Entertainment
With Keia Clarke at the helm, New York Liberty takes bold steps in playoff run – Essence
In the world of skilled sports, representation matters.
For New York Freedom — a WNBA team with a front office comprised primarily of Black women — this team is greater than just a visible statement, it’s a testament to the power and influence of Black women in leadership positions, especially in a league dominated by Black female athletes. As the Liberty soars to latest heights each on and off the court, their success is fueled by a vision that embraces inclusivity, diversity and empowerment of ladies, especially Black women.
This is ClarkeCEO of the New York Liberty, has played a key role in this transformation. Her journey, from her beginnings in the sports industry to becoming one among the few Black women to carry a CEO position in skilled sports, has been nothing in need of inspiring.
In an interview with ESSENCE, Clarke shares how her experiences have shaped her leadership style and impacted Liberty’s success. “From being a former athlete to entering the sports space, first through a sports museum, then a sports magazine, and ultimately the league office, gave me a vantage point where I really had a chance to understand multiple levels and multiple verticals of the industry.”
As a result, her philosophy is predicated on making a work environment that celebrates diversity and encourages people to grow as their authentic selves. She continues: “I always want to be authentic and really intentional with people who come to work as themselves,” Clarke explains.
The Liberty’s rise to fame, especially this season, shouldn’t be only a result of outstanding results on the field, but additionally deliberate strategies implemented behind the scenes. Clarke attributes that success to the exertions and dedication of many individuals, each past and present, who’ve nurtured the league over the years. “It’s been a work in progress,” he says. “There are a lot of people who have put in a lot of time and effort, really nurturing and working to cultivate and grow this league, putting the players first.”
A concentrate on elevating female athletes has been a cornerstone of the WNBA’s growth, and Clarke is particularly happy with the ways Black women have led the way in shaping the league’s identity. “Black women are cultural contributors,” she said, noting that the WNBA’s 80 percent Black athletes reflect a league that thrives on the influence of Black women each on and off the court. “What we wear, what music we listen to, what’s beautiful, what’s cool, is often led by Black women,” Clarke added. In this fashion, the Liberty, under Clarke’s leadership, reflects the influence and leadership of Black women in the broader culture.
The Liberty have grow to be not only a basketball team but a cultural force in New York City, and their home at Barclays Center has solidified their presence in one among the most diverse cities in the world. That move to Brooklyn was pivotal, transforming the fan experience and aligning the Liberty brand with the city’s wealthy cultural landscape. Clarke summed up the change by saying, “The atmosphere in the arena has just changed in such a way… We represent something that actually goes beyond basketball.”
As the Liberty chases its first WNBA championship, Clarke is concentrated on sustainability — ensuring the momentum the team has built isn’t only a moment, but a long-lasting legacy. “My focus right now is just sustainability and making sure this isn’t just a moment — that this momentum becomes the norm,” Clarke explained. Part of that strategy includes progressive partnerships like the recent deals with Barclays and Bumble, in addition to the direct-to-consumer streaming service, Liberty Live, which lets fans connect with the team in latest ways.
But perhaps the most vital aspect of Liberty’s success is the impact they’re having on the next generation of athletes and fans. Clarke believes Liberty’s presence and leadership, especially in New York, has a ripple effect that extends far beyond the court. “Our community efforts are very, very focused on encouraging young women and girls to play basketball and empowering women and girls through a variety of self-esteem and character-building initiatives,” Clarke said.
The opportunity to steer New York Liberty as a Black woman hasn’t escaped Clarke. She recognizes the challenges of breaking down barriers, but she also feels it’s her responsibility to create space for others. “Leadership development and diverse hiring are two-way streets,” Clarke says. “While it’s an organizational responsibility … I would encourage young women, especially Black women, to be prepared. To be ready for the moment … and not wait until you have all the credentials.” Her advice is to be self-employed and never be afraid to take risks in industries where representation stays limited.
As the Liberty proceed their quest for WNBA dominance, the importance of Black women leading each on and off the court can’t be overstated. From Clarke’s progressive leadership to the undeniable talent of their players, the New York Liberty are a primary example of what happens when diversity is a priority at every level of the organization. And in a league where Black women players make up the majority of the roster, it’s imperative that their voices are usually not only heard, but given the opportunity to steer.
In a world where sports often set the tone for culture, the New York Liberty are proving that representation matters just as much at the top because it does on the field. Clarke’s leadership is a model for what the way forward for skilled sports can seem like—one where Black women aren’t just a part of the conversation, they’re leading it.
Entertainment
Denzel Washington cuts off repeated questions about his past during a tense exchange with a reporter.
It’s been a few weeks since Denzel Washington fans saw the actor running away from paparazzi in New York City. The shocking incident was captured on video and bears little resemblance to his demeanor in one other interview through which Washington appeared exasperated.
The same moment through which the seemingly hot-tempered artist was interviewed in 2010 resurfaced and caused more shock.
