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Celebrating Black Film and Excellence on Martha’s Vineyard

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22and The annual Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAFF) kicked off on August 2 with nine days of programming, screenings, panels and parties featuring black filmmakers, actors and producers. The backdrop for the festivities was Martha’s Vineyard, a picturesque Massachusetts island within the Atlantic Ocean just south of Cape Cod, with its lighthouses, sandy beaches and farmland.

Each yr, the festival brings together vibrant celebrations of culture and community that shine a light-weight on successful Black professionals, creators, and trailblazers. This yr, MVAAFF screened roughly 70 shorts, feature movies, television series, and documentaries. Founded in 2002 by Run & Shoot Filmworks principals Floyd and Stephanie Rance to amplify Black voices, storytelling, and culture, it’s now an annual film festival that qualifies for the Academy Award for Best Short Film.

In addition to attending screenings, panels and social events, festival attendees soaked up the great thing about the Vineyard, an enthralling New England colony that has been a summer escape for black vacationers and luminaries for generations. In the twentieth century, when racial segregation prevented black Americans from accessing beaches, pools and resorts, they flocked to the island town of Oak Bluffs, a destination for black families in addition to distinguished leaders and artists, including Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Massachusetts Senator Edward W. Brooke and Maya Angelou. Today, the small island is a haven for black Hollywood and celebrities like Jennifer Hudson, Spike Lee and the Obamas.

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Below we present crucial events and program points that took place as a part of MVAAFF.

Hyatt on the Vineyard World

Hyatt Tyronne Stoudemire

Source: Tyronne Stoudemire, senior vice chairman of worldwide diversity, equity and inclusion for Hyatt Hotels Corporation, speaks at Hyatt’s Bar Noir event on the Martha’s Vineyard Museum (Photo: Scott Eisen/Getty Images)

On August 8, World of Hyatt hosted Bar Noir, a night of cocktails, conversations, and community constructing on the Martha’s Vineyard Museum in Vineyard Haven. During the event, Tyronne Stoudemire, senior vice chairman of worldwide diversity, equity, and inclusion at Hyatt Hotels Corporation, spoke concerning the hospitality brand’s commitment to promoting and supporting Black entrepreneurship.

“Many organizations have responded or responded to the death and murder of George Floyd,” said Stoudemire, a recognized global DEI thought leader. “We responded with a program called Change Starts Here.” Launched in 2020, Stoudemire’s initiative addressed the initiative’s efforts to deal with systemic racism in three key areas: who they hire, develop, and advance; the communities they support; and who they buy from and partner with. In addition to job opportunities, this system also opens doors to further executive advancement, community development, and supplier diversity. It has also donated $1 million over three years to 6 community organizations situated in Chicago, Atlanta, and Minneapolis.

“It’s not just about money, it’s about care. It’s not just about care, it’s about helping people grow (and) invest in businesses,” he added.

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MVAAF

Source: Attendees on the World of Hyatt Bar Noir event on the Martha’s Vineyard Museum in Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts. (Photo: Scott Eisen/Getty Images)

Black Excellence Brunch

Martha's Vineyard

Source: From left: Janelle Stephens, founder Camille Rose, actress Sanaa Lathan and Trell Thomas, founding father of The Black Excellence Brunch

More than 200 guests wearing white gathered for The Black Excellence Brunch, held at Aria, an out of doors event in Edgartown, on Aug. 9. The invitation-only event honored actress and director Sanaa Lathan for her contributions to Hollywood over the past 20 years. During a live fireside chat with Trell Thomas, founding father of The Black Excellence Brunch, the 52-year-old star opened up about her family’s history of addiction and her journey to sobriety.

“I quit drinking six years ago,” Lathan said. “Addiction runs in my family. That’s what I did, and it was crazy because I found all these generations of alcoholics who had literally died.”

The star also spoke concerning the impact alcohol had on her life. “It was affecting my health. The people I allowed around me were not okay. And so I decided that this was something that ran in my family. I had to nip it in the bud.”

Instead of joining Alcoholics Anonymous, Lathan says she quit drinking on her own shortly before the pandemic. She then directed and co-wrote in 2022 on the Paramount+ channel, where she played a former mother and a girl recovering from addiction.

