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Amanda Seales is a victim of nothing but her own pride

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thegrio.com

I’m an outspoken and really opinionated black woman. My friends will inform you that I’m not a shrinking violet. I take up space wherever I’m going and I’m not afraid to specific my opinion when essential.

Because of this, I’m well aware that I could rub some people the improper way. I accept it and own it fully. This is par for the course.

As an outspoken and opinionated Black woman with a large platform who repeatedly posts content that resonates with all kinds of people (white, black and otherwise), I do know there shall be some backlash – either in the shape of comments on my social media posts, unpleasant emails or comments left on my personal website. I even have even contacted the publishing houses I write for, asking them to cancel my participation.

It’s a thing.

I also know that I have never at all times succeeded. I’ve been called out before for having a bad attitude. When this happened, I took a moment to take into consideration what people were saying to me, thought of what I said, and was capable of understand how what I said might have been misexpressed or easily misinterpreted on account of the way in which I phrased it.

I took this chance to either make clear what I meant, explain my point of view further, or admit that my position was improper.

It’s not that difficult.

Amanda Seales recently became a hit on social media after complaining that she wasn’t invited to the NAACP Image Awards. She believes it Black media he doesn’t support her.

Amanda Seales and I agree on some things. I’m at all times here to call out white supremacy and the systems on this country which have been put in place to enslave and marginalize Black people. I applaud her willingness to tackle these topics and discuss them loudly and without apology.

Sometimes Amanda Seales makes mistakes too, and it isn’t about giving birth, as she noted in her video; it’s concerning the problematic things he says.

Take, for instance, the time she actively attacked Samaria RiceTamir Rice’s mother, after Samaria called on Shaun King to lift money for her late son. Samaria believed Shaun King was using her son to lift money for himself, while nothing went to the family – although King himself claimed the cash was intended for the family.

“It’s no secret that I sided with SK,” she wrote on Instagram. “However, from a broader perspective, nobody finds it strange that she just, out of the blue, goes out of her way and is given EVERY platform, without showing receipts, to ‘call out’ one after the other the black activists/organizers which have been visible faces of the movement? Something to take into consideration…”

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Samaria Rice asked that her murdered son’s name not be used for profit by those that don’t care about him or his family, and Amanda Seales found fault with this to the purpose of engaging in a conversation that has absolutely no nothing to do with her.

Calling out Samaria Rice and implying that she has plans against activists within the movement is nasty work, and Amanda was rightfully called out for it.

Then there was a moment in October 2017 when she said on Twitter:If you purchase Jordans and Nikes but haven’t got a PASSPORT, YOU WILL LOSE

Passports are usually not available to everyone. There are individuals who cannot afford to exit of town for a weekend, much less go abroad, so what good will a passport do for them?

Why will we denigrate individuals who haven’t got the identical money and privileges as us? We live in a very skewed capitalist society where Jordan and Nike suits are far more accessible (and attractive) to some people than traveling abroad.

Calling people losers because they haven’t got the identical privileges as you is misguided at best and disgusting if you really give it some thought.

When asked for clarification, she doubled down on her comments.

“I noticed that I still maintain this thesis, which is that if you can afford several Jordans – that’s why there was an “s”, then we now have to assume that once we say Jordans we don’t simply mean one pair, but Nike Suits, plural. This is a multiple.” she told Essence magazine. “A full Nike suit costs $350, pants around $200, sometimes even $500. Jordans, minimum $200-250. If you can afford multiples of these things and don’t have a passport, you lose. Somehow that statement turned into, “Amanda Seales is a classy petty bourgeois who is passport-shaming the impoverished black community.”

Notice how self-sacrificing she was in her explanations, yet she spoke loudly and inappropriately. As I explained above, putting a price on these items doesn’t change the undeniable fact that for some people they’re much more cost-effective than traveling around the globe.

But let’s keep pushing.

In the identical Twitter thread, Seales stated: “If you purchase Nike Jordans and suits but you haven’t got a bank card, you are missing out.” And “If you purchase Nike Jordans and suits but you DON’T KNOW YOUR CREDIT SCORE, YOU WILL LOSE.

I even have already written an article about how the credit scoring system is a rigged game. This is an indisputable fact. The entire credit scoring system is shrouded in a lot secrecy that it is completely confusing to the typical person. It wasn’t created for Black people to learn in any respect – in truth, I personally argue that it was created to disassociate from Black people, but that is a discussion and debate for an additional day.

For the sake of this conversation, let’s admit that not knowing your credit rating and buying Jordan and Nike suits aren’t even synonymous within the grand scheme of things. There are individuals who never use credit for various reasons and I might argue that they’re really smart to live this manner.

The point is, this is one other case of Amanda Seales being high-profile and improper.

