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
The art collector left his mark on TheGrio’s Masters of the Game
In the next episode of Masters of the Game, hosted by Touré, we introduce you to Shirley and Bernard Kinsey, an influence couple who’ve dedicated their lives to preserving African American history through art and artifacts. Through greater than 50 years of marriage and a shared passion for education and history, the Kinseys have built one of the largest and most influential private collections of African American history in the world.Kinsey collection— making them true champions of history, art and cultural preservation.
Art collectors
The Kinseys have long believed in the transformative power of education. For them, educating others means sharing the wealthy history of African-American culture through art and historical artifacts. Their collection includes works by iconic artists similar to Ernie Barnes, Charles Alston and Beauford Delaney, but it surely is their collection of rare historical documents that actually stands out. Among their treasures is a heartbreaking nineteenth century letter delivered by an enslaved girl who couldn’t read – she was sent from one plantation to a different under false pretenses. The next work of their collection is Zora Neale Hurston’s brave and hilarious letter to her ex-husband, during which she asks him to remain out of her life ceaselessly.
From humble beginnings to becoming one of the most influential black couples of our time, Toure’s conversation with the Kinsey family takes us on a journey through the depth, resilience and radiance of African-American culture. Their collection not only preserves history, but additionally inspires future generations to inform their very own powerful stories, making the Kinseys true masters of the game. Don’t miss this episode of “Masters of the Game” at 8 p.m. ET on Friday and 1 p.m. ET on Saturday on TheGrio Cable Network.
Entertainment
Hugh Jackman’s attempt to silence the doubters in the face of criticism over his scandalous affair with the Broadway actress during their 27-year marriage backfired
Australian actor Hugh Jackman (56) is in the crosshairs of Internet users due to accusations that a member of the forged of “The Music Man” on Broadway cheated on his then-wife with her friend.
Jackman married Deborra-Lee Furness, 68, in April 1996, after meeting the Australian while filming the TV show “Correlli” in 1995.
Recent reports suggest that Jackman began dating “The Music Man” actress Sutton Foster, 49, while still married to Furness. At the same time, Foster was married to screenwriter Ted Griffin before the couple split in 2024.
People flooded into Jackman Instagram page condemn the ‘Deadpool and Wolverine’ star for alleged infidelity. Many critics are harshly criticizing him on his recent posts.
For example, an upset Instagram user commented: “I’m upset. I believed you were a very good guy. I used to be flawed.
In addition, someone wrote: “An affair with an actor is very unprofessional.” A 3rd person replied: “I know right! And he hid it for his image! I feel very sorry for his children and wife.”
On one other one Instagram post On Jackman’s behalf, a disgruntled fan declared, “A man who cheats on his wife doesn’t deserve my respect, much less my following.”
In response to this backlash, Jackson attempted to silence the noise and naysayers by limiting comments on his posts.
However, a supporter of the Tony Award winner responded: “So many persons are concerned about his personal life. Worry about your individual people, rattling it.
Foster also faced backlash over her cheating scandal Instagram page.
“Stealing someone else’s man is crazy,” one person said. Another faultfinder commented: “I just came upon that you just and Hugh are literally destroying the house. “Wow.”
The foster family defender asked: “Why is this person’s private life our business? Why is it that when they hear something that is essentially a “gossip,” complete strangers feel entitled to KNOW what’s true, after which feel entitled to judge and condemn?”
Despite negative reactions on the Internet, “Nas” weekly. reported that its alleged source said Jackman and Foster are having fun with a “great next chapter” as romantic partners.
“They are happier than ever,” the source said. Apparently their romance began while they were starring in “The Music Man” on Broadway.
Additionally, an individual reportedly close to Foster claimed that her relationship with Jackman led to his divorce from Furness. The case allegedly overlapped with Foster and Jackman’s separate marriages.
“Our journey is now changing and we have decided to separate to continue our individual growth,” Jackman and Furness said in a press release. People following their separation in September 2023.
Their statement added: “We greatly appreciate your understanding in respecting our privacy as our family navigates this change in each of our lives.”
Furness sparked speculation about her views on her ex-husband’s recent girlfriend by liking a post on the gossip blogger’s Instagram in which she claimed Jackman “blindsided” her by “eloping with his lover.”
However, Daily Mail. reports that her alleged insiders say Furness won’t go further than clicking a heart on Tasha Lustig’s Instagram post.
But Furness was apparently aware that Jackman and Foster had began dating before she split from the father of her two adopted children, Oscar, 24, and Ava, 19.
“Deborra-Lee had her suspicions when Hugh started working with Sutton,” an anonymous source said, according to the Daily Mail. “Their relationship is no secret to her.”
While his personal life has turn into gossip fodder this 12 months, Jackman also enjoyed box office success with the superhero film “Deadpool and Wolverine.”
The thirty fourth Marvel Cinematic Universe film grossed $637 million domestically and $1.3 billion worldwide. “Deadpool and Wolverine” is currently one of the most watched movies on the Disney+ streaming platform.
Jackman reprized his role as Wolverine from the “X-Men” film series in the film directed by Shawn Levy. Ryan Reynolds returned as Deadpool in the third installment of the Deadpool trilogy.
Entertainment
LaMelo Ball Charlotte turns heads as she arrives at the game in Scooby-Doo’s “The Mystery Machine.”
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) – Say what you’ll about Charlotte’s LaMelo Ball, but there isn’t any denying the 2022 NBA All-Star has a mode all his own.
The Hornets point guard turned heads on Thursday night when he I drove as much as the Spectrum Center for the team’s game against the Detroit Pistons in a colourful Hummer a reproduction of Scooby-Doo’s “Mystery Machine” – only rather more expensive than the one Shaggy and Velma rode in the kid’s cartoon.
Ball, a lover of enormous dogs, promoted the release of his Scooby-Doo x Puma MB.04, which might be released on November 27.
Ball wore vivid, multi-colored Puma shoes during warm-ups after which become vivid orange shoes for the match.
After the Hornets won 123-121 in extra time, Ball said he liked how his rental equipment was dressed up.
Ball, nonetheless, stopped in need of saying he might try to purchase one, joking, “I already have a Hummer, so I wouldn’t even bother.”
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