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SLAM magazine boldly returns with its iconic cover T-shirts – Andscape

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In the exclusive environment of skilled basketball, where the powerful and zeitgeist stretch their legs because the motion gallops, the cover T-shirt is becoming an increasingly common sight, seen on everyone from Teyana Taylor to Rich Paul. And yes, the players donned the duds.

Shirts are guided by business realities. But nobody could turn a soppy magazine run by a handful of dedicated, sarcastic people right into a cultural shorthand, a secret handshake for basketball fans. Allen Iverson on the cover was not the identical as AI on the cover in a retro Sixers jersey and impressive style.

covers all the time hit in a different way.

Karl-Anthony Towns arrives for a game against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 9 on the Target Center in Minneapolis.

David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images

Even of their sorry state, long-established print magazines tend toward a dignity that has never been ascribed to “The Basketball Bible.” This can be a key reason why it continues to be so popular.

“I always considered myself your friends.” said basketball photographer Jon Lopezwho took photos for the cover of the magazine. “Someone from the neighborhood you grew up with who speaks your language and understands your game language, as opposed to this overachieving character you’ll never get to be around, and you’ll be lucky if I ever get a call from them.”

Long before eighth-graders had highlight tapes and ladies’s basketball hoops began gaining respectability, the publication didn’t stick with the NBA and men’s college hoops, staples of most major sports magazines. Attention was paid to playgrounds and the highschool. Chamique Holdsclaw, then a superstar on the University of Tennessee, was featured on the cover in October 1998. , Dawn Staley said, “truly understands the game and the culture of our game – not just Black culture.”

It began before you broke your back. Dennis Page, founder and publisher of , told journalist Alex Wong that he desired to do for athletes what the cover did for musicians.

Musical artist Teyana Taylor is on the court and cheers on the Sacramento Kings against the San Antonio Spurs during an NBA basketball game on the Golden 1 Center on February 22 in Sacramento.

Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Rich Paul (left) and Corey Gamble (right) attend the sport between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers on March 4 on the Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles.

Jim Poorten/NBAE via Getty Images

When access to player photos was finally granted, he was joyful to relinquish control, said Russ Bengtson, the magazine’s editor-in-chief from 1999 to 2004.

“I think a big part of what makes us great and what makes us great is the trust in the players themselves,” he said. “They are the arbiters of what’s cool, not us. We are the delivery system for this. When I used to be an editor, I won’t think I knew what was cool any higher than Allen Iverson. This meant players didn’t must resort to stiff poses and ‘it’s over’ smiles during official NBA and team photo shoots. They could wear headbands or chains they even swap shirts with their teammates.

Lopez didn’t mention anything in regards to the cover, which does not feel corporate. Former editor-in-chief Tony Gervino told Wong that the turning point was: May 1995 cover with Latrell Sprewell and Tim Hardaway Golden State Warriors, neither of them were smiling.

Travis Kelce (left) and Jason Kelce (right) attend a pre-game with the Boston Celtics against the Philadelphia 76ers during Game 6 of the 2023 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals on May 11, 2023 on the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.

Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

“They were little-known players to the national audience and we wanted to plant our flag as an anti-establishment basketball magazine,” Gervino said. The goal, Bengtson added, was to make the players seem like rap stars.

“It was one of those things that you wanted, no matter what you achieved as a player… you wanted to have a cover,” said Shareef Abdur-Rahim, who granted his wish January 2000 issue. (He was also a part of that iconic 1996 rookie class.) It was greater than just being considered an excellent player. It instilled a certain street authority, “a certain kind of swagger, a coolness in you,” the 2002 All-Star said.

wasn’t your father’s basketball magazine. “My dad read,” Abdur-Rahim said. “I was reading.” Likewise his son. Abdur-Rahim, who serves as president of the G League, said his cover “makes me think I’m the older guy” amongst players.

Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson arrives at the world before their game against the Minnesota Lynx on May 30 on the Target Center in Minneapolis.

Jim Poorten/NBAE via Getty Images

Staley, who won three NCAA championships while coaching the University of South Carolina women’s basketball team, was the primary coach to land the job solo cover. “We have a pretty big ego,” said Staley, a Hall of Fame shortstop, “but you never think you’re big enough to be on the cover.”

Swagger only sells a certain variety of magazines. Even though, as Lopez said, it has adapted to the amusement park hall of cracked mirrors that’s the digital age – “They’re doing a great job of combining print with digital” – magazines must always reinvent themselves. So when Page was visited by Lynn Bloom, director of authentications and archives at Mitchell & Ness, he had an idea: “Don’t you think people would wear T-shirts with covers?”

The partnership made sense. “Their covers are spectacular,” Bloom wrote in an email. “They use the best photographers in the industry, ensuring that the photos are always striking and memorable.” And there may be synergy. “In many cases, the athletes on the cover are wearing jerseys that we now make, so it’s a natural fit.”

The jerseys allow people to “represent both their favorite players and them,” noted Adam Figman, CEO of . But it is a revenue stream and a cross-promotion bonanza. “It’s great that we have found a new way to grow our business,” Figman said in an email. “Media is a tough business and these T-shirt covers have helped us grow significantly.” He notes that the T-shirts have been illegal for years.