I won’t even get into the rumors that her Insecure castmates do not like her because I am unable to state that as a fact, but I’ll say that it doesn’t go unnoticed, although the overwhelming majority of them still hang around together somewhere now and again , we never see Amanda Seales with them.

I’m sure there’s a reason for this.

Imagine that you simply worked with a group of people for the higher part of six years, and when the work was done, all of them paid you dust. This is Amanda Seales.

Criticizing Amanda Seales for her bad attitude and tendency to talk out loudly and inappropriately is not “hating” her or “destroying another black woman.”

As Black people, we should always have the option to supply valid criticism of one another without it being perceived as hate. If we do not hold ourselves accountable, we seem like hypocrites attempting to hold anyone else accountable.

Amanda Seales is excellent at holding accountable white people and institutions that elevate whiteness and white supremacy. He calls them out and calls attention to what they’re doing that is harmful to the black community.

I like that about her.

I feel Amanda could use that very same magnifying glass and have a look at some of her own statements and actions to grasp why some people do not like her.

Recently, two Black publications published articles about her. Both were simply calling on her to do self-analysis and self-inventory to see if any of the things she openly complains about (lack of invitation to Black spaces and lack of support from Black media) is perhaps a reflection of her personal actions.

These articles were presented as hits against her. I absolutely disagree with this labeling.

We cannot be so fragile that we don’t desire to be called out for our own bullshit.

Amanda Seales is very vocal about her opinions. He makes sure everyone hears them. It comes with the territory of having a big platform.

With a large platform also comes the belief that not everyone will agree with you, and relatively than attempting to play the victim when that happens, it could be higher to take the chance to make clear or course-correct, but ego is a rattling drug, and ego is a place where that Amanda Seales got stuck in.

Amanda Seales is a victim of nothing but her own pride, and until she realizes that, she’s going to cry each time someone says something about her.



This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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The art collector left his mark on TheGrio’s Masters of the Game

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In the next episode of Masters of the Game, hosted by Touré, we introduce you to Shirley and Bernard Kinsey, an influence couple who’ve dedicated their lives to preserving African American history through art and artifacts. Through greater than 50 years of marriage and a shared passion for education and history, the Kinseys have built one of the largest and most influential private collections of African American history in the world.Kinsey collection— making them true champions of history, art and cultural preservation.

Art collectors

The Kinseys have long believed in the transformative power of education. For them, educating others means sharing the wealthy history of African-American culture through art and historical artifacts. Their collection includes works by iconic artists corresponding to Ernie Barnes, Charles Alston and Beauford Delaney, nevertheless it is their collection of rare historical documents that really stands out. Among their treasures is a heartbreaking nineteenth century letter delivered by an enslaved girl who couldn’t read – she was sent from one plantation to a different under false pretenses. The next work of their collection is Zora Neale Hurston’s brave and hilarious letter to her ex-husband, through which she asks him to remain out of her life endlessly.

From humble beginnings to becoming one of the most influential black couples of our time, Toure’s conversation with the Kinsey family takes us on a journey through the depth, resilience and radiance of African-American culture. Their collection not only preserves history, but in addition inspires future generations to inform their very own powerful stories, making the Kinseys true masters of the game. Don’t miss this episode of “Masters of the Game” at 8 p.m. ET on Friday and 1 p.m. ET on Saturday on TheGrio Cable Network.

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Simone Biles torn apart after giving George Strait’s wife a ‘vulgar look’ while fans came to her defense

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Did Olympic gymnast Simone Biles cut George Strait’s wife’s eyes on the Country Music Awards?

Some people think so after a viral video of Biles, 27, showing her frustration within the audience on the 58th annual CMA Awards on November 20.

In several clips circulating online, the 27-year-old gave Strait’s wife, Norma Strait, a “dirty look” on the annual awards show where her husband was honored with the John Paul II Lifetime Achievement Award. Willie Nelson.

The seven-time Olympic gold medalist asked viewers if she had glanced out of the corner of her eye on the Lifetime Achievement Award winner’s wife through the 2024 CMA Awards. (Photo: @simonebiles/Instagram)

“Does anyone know if there is a dispute between Simone Biles and George Strait’s wife?” – one in all the X users asked on the evening of this system.

X’s post included a clip of Biles looking nervous as Norma and other attendees danced in the gang on the Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony tribute performance.

The tribute to the “King of Country Music” featured country stars Lainey Wilson, Jamey Johnson, Miranda Lambert and Parker McCollum. Additionally, Chris Stapleton joined Strait on stage to walk through the “Honky Tonk Hall of Fame” to conclude the segment.

Speculation about Biles’ possible disdain shown on the CMA Awards has turn into a topic of debate online, with fans and critics taking sides in the controversy.