Black Excellence Brunch

Source: From left: Nick Arrington, Trell Thomas and Alex Tyree

Sponsored by Camille Rose and featuring special beverages provided by Ciroc, the brunch also featured notable guests including director Will Packer, star Uzo Aduba, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, Win With Black Women founder Jotaka Eddy, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and Bravo forged members Alex Tyree and Nick Arrington.

“The Black Excellence Brunch was beautiful,” Arrington said, comparing the event to the colourful sense of community felt at an HBCU homecoming or a black family reunion. “It was beautiful, and everyone looked good,” he continued. “I think the best way to describe Trell’s brunches is that it’s a celebration. It’s a celebration of us.”

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Black Excellence Brunch

Source: Attendees on the Black Excellence Brunch on Martha’s Vineyard (Photo courtesy of Black Excellence Brunch)

Thomas said he created the event series, which he founded in 2017, to foster community and connection while honoring the legacy of black excellence. The series reimagines the Sunday dinners he had together with his family growing up in South Carolina. What began as an area gathering at Thomas’ house has evolved into a worldwide celebration of underappreciated cultural figures from New York to New Orleans, South Africa and Ghana.

“Martha’s Vineyard is no stranger to amazing Black people, and it was amazing to be a part of the celebration of Black Excellence with our first-ever Black Excellence Brunch on the Vineyard,” Thomas, a veteran media expert, said in an announcement to BLACK ENTREPRENEURSHIP“It was a true honor to present flowers to so many wonderful people and celebrate a cultural icon like Sanaa Lathan.”

Director’s Brunch

Martha's Vineyard

Source: Director’s Brunch on Martha’s Vineyard (Photo: Black Enterprise/Selena Hill)

On Saturday, August 10, MVAAFF, Comcast NBC Universal, and Black Experience on Xfinity joined forces to present “The Director’s Brunch” celebrating storytellers of color. Held at Aria, the reception featured a buffet brunch, a live DJ, and a panel discussion with MSNBC President Rashida Jones, award-winning filmmaker B. Monét, director Gia-Rayne Harris, Robert Baltazar, VP of DEI programming at NBCU Launch, and moderator Loren Hudson, SVP and Chief Diversity Officer at Comcast Cable. The panel explored the challenges Black filmmakers face in breaking through within the industry.

“I think the path of a director, especially if you want to be one, is not easy,” Monet said. It’s not like, ‘You go to film school and you are just going to make it. You know? I mean, the foundations are different for us, unfortunately,’” she said.

Rather than follow a linear path, Monet encouraged young filmmakers to try alternative methods of breaking into the industry, similar to producing short movies and observing other producers and artists.

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Fight Night

Fight Night

Source: From left: Tiffany Cross, Will Packer, Shaye Ogbonna, Taraji P. Henson, Chloe Bailey, Don Cheadle at MVAAFF (Photo: Arnold Turner/Peacock)

MVAAFF concluded with a grand event that included a special screening, a star-studded panel, and an afterparty celebrating the premiere of the limited series Peacock on closing night.

The evening began with live music from DJ Trauma before festival founders Stephanie and Floyd Rance introduced acclaimed filmmaker and series executive producer Will Packer, who took part in a one-on-one fireside chat with journalist Danielle Cadet on Roc Nation’s iconic gold Lenny Santiago couch.

“There were a lot of interesting people sitting on that couch talking. This is the kind of cultural thing that is for us (and) that we can do at a film festival on Martha’s Vineyard (and not) anywhere else,” Packer told the sold-out audience.

Will Packer be

Source: Danielle Cadet and Will Packer at MVAAFF (Photo: Arnold Turner/Peacock)

The series, which premieres September 5 on Peacock, tells the story of the audacious armed robbery that took place in Atlanta on the night of Muhammad Ali’s famous 1970 return to the ring. Based on the acclaimed iHeart crime podcast, it tells the story of how the infamous holdup ultimately transformed Atlanta into the “Black Mecca.”

