Michael Jordan’s Jordan Brand is increasing its commitment to the Black community with its latest partnership with StoryCorps. Combining Jordan’s financial resources and StoryCorps’ intended storytelling format, the project “Brightness in black“the collaboration is a three-year initiative that goals to gather and share diverse stories related to the Black experience while difficult common stereotypical, pervasive narratives.

“Jordan Brand’s commitment to the Black community is endless – it is central to who we are as a brand,” said Sarah Mensah, president of Jordan Brand, in a press release. “We are incredibly proud to be a part of the work StoryCorps is doing with Brightness in Black, ensuring that the voices and stories of the Black community remain a part of our collective history.

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By giving the microphone back to Black communities, Brightness in Black encourages Black people across the country to query and reclaim the usually one-dimensional and oversimplified narratives which might be often told by sharing personal stories of triumph, challenge, resilience, and gratitude.

Understanding that the Black experience isn’t monolithic and varies by region, StoryCorps and Jordan Brand are committed to traveling to diverse locations across the country to capture these stories. Working concurrently in two “Anchor Communities,” Brightness in Black will partner with local media and community organizations to document and disseminate the stories of those Black communities and host events in hopes of constructing the capability of those cities to sustain the long-term work of fixing the narrative. This 12 months, Brightness in Black will give attention to Atlanta and Philadelphia, with the remaining 4 major cities to be announced.

“Building relationships takes time,” Clark added. “You know, we actually desired to take the time to know the communities that we were working in, really construct relationships in the fitting way, and likewise step up the work that our community partners are doing. We didn’t wish to jump in and out.

To help with this work, StoryCorps and Jordan Brand have launched a six-month paid scholarship program for juniors and seniors attending HBCUs or community colleges in participating Anchor Community regions. Each 12 months, the organization will select six fellows who will play a key role in implementing the Brightness in Black mission by serving as interview coordinators and participating in community learning workshops. When planning to host pop-ups outside of this 12 months’s Anchor Communities, Clark emphasized that there are alternative ways to participate in Brightness in Black. In addition to partnering with Black media for national syndication, Brightness in Black invites people to record and share their stories at home via StoryCorps App.

“You know, it’s about atypical people sharing their stories. Often individuals who should not there are invisible, right, unheard and infrequently asked. And I feel that is what stands out essentially the most,” Clark concluded. “These are stories that break stereotypes. These are stories in which nobody is attempting to be famous. When we take into consideration every thing that happens on our phones, it looks like we’re capturing stories (via) photos (and videos) all day long and so they all add as much as something. But there’s something completely different if you intentionally sit with another person and share something so atypical yet extraordinary.

After spending lower than $600 on her Las Vegas wedding to sportscaster Daren Dukes 24 years ago, actress Shanola Hampton has only one regret.

The 47-year-old ‘Found’ actress recalls her 2000 Sin City wedding with ‘Dallas cowboy show” commentator, 51, who in an interview for the magazine “supposedly” cost her only $532 People Magazine.

“Honey, we got married at the Circus Circus Hotel in Las Vegas,” Hampton told the publication, adding that the couple eloped on the storied hotel’s Fountain Chapel.

“And no one even knew we were there,” she continued. “It was this perfect little thing that just the two of us did.”

Hampton and Dukes were capable of keep costs down on their big day by not inviting guests, finding old clothes for the ceremony and never spending money on extras like hair and makeup. Instead, Hampton stayed on trend amongst many black women within the late ’90s and early 2000s by curling her hair like Erykah Badu.

After the intimate ceremony, the newlyweds went to a buffet after which went to a strip club. When it was all said and done, she said her only regret was that “we were too broke at the time to buy the package that included the videotape because I remember him saying the most beautiful vows to me and it was really funny.” to observe them back.

She continued, “Oh man, if only we could see what it would be like.”

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They managed to take photos.

“Oh, there are photos, but you can see him saying his vows to me and I’m just looking at them like an idiot,” Hampton said jokingly, adding, “I just say, ‘I love you.'”

The two have since returned to the scene. They recently took their two children, daughter Cai MyAnna (10) and son Daren OC (8), to Fountain Chapel during a visit to the famous Nevada city.

Hampton noted that she also remembered what the minister told them before their wedding.

He said, “It doesn’t change the person across from you.” If you think that that suddenly you take a look at someone and that marriage will turn them into another person, then that is not what marriage is about and that is not what it’s for. So take a look at the person you might be marrying, because that’s who they’re. This was very big news for us,” says Hampton.

“I still think it was a very good lesson,” he continues. “Yes, you learn, grow and evolve. But you do not change one another by marrying.”

In the caption of a recent anniversary tribute post on the location Instagram featuring a photograph of the 2 people hugging, Hampton wrote: “I like seeing the world with you and sharing this amazing life together! We know all those on the opposite side who had a hand on this relationship! Thank you!”

Singer-songwriter Victoria Monét expands her creative portfolio with a lyrical children’s book. The Grammy-winning artist will make his debut next summer “Wherever you are”, an image book featuring illustrations by Al Marley.

“This book means a lot to me!” Monet said People Magazine. “I love writing many types of writing, from poetry to music and eventually screenplays, and my dream has always been to write children’s books.”

Monét’s melodic picture book, published in English and Spanish, will function a resource for young readers battling separation anxiety, while also providing relief for folks. Aimed at readers ages two to 5, “Everywhere You Are” tells the story of the moon who comforts a young star because the night involves an end and their separation.

“I desired to approach it this technique to strengthen mutual understanding between parent and child; that regardless of how far we’re from one another at any given moment, we’re together due to the love we share with one another,” she added.

In addition to being an award-winning songwriter, singer and performer, Monét is the mother of three-year-old daughter Hazel Monét Gaines, whom she shares together with her ex-boyfriend John Gaines. Combining motherhood together with her profession, the “Jaguar” star says writing the book “cured some of the naturally occurring mom guilt of not being able to be in two places at once.”

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While she will be able to’t be in all places on a regular basis, Monét finds alternative ways to include motherhood into her artistic work. From her hit song “On My Mama,” which served as an anthem of affirmation for brand spanking new moms, to Hazel’s appearance on the Grammy Award-winning album, just as Monét includes her daughter in his music, she included Hazel within the creation of her upcoming book.

“Reading Hazel’s drafts gave me a sense of peace knowing that she understood these feelings and took her mother with her wherever she went,” Monét explained, hoping the book would do the identical for other families. “I think if we had the option, many mothers would spend every waking hour loving their children in front of them, but for today’s working woman, that’s just not realistic.”

“It is such a joy to know that families will share moments of reflection, understanding and quality time as they read this book for future generations… I can’t wait to share it.”

“Wherever You Are” is obtainable for pre-order now and will likely be published by Putnam Books for Young Readers on June 24, 2025.