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The NFL’s New Quarterback: How Chanelle Reynolds Became a Champion of Washington Commanders for Change – Essence

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In the high-stakes world of the NFL, where split-second decisions could make or break a game, Chanelle S. Reynolds the beeper rings (see what I did there?).

It’s not the type of sound that may be heard across the sector at Northwest Stadium (formerly FedExField), the team’s home Washington’s commanders. Instead, it’s art that reshapes the DNA of one of America’s most beloved – and historically homogeneous – institutions. As the primary-ever director of diversity, equity and inclusion programs for commanders, Reynolds isn’t only breaking the glass ceiling; demolishes outdated textbooks and develops a recent motion plan for integration in skilled sports.

More than a decade ago, Chanelle Reynolds walked across the stage at Delaware State University with a diploma in her hand and a world of possibilities before her. Her journey within the sports industry began in 2016 when she joined the NBA G League as an Account Executive for the Delaware 87ers (now the Delaware Blue Coats). In July 2019, Reynolds moved to the NFL, joining the Washington Commanders (then often called the Washington Football Team) as director of group sales. Little did she know that in only two years she can be in a position that might allow her to influence the very culture of the organization.

Reynolds’ transition from sales to diversity champion occurred in July 2021, when she took on the groundbreaking role of diversity, equity and inclusion program leader. This evolution wasn’t just a profession turn – it’s a testament to the seismic changes happening on the planet of sports and a beacon for every young one who has ever dreamed of making a difference in an industry that usually resists change.

“If you had asked me years ago if such a turnaround was even possible, I would have said no,” Reynolds confesses. “I thought to myself, I’m an income girl. Cash rules everything around me.” But as fate would have it, Reynolds was destined to make a different kind of impact, one that might resonate far beyond the ultimate results.

In her role, Reynolds implemented several initiatives to create a more inclusive environment throughout the command organization. One of her essential goals was to expand the worker resource group program, which now includes 4 different groups serving different demographics throughout the organization.

“We have a women’s initiative network, the Black Engagement Network, Somos Commanders, which targets employees who identify as Latina and Latina, and our Commanders Pride network, which is our LGBTQ plus-focused network,” explains Reynolds. “That’s one of our main goals that we’re focusing on to make the environment more inclusive.”

But Reynolds’ influence extends beyond internal organizational structures. She can also be the initiator of initiatives connecting Commanders with the local people. “One of the initiatives I’m really proud of is some of our small business initiatives for local businesses and minority-owned or diverse-owned businesses,” she says. “We run programs where we invited local Latino-owned businesses to come and be vendors at our stadium. They had access to thousands of our fans and could showcase their products there.”

As a Black woman working in a male-dominated industry, Reynolds is keenly aware of the challenges faced by marginalized groups in skilled sports. Highlights the importance of mentorship and sponsorship, especially for black women.

“I found that Black women and women receive a lot of mentoring, but it is under-sponsored,” notes Reynolds. “Behind closed doors, in these rooms, there aren’t enough people supporting them, giving them exposure and exposing them to some of these stretch projects that are needed to get them to the next level.”

Reynolds’ commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices extends beyond her work with commanders. He hosts the podcast “The Success Playbook”, where he shares success stories through the lens of sports and DE&I. “I share the message of the underrepresented, whether it’s Black professionals or Black women in sports,” she explains. “I let them share their success stories.”

Despite the progress made, Reynolds admits there continues to be a lot of work to be done with regards to diversity and inclusion in sport. However, she stays optimistic concerning the future, citing the important thing role sports have played within the pursuit of social justice throughout history.

“Sports has always played a key role in driving difficult conversations that lead to social change,” he reflects. “We saw it in the 1968 Olympics with Tony Smith and John Carlos. We saw this even in the recent moment when the public murder of George Floyd was public and athletes protested around it.”

Looking to the longer term, Reynolds hopes to proceed to make an impact each throughout the Commanders organization and the broader sports industry. Her ultimate goal? “I want people to know that my work has given them the confidence to look authentic every day when they walk through the door,” she says.