The story centers on a street hustler named Chicken Man (played by comedy star and actor Kevin Hart) who throws an afterparty to have fun a fight with a guest list of the country’s richest and most notorious gangsters. However, the night ends in probably the most brazen heist in Atlanta’s history. Suspected of masterminding the crime, Chicken Man is set to clear his name, but must persuade his old nemesis, J.D. Hudson (played by Don Cheadle), certainly one of the primary black detectives in town’s desegregated police force, to bring the perpetrators to justice.

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Fight Night

Source: L-R: Taraji P. Henson, Chloe Bailey, Don Cheadle at MVAAFF on August 10, 2024 (Photo: Arnold Turner/Peacock)

Following the screening, Packer returned to the stage with showrunner, creator and executive producer Shaye Ogbonna and forged members Taraji P. Henson, Don Cheadle and Chloe Bailey for a discussion moderated by journalist Tiffany Cross.

“I’ve always loved and admired working with Will, and for this opportunity to come together was really, really cool,” Bailey said. “I’m an Atlanta native and I’d never heard of this heist story. And then to hear that I got to work with Taraji, Don, Samuel (Jackson) and the most incredible actors in the game, it meant the world to me.”

MVAAF

Source: Guests at Peacock’s Closing Night Party at The Loft at Oaks Bluffs during MVAAFF (Photo: Arnold Turner/Peacock)

To cap off the evening, Peacock hosted the festival’s Closing Night Party at The Loft in Oaks Bluffs. The ’70s-themed bash was decorated with roses, disco balls and plush red carpets. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, songwriter Ledisi, actor Glynn Turman, MSNBC President Rashida Jones and Destiny’s Child singer LeToya Luckett were in attendance.


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

Four lifestyle habits that can help you live up to 100

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A 115-year-old woman from Surrey named Ethel Caterham officially received the title The oldest alive man.

Many people reading this message may wonder what the key of Caterham is.

Although it is normally not idea to make the most of the information on health and longevity from supersenters (because they are sometimes an exception than the rule), there are some lifestyle suggestions that we can use from researching groups of long -term individuals who can help us increase our possibilities for an extended life.

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(*100*)


1. Physical activity

Physical activity is sweet for you – who knew? Studies show that people who find themselves more physically energetic daily They live longer, a healthier life. One study showed that moving from physical activity to about 75 minutes every week of vigorous walking increased the expected life expectancy about two years.

But perhaps less known is how bad inaction is on your health and longevity. This is a bit difficult to explain, however the positive effects of exercises actually differ from the negative effects of inaction. This means you can have A positive effect in your health Being each more energetic and avoiding inactive.

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However, nearly as good as a structured exercise, in itself it cannot balance the damage to inactivity and sitting throughout the day. Studies even show that being sitting is expounded to Higher risk of premature death for any reason.



If you want to live longer, you should try to avoid sitting for a very long time, if possible. Practical recommendations on this Include standing every half-hour, seeing someone within the office as an alternative of calling or sending E -Mail and stand in public transport during travel. That’s a plus strive to perform about half-hour of moderate exercise for many days It will help maximize the possibilities of an extended, healthy life.

2. Eat vegetables

Council many children fear: eat vegetables if you want to live for a very long time.

Last examination Then got here about 100,000 people in 30 years, said that individuals who have reached 70 years in good health (which suggests that they didn’t have chronic diseases) normally ate more fruit, vegetables, whole grain, nuts and legumes, in addition to smaller fats, red or processed meats, fried food and suggestion. Importantly, this study doesn’t say that you have to be a vegan or never eat red meats – this only identifies trends in diets related to healthy aging.

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An elderly woman feeds eating an older man.
A healthy weight loss plan can be the important thing to healthy aging.
Tom Wang/ Shutterstock
(*100*)

When and the way much you eat, it can also play a job when it comes to aging. Studies of calorie and intermittent restrictions in animals have shown that each can increase life. Our initial work in humans also showed that after an empty stomach it can cause three weeks Similar, positive metabolic shifts It suits what now we have seen in animals that will live longer. However, more research is required in an extended time-frame to determine the impact on Healthspan and life in humans.

3. Sleep

The regular dream of excellent quality can also be vital health for all times and general longevity.