“I watched it live and wondered the same thing, and then death looked up and down, she definitely hated!” answer on X platform he stated.

Original X poster he replied“As long as I’m not the only one who saw it.”

However, the legendary gymnast had her defenders. For example, user X sent“He’s probably just watching her reaction (honestly) without thinking about the cameras.”

“Nothing happened” – another person he argued. “George Strait’s wife doesn’t care about messy things like that. It looks like Simone could have a resting face. She wasn’t the one black person either. There are many Black people in country music, from singers to musicians.

Similar entry To read“I saw it and cringed, it’s just her face, but she should politely decline if she doesn’t like country music.”

Another fan he wrote“She probably saw the camera give attention to George Strait’s wife and just looked around curiously. I do not think she’s giving a mischievous have a look at all, she just looks like she’s noticed that the camera is specializing in the people next to her.

Despite questions on Biles’ on-screen response, the multiple-time world champion expressed her excitement to attend the 2024 CMA Awards on the day of the event.

Biles reposted photos from the evening on her Instagram Story. In one photo, shared by hairstylist Justin Revenge, the Olympic gold medalist showed off the short red dress she wore to the red carpet, in addition to the silver off-the-shoulder dress she wore to the CMA Gala.

The star of the Netflix docuseries “Simone Biles Rising” appeared at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville to present the Female Vocalist of the Year award to country singer Lainey Wilson.

Lainey Wilson won the Female Vocalist of the Year category, beating out fellow nominees Kelsea Ballerini, Ashley McBryde, Megan Moroney and Kacey Musgraves.

Biles herself had a successful 12 months as an athlete. The Texas native won 4 medals on the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, bringing her profession total to a record 11 victories for an American gymnast.

However, Vice President Kamala Harris couldn’t replicate Biles’ success because the Democratic presidential candidate in 2024. Harris lost to former President Donald Trump within the nationwide election.

Biles publicly called on current Democratic President Joe Biden to take a stand on behalf of American women before Republican MAGA leader Trump enters the White House on January 20, 2025.

“Mr. Biden, you need to stand up, straighten your back and shake some things up before you go… xoxo women of America,” the Olympian wrote on Twitter on November 6 in response to the election results.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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What do you know about Cynthia Erivo?

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Cynthia Erivo, Wicked, Cynthia Erivo controversy, Black Hollywood, theGrio.com

With the discharge of Wicked fast approaching, it’s protected to say that Cynthia Erivo is on fire straight away.

The film adaptation of the Broadway musical (which is an adaptation of a best-selling novel based on one other novel) is about to open to over $175 million worldwide this weekend, and Erivo has just landed a significant deal.

Universal Pictures has struck a first-look cope with its production company Edith’s Daughter, Deadline reported.

“Having spent the last three years working with Donna Langley, Peter Cramer and the Universal team on Wicked, I have experienced first-hand the love and fearlessness with which they tell stories and uplift narrators,” said Erivo. “I am absolutely delighted to take the next step in our cooperation under our first-look agreement. This is not only a milestone for my production company, but also a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of diverse voices in film. I can’t wait to bring our visions to life and share them with the world!”

However, some could also be just discovering the 37-year-old from Stockwell, London (where she was born right into a family of Nigerian immigrants) or may don’t know about her background and profession to this point. There’s quite a bit to like about the Emmy, Grammy and Tony winner – and much more to grasp beneath the surface. Below we have gathered some things you have to know about Erivo, including some very necessary ones.

He is a Broadway sensation

Before Erivo became a star of the silver screen, she made a reputation for herself on the stage. The actress’ breakthrough role was the role of Celie within the musical adaptation of “The Color Purple” on Broadway. From 2015 to 2017, she delivered critically acclaimed, groundbreaking performances, winning the 2016 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.

She has played several iconic black characters

Aretha Franklin, Harriet Tubman and Recy Taylor are black American historical figures immortalized on screen by Erivo, who has played all of them in movies. Shortly after her Broadway run in 2017, Erivo played Taylor in “The Rape of Recy Taylor.” She then starred as Tubman within the 2019 film “Harriet.”

In 2021, Erivo played Franklin within the National Geographic anthology “Genius: Aretha”. While critics praised her performance, Franklin’s family had a special tackle the project, claiming she was never consulted and even felt “disrespected” by the production team.

He is a queer icon

Earlier this yr, Erivo received the Schrader Award from the Los Angeles LGBT Center as a self-proclaimed member for her talent and support of the queer community.

“Acknowledging that I am queer publicly – especially in the public eye – means taking a risk to claim my freedom,” she said in her speech through which she agreed to return out as queer later in life. “It seems we prefer to see the world in black and white rather than accept the difficult (but beautiful) complexities of our humanity.”

