Theater
O radar: Federal Health Service employees on the “Dei Watch List” NFL Scaps “End Rasism”, time honors black leaders and more – ESENCE
![O radar: Federal Health Workers on the](https://360wisemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/O-radar-Federal-Health-Service-employees-on-the-Dei-Watch.png)
“Final racism” in the final zone. Photo: Jamie Squire/Getty
When we move on to a month of black history, this week the headlines remind us of immunity, progress and constant fighting in our communities. From the reported list of Watch Dei, through which mainly black federal healthcare staff are marked as “goals” to a historic church that regains his power and the departure of the legendary Lotnik Tuskegee, these stories reflect the challenges and triumphs we face. The latest closer Time problem emphasizes the black leaders closing the gaps in the field of racial capital, and the NFL makes a controversial change before Super Bowl. Here’s what it’s essential know.
Federal health care staff: “Dei Watchlist” sparkles fear and indignation
Federal health care employees are on the website “DEI observation list” He appeared, publishing photos, names and public details of several employees in various health agencies – at one point describing them as “goals”. The site, which seems to focus mainly on black employees working in agencies in the Health and Social Welfare Department, in response to NBC News runs rounds on private group chats and social media.
It is just not clear when he appeared, but its existence caused fear and alarm amongst the mentioned. So what are their so -called “crime”? According to the site, just working on diversity, justice and inclusion initiatives, donations for democrats, and even using pronouns of their BIOS, it was enough to land on the list.
Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, learned about the website on Tuesday evening, when a federal health care employee sent him a link. “It is a tactic of fear to intimidate people who are trying to do their job and do it admirable,” said Benjamin. “It’s clear racism.”
NFL to remove “final racism” from the end zones before Super Bowl
NFL confirmed that it’s going to remove the “final racism” message from the final zones for this yr’s Super Bowl. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy announced On Tuesday, February 4, that on this field it’s going to contain recent templates from “Choose Love” on the one hand and “IT Brips All Us” on the other. This is the first time since 2021 that the “final racism” is not going to be used during the game, the slogan that the league introduced after the Black Lives Matter 2020 protests. “Choose love” is acceptable to make use of, because our country has survived fires in recent weeks in Southern California, a terrorist attack here in New Orleans, a plane crash and a helicopter near the capital of our country and the Air disaster in Philadelphia, “said McCarthy.
According to White House officialThis commercial took place the same day when it was announced that President Donald Trump could be present when the bosses of Kansas City would face Philadelphia Eagles at Super Bowl Lix in New Orleans on Sunday, February 9. This will probably be the first time in the seat, the president took part in the event.
NFL introduced these messages in 2020 as a part of the “Inspire Change” initiative, launched in 2018. While teams can select their very own expressions for the final zones this season, said McCarthy Hill that the league chooses the phrase to Super Bowl.
Airman Tuskegee Harry Stewart Jr. dies for 100
Retired Lt. Col. Harry Stewart Jr., one among the last surviving members of the legendary Aviators Tuskegee, died on Sunday at the age of 100, February 2, in his home in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, in response to The Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Michigan, Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum. Stewart was a part of the 332 group of fighters, a pioneering unit of black pilots who fought in World War II, despite racism at home.
Stewart’s heritage includes the capture of an impressive flying cross to his service, and then telling a spread in aviation. “Harry Stewart was a nice man of a deep character and achieving with an outstanding career of the service he continued long after the fight for our country during World War II,” said Brian Smith, president and general director of the National Historical Museum of Tuskegee Airmen. His death means the end of the era of one among the most influential black military groups in US history.
Historical Black Church devastated by “Proud Boys” Contrives Group Now
The Metropolitan African Methodist Church, a historically Black Church in Washington, provided the right to the trademark “Proud Boys”. This happens after the white nationalist group devastated the church in December 2020 during the PRO-TRUMP Rally. On Monday, February 3, the judgment of judge Tanya M. Jones Bosier from the Supreme Court of Colombia’s Supreme Court prohibits the far -right group of using his name or profit from the brand without approving the Church.