When Staley visited her hometown of Philadelphia, the neighborhood boys wore her T-shirt. “It’s such a cool, cultural element,” she said, “that connects or reconnects people who really know you.”

When Bengtson worked on the magazine, the cover was “a very ephemeral thing.” Yes, staff will sweat reading covers and other details, but “those things will disappear after a month or a month and a half.” Although he sells T-shirts featuring today’s stars, “the cover has become part of the player nostalgia” – Vince Carter, Shaquille O’Neal and so forth. Bengtson adds that lots of the photos became “the definitive images of these guys.”

The cover, Figman said, “remains one of the most coveted media properties in the sports and basketball world, and the cover T-shirts are another opportunity for us to show how moving the cover is.”

Does this translate into people buying the difficulty of the magazine?

Musical artist Flea attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder on the Crypto.com Arena on March 4 in Los Angeles.

Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images

“It’s possible, but probably not common,” Figman admits. “I feel it’s more likely that somebody will see another person wearing the shirt on the cover and either think, ‘I want that shirt,’ or ‘I hope my favorite player is on a future cover so I can get that shirt when it is going to occur.”

Although he recently celebrated his thirtieth birthdayvol anniversary and was honored by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, “is still a humble operation,” Bengtson said. “It’s still The Wizard of Oz. You pull away the screen of this extremely professional-looking, glossy magazine, and there’s still only a few people doing it.” Figman stated that the power to remain relevant on the cover is partly attributed to the staff’s “elite understanding of both who’s hot at the moment and who’s next.”

In the everlasting temporary industry, an influential magazine enjoys greater importance. There is one other profit for some former employees. “It’s cool to see that the story lives on in a different format now,” Bengtson said. “It’s cool to see.”

Pete Croatto is the writer of From Hang Time to Prime Time: Business, Entertainment and the Birth of the Modern-day NBA. His articles have also appeared in SLAM, The New York Times, Grantland, Victory Journal, and GQ.com.


This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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MAGA chaos breaks out as Trump supporters turn on each other to rush to Kamala Harris’ defense after election loss

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Kamala Harris lost the 2024 presidential election, but she didn’t lose her smile.

On social media platforms, legions of supporters of the Democratic vp have spent the following 4 years struggling under the load of disappointment and, for some, fatigue in a rustic led by Donald Trump, her Republican opponent.

His inauguration on January 20, 2025 will mark an unprecedented return, provided that the last 4 years since he left the White House in 2016 have been marked by lawsuits and criminal convictions.

In her November 6 concession speech, Kamala admitted that the end result of the race was not what she expected, but she never seemed dismayed by the political turmoil, only much more invigorated to fight for the soul of America and its democracy.

Fans now know that she took the defeat in stride and wasn’t even in a rush to reunite along with her family after three months of an arduous campaign. On November 10, Meena Harris, Kamala’s niece, shared two shutter showing a public official having fun with a game night along with her great-grandchildren Amara and Leela, Meena’s daughters.

Kamala Harris defended by Donald Trump supporters after critics focused on her while drinking a glass of wine during family game night. (Photo / s: Meena/Instagram.)

“Back to where it began just a number of months ago. My everlasting gratitude to everyone who showed up. We love her very much,” wrote the author of “The Truth About Mrs. Claus” within the caption. The post received hundreds of likes and countless comments.

One follower graciously wrote, “Hold her for us, hug her for us, THANK HER FOR US. We are all very proud.” And one other said: “It’s so bittersweet, but I’m so glad he can experience that kind of love and joy again.”

The photos were also distributed on X, where they managed to construct a following of fans sparring between Harris and Trump, something neither candidate had managed to do with their message of a united country.

In the photos, the previous district attorney wore a Howard University sweatshirt and black pants, and her signature silk press was clipped into her hair. She laughed open-mouthed as she sat on the ground and played Connect Four along with her nieces.

But on the app run by Elon Musk, people zoomed in and noticed that Kamala had a glass of white wine next to her. The tech billionaire bought Twitter in 2022 and has since modified its name to X. The platform has turn into a hotbed of controversial support for Trump, with Musk being one in every of the struggling politician’s leading supporters.

The MAGA-affiliated coverage apparently tried to use the drink to discredit Kamala. They wrote, “OF COURSE,” as the red arrow drew attention to otherwise unnoticed glass on the ground.

But as an alternative of triggering a flood of replies demeaning Kamala, it prompted users to defend her despite their political beliefs.

“Seriously, this is giving Republicans a bad name. It’s not bad for someone to have a glass of wine” – person he tweeted. Second commentator he said“I voted for Trump. This looks like a fun game night. Why is a glass of wine bad?” And a 3rd voter supporting Trump he wrote“Trump fan here. Do you know how much most of us drink?”

Several other responses indicated a shared belief that it was time to stop insulting her. Once upon a time like this tweet read: “I wish we could let go now. There isn’t any need to keep delving into it. It isn’t any longer a part of our lives. Let her drink. She has nothing to do with us anymore.