Although it has never been explicitly confirmed, Erivo has long been considered one half of a fairly powerful Black Hollywood power couple, as she is commonly seen at red carpet events alongside fellow industry heavyweight Lena Waithe.

He has a novel sense of fashion

From shaving her eyebrows to her signature long and ornamental nails, Erivo is understood for her daring sense of fashion. Her uniqueness was even incorporated into her makeup for “Wicked.” The makeup artist used stencils to attract eyebrows and add freckles. Meanwhile, a special shade of green face and body makeup was developed to make Erivo’s melaninated skin appear “clearly” on screen, and the shade was named “Cynthia Green,” the film’s makeup artist said People Magazine. It’s value noting that despite the hours-long application process required day by day for months of filming, she also said that Erivo “never, ever, ever complained.”

She doesn’t suffer fools

Social media was abuzz this week with response to actor/podcast host Dax Shepard’s invasive query about Erivo’s signature elaborate manicure, specifically how he moves through it while using the lavatory. When footage of her interview with Shepard hit the Internet, many individuals were quick to sentence its inappropriateness, asking her how she wipes herself while having very long, jeweled nails.

“My answer is that no one wipes their ass with just their fingers. You use wipes, right? And you wipe it off,” she replied calmly.

Erivo further expressed her annoyance with this query; the one she had exhibited before.

“I understand, it annoys me. Come on, guys,” she said. “I understand, but I’m a functioning adult and I’ve never walked around smelling like… you know.”

People participating within the discussion found this query rude, disgusting and invasive. It can also be, as Erivo identified, unoriginal. In response to this viral exchange, some have responded by demonstrating how they adapt these very human processes to long fingernails – and shockingly, it’s just about the identical process we have all been doing since potty training. It’s really not that complicated.

Cynthia Erivo Recalls Her Reaction to Fan-Made 'Wicked' Poster: 'I Probably Should have Called My Friends'

He has some questionable tweets in his search history

When it was announced in 2018 that Erivo would play Harriet Tubman within the biopic “Harriet,” the British actress’s seemingly problematic comments made years earlier about the language of Black Americans inevitably resurfaced. As previously reported by theGrio, this compounded existing questions about the choice to forged British-born Erivo because the historical African-American hero, given what some perceived as a disdain for African-American culture.

“As for the tweets, they were taken out of context, giving me no room to explain what they meant – and they weren’t actually mocking anyone,” she explained on the time: Complex reported. “It was not intended to be (offensive) at all. It was to celebrate a song I (wrote) when I was 16.”

Speaking further about the controversy during an event on the Toronto International Film Festival, she said: “I actually have never… never spoken negatively about people because I don’t desire to; I don’t desire this energy to be passed on to others.”

She continued: “I do not think it’s good for us in any respect; I do not think it serves any purpose apart from to bring negativity into my life and yours, and I just don’t desire that.

Perhaps he has some tension with the band in “The Color Purple.”

For unknown reasons, Erivo claims she was not invited to a special screening of the musical “The Color Purple” for family and friends, which was also attended by other members of her Broadway forged. It’s a bit strange that the Tony-winning revival star wasn’t on the guest list. When asked about her apparent rejection in the course of the interview and whether it reflected her initial considerations for Celie’s role within the film adaptation, Erivo suggested she couldn’t talk about it.

Despite every little thing, he’s capable of admit his mistake

Erivo can have had mixed emotions previously as a result of questionable comments or her unwavering passion for her craft, but she is ultimately capable of admit when she was incorrect. In the lead-up to Wicked’s premiere, fan-made art got here to light that edited the film’s poster to look more like the unique Broadway Playbill, obscuring Erivo’s direct gaze with the brim of her witch hat. The actress was initially very offended, but later admitted that she can have overreacted.

“I think for me it was a human moment…” she later explained. “I probably should have called my friends, but I’m fine.”

Cynthia Erivo accepts Los Angeles LGBT Center award for speech on freedom to 'be different'

After all, she is an expert

Say what you want, but Cynthia Erivo is robust and talented. He can also be a one that is alleged to place the nice of the team ahead of his personal glory. During a recent appearance on “Cutting room floor” podcast, she described her technique of coming into harmony together with her “Wicked” co-star Ariana Grande and the way the 2 worked together to create a unified sound fairly than resorting to diva-like behavior in an try and outshine one another.

For example, although she and Grande have very different voices, Erivo noted that what they’ve in common is way more necessary.

“I think what connects us is the way we hear music, so we can hear each other,” she explained. “And the beauty of singing with someone who can also hear is that you follow each other back and forth. We can find ways to make our textures and sounds make sense, and that’s really hard with humans.”

Erivo added: “It also signifies that you found someone completely selfless because they care about working with you, and being an element of that’s essentially the most amazing thing. When you find someone who’s committed to creating sound together, (there may be) no ego.

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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