As a pastor of the Church, Reverend William H. Lamar IV explained that the congregation wouldn’t be in silence. “We do not allow people to violate us, and the violation is unanswered,” he said reporters. Recognizing the path ahead of us, he added: “This is not a sprint, but a marathon. It takes strategy, requires partners and requires the belief that you deserve to treat humanitar. “
Time Magazine emphasizes the black leaders in the “closer” edition
TIME He released his annual edition, expanding his concentration by 25 black leaders working on closing gaps in the field of racial capital. This yr’s list includes numbers akin to Sara Sidner from CNN, who’s in favor of tests of breast cancer amongst black women and the creator of Percival Everett, who again imagines “Huckleberry Finn” from the perspective of the escape of the enslaved Jim in his latest James novel. The Oscar -nominated actor Colman Domingo can also be presented, reflecting his influence in Hollywood. “I can influence. What can I do? What can I disturb? “He says time. Other distinctions are designer Rachel Scott, a midwife lawyer Elaine Welteroth and senator Raphael Warnock.
Cynthia Erivo called Harvard “Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year”
Pudding derivatives at the Harvard University called actress and singer Cynthia Erivo his 2025 Woman of the Year. Erivo, known for her roles in Harriet and Wicked, took part in the characteristic roast and group parade by Harvard Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on Wednesday, February 6.
Founded in 1844, the theater group is the third oldest in the world, still an lively theater organization. “This actually means a lot, because the theater does not really leave, the craft you love, the work you are, the standard you are building,” said Erivo, in response to AP. “It helps to build a job that you do on the screen … Giving up for the things I did on the stage means a lot. This means that it is still shining, which is quite nice. “The Emmy, Grammy and Tony award continues to be breaking the entertainment barriers.
Mama Martin’s mother shares his cordial tribute to her thirtieth birthday
Sibrina Fulton, Mother of Tracvon Martin, honored her deceased son for his thirtieth birthday. On February 5, she shared an Instagram post from his last rest, writing: “There is no day that I don’t think about your son. It still makes my heart hurt for you and your family. 🙏 On this day I also celebrate your boy, Trayvon; Happy birthday 🎂 🎂 🎂 🎂 for you, King Martin. “
In the next post made available on the Instagram website, Black Miami-Dade, Fulton thought of her time with Martin, remembering a humorousness and a small moment before her death, when she asked him for a distance from her bedside table, although she was close by. “I remember that I would shout for him. “Trayvon!” And then, when he came, I asked him to get a pilot from my bedside table. It was within reach, and he said: “He has! I can not imagine you! ” – she remembered. “I might just laugh and say to him,” Thank you. I needed it. I had to see you. He had the little Fuzz who began to fall under his chin. He just swears that he had a mustache. We saw a change in it. “
Martin was shot and killed on February 26, 2012 in Sanford, Florida, by George Zimmerman, a volunteer in the vicinity, while Martin was returning home from a food market. Zimmerman, who was not initially arrested, claimed that he shot Martin in self -defense after confrontation, although Martin was unarmed. The death of an adolescent ignited protests throughout the country and played a key role in the development of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Theater
NFL Dei efforts at a full show during the 4th annual Night of Duma from Glaad – Essence
![Continued NFL efforts in full display during the 4th annual Night of Duma with Glaad](https://www.essence.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GettyImages-2198291122-Cropped-1920x1080.jpg)
Among the recent efforts in favor of questioning or in some cases, the erasure of the importance of diversity, justice and integration (DEI), the National Football League (NFL) stays unwavering in his involvement in embracing and celebrating people. Two days before the biggest football match in the NFL yr, she hosted the fourth annual Pride night, in cooperation with Glaad and presenting the sponsor Smirnoff.
“We are strange and we are here,” says Sarah Kate Ellis, president and director of Glaad. “[Tonight] Reminder that we belong everywhere – including on the pitch, stands and under every aspect of this sport. “
Together with this yr’s Night of Duma, Glaad celebrates the fortieth anniversary, and Ellis says to see their logo, and NFL together 4 many years later is “serious progress”. “We went a long way,” he continues – and I bet our founders would really like to see us here tonight. I do not even know if they may imagine it. “
By happening at the Joy Theater in Nowy Orleans, NFL and Glaad, some of the most administered and various Crescent City acts, including Recent awarded Grammy Tank and Bangas and headliner big freedia. Duma night opened with Bejorettes-inspired Beyoncé Dance and Parade Krewe based in Nowy Orleans.
