Celebrity Coverage
A’ja Wilson Wins Record-Tied Third MVP Award, Leads Las Vegas Aces to Playoffs – Essence
Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson continues her historic streak by being named WNBA Most Valuable Player Kia 2024announced the league on Sunday. The award marks Wilson’s third profession MVP honor, tying with WNBA icons Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie and Lauren Jackson. Wilson is barely the second player in league history to receive the honour unanimously, joining Cynthia Cooper, who completed the feat in 1997.
Wilson’s dominance on the court this season far exceeded her scoring average. She totaled 1,021 points, 451 rebounds and led the league with 98 blocks. Her scoring average of 26.9 points broke Diana Taurasi’s 2006 record of 25.3 points per game, and her 9.8 defensive rebounds per game set a brand new league single-season record.
Among the highlights of the season, Wilson had two of the league’s highest-scoring games, scoring 42 points against the Dallas Wings and 41 points against the Phoenix Mercury. She became only the second player in WNBA history to record 25 points, 15 rebounds, five assists and five blocks.
Additionally, Wilson’s community involvement earned her the 2024 Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award. This special award is close to Wilson’s heart, as Staley coached her during her college years on the University of South Carolina, where they won a national championship together.
Wilson’s MVP campaign capped a historic 12 months for the Aces, who’re well on their way to becoming a WNBA dynasty. Her impact helped the Aces (27-13) earn the fourth seed within the 2024 WNBA Playoffs, and Wilson is the backbone of a team that’s looking for a 3rd consecutive championship.
Wilson credits the fourth MVP vote she received last 12 months as motivation. “It kind of fueled me up when I started working out in the offseason, but around February I got fed up with it,” she said. “I didn’t want to give that person that energy, and that’s when I started to shut down.”
The 6-foot-4 forward’s legacy as one of the vital decorated players in WNBA history continues to grow as she also leads Vegas in scoring and rebounding. Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier finished second in MVP voting with 467 points, followed by New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (295 points), Indiana Fever point guard Caitlin Clark (130 points) and Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas (83 points).
In recognition of the MVP award, Wilson will receive $15,450 and a specially designed trophy from Tiffany & Co.
Celebrity Coverage
Kelis published her first children’s book, “The Seven Wonders of Africa”, inspired by her travels
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Kelis is a lady of many talents, and her latest featured work is as a children’s book writer. The singer announced on Instagram that she has written a brand new book titled, which follows the adventures of foremost character Abel Sabbath Brown across the continent. The singer also announced in the identical breath that she had began a brand new company.
“I’m so happy to finally show you something I’ve been working on. I WROTE MY FIRST CHILDREN’S BOOK!!! I started a company called MAKE IT BROWN,” she wrote within the caption on Instagram under a video during which she discusses the brand new book.
“We only aim to offer characters and stories about places and adventures that our youngsters can see themselves in. It’s all about love and representation. The inspiration to write down this story was my trip to Africa this yr,” she continued within the caption.
Over the past yr, Kelis has been giving us the travel content we didn’t know we wanted, documenting her travels across Africa. Artist Milkshake has traveled to places similar to Tanzania, Kenya, Zanzibar and Rwanda, immersing herself in local communities and agriculture.
The 45-year-old artist further wrote: “I traveled with my family and we were so grateful to see all the sweetness this continent has to supply. From the people to the bottom, it was just amazing. And I desired to share this with all of you and your families. I actually love us, so from the underside of my heart to you! Welcome into your heart THE SEVEN WONDERS OF AFRICA AND THE SABBATH BROWN. ❤️ #book #kids #To read #children’s book #Africa #eastafrica #to learn“
The latest writer also announced in a separate post that the children’s book is now available on her website in paper, digital and audio versions.
Celebrity Coverage
EXCLUSIVE: Bilal’s unfiltered genius comes to life live at Glasshaus – Essence
Grammy Award-winning singer Bilal doesn’t need an enormous arena to dominate the room – only a studio in Brooklyn, 100 devoted fans and collaborators who understand the soul of music. On a December night in 2023, energy at Glasshouse was electrifying, with stars like Questlove, Common and Robert Glasper gathered close together, exchanging riffs and jokes as if the audience wasn’t even there. Now this magic has been closed and awaits its premiere on November 20, 2024 on Glasshaus’ YouTube channel.
