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.
Chris Tucker’s returned video surprising Jackie Chan became popular on May 22, and fans should not fed up with the response of Khan.
The International Film Festival in Toronto has published clip On his Instagram website, reminding the fans of the cordial moment when the stars of the “peak hours” re -joined at one in all their festivals.
Chan was on stage in front of the audience TIFF for his or her 2012 party entitled “In an interview with … Jackie Chan” as a hospitable speaker.
During a conversation with Cameron Bailey, who is Currently CEO of TIFF, Chan talked about his life and profession when Bailey suddenly revealed that he was behind the scenes who wanted to welcome Khan.
“We have a special guest who will welcome you. The crowd roared, as Bailey said the name of Tucker, but the icing on the cake was the joyful answer of Khan.
After turning to Tucker, the voice actor “Kung Fu Panda” was enthusiastically shouted “what!” while sinking on a chair. With a radiant smile on his face, Chan threw his legs and arms and waved them forward and back, then got up to embrace his ex -star.
Then he brings Tucker to the fringe of the stage and screams his name to the audience before they turn to take the place next to Bailey.
The host asked Tucker if he had any stories of labor with Chan in their three -part series “Hours of Peak” in 1998–2007.
He revealed that he initially had concerns whether Chan could speak English. “He didn’t say anything all the time, and we met about the film” Hour of the Peak “and the director was there. And the whole Jackie meeting said nothing. He just shook his head, “said the star of” Friday “in a nod.
Tucker remembered ideas for the film, while Jackie Chan sat quietly, just nodding. After the meeting, the surprised Tucker turned to the director Brett Ratner and asked: “Jackie (even) says in English, old? How would he (mother) make this movie? He did not tell me one word! Does he like me? Does he want Wesley Snipes? What does he want, what he wants, Eddie Murphy? Well, does he know who I am?”
Tucker said Ratner assured him that Chan knew English and told him not to worry. And they used this moment from the first meeting to give you the infamous scene in the film in which Tucker asks the figure of Khan: “Do you understand the words that come out of my mouth?”
“Do you understand the words that come out of my mouth?” |. Peak hour (1998)
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– Leevancleef ™
▄︻̷̿┻̿═━一 (@Leevancleef1930) April 14, 2025
Fans reacted in the comments Talk of the neighborhood Video repost.
One person said: “The way he kicked his legs.”
Another wrote: “Jackie reaction is pure brotherly love.”
The third said: “Jackie Fall Out” when the fourth observer added: “The way he threw his hands at the air and raised his feet when he saw Chris left.”
TIFF has released a video as one in all his posts about returning, in which they send movies of assorted celebrities from the past during one in all their previous events. According to them websiteThey are a non -profit organization that “offers shows, lectures, discussions, festivals, workshops, events, professional development and the possibilities of learning, hearing and learning from filmmakers from Canada and around the world.”
This yr they’ve the fiftieth Film Festival, which is able to last from September 4 to September 14.
As for Khan, he is preparing to release his latest movie “Karate Kid: Legends”, which decreases on May 30. In the last film of the KID KID series, which was the fifth installment, Khan’s co -founder was Jaden Smith. Now the original star “The Karate Kid”, Ralph Macchio, joins Khan in this latest film, which says that the wonderful Kung Fu products will win the best karate competition with the help of the heroes of Khan and Macchio.
(Tagstransate) Chris Tucker
Summer is correct across the corner, and publishing music this week increases the temperature much more. From cool cooperation to a spiritual return, the most recent drops are an affidavit to the facility and versatility of black artistry in species.
Assuming the situation of Burna Boy, which knocks Travis Scott in “Tatata” -Hymn-hymn-hop with high energy Afrobeats-Meet-Hop, which is meant for the soundtrack of late nights and the stages of the festival. R&B lovers are waiting for a delicacy from “You’re Invited”, a velvety smooth duo from Vocal Powerhouse Vedo and Kenyon Dixon, which provides the mood of the mood itself, and wins Grammy Estelle icon returns together with her sixth studio album and a vigorous reminder of her brilliance brillianka genre and a vigorous reminder of her genre lyrical soul. Today’s list also comprises the music of Larry Juune, Rob49 and not only.
Look on the Essence summary on new editions below.
Estelle – “Stay Alta”
The award -winning grammy artist Estelle returns from Stay altaHer sixth studio album, currently available everywhere in the world. Streamly send a new project HERE.
1.90.3-F2KZD32O7T7RL5QKV6Z2M2Doue.0.1-2
Rob49 – “Let Me Fly”
Fresh for the reason that success of his single “Wthelly” Rob49 drops a new album Let me fly. Here the album HERE.
Burna Boy ft. Travis Scott – “To”.
Earlier this week, Afrobeats Burna Boy joined forces with Travis Scott for the new single “Tatata”. Listen to the album HERE.
Larry June ft. Cardo has wings – “black man”
Larry June and Cardo got Wings with a gifts of fans with cooperation entitled “Black Man”. Watch the video HERE.
Vedo ft. Kenyon Dixon – “You are invited”
Today, the talented Vedo connects with one other R&B singer Kenyon Dixon with a very new single, entitled “You are invited”. Check it out HERE.
He was never only a television program. He educates, challenges and causes conversations that matter. Created by Lena Waithe and embedded in her hometown of Chicago, she consistently provided stories which are strict, true and rooted in something deeper than the drama and violence in Śródmieście. This series took responsibility for the authentic reflection of the community, immunity and newly defined, which suggests to steer with love.
Season 7, which premiered on May 16, kicks deeper than ever before. The heroes transform in a way that seems personal and, to be honest, related. Lynn Whitfield, Jacob Latimore, Birgundi Baker and Luke James not only play characters, embody the living experiences of many fans who tune.
This season, it is still moving regret, love, masculinity, survival and desire for power, and at the identical time change conversations in culture. And the spoiler alert: it will probably be higher because the season goes.
Recently, AndScape sat with the celebrities of honest, layered and fun conversation about what this season means for them each on the screen and outside. We also talked about sensitivity, legacy, relationships and what it means to return home. Regardless of whether you’re a fan of OG or a brand new one, check why this season goes in a different way.
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