“I am here to represent not only for my city, but for the LGBTQ+community,” says Big Freedia. “I am here to reveal my presence and talk about great causes and things that affect our community. It is important that we can all help all communities and it is great to see NFL behind us. “
Freedia also wonders how difficult it’s growing up and differs from all others. “As a child, I was definitely nervous. I was chosen. I was intimidated. [But] In the end I started to build confidence and I had my city here in Nowy Orlean behind me. [Now] I am loud and proud and I am not sorry for anything I want to do and who I am. “
Big Freedia believes that taking a position of just one member of the LGBTQ+ community can have a huge difference. “Use your voice. Be an ally for someone and support [them] in any way you can. “
The former host of CNN, Don Lemon, praises the NFL for sacrificing the diversity, justice and integration. “I don’t even know if I can express what it means to be here tonight … Being here is an amazing honor.” Lemon also wonders how far skilled sports took place. “When I came and before I left, there were no such events. I am satisfied with the progress made, although we must make more progress. The goal should be to show that it is normally to be a member of the community and be proud and gay, and be able to play professional sports. “
Although NFL refuses to follow the trend of rejecting Dei initiatives, like other predominant corporations, there remains to be a stigma that surrounds those that play football. In June 2021, the defensive end and Linebacker, Carl Nassib from Las Vegas Raiders became the first gay player of the NFL. After retiring from Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023, In the NFL 2024 season there was no opening of gays or bisexual NFL players; However, there’s one trainer – Kevin Maxen, Associated Trainer of Strength from Jacksonville Jaguars.
“The continuous involvement of NFL in the inclusion of LGBTQ is more important than ever”, divides Ellis. “LGBTQ+fans, players and employees deserve to see themselves in the sport they love. Trusted and beloved American brand, such as NFL [should] Inspire all fans, parents, teachers, trainers and athletes to be allies of LGBTQ+ and treat themselves with honesty on the pitch and outside. Thank you to the Commissioner [Roger] Goodell, [Chief Marketing Officer] Tim Ellis [Senior Vice President and Chief DEI Officer] Jonathan Beane, [Senior Director of DEI] Josephine Martinez and the entire NFL team for your partnership and work to make it possible for our community. Together we will move forward, making sure that sport and our culture are really for everyone. “
Theater
Tyler Perry honored with the Impact Award at the Apollo Spring Benefit 2022 festival, Gifts Theater PLN 500,000. dollars
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 13: Whoopi Goldberg presents Tyler Perry with the Apollo Impact Award during the Apollo Theater Spring Benefit 2022 performance at the Apollo Theater on June 13, 2022 in New York City. (Photo: Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
Writer, producer, director and studio owner Tyler Perry has received the Apollo Theater’s highest honor and in return he has given the historic institution an enormous gift.
On July 13, the annual spring profit concert and awards gala at the world-famous Apollo Theater made its grand return to lift funds for the Harlem landmark. The theater was completely closed for much of the pandemic and only recently began opening its doors for a couple of select performances and events.
Hosted by Kenan Thompson, the event featured performances by The Roots, Kamasi Washington, Stephanie Mills and Anthony Hamilton, and Perry received the Impact Award in recognition of the impact he has had on the Hollywood industry, particularly for Black creators and performers.
![Tyler Perry honored at the Apollo Spring Charity Gala](https://www.essence.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/GettyImages-1402822818-scaled.jpg)
Whoopi Goldberg presented Perry with the honor, calling it “everything I hoped to see when I looked at ‘the best’.”
“I love him because he’s funny and he does things that people sometimes don’t understand,” Goldberg continued. “Because we’re very tough people. Black people… we are going to speak about you.
Goldberg gave examples of certain members of society who consider that Perry’s material will not be good for our people, or that it’s the most accurate and favorable depiction of black life.
“But there are also people who say, ‘I love what he does because I can see.’ This is an extraordinary thing. It’s hard to find something universal.”
“He represents the best of us. We don’t always like everything we all do, each other. But we get the idea. I love this man because he understands what we are about – not just as a race, but as a human race. I’m proud to know him.”
![Tyler Perry honored at the Apollo Spring Charity Gala](https://www.essence.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/GettyImages-1402823624-scaled.jpg)
“I’m truly moved and inspired by this,” Perry said as he accepted his honorary trophy. “I hope most of us will understand how necessary it’s to support most of these facilities. There is a lot happening in the world that individuals try to erase our history. They don’t need it taught in schools. That is why it’s so necessary that we ourselves ensure that that our kids and other people remember this history. And there have been some legends circulating on this stage and on this constructing. Never take this place without any consideration.