For aspiring professionals, especially women of color, seeking to break into the sports industry, Reynolds offers this recommendation: “Find your community. Find that community that is ready to pour into you. I offer guidance and perspective on some blind spots.”

As the NFL and the sports world proceed to grapple with issues of diversity and inclusion, leaders like Chanelle S. Reynolds are proving that change isn’t only possible, but obligatory. Through her work with Washington’s leadership and beyond, she doesn’t just open doors – she builds a more inclusive future for everyone in the sport.


This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Awkward exchange between Anthony Edwards and Lil Baby caught on video weeks before the NBA star petitioned the former rapper for a paternity test

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As 23-year-old Anthony “Ant-Man” Edwards prepares for the start of the 2024-2025 NBA season, the Minnesota Timberwolves player is waiting for the consequence of a paternity petition he filed regarding the mother of the rapper “Lil Baby” first child.

In September, Edwards filed a request in a Georgia court to have social media influencer Ayesha “Little Mrs. Golden” Howard conduct genetic testing of the child, based on Page six. A standing conference on the matter is scheduled for November 13.

Three additional women, including Anthony’s current girlfriend Shannon Jackson, also claimed to be the moms of his three remaining children born between 2023 and 2024.

Anthony Edwards' children
Here’s every little thing you must learn about the women who claimed NBA star Anthony Davis was the father of their children. (Photos: Little.ms.golden/Instagram; Tom Weller/VOIGT/GettyImages; coutureinc2/Instagram)

Ayesha Howard, who turns 37 in only a few days, she reportedly dated the rapper born Dominique Jones, 29, from 2010 to 2015. In September 2015, she gave birth to the “Drip Too Hard” rapper’s son, Jason, who has his own Instagram page with 58,000 followers.

After news broke that Edwards was potentially fathering a child with ex Lil Baby and was claiming paternity to prove child support, web sleuths began digging up old footage of the Olympic gold medalist in reference to the “Dawg” rapper.

A clip of Edwards and Baba interacting at the 2024 Fanatics Fest in New York City went viral on October 17. Ant-Man attended the event on August 19 to participate moderated by Jalen Rose panel discussion with fellow NBA star Kevin Durant.

There, he also participated in autograph signings and photo opportunities. Lil Baby was also in attendance together with his two sons, 9-year-old Jason and 5-year-old Jason. Loyal together with his girlfriend, Jayda Cheaves, who gains and then leaves again.

At one point, the two men bumped into one another at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan, exchanged temporary words and slapped one another.

NBA star Anthony Edwards has filed court documents to seek out out whether he fathered a child with the same woman who’s the mother of hip-hop star Lil Baby’s oldest son. (Photo: @theanthonyedwards_/Instagram; @lilbaby/Instagram)

“How are you?” – she asked Lil Baby Edwards before handing Loyal a replica WWE championship belt. Edwards replied, “Okay, it works.”

Video of the interaction spread across the Internet, with some blogs incorrectly suggesting that the encounter occurred after Edwards filed court documents involving the mother of Jones’ first child, Ayesha.

Despite the confusion over the timing of Edwards and Lil Baby’s Fanatics Fest conversation, social media users posted quite a few comments about their children likely having the same mother.

One person wrote on X“They will be family now.” Another X user he was joking“You better never make subliminal criticism of Anthony Edwards, Lil Baby.”

The third individual he asked“What were they supposed to do??? Break free and fight.”

Someone else noticed Edwards and Baby i shaking hands he stated“Left handed daps ARE WILD!! I don’t think I’ve ever done that in my life.”

Other he said“He was scratching the little girl and his crew with his left hand… he wasn’t messing with them… he was just being affectionate.”

Anthony Edwards, 23, is reported to have fathered a minimum of three children with three different women. (Photo: Conference room/YouTube)

Edwards and Lil Baby have more in common than Ayesha Howard’s apparent exes.

