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Baseball Legend Reggie Jackson Reveals Racism in Alabama That Could Have Doomed Him

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 18: MLB alumni Reggie Jackson looks on prior to Game 3 of the ALCS between the Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

On June 20, two days after the death of baseball icon Willie Mays, also generally known as “Say Hey Kid”, Major League Baseball hosted its first-ever game at historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama, in honor of Mays and other Negro Leagues players, who left an indelible mark on sports. The game was called “A Tribute to the Negro Leagues.”

Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson joined Fox Sports where former MLB star Alex Rodriguez asked him about his emotional state after returning to the place where he once played in the mid-Nineteen Sixties.

Jackson began sharing raw, painful memories of the racism he experienced during his tenure with the Birmingham A’s in 1967.

ARLINGTON, TX – OCTOBER 18: MLB Alumni Reggie Jackson looks on before Game 3 of the ALCS between the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 in Arlington, Texas.  (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
MLB alum Reggie Jackson shares racist story about how he could have ended up “in the oak tree.” (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

“Coming back here is not easy. The racism when I played here, the difficulty of traveling through places,” Jackson told Rodriguez. “Luckily I had a manager and players in the team who helped me through it, but I would not wish it on anyone.

Jackson continued to inform stories of the hate he faced, recalling, “I said, ‘You know, I would never want to do that again.’ I would walk into a restaurant and they would point at me and say, “N-ger cannot eat here.” I’d go to the hotel and they’d say, “That nigga cannot stay here.” We went to Charlie Finley’s (then owner of Athletics and Ensley in Alabama) country club for a home-cooked welcome dinner. And they pointed at me with the N word. – He cannot come in here. Finley led all the team.

Fighting back tears, Jackson revealed that he slept on teammate Joe Rudi’s couch for weeks until racism forced him out.

“Joe and Sharon Rudi, I slept on their couch three, 4 nights per week for a couple of month and a half. Finally, they threatened to burn down the apartment constructing if I didn’t get out. I would not wish it on anyone,” Jackson said.

Jackson thanked his teammates for his or her support during such a turbulent time, saying that if it weren’t for them, he would have reacted in a way that would have ended badly for him.

“I could never do it,” Jackson said. “I used to be too physically aggressive. I used to be ready for a physical fight. They’d kill me here because I’d kick someone’s ass, and then you definitely’d see me in an oak tree somewhere.

Jackson’s story sheds light on baseball’s complicated history. For many years, a system of white supremacy ruled the game. Black athletes weren’t allowed to play alongside their white counterparts until Jackie Robinson broke the colour barrier in 1947.

For years, the achievements of Negro Leagues players weren’t recognized by the MLB. It wasn’t until May 2024 that the league reversed course and declared that Negro League statistics could be officially added to MLB records.

“We are proud that the official historical record now includes Negro Leagues players,” Commissioner Rob Manfred said on the time. “This initiative is focused on ensuring that future generations of fans have access to statistics and milestones about all those who made the Negro Leagues possible. Their achievements on the field will be a gateway to a broader understanding of this triumph in American history and the path that led to Jackie Robinson’s Dodger debut in 1947.”

“There are individuals who wish to romanticize Jim Crow. “‘Those were different times’ is not an excuse,” one person wrote in response to Jackson’s words on X.

“Thank you for sharing your experience, Mr. Jackson. American needs to hear your story,” social media user he wrote.

Others took issue with the censorship of video replays of Jackson’s remarks.

“Reggie Jackson should not have been censored,” someone noted on social media.

“Why did you sing his words? That’s what the Whites called him. Don’t sanitize what it’s like to be black in the Jim Crow South. Shame” – one other person he wrote.

This is not the primary time Jackson, who finished his 21-year MLB profession with 563 profession home runs and five World Series titles, has spoken about his experiences with racism. He claims this played a task in the Mets’ decision to trade him the No. 1 pick in the 1966 MLB draft to Steve Chilcott, a white player who never made it to the key leagues.

Jackson has spoken publicly concerning the racism he has faced through the years. “The race is always on my mind, even today,” Jackson said Living room in 2013. “If you’re a minority, you mean it.”