Bilal isn’t only a concert film – it’s a mirrored image of his journey as some of the progressive and underrated musical talents. Directed by Glasshaus founder Jarrett Wetherell, the 65-minute documentary takes us on a rare, intimate performance. Alongside such influential collaborators as Questlove, Common and Robert Glasper, Bilal delivers performances which might be raw and electrifying, filled with the vulnerability and soul that make him an artist artist. The film captures not only the music, but additionally the unspoken bond between these legends and highlights Bilal’s position as some of the influential voices of our generation.
“This film is a love letter to one of the greatest singers of our time,” Wetherell reflects. “Bilal conveys a sense of vulnerability during his performances and interviews, which is rare among artists today. It is an intimate way that puts you in the studio with five legends, immersed in their music and the moment.”
it is a masterclass in creativity, captured in real time. Questlove turns a six-minute anecdote concerning the making of “Sometimes” into an unforgettable lesson in musical storytelling, while Common blurs the road between audience and performer, breaking into out-of-the-box freestyles and revisiting timeless verses from “Reminisce” and “Funkowo for You.”
In essence, the film is a love letter to some of the influential artists of his generation. From his genre-bending debut to underground hits like and , Bilal returns to his catalog with a fresh twist, delivering long-awaited releases just like the business release of “Something to Hold” and “All For Love.” Split-screen cinematography enhances the intimacy, drawing the viewer into every subtle moment – the movement of fingers over the strings, the glances exchanged during improvisation – all highlighting the magic of the music and the deep connection between these legends.
It’s Bilal who finally gets the flowers and each moment seems late. As Questlove put it best: “He’s Beyoncé’s favorite singer.” The film doesn’t just showcase Bilal’s vocals – it shows him as a cornerstone of the Soulquarian movement, whose influence is woven into the material of up to date music.
For fans, the experience goes beyond the screen. The limited edition 2xLP vinyl offers a tangible piece of magic, while the live album, released earlier this yr, is essential for collectors.
Watch the premiere on November 20, 2024 at 5:00 PM ET Glasshaus YouTube channel. Watch the video below.
Celebrity Coverage
Gordon Parks Foundation Awards Dinner and Auction 2025 – Essence
Gordon Parks, Pastor Ledbetter, Chicago, Illinois, 1953.
The Gordon Parks Foundation will host its prestigious annual awards dinner and auction on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Cipriani forty second Street in New York City. This highly anticipated event celebrates the legacy of Gordon Parks, an iconic photographer and multidisciplinary artist whose work championed social justice and the transformative power of creativity.
This 12 months’s honorees include legendary model and activist Bethann Hardison, renowned contemporary artist Rashid Johnson, Anna Wintour, Condé Nast’s chief content officer and global editorial director, and Ambassador Andrew Young, civil rights leader and former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and Mayor of Atlanta. Each honoree has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advancing culture, creativity and justice – values that Parks embodied throughout his groundbreaking profession.
“In a moment of division, Gordon Parks unites us all,” said Gordon Parks Foundation Executive Director Peter W. Kunhardt Jr. “His commitment to art and social justice transcends generations. Our 2025 honorees are pillars in their fields and support Gordon’s collective quest for a better life and a better world.” The Gordon Parks Foundation Gala is our homecoming – a night of celebrating art, activism and support for the subsequent generation of artists.”
The gala will feature special guests, including the son and grandson of the Rev. E. F. Ledbetter, whom Parks photographed in 1953 for a report on Chicago’s Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church. These impressive images shall be the centerpiece of an upcoming exhibition at Howard University in early 2025.
Co-chaired by such luminaries as Alicia Keys and Kasseem Dean, Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee, and Judy and Leonard Lauder, the evening will bring together decision-makers from the worlds of art, fashion, film and philanthropy. Proceeds from the event will fund the muse’s educational programs, grants, fellowships and awards, ensuring that a brand new generation of creators will advance Parks’ vision of equity and empowerment.
Tickets start at $2,000 and will be purchased on the Gordon Parks Foundation website website or by contacting Buckley Hall Events at gpfgala@buckleyhallevents.com or 914-579-1000.
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