The NBA star and Grammy-winning recording artist hails from Atlanta’s Oakland City neighborhood.

In addition, they’ve previously cooperated for the good thing about the community. Lil Baby performed on the set of Edwards’ College Park third annual AE5 basketball camp in September 2023

He joined a Quality Control Music representative on stage during the camp and played a few of his hits equivalent to “Baby” and “We Paid.”

Moreover, based on A. Edwards, like Lil Baby, he’s excited by rapping video published in November 2020, which shows the freestyling competitor in a automotive.

The 2020 NBA Draft member also expressed that he’s a fan of Lil Baby’s music and could be seen in others movies vibrating to the rhythm of the songs of their compatriots from Atlanta.

In December 2023, Ant-Man participated in an interview on Complex’s “360 With Speedy.” Host Speedy Morman asked him about his relationship with Lil Baby.

“I’ll hit him when he does something fiery. He hit me. We check one another all the time. He’s definitely my partner,” Edwards said about the “It’s Only Me” artist.

According to Edwards, he and Lil Baby celebrated together in Las Vegas after he signed his contract five-year contract extension for $260 million with the Timberwolves in July 2023.

The Minnesota Timberwolves and Anthony Edwards will open the 2024 NBA regular season on October 22 against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center.

Edwards also stars in the Netflix series “Starting at 5” documentary, which premiered on the streaming platform on October 9. The show also follows the lives and careers of NBA stars LeBron James, Jimmy Butler, Domantas Sabonis and Jayson Tatum.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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‘The Conversation’ host Jerry O’Connell reveals his brutal way Halle Berry stopped himself from trying to ask her out

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Halle Berry has left a trail of broken hearts and bruised egos throughout her profession.

Her love life has long been the topic of headlines, attracting readers whose curiosity is piqued by her relationships.

The “Never Let Go” actress has been married 3 times; her ex-husbands are retired MLB player David Justice, singer Eric Benét and fellow actor Olivier Martinez, with whom she has a son, Maceo. She can also be the mother of a daughter, Nahlia, from her previous relationship with model Gabriel Aubry.

Jerry O’Connell reveals that Halle Berry told him he had no likelihood of dating her after she rejected Prince. (Photos: Halleberry/Instagram, Mrjerryoc/Instagram.)

The Hollywood bombshell, who has been lively for over three many years, also had transient flings with quite a few outstanding men, including stars reminiscent of Wesley Snipes and Michael Ealy. But recently, it has been the lads she rejected which have turn out to be social media fodder.

“The Talk” co-host Jerry O’Connell recently talked about asking Berry out when the 2 appeared as guests on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” in February 2008.

O’Connell landed a spot on the late-night show shortly after moving to Los Angeles to pursue his entertainment profession. He was lucky to be scheduled on the identical night because the “Catwoman” star.

As he recalls, O’Connell had a “now or never” moment with the actress.

“Actually, like during a commercial break, I leaned over to Halle and I was like, ‘Halle, I’m so sorry that…’” he began, before pausing the story to illustrate how surprised he was by her presence.

“When you see Halle Berry and her beauty, you get the impression: We don’t judge people physically, but if we did, Halle Berry would want you to be speechless,” he said.

Picking up where he left off, the “Kangaroo Jack” actor continued, “I hate to do this, but I have to take a shot here; I mean, you’re here, I’m here. And Halle was like, “Hey, break. Look, don’t even try. Prince asked me out on a date and I said no. You’re not really – it’ll be a no. I think you’re a nice guy, but it’s not happening.”

Despite the denial, O’Connell was delighted that there have been no hard feelings and stated, “I love you, Halle.”

His co-hosts found humor within the memory, while social media users had way more to say. One person commented“Seems like every guy in Hollywood tried to be Halle Berry’s Steph Curry and ended up as Shaq at the free throw line.”

Another comment read: “Lol hale Berry has poor decision-making skills when it comes to relationships.”