In Jackson’s comprehensive book “Becoming Mr. October” suggested that racism influenced the New York Met’s decision to pass him over in the draft and as a substitute select Steve Chilcott, a white player. Chilcott didn’t make it out of the minor leagues and never made it to the key leagues.

In an excerpt from the book that the New York Post published in October 2013, Jackson recalls a conversation he had with college baseball coach Bobby Winkles concerning the MLB draft.

“A day or two before the draft, Bobby Winkles sat me down and said, ‘You probably won’t be No. 1. You’re dating a Mexican and the Mets think you’ll be a problem,'” Jackson wrote. “‘They think you’re going to be a social problem because you’re dating your race.’” Jackson is a black man and Latino. His grandmother was born in Puerto Rico and his middle name is Martinez.

Rickwood Field is touted because the oldest stadium in America. It served because the headquarters of the Black Barons of the Negro League. The Birmingham Barons, a lower league team, played their games on the sector.

Barry Bonds, godson of Willie Mays and Ken Griffey Jr. were among the many former MLB stars who took part in the special game.

This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Actor Leon’s shocking attempt to seduce Grant Hill with his gang ends in fiasco with his wife Tamia

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The New York Knicks lost their likelihood to sign two-time NCAA champion Grant Hill after the 1999-2000 season. In a remastered clip, Grant explained the unexpected reason he stayed in Detroit.

Hill, 51, appeared on the “All The Smoke” podcast with former NBA players Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson in June 2022. During the conversation, Hill mentioned the Knicks trying to recruit him.

Grant Hill reveals the reason he turned down an offer to play with the Knicks was because Tamia was angry (Photos: @realtamiaworld/Instagram; @wwwjustleon/Instagram)
Grant Hill reveals the rationale he turned down a proposal to play with the Knicks was because Tamia was offended (Photos: @realtamiaworld/Instagram; @wwwjustleon/Instagram)

In 2000, Grant Hill invited Knicks representatives to Detroit for free-agent negotiations. According to Hill, the franchise played a tape featuring celebrities resembling comedian Jerry Seinfeld and actor Leon Robinson to persuade him to join the team.

“I always wanted to play in New York,” Hill told Barnes and Jackson. “So Leon… is on the record. He’s like, ‘Gosh, you think the women in Detroit are nice, wait until you get to New York.’”

The Atlanta Hawks co-owner continued: “Tamia said, ‘Oh, hell no! Turn that tape off!’ To this day she says, ‘You’d think New York would have watched the tape.’ So New York didn’t happen.”

Hill previously spoke about how Leon’s idea discouraged Tamia from moving to the Big Apple. The New York Daily News quoted his story from May 2010. article.

“When I think about it now, it was funny,” Hill said. “(Leon) told me that if I came to New York, I would have a lot of women. My wife just looked at me. She didn’t smile.”

Ultimately, the Detroit Pistons prolonged Hill’s contract to seven years price $92.8 million after which traded him to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Chucky Atkins and Ben Wallace.

Grant Hill played only 47 games for the Magic in his first three years in Orlando due to an ankle injury, missing the complete 2003-04 season.

The 1995 NBA Co-Rookie of the Year winner played six seasons with the Magic before signing with the Phoenix Suns in 2007. He also played 29 games for the Los Angeles Clippers in 2012-13.

Grant Hill married Canadian R&B singer Tamia in July 1999. The celebrity couple has two children: 22-year-old MMA fighter Myla’s Hill and a 17-year-old college football player Lael Rose Hill.

Grant Hill credits one other R&B singer with helping Tamia eventually change into his wife. Another Detroit Pistons star, Isiah Thomas T-shirt farewell ceremony In 1996, the national anthem was sung by Grammy Award winner Anita Baker.

During his performance on “All The Smoke,” Hill recalled meeting Baker at a celebration for a Thomas tribute, and the Duke University graduate credited the “Rapture” artist with planting the seeds that inspired his relationship with Tamia.

Baker met Tamia on the 1996 Soul Train Music Awards and suggested that Grant Hill could be a superb romantic match for the “Missing You” singer. Hill stated, “It’s a good story that Anita put us together. That’s partly true.”

Hill finished his 18-season NBA profession with 17,137 points, 6,169 rebounds and 4,252 assists. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a part of the 2018 class.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Fans are worried Harrison Ford’s health is at risk as the ‘Indiana Jones’ star appears to be struggling with simple tasks

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Oscar nominee Harrison Ford was officially announced as a Disney Legend at D23 Expo last month.