In the study, about 500,000 British irregular sleep patterns were related to 50% higher risk of early death compared to those with regular sleep patterns. Change employees showed the next risk of strokes, and nurses who worked on rotational changes for a long time Less healthy and had previous deaths in retirement compared to nurses who didn’t work with changes.

Although these data suggest that good quality, regular sleep is essential for good health, how much sleep you need and when you should go to sleep seems to be highly individualistic. This makes it difficult to transfer recommendations for the whole population-which is why NHS recommends that adults get between 7-9 hours of sleep.

4. Stress

Stress has a variety of influence in your health.

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For example, the growing evidence indicates that the stressors of formative years (comparable to the lack of parent, neglect or abuse) can negatively affect health in later life-nave to molecular and cellular levels through Increasing inflammation levels in a way that can increase risk of bad health and premature death in old age.

And vice versa, older adults that show increased psychological resistance to stress are he’ll die less often for any reason. Eight weeks of normal yoga is enough Improve psychological immunity in older adults.

The effect of social connections might be related. Those who live more socially also live live longer. In fact, people over 65 years old who’re socially energetic daily thrice more likely Live for more five years compared to those that almost never become involved in social activities.

It is a widespread discovery that strong social networks seem Increase longevity. This may result from the way in which social connections help us relieve stressors in our lives.

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The role of genetics

Although there are a lot of lifestyle habits that we can change, one thing that we cannot control when it comes to our lives is genetics. Some studies suggest that naturally occurring mutations in genes related to longevity are more common in long -term people.

Although it’s difficult to irritate the role of genetics compared to lifestyle when it comes to life expectancy, current forecasts suggest that longevity is between 20-40% related to genetics.

But good genetics are usually not all the pieces. Although Ethel Caterham reached the extraordinary age of 115-And considered one of her sisters lived on the 104th daughter of Caterham initially recognized her on the age of 71 and 83.

And even when you win a genetic jackpot and follow lifestyle, you would still be very completely satisfied that he could have an important age of Caterham on the age of 115. Mutation cells, a type of clots, completion of biological happiness. Despite this, if you want to maximize your possibilities for an extended life and remain as healthy as possible, try to be more physically energetic daily, eat weight loss plan, go to sleep and maintain low stress.

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This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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Simone Biles and Jenifer Lewis receive honorary doctorates at Washington University in St. Louis

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Actress Jenifer Lewis and Gymmen Simone Biles have recent titles: Doctor!

On Sunday, May 12, 68-year-old “Czarny” Ałun and 28-year-old 7-year-old Olympic gold medalist were among the many six people honored with honorary doctorates at the University of Washington in St. Louis through the school start ceremony. While Lewis received one in the sphere of Fine Arts, Biles, which was also at hand to offer the address of the beginning of the college, he received one in humanitarian letters.

From the Francis Olympic pitch on the DanForth campus, dressed in a royal college hat and a dress, and through the rain knowledgeable gymnast gave an exciting and inspiring speech of wisdom about success.

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Noticing that she achieved many “news” in her gymnastic profession, she celebrated graduates who may be the primary in their families who achieved bachelor’s studies, together with the remainder, for “one of the most difficult things”.

“The world doesn’t need to be perfect,” she said News from the spectrum. “You must be brave, he needs you to care and continue, even when things do not go according to plan. So go there and write your own story, only one you can say.”

A supporter of mental health at all times, Biles also led graduates in a deep breath in order that they may fully “breathe” their last achievement and advise them to “be careful and care for themselves.”

Lewis, dating from Missouri, was also a highlighted speaker through the bronze school recognition ceremony, and even received Special spiritual tunnel Inspired by Jennifer Hudon’s viral trend. Members of lecturers and school employees serenaded Lewis with the performance of “simply the best” when she danced and threw away the high, dug in the center of the Spirit Fight line.

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During her comments, addressing the graduates of the Brown Recognition ceremony, Lewis gave advice on maintaining vigilance.

“Oh, class from 2025 – one day you can fall down wild animals, so with every step you do, pay attention” she said. “You will go into an unknown world – and oh, what an unknown. You studied hard and deserved your own arsenal of tools. Go there and apply them with grace and compassion.”