A fan reposted an ungainly interview through which Washington sits across from a reporter and asks him about the upcoming film “Unstoppable,” to which he responds tersely.
“How did it feel to climb on a moving train?” she asked, to which he replied, “Eh, you know… you get used to it.”
He then says, “You have had some amazing co-workers who stand out. When you look back at some of the most amazing talents, who do you think stands out?” and Washington replies, “I do not look back. What for?
The interviewer continued speaking, maintaining a skilled calm. “So what do you do – is there someone you want to work on, something you still want to achieve?” she asked. “You know I want to have a good day today,” he said. “I want to achieve it and I strive for it every day.”
She then asked Washington if winning two Oscars was the highlight of his profession. He replied, “We’re back in the past again.” Giggling, she said, “because I want to show all these wonderful things.”
At this point, while talking to herself, Washington was the primary to interrupt her, saying, “You have a specific plan. Okay, just tell me what you want and maybe I can help you with it. Yes, I won two Oscars.”
He softens a bit when he starts talking about the talent that Angelina Jolie and Dakota Fanning have. However, Washington later points out that the interviewer desires to proceed dwelling on his previous works, which seems to annoy him.
She asks him about Alonzo Harris and dealing with him on “Training Day,” the film that won Washington his second Academy Award.
“Training day!? Yes, yes, it was good,” he said, then smiled sarcastically and added: “You keep going back to the past. Have you cracked your case?
Before hanging up, the interviewer shakes his hand to rise up and leave, and he replies, “Now you’ve gotten to send me this clip. I need to see what you connected. It’s pressure.
Fans were shocked by Washington’s behavior within the video, with some saying he was a bit rough. One person said: “There is not any must treat someone this fashion. It doesn’t matter how big you might be…”
Someone else wrote: “He has a nasty streak. No wonder he can play such characters with surprising intensity.”
Some fans offered other perspectives. One said: “The interviewer desired to do a profession retrospective, probably because she really admired his body of labor. Denzel was there to hype up his movie, it was business and I feel that is why he was frustrated. Talking about Training Day won’t make you go see a movie about his runaway train.
Another wrote: “Actors and their studios comply with a majority of these interviews to advertise a newly or recently released movie. Don’t let the interviewer, talk show host or anyone else sit and reflect on the actors’ past work.”
“I’m sitting in a hotel corridor with dozens of reporters from all over the world. And wait for hours,” she said within the article Australian outlet, baby.
She continued: “Crowds of young publicists are flying up and down, barely concealing their panic. “He came,” I hear considered one of them whisper, “But he doesn’t want to leave the room.” An hour later, as one other runs past, I hear a breathless, “I want more tea.”
As she waited patiently, Washington finally appeared: “Huge, graceful, gorgeous, and full of attitude (and probably tea).”
The same awkward interaction occurred between Washington and a group of photographers from the Museum of Modern Art in New York. While posing for photos, someone in the gang shouts, “Show us some love.”
The “Fences” actor walks as much as the guy and says, “Yo, yo, yo… put it down. You’re talking to a man now, he said. “I heard you. You talk about “showing love” and this and that. How about… respect me?
One of the paparazzi guests continued: “We always do this.” Washington replied with an annoyed look on his face, “I said I’d see you when I get out. What part of this don’t you understand?”
He added: “Or not. We can do it one other way. I can do that in additional ways than one, y’all. Can you’re feeling me?
Entertainment
Jordan Chiles is considering being stripped of his Olympic bronze medal
Jordan’s Chiles will likely always remember the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. While Chiles’ profession reached latest heights this summer, the gymnast suffered a “significant blow” when Romania’s team challenged her bronze medal, arguing that it must have been awarded to her competitor, Ana Barbosu.
Forced to return her medal, the Team USA gymnast is still working to maneuver forward after a heartbreaking title change. In a recent interview with CNNChiles explained how this example taught her the importance of “standing your ground.”
“Things can be really difficult in your life and they can be taken away from you and you’re going to have to deal with that and understand that you have to fight for what you’re fighting for,” she told the publication. “And I’ve learned the same thing over the last three or four months that I’ve been leaving Paris.”
As theGrio previously reported, Chiles and her lawyers filed an appeal in September regarding the reallocation of the bronze medal. At the 2024 Olympics, the gymnast won a bronze medal after her coach Cecile Landi made an on-floor appeal. However, shortly thereafter, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) overturned her coach’s initial appeal, saying it was received 4 seconds after the one-minute cut-off date for submitting scoring queries.
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“CAS violated Chiles’ fundamental ‘right to be heard’ by refusing to consider video evidence showing that her inquiry was timely submitted – which is in direct contradiction to the findings in the CAS decision,” her lawyers said in a press release. in response to People magazine.
“We are not going to give up that easily and we will continue to look for video footage and other things,” her coach added on the time of the ruling.