During the Disney Legends event, Ford received a Hall of Fame-style award from the Walt Disney Company, solidifying his place amongst the studio’s most iconic actors. With over 80 movies and tv projects Thanks to his role as Han Solo in “Star Wars” and Indiana Jones in the film of the same name, he became known for generations.

To rejoice his profession, Ford placed his hands in cement, a moment that was each celebration and concern. At 82, Ford is undoubtedly showing signs of aging, and fans couldn’t help but notice that he seemed to have difficulty signing an autograph.

Fans fear their screen idol Harrison Ford may be ill after footage shows him looking weak at an awards ceremony. (Photo: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)
Fans fear their screen idol Harrison Ford may be unwell after footage shows him looking weak at an awards ceremony. (Photo: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

The video of the ceremony was published on Good Morning America’s Instagram page, where fans expressed mixed reactions. While many were thrilled to see the actor honored and commented on how he loved entertaining crowds, others expressed concerns about his health, noting that he looked weaker than he ever did in his prime.

“Makes me smile…his face when guys start pushing on his hands. He’s too cute,” one fan said, laughing at Ford’s facial features during the ceremony.

But not everyone found the moment entirely carefree.

“He doesn’t look good,” someone commented, while one other added: “Congratulations to him, but it breaks my heart to see him so weak.”

A 3rd fan simply noted: “Man, he’s getting old.”

However, some fans downplayed those concerns and saw the iconic character they’ve at all times known, with one commenter writing, “The Force is strong on this one,” and adding, “Congrats!”

Another said: “Protect this man at all costs.”

Despite concerns from online fans about his health, Disney CEO Bob Iger took the stage at the event to shower Ford with praise.

“Before he was the captain of the Millennium Falcon or a globetrotting archaeologist, Harrison Ford was, like many others, an aspiring actor who came to Hollywood to pursue his dreams,” Iger said to thunderous applause. According to to Variety. “He is the definition of a leading man who is unique in his own category.”

The crowd gave Ford a standing ovation as he graciously accepted the honor.

He responded with heartfelt gratitude, telling the audience, “I love you too. I love the life you’ve given me. I love the people I’ve had the opportunity to work with. Nobody does anything in this business for long. We work in partnership, no matter who we are or what we do.”

Looking ahead, Ford won’t reprise his role as Indiana Jones in the upcoming remake of the classic franchise.

After 42 years of playing Dr. Henry “Indiana” Jones, Ford has decided to step away. He wasn’t forced out of the series due to his age, as some thought. He was simply ready to move on and leave his role, Inside the Magic reports.

Lucasfilm/Disney continues to press ahead with plans to keep the franchise alive, and Ford fully supports his successor.

Interestingly, the studio retains the rights to Ford’s image and likeness, rights that are expected to play a significant role in the franchise’s future, similar to Disney’s use of technology for one more Lucasfilm legend, James Earl Jones.

Disney was able to recreate Jones’ voice for brand spanking new “Star Wars” projects using artificial intelligence, combined with old recordings of his voice to proceed the legacy of Darth Vader in productions like the “Obi-Wan Kenobi” Disney+ series.

While it is unclear whether Disney will employ methods similar to those utilized by Ford in utilizing his image and voice, the technology is available and his legacy will likely continue to exist in future projects.

For now, Ford is still working and keeping busy. He just wrapped a brand new project, Captain America: Brave New World, by which he plays Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, aka Red Hulk.

While fans may be concerned about Harrison Ford’s health, he shows no signs of slowing down as he continues to construct on his legendary profession.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Ne-Yo’s family drama explodes as shocking sex parties and molestation allegations by son’s mother surface

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Old footage of singer Ne-Yo being called

Disgraced music executive Sean “Diddy” Combs now faces three charges of conspiracy to commit extortion, human trafficking and transportation for the aim of prostitution. A wave of accusations has emerged following his arrest, with several high-profile figures implicated within the “bizarre” allegations surrounding the Bad Boy founder.

Along with these accusations, the names of other famous individuals who have collaborated or partied with the Bad Boy founder are entering the discussion.

