which resulted in Diddy being denied bail twice.

The case has made headlines, with many wondering about Diddy’s past. Not only are people bringing up his infamous “Freak-offs” and “Diddy Parties,” but in addition his infamous connection to an incident at a New York nightclub in 1999, where Shyne was partying with the Bad Boy founder and his then-girlfriend, Jennifer Lopez, before gunfire injured two people.

Shyne had no idea how his life would unravel after that night. His profession was cut short, and his life as a free man was marked by first-degree assault, possession of a weapon and reckless endangerment. The chart-topping star was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2001 for his role in the altercation. He was eventually released in 2009 and deported to Belize.

Fast forward to 2024, and the 2 men appear to be on completely different paths. Shyne is now the leader of the opposition in the Belize House of Representatives, while Diddy faces charges that would land him a life sentence. Shyne shared his thoughts on his former boss’ case at a press conference in Belize.

“When I was an 18-year-old kid who wanted to do nothing but make my mother and Belize happy and be recognized for my talent and take over the world,” Shyne recalled in an interview with Channel 5 Belize. “I defended him and he turned around and called witnesses to testify against me.”

Shyne’s face remained impassive as he explained the role Diddy played in his legal struggles. “He contributed to… basically sent me to prison. That’s the context in which this (relationship) should always be described. I’ve forgiven. I’ve moved on. But let’s not pretend I was in Miami for Thanksgiving and Christmas.”

Shyne suggested that he and Combs aren’t as close as some might think. Despite his forgiving heart, he made sure to set the record straight about their relationship.

“So let’s not lose sight of the cold, hard facts,” Shyne said. “This is not someone I vacationed with and he and I had this wonderful, intimate brotherhood with. This is someone who destroyed my life and I have forgiven him and moved on.”

For years, Shyne has worked with Diddy to bring resources to Belize, but Diddy has clarified that their partnership is strictly business-related.

“Don’t distort it like we’re boom bally. This is someone who ruined my life,” he continued.

Shyne’s evolution from rapper to politician has not gone unnoticed. When The Shade Room published press conference, many praised him for his grace and wisdom in handling the situation, with one commentator noting, “Shyne is the true definition of someone who will sit back and let God do the work.”

Another person said, “This man has really grown. Holding on to bitterness and resentment only hurts you, not the perpetrator. Let life deal with people. Karma never loses its address.”

“Forgiving someone without an apology is powerful,” said a 3rd comment.

Not everyone was impressed. Some wanted him to admit his role in his death.

“First of all, you ruined your life…let’s take responsibility,” the Shade Room commentary admonished. “That’s the problem, people not taking responsibility for their actions and how it leads them to destruction.”

Despite his troubled past, Shyne stays focused on his future and the well-being of his country. “Nobody has to fail for me to succeed,” he said, further evidence of his growth.

Meanwhile, the producer behind the success of artists like Mary J. Blige, The Notorious B.I.G. and The Lox is facing legal troubles. His legal team had proposed a $50 million bail to secure his release, but a judge denied the request, citing concerns about witness intimidation and flight risk. The music mogul will remain behind bars in Brooklyn as his trial approaches.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.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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