Entertainment
Why ‘The Forge’ Star Aspen Kennedy Forgave and Repaired Relationship with Father

The star of the brand new film “Forge“He faced his own journey with forgiveness before he even appeared on the massive screen.
In an interview with theGrio, actor Aspen Kennedy talks in regards to the powerful calling he felt to deal with his relationship with his biological father — a really similar storyline plays out in “The Forge,” a brand new Christian film a couple of lost young man named Isaiah who struggles to seek out his purpose in life until he meets an influential black businessman who shows him the facility of mentorship and prayer.
“The same journey of forgiveness that Isaiah goes through in the movie, God took me through it in 2018 with my own father. Looking back, I know it was the Holy Spirit preparing me for this project,” Kennedy tells theGrio.
Kennedy, a native of Memphis, Tennessee, who also starred within the BET series “Kingdom of Business”TV series, was raised by a single mother and had no father in his life while growing up.
“At the time, I was like, I really didn’t understand it because unlike my character, Isaiah, I wasn’t angry. I didn’t have any bitterness in my heart. So I was like, ‘Okay, God, do you want me to reach out to someone?’ I felt like I really didn’t know. But looking back, I know it was the Holy Spirit saying, hey, I want to work this hard now because only God knew that this project was going to happen in 2023.”
This personal experience helped Kennedy fully commit to the role of Isaiah and gave him hope that The Forge audiences would see themselves within the story on screen.
“I believe it’s really vital to grasp that forgiveness, first and foremost, is for us. It’s helpful to have the ability to say, ‘You know what, this person did something to me that was mistaken, but I even have to let go.’
Beyond forgiveness, The Forge addresses a difficulty that has garnered wider media attention: the epidemic of loneliness amongst black men.
Although many reports have shown that Americans generally struggle with lonelinessWhen broken down by gender, men usually tend to report feeling lonely than women. Black men report higher feelings of loneliness and isolation than the final population.
The film focuses on showing black men living in community, talking and praying over weekly meals, a model Kennedy hopes will encourage them to implement in real life.
“This movie is really important because it shows that you don’t have to go through life alone,” Kennedy told TheGrio. “Especially as black men, we need to know that it’s okay to lean on each other and say, ‘I need prayer,’ or, ‘I messed up, what do I do?’”
“The Forge” also stars actress and New York Times bestselling creator Priscilla Shirer, who previously starred within the hit film “War Room.” “War Room” was made on a $3 million budget but grossed $74 million on the box office. It’s the sort of business success that defies any potential stereotypes in regards to the power of faith-based movies to appeal to a large audience. In a rustic where church attendance has declined in most religious communities, based on GallupFilms are one other technique to share the message of religion.
“People can experience God through us,” Kennedy told theGrio. “We don’t need to take them to church. And I believe the movie does a gorgeous job of illustrating that, because even in Isaiah’s journey, he never went to church, as an alternative of getting a community around him that would pray for him and encourage him and lift him up.
As for Kennedy’s relationship with his biological father, the 2 had come a great distance from where they began, and his father spoke to him usually.
“Right now, he’s just trying to make the most of his time, which I appreciate as well,” Kennedy says. “God is unquestionably working on our relationship — our relationship is effective. And I’m glad God took me on this journey of forgiveness
“The Forge” is now in cinemas.
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Entertainment
Usher to provide the address of the Emory University class start from 2025 graduates

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.
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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Entertainment
The most iconic moments of the beauty of Robert Flack – Essence

Anthony Barboza/Getty Images
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.
In honor of her everlasting legacy, we glance back at some of the most iconic beauty moments of Roberta’s incomparable flack.
Entertainment
Joe Freshgoods X New Balance 992 “Starn Well” is celebrating cooperation

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.
“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.
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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