One example, According to to The Jasmine Brand is Dawn Richard, a former member of Danity Kane, who recently filed her own lawsuit against Combs. Richard claims that Usher, Ne-Yo and Jimmy Iovine were present at a business dinner in 2009 and witnessed the “Nasty Girl” rapper punch Cassie Ventura.

This followed the discharge of surveillance footage mentioned in Ventura’s lawsuit, which shows Combs physically assaulting her in a hotel hallway.

Old footage of singer Ne-Yo, who goes by “Diddy Jr.”, getting “Freak Offs” from his ex Sade Bagnerise, has resurfaced. (Photos: @neyo/Instagram)
An old video has resurfaced of singer Ne-Yo being called “Diddy Jr.” and getting “Freak Offs” from his ex-girlfriend Sade Bagnerise. (Photos: @neyo/Instagram)

Now, as if so as to add insult to injury to Richard’s accusations, a video has resurfaced of former lover Sade Bagnerise slamming Ne-Yo for “getting high,” “throwing his body at her,” and imitating the identical perverted and possibly illegal behavior that has now landed Combs behind bars.

Bagnerise, who has two sons with Ne-Yo, called him “Diddy Jr.” in an Instagram Live video from April this yr, accusing him of organizing “freak outings” and bringing “prostitutes” to go to his children. “Tell them about the freak out, Diddy Jr.,” she said.

She then continued and accused him of abuse. “You know what you did. You threw me on the floor with your body. Tell them who you really are and why we are here today?”

“Fuck, you like having hoes and drugs and weed and booze and mushrooms and prostitutes in your house when his kids are here,” she continued, attacking the “So Sick” singer, who asked her why she was so vocal in regards to the matter.

Bagnerise said she asked him to not bring the lady and “even came here to help him with the damn kids because he doesn’t want to take care of them.”

When the neighborhood talks republished In the video, fans expressed their dissatisfaction by making fun of the singer.

“Neyo is sick of love songs,” one person joked, while one other added, “Baby oil was for everyone,” referring to the 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricants seized by the FBI from one in every of Combs’ properties and utilized in the case against him.

Continuing the joke, “Basically the ENTIRE INDUSTRY was privy to this baby oil saga.”

Another rationalized, “That’s why Kendrick is in the Super Bowl. Everyone else is going to jail.”

Many thought the identical thing, with one saying, “THESE CELEBRITIES HAVE BEEN SO SILENT ALL WEEK,” and one other complaining, “We won’t have ANY new music when they’re done with this.”

Combs has been related to nearly every chart-topping artist within the music industry, either as a producer, label boss or friend.

Throughout his illustrious profession, he has won quite a few accolades, including three Grammy Awards and a BET Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his contributions to music and entertainment.

As the founding father of Bad Boy Records, the “All About the Benjamins” artist played a pivotal role in shaping hip-hop and R&B, launching the careers of legendary artists like The Notorious B.I.G., Faith Evans, The Lox and Ma$e. His influence prolonged beyond the record label, as he collaborated with stars like Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey and Usher, and mentored a brand new generation of talent including French Montana and Machine Gun Kelly.

Diddy’s ventures into fashion, along with his Sean John clothing line, and spirits, along with his partnership in Cîroc vodka, have further solidified his status as a multifaceted businessman. His influence on culture is immeasurable, inspiring artists and entrepreneurs alike.

As the fallout continues, many are distancing themselves from Combs. New York City Mayor Eric Adams has required that Combs will return the important thing to town he received in 2023.

Howard University is cutting ties with Sean “Diddy” Combs, revoking the honorary degree it awarded him in 2014 and eliminating the scholarship program that bears his name. In an announcement, the university confirmed that its board voted unanimously to revoke the degree because reported by Associated Press.

Ne-Yo, whose real name is Shaffer Chimere Smith, was named in Richard’s lawsuit only as a witness to Ventura’s assault, but Combs’ accusers haven’t accused him of any wrongdoing.

It’s unclear whether he’ll be called to testify against Diddy. As one Instagram user noted, it’s clear that the celebrities who love being within the highlight essentially the most, telling the world about their foray into polyamory and promoting their music, have been very quiet.

The singer-songwriter hasn’t taken a single step beyond promoting his latest “Champagne and Roses” tour.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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