Harris lost after garnering 71 million votes and 226 Electoral College votes compared to Trump’s support of 74 million votes and 312 electoral votes, which included each swing state.

Vice President and President Joe Biden have said there can be a peaceful transition of power despite circulating conspiracy theories.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Celtics star Jayson Tatum made a $200 million move to bring the WNBA to St. Louis-Essence

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 23: Jayson Tatum attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Netflix’s “Starting 5” on September 23, 2024 at The Egyptian Theater Hollywood in Los Angeles, California. (Photo: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum proves that securing your bag means supporting the entire community.

Freshly secured The largest NBA contract in historyTatum reportedly intended to make a $200 million bid to move the WNBA to St. Louis – a decision that would change the landscape of girls’s skilled basketball in the Midwest.

This groundbreaking initiative comes at a pivotal time for girls’s basketball, which has seen unprecedented growth in viewership and engagement, particularly amongst Black women. For Tatum, who recently signed with historic contract value $315 million for the Celtics, this investment can be greater than just a business enterprise – it’s a chance to create lasting change in skilled sports.

To strengthen the offer, Tatum has partnered with distinguished business leaders in St. Louis, Richard Chaifetz and David Hoffmancreating a powerful team of investors committed to constructing a sustainable franchise. Their proposed home court can be the state-of-the-art Chaifetz Arena at Saint Louis University, providing a wonderful foundation for what could turn into a cornerstone of St. Louis’ sports culture. Louis.

The moment of taking this initiative is especially essential. Recent changes to WNBA regulations will now allow NBA players to take ownership stakes in teams, opening up recent opportunities for investment and representation in women’s sports. Tatum’s quick motion to seize this chance sets a compelling example for skilled athletes looking to make a significant impact of their communities.

While greater than a dozen cities are competing for a WNBA expansion team, St. Louis stands out thanks to Tatum’s vocal support and deep connections in the community. The city’s proven track record in supporting skilled sports combined with Tatum’s vision for inclusive excellence create a unique fit for the WNBA’s expansion plans.

As this story unfolds, one thing is obvious: Tatum’s potential investment offer is about greater than just adding one other team to the league – it’s about creating opportunity, inspiring the next generation and constructing a legacy that extends far beyond the basketball court. His commitment to bringing skilled women’s basketball to St. Louis represents a significant step forward in the evolution of skilled sports that would help shape the future of girls’s athletics for years to come.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Yale University will launch a course devoted to Beyoncé and her legacy

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Beyonce, Yale course on Beyonce, theGrio.com

WITH a record 99 Grammy nominations and recognized as one of the crucial influential artists in music history, pop superstar Beyoncé and her vast cultural legacy will be the topic of a recent course at Yale University next yr.

The class, titled “Beyoncé Making History: Black Radical Tradition, Culture, Theory, and Politics Through Music,” will deal with the period since her 2013 self-titled album. “Cowboy Carter” and how a world-renowned singer, songwriter and entrepreneur generated awareness and engagement with social and political ideologies.

Daphne Brooks, a professor of African-American studies at Yale University, intends to use the artist’s extensive repertoire, including recordings of her live performances, as a “portal” for college kids to study black intellectuals, from Frederick Douglass to Toni Morrison.

“We will take seriously how the critical and intellectual work of some of our greatest thinkers in American culture resonates with Beyoncé’s music and consider how we can apply their philosophies to her work,” and how at times this has been at odds with “black radical intellectual tradition,” Brooks said.

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Beyoncé, whose full name is Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter, shouldn’t be the primary performer to take a college-level course. Over the years, courses have been offered on singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, and more recently, several colleges and universities have offered courses on the singer-songwriter Bob Dylan offered classes with singer Taylor Swift and its lyrics and popular culture legacy. This also applies to law professors who hope to engage a recent generation of lawyers by utilizing a famous star like Swift to give context to complex, real-world concepts.

Professors at other colleges and universities have also included Beyoncé of their courses or suggested classes in regards to the superstar.

Brooks considers Beyoncé in a league of her own, crediting the singer with using her platform to “spectacularly raise awareness of and engagement with grassroots, social and political ideologies and movements” in her music, including the Black Lives Matter movement and Black feminist commentary.

“Can you think of any other pop musician who has invited a group of grassroots activists to participate in these long-running multimedia album projects that he has been commissioning from us since 2013,” Brooks asked. She noted that Beyoncé also tried to tell a story through her music about “race, gender and sexuality in the context of the over 400-year history of enslavement of African Americans.”

“She’s a fascinating artist because historical memory, as I often call it, and the impulse to be an archive of that historical memory, is present throughout her work,” Brooks said. “You just don’t see that from any other artist.”

Brooks previously taught a well-received class on Black women in popular music culture at Princeton University and found that her students were most excited in regards to the section on Beyoncé. She expects her classes at Yale to be especially popular, but she tries to keep the category relatively small.

Those who manage to snag a spot next semester shouldn’t get their hopes up about seeing Queen Bey in person.

“It’s a real shame because if she was on tour, I would definitely try to take a class and see her,” Brooks said.

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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