For both new graduates and burned professionals, LinkedIn's job search can be a rescue line

(Tagstranslat) Jenifer Lewis

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Celebrating Stevie Wonder’s 75th birthday with his greatest hits

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On May 13, 1950, the star was born in Saginaw, Michigan and it was no person aside from Stevland Hardaway Judkins, often called Stevie Wonder. Stevie is a music genius that delighted tens of millions of individuals with his incredibly beautiful catalog of songs. Black company He selected 13 from Stevie’s crucial songs to have a good time the sound of an actual master and motown sound. Stevie Wonder is a legend.

Happy birthday to the true one.

He throws me off my feet

“Knocking Me Off My Feet” fell in 1976 to the legendary album Stevie, is a jazz love song, which is perfectly useful that he feels someone, looks like someone.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cb0_yu4g6y

Golden Lady

“Golden Lady” appeared on the stage in 1973 on the album Stevie. This song is a smooth romantic number that flies under the radar. This is certainly one of Stevie’s most sleeping love songs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxctjamr3ea

If you actually love me

“If you really love me” appeared in 1971 on the album Stevie ,. It defines a key moment in his profession, through which Stevie’s sound becomes a function. The song strikes in another way whenever you realize that he finds the voice.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nepncukqte

Part -time lover

So “Lover part -time” appeared in 1985 on the album Stevie. This is a really perfect mixture of classic Motown Vibrations with the shiny production of the 80s synthesizer. “A lover of part -time employed” has a melody that lives in your head for a lot of days.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPDM6YGSB20

Lately

“Recently” fell in 1980 as a part of the Stevie Wonder album. It is such a harsh, painful ballad that somebody you’re keen on slowly drains away. Stevie really pours his heart and vocal to this. It is so boomed you could feel any ounce of pain in his voice.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bybqheygs

This time in my life

“For For Fer My Life” fell in 1968 on an album of the identical title. This is a sincere love anthem through which someone finally finds his person. It is performed with harsh emotions and soul and may easily give listeners goose bumps.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3qi3e40awe

Signed, sealed, delivered (I’m yours)

“Signed, sealed, delivered (I’m Yours)” fell in 1970 on the album Stevie “SIGNTED, Sealed & Delived”. This song is value adding to your playlist. He is energetic and catchy. Stevie co -produced the song.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6To0FVX_WFA

Master Blaster (Jammin)

“Master Blaster (Jammin ‘)” debuted in 1980 on the album Stevie Wonder. “This is a superb tribute to Bob Marley with this unique Stevie Wonder Groove Ombudn.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1yieti3ubw

Superstition

Stevie abandoned “Superstition” in 1972. Stevie doesn’t stop and offers funk and soul without effort.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGQV1MTOS6A

Is she not wonderful

“Not She She Lovely” dropped in 1976 as a part of the masterful album Stevie Wonder The Song Is Dedicated to his daughter Aisha And he’s entwined with a spiritual, characteristic game of Stevie harmonica. Stevie balances technical brilliance with harsh emotional honesty. This is unquestionably certainly one of those timeless gems.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YGC6Rmoyf8

Don’t worry about something

“Don’t You Carth” Bout a Think “fell on the album in 1973. It has a Latin jazz atmosphere that makes you must move, in addition to these funny lyrics that may make you smile in your face. The whole song is largely a musical hug. It’s like a small pocket of the sun from the 70s, which never gets old.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxsbc5p-dpu

You did nothing

Oh wounds, “You Doted Nothin” “got here to the stage in 1974. He was hidden in Stevie Wonder’s absolutely good album. Why would you switch it? Well, this can be a splendidly funny political statement that Stevie directed straight to the Nixon administration during your entire Watergate mess. Cherry upstairs? He led Jackson 5 to borrow them harmonies in spare vocals. This is Vintage 70. Protest music from Groove, which still appears to be current.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0senglelxc

Happy birthday

Stevie abandoned “Happy Birthday” in 1981 on his album. He wrote it to press MLK on his birthday to change into a national holiday. Stevie is clever in how he mixed the climate with social activism, carrying a serious message about equality. MLK Day finally became official in 1983.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfnbnj10SLW

(Tagstranslate) Celebrity Birthdays

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