Describing the choice as “unfair”, Chiles explained how the CAS ruling affected not only her but “everyone who supported (her) journey”. The situation left the Team USA star the victim of “unsolicited racial attacks on social media,” which, while hurtful, wasn’t the worst of it.
“The biggest thing that was taken away from me was the popularity of who I used to be. Not only my sport, but additionally who I’m. For me, all the things that happened was not in regards to the medal, but in regards to the color of my skin,” she said during her speech at this yr’s Forbes Power Women’s Summit. “I made history and I’ll at all times make history by doing something I rightly did. I followed the foundations, my coach followed the foundations.
Chiles says that with the support of her community and friends like Simone Biles, she has learned to just accept each step of her journey.
Entertainment
Kanye West’s wife Bianca Censori causes a scene and allegedly flashes customers of a Tokyo fast food restaurant
Paparazzi caught Kanye West and his wife Bianca Censori at places similar to a fashion show, an airport and a fast-food restaurant.
Some of West’s Japanese fans met the “Vultures” producer at a local McDonald’s in Tokyo, Japan, where he has been staying for the past few months working on his recent albums. Although the person didn’t explain intimately what he was talking about, his friend sent snap from the meeting on X’s profile.
“My friend just had a quick chat with Kanye West at McDonald’s in Tokyo,” user X wrote, sharing a photo of West and Censori taking a look at a kiosk to put an order.
The Australian architect may be seen wearing a tiny halter top and sheer iridescent tights, suggesting she’s either wearing a tiny thong or has gone commando mode. Many accused Censori of flashing other guests as people allegedly saw her private parts through her pantyhose.
Her hair is perfectly coiffed, slicked back with bangs at the underside, while her husband was seen fully wearing an olive bomber jacket and white or cream pants.
The couple orders food on the restaurant’s kiosk, apparently browsing through McDonald’s burger selection.
When the Daily Mail sent about Ye-Binc’s sighting, their readers immediately expressed their opinions.
A friend of mine just had a little chat with Kanye West at a Mc Donalds in Tokyo. pic.twitter.com/Sx7MjWZjoD
— Gyna G Gigi (@gguevaradesu) November 4, 2024
“Fast food workers have feelings just like the rest of us, and in ultra-conservative Japan they must have been completely offended,” one person commented, while one other called them “pathetic attention seekers.”
Many began joking around, coming up with their very own names for the couple, inspired by the restaurant’s menu.
“Mctrashy goes all out,” one person wrote, while others added: “McGreasy and McNasty.”
One person alluded to rumors that he was controlling and abusing her, writing: “Kanye ordered one piece off the menu… for himself. Nikkid the girl drank some water.
One person within the comments section of the Page Six report he said“Just disturbing. What are they trying to achieve?”
Yeezy, 47, and his much younger wife, 29, have been in Asia for weeks this 12 months, and the Chicago native says he likes it there because he doesn’t must worry about hiring security because most individuals respect him privacy – a luxury he cannot afford in America.
As one of probably the most successful artists of his generation 24 Grammy Awards (out of 75 nominations), only beaten by ten people, including the late Quincy Jones, who has 28, Kanye appears to be crowded wherever he goes, with people specializing in what he and his wife do and what they’ve I wear it almost each time.
While he seems to have limited his visits to special spots, it is not unusual to catch him diving locally – irrespective of what continent he’s on.
In August 2024, surveillance footage captured a couple ordering food at a KFC counter in Los Angeles.
Censori was spotted wearing a skimpy, threadbare bikini that hardly covered her chest, paired with silver tights, and while she wasn’t asked to depart, the web had a lot to say because Kanye was fully clothed.
Her outfit was very just like the McDonald’s set in Tokyo, probably the identical pants.
“Damn, she never hides, does she?” one person wrote. Another joked: “There’s no way his wife would walk into KFC looking like a prostitute.”
A 3rd comment asked, “What’s going on that she’s naked in public more often than porn stars are in porn movies?”
“Bro, a full outfit at @ZARA costs $100, come on,” one person chided him.
Censori has more freedom in dress when in America or Japan, in comparison with how she dresses in South Korea or China. In other Asian countries, where the federal government can set dress codes, she is sort of forced to cover up.
South Korea has strict laws prohibiting nudity in public places. Violators could face imprisonment or a wonderful of as much as 100,000 won, as public nudity is assessed as a sexual offense under Art. 3 of the Act on Punishment for Minor Crimes and marked as “vulgar exposure”.
The law defines obscene exposure as “excessive exposure of the genitals, buttocks, or other private parts in public places that embarrasses or offends others.” While the punishment could appear lenient, the interpretation of the word “indecent” is subjective and more severe penalties could also be imposed depending on the situation.
Since Ye appears to be comfortable in Asia, even recording an upcoming project and performing some major concert events for his Chinese and South Korean fans, he and his love have found a option to circumvent such strict dress codes.
They covered up when obligatory, but every probability Censori shows up in his signature look, they accomplish that.
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