“With that in mind, I would really like to donate half 1,000,000 dollars to assist keep this place open. I need my son to see this. I need your kids to see this.”
Perry’s gift helped propel the event to record-breaking status. During Apollo’s 2022 spring campaign, the Apollo team raised $3.7 million – greater than the theater raised the yr before. Additionally, roughly 400 commemorative NFTs were created ahead of the event and distributed to donors who helped raise the record amount.
Before thanking Apollo for the honor and the opportunity to seem on stage and rub the famous “tree of hope,” Perry had some inspiration to share with the audience.
“Last year, I wrote checks for $154 million on my payroll – not bills, but my payroll. And 98% of it was about Black people,” Perry continued. “This is our strength. This is the power of understanding our stories, our messages, [regardless of] who gets it and who doesn’t. As long as you follow your path, you understand who you might be talking to, you realize your audience. If you’ve a dream on this room, please hear me after I say: don’t quit in your dreams. If I gave up, I do not know who would get that payroll or in the event that they would work in Hollywood and other people would not allow them to in the door.
Below are more photos from the star-studded honorary night:
Theater
Tina Knowles Lawson and Richard Lawson WACO Theater Center to host star-studded COVID-19 relief event
![](https://360wisemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Tina-Knowles-Lawson-and-Richard-Lawson-WACO-Theater-Center-to.jpg)
WACO (Where Art Can Occur) Theater Center is working with among the biggest names within the entertainment industry to help them support families affected by Covid-19.
The organization is hosting a virtual celebration to have fun and recognize diverse artistic mediums, encourage entrepreneurship and reinvest in local programs. It will likely be broadcast continue to exist WACO’s Facebook AND Youtube pages on Saturday, September 19 at 5:00 p.m. (PDT).
It will feature exclusive footage from the famous Wearable Art Galas, spoken word, stage readings, in addition to a virtual art gallery and a special celebrity edition of Knowles Lawson’s signature “corny joke time.”
Samuel L. Jackson, Octavia Spencer, Tiffany Haddish, Angela Bassett, Lynn Whitfield, Issa Rae, Yara Shahidi, Megan Thee Stallion, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Lena Waithe, Cynthia Erivo and Lil Rel Howery are confirmed to attend the event.
It will even be a real family affair, with Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Jay-Z, Solange Knowles, Bianca Lawson, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams volunteering their time to show their support.
The event is hosted by business leaders and entertainment industry veterans Kawanna Brown, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Cheryl Creuzot, Babe Evans, Melba Farquhar, Lela Rochon Fuqua, Mai Lassiter, Holly Robinson-Peete, Robi Reed, Eula Smith and Jo-An Turman committee.
Works by Kehinde Wiley, Lauren Halsey, Barnette, Bethany Collins, Genevieve Gagnaird, Eduardo Sarbia and Radcliffe Bailey will likely be featured.
The silent auction will allow participants to bid on prices from famous artists and jewelers including Robert Pruitt, “The Pretty Artist” Tiffanie Anderson, Chaz Guest, Ron Bass, Samuel Levi Jones, Harry Adams, Tyler Clark, Quiana Parks, Toni Scott, Gherdai Hassell, Charis Kelley, A. Nichel, Erica Puckett and designer Lorraine Schwartz.
DJ Millie will host the event, providing music between segments.
![Tina Knowles Lawson and Richard Lawson WACO Theater Center to host star-studded COVID-19 relief event](https://www.essence.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Richard-Lawson-Tina-Knowles-Lawson1.png)
Founded by Tina Knowles Lawson and Richard Lawson, the Los Angeles-based WACO Theater Center and Performance Complex offers unique cultural programming, mentorship, arts education and performance opportunities to Los Angeles’ diverse communities.
“WACO was created to stand at the intersection of black culture and art. For the past three years, we have worked to create a safe space for students to nourish, grow and learn,” said Tina Knowles Lawson.
Thanks to Sheamoisture’s support, the event will likely be free to the general public.
Since 2016, the private care brand has frequently helped WACO serve the community through community arts and education initiative programs.
“This year our gathering will have a different feel and look, but the mission will unequivocally remain the same,” said co-artistic director Richard Lawson. “We look forward to continuing the tradition of celebrating art and black culture to create meaningful change for our children.”
Get access to preview and register for the auction by texting WACO2020 to 243-725 and visit the virtual art gallery through Sunday, September 27.
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