Lena Waithe doesn’t just aim to entertain together with her latest project – she’s keen to create real connection, each public and deeply meaningful, about legacy and impact. With his recent podcast The Emmy-winning creator invites listeners into intimate conversations with the most influential women of color in the industry. “These aren’t just interviews,” he says. “These are conversations – you get a chance to listen to two black women really having fun and having a dialogue.”

Produced by Hillman, graduatethe series delves into the journeys of iconic characters akin to Sheryl Lee Ralph, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Jada Pinkett Smith and Debbie Allen. For Waithe, these guests are greater than just celebrities; these are individuals who had a huge effect on her life. “These are all women I know and are currently in the community with,” she explains. “But before I met them, I watched them, admired their work and was inspired by it.”

This program is greater than only a profession retrospective; is a tribute to the creativity and resilience that fuel these extraordinary women. The series offers listeners insight beyond industry insights, allowing them to attach with these women’s life journeys and understand how their experiences shape their artistry.

Preparing for every episode required Waithe to deeply immerse herself in her guests’ work. For example, before her session with Jada Pinkett, Smith revisited movies like , and others, discovering recent perspectives and ideas for conversation. “I can’t talk about everything because each podcast would be 10 hours long,” Waithe states. “But I really wanted to focus on a few projects where I felt like there was a theme or something unique that was worth exploring.”

During a one-on-one conversation with Jada, Waithe mentioned one of her co-stars, prompting an emotional response that surprised each women. “You never know what recalling a memory will bring to someone,” he reflects. This moment captures the essence of the series – it’s about reaching out to individual stories and witnessing the stories that bring them to life, each for the speaker and the listener.

A partnership between Hillman Grad and Lemonade media went easily, and each teams were committed to amplifying marginalized voices through storytelling. Waithe expresses her appreciation for the network, saying, “They’ve been great at finding brands and companies that make sense to me and what these conversations are really about.” This collaboration reinforces the series’ goal of preserving narratives and wisdom often missed by mainstream platforms.

The podcast celebrates the power of dialogue and the value of mentorship. Waithe anticipates that listeners across generations will feel inspired by this exchange and encourages them to succeed in out to their mentors, even in the event that they will not be recorded. “I hope to inspire people to talk to each other,” he says.

For Waithe, it’s a reminder that connecting with our inner selves allows us to create from a spot of authenticity. She hopes her listeners can even absorb this data. “It’s not just career advice — it’s their stories,” he says. The journeys of these extraordinary women are closely linked to their creative work, showing that legacy isn’t about fame; it’s about the memories we make and the lives we touch along the way.

The game has just modified for young women in sports.

adidas Basketball is investing its money – and its name – in the event of young Black female athletes, making a mark first-ever highschool partnership NIL (name, image and likeness) with sophomore sensation Kaleena Smith.

The announcement is a strong statement under the leadership of WNBA legend Candace Parker, who serves as president of adidas Women’s Basketball. “When I started in my role, I wanted to take an innovative approach to the way we connect with the best players in the game and support them in their pursuit of excellence on and off the field,” Parker shared within the announcement.

Smith’s resume speaks volumes about why she was chosen to participate on this groundbreaking opportunity. As a top prospect within the 2027 class, she is already making a splash within the basketball world. The Ontario Christian High School standout was named the 2023-2024 Girls Basketball MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year, demonstrating her exceptional talent early in her highschool profession.

But it isn’t nearly her performance on the court. As one among only two freshman captains on Overtime Select last season, Smith demonstrated leadership beyond her years, leading her team in points, assists and steals all of the technique to the championship game. She also earned a coveted spot on the 2024 U.S. Women’s Under-17 National Team, further cementing her status as one among basketball’s most promising young talents.

Since NIL offerings became available to student-athletes, these lucrative partnerships have been largely dominated by college and skilled athletes. adidas Basketball intends to finish by highlighting the abilities of young women. This partnership is greater than just a brand play; it’s a commitment to level the playing field early in the sport and position young women, especially Black women, for a future where they’re celebrated on and off the sector.

Smith joins a formidable list of adidas women’s basketball partners, including WNBA stars Chelsea Gray, Kahleah Copper, Aliyah Boston and Nneka Ogwumike, amongst others. This sisterhood of remarkable athletes represents the brand’s commitment to supporting women’s basketball at every level.

“I’m blessed to be a part of something Candace is creating,” Smith stated, confirming the importance of the moment. Her excitement concerning the collaboration, including the chance to wear Harden sneakers this season, reflects the real enthusiasm of a young athlete able to make her mark in the game.

In a landscape where Black female athletes proceed to struggle for visibility and opportunity, this move by Adidas stands out. The sportswear giant’s decision to support a young Black female athlete reflects its commitment to equality and representation, showing that it is time for young women to profit from the identical highlight often reserved for their male counterparts.

Parker’s vision for the longer term of ladies’s basketball is evident on this strategic move. “When I think about the future of women’s basketball, it is clear that it is in good hands thanks to basketball players like Kaleena,” she said, emphasizing the mixture of excellence on the court and dedication off the court.

Grammy-nominated artist Doechii returned to her former place at ul Howard W. Blake High Schoolher alma mater, where she performed on stage at a homecoming ceremony that inspired a brand new generation of artists. The Tampa-born star began her musical journey as a young girl, honing her skills in her school choir. Little did she know that her passion for music would lead her to international fame.

During her visit, Doechii interacted with students participating in the college’s choir program. She shared words of wisdom and discussed the importance of exertions, sacrifice and staying true to yourself.

“It was a beautiful moment for me, reconnecting with my old teachers/staff and walking around the old campus was very grounding for me,” Doechii exclusively says.

Since bursting onto the scene along with her hit single “What It Is (Block Boy),” Doechii has quickly grow to be one of the exciting recent artists in hip-hop.

The highlight of the visit was an issue and answer session, during which students had the chance to ask Doechii about her music, her path to success and her plans for the longer term. She shared her experiences and gave advice on pursuing a profession in music, in addition to the importance of exertions, dedication and being true to yourself.

In a conversation with the scholars, Doechii said that she saw “so much of herself” in them and emphasized that she wanted to give something back to them and encourage them as they progressed of their careers. She expressed deep gratitude to Howard W. Blake High School, saying, “Blake High School has played a huge role in what I have been able to accomplish so far.”

Her latest mixtape only cemented her repute as a rising star, garnering critical acclaim and 4 Grammy nominations, including Best New Artist – an achievement that comes as no surprise.

Doechii left the scholars of Blake High with a reminder that dreams are close by for those willing to work hard and stay true to their vision. Her journey from her school choir program to a Grammy nomination is proof of the ability of passion. For Doechia, returning to her alma mater was not only a way to give back, but additionally to remember the roots that shaped her.

“This was just the first step because as my career progresses, I want to give back and inspire them as much as I can. I’m so grateful my mom signed me up there and I can’t wait to continue making them proud!”