Two others had more reactions about O’Connell’s approach to asking the Oscar winner out on a date. “There’s no game at all with an attempt like that,” joked a 3rd. And a fourth straight wrote: “Bro don’t start with the apology and Prince was like 5 feet tall. So she completely disgusted him.

In September, Berry revealed that Prince asked her on a date using a bit of paper that a member of his crew handed her during one in all his live shows in Los Angeles. The actress stated that she kept the note somewhat than returning with the reply “No”. However, the musician who has impressed this artist is singer-songwriter Van Hunt.

The couple has been dating since 2020. She declared that this was the person she must have married from the very starting.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Angelina Jolie’s red carpet appearance has sparked more speculation after concerns about “large” veins

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angelina jolie thin amid brad pitt divorce

In their responses to “Maria” with Angelina Jolie, critics had already predicted an Oscar nomination, however the reviews about the star’s recent appearances on the red carpet weren’t so favorable.

The film, during which Jolie plays real-life opera singer Maria Callas, will premiere in theaters on November 21. The actress has been spotted supporting the project at film festivals and most recently at its London premiere.

She appeared in a black suit with trousers, a black shirt and black shoes. As she posed for photographers, she wore her hair loose, with straight blonde braids falling over her left shoulder.

Angelina Jolie skinny after Brad Pitt's divorce
Concerns about Angelina Jolie’s slim figure proceed after her divorce from her estranged husband, Brad Pitt. (Photo: Angelinajlie/Instagram)

The supportive fan appreciated the wardrobe change from the stunning gowns. They he wrote“It looks great.” The second person said: “YOU GO, GIRL!!! Lady boss! She looks great and I just like the blonde hair. It brightens the features of her face and makes her eyes look dazzling.

“It’s good to see her smile despite everything she’s going through. God bless you, Angelina,” they continued. The actress is in the course of a protracted divorce from her estranged husband, Brad Pitt.

The couple dated for nine years before getting engaged in 2012 after which tying the knot in a personal ceremony in August 2014. They are parents to biological children Shiloh, Knox and Vivienne, in addition to adopted children Maddox, Pax and Zahara.

Several reports have cited the continuing separation between Pitt and his children since Jolie filed for divorce in 2016, citing the actor’s alleged toxic behavior, including claims of abuse, as the explanation for the separation.

Since then withdrew the lawsuit against the FBI, which investigated allegations of abuse, filing a 2021 Freedom of Information Act request. According to The Daily Mail, Jolie tried to acquire documents regarding the investigation. No one has been charged and everyone is predicted to pay their very own attorney fees.

However, the outstanding “Girl Interrupted” actress’s return to the highlight also sparked speculation that, amid heavy criticism, she had undergone subtle treatments to clean up her appearance.

One such comment said: “She looks empty and exhausted.” Two other critics noted: “Crikey, she’s skinny!!!!” and “Ugh, gaunt and frail.”

A 3rd said: “Has anyone noticed this is not Angelina Jolie? It looks completely different from the unique, and I do not mean cosmetic surgery.”

According to an alleged source Life and elegancethe humanitarian enlisted the assistance of Hollywood trickery to obscure the presence of Pitt’s fraught divorce.

“She is incredibly beautiful and looks great for the most part at 49,” the person told the magazine. “But she clearly did a lot of new work on her team, given the notoriety of “Maria.” They further claimed that “the stress of her court battle was taking its toll.”

This summer, photos of Jolie in France sparked an avalanche of comments suggesting she had develop into too thin. In some photos which have appeared on the Internet, her veins could be seen protruding from her arms.

“It’s true, a few months ago she looked quite frail and emaciated, with dark circles under her eyes… So she had a correction done – and not only lip injections, but probably Botox and other fillers. But this renovation is getting mixed reviews and is causing double takes of the worst kind,” said an anonymous source.

Moreover, this person noted that “there is hope that Angelina will not succumb to the temptation to exaggerate like many of her Hollywood peers.”

In 2010, Jolie told the British people press that she doubts whether she is going to ever change her appearance, but didn’t comment on the brand new allegations regarding her rejuvenated beauty.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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