college expansion plan = erasing black neighborhoods, giving video vixens their flowers + coco gauff is next & now.
It's Friday, September 8th. Let's get you caught up.
Happy Friday. Let’s jump right in.
thoughts at large.
Have you ever felt the oncoming change of seasons in your life? For me, it’s a tangible shift. Things that worked in the past don’t quite work the same. Situations that were once comfortable, just don’t feel as comfortable anymore. All of those things signal that a change is on the horizon.
With that said I’ll be making a few changes around here. I will be diving deeper, and providing you with high-quality stories and the information you need to be as informed as possible. You’ll start to see incremental changes over the next few weeks, and I look forward to your feedback as I continue to grow. If you enjoy it, I hope you’ll share it with your network too.
need you to know.
A college in Virginia has effectively erased a prominent, historically Black neighborhood in an effort to expand. Pro Publica explores this story, the impact it’s having on the community, and the ripple effect across the country.
VP Kamala Harris says she’s ready to be Commander In Chief. People seem to be weirded out by this statement, but shouldn’t she be? She’s literally 2nd in command.
China & Russia are skipping the G20 Summit in India. This is a story to watch as questions around a shift in global governance continue.
Half the World’s Population Faced Extreme Heat for at Least 30 Days This Summer. It’s probably beyond time for us to have a climate change discussion.
reads & vibes.
Growing up, I remember seeing video vixens and being intrigued by how much hate they received for being, for lack of a better word, *baddies*. Now as a part of their series celebrating 50 Years of Hip Hop, The Cut is exploring “How Video Vixens Changed the Beauty Standard” - words penned by Chinea Rodriguez.
Apparently, Jimmy Fallon is a terrible boss (fueled by alcoholism) who’s created an extremely toxic work environment. In the article “Chaos, Comedy, and ‘Crying Rooms’: Inside Jimmy Fallon’s ‘Tonight Show,’” Rolling Stone’s Krystie Lee Yandoli shares insight from 16 current & former staffers.
In an interview conducted pre-SAG strike, Sylvia Obell sat down with Halle Bailey to discuss her rising star in Hollywood and how she’s adjusting to being a superstar. Read “Oh, You Thought Halle Bailey Was Done?” via Cosmopolitan.
Danny Masterson, of That 70’s Show fame, has been convicted of rape and received a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison this week. This trial was running at the same time as the Tory Lanez trial (even in the same building) but received only a fraction of the coverage.
I’m loving Coco Gauff’s run in this US Open. She’s made it to the finals and will play in the title match tomorrow. At just 19 years old she’s the youngest to make it to the final since Serena Williams did the same. She’s got a dynamic personality - and I think to safe to say that the crown is hers to take. Read more about how “Coco Gauff is finding her voice” via William C. Rhoden at Andscape.
Jamie Foxx is back on his leading man swag and stars in “The Burial”. Here’s the synopsis:
“Inspired by true events, when a handshake deal goes sour, funeral home owner Jeremiah O’Keefe (Academy Award winner Tommy Lee Jones) enlists charismatic, smooth-talking attorney Willie E. Gary (Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx) to save his family business. Tempers flare and laughter ensues as the unlikely pair bond while exposing corporate corruption and racial injustice in this inspirational, triumphant story.”
It’s in select theaters on October 6th, but it will be available on Amazon Prime Video on October 15th. Trailer below:
Flyana Boss has released a remix to their viral hit “You Wish” featuring Kaliii and the iconic Missy Elliott. Power Puff Girls - inspired lyric video below:
I’ll add a few new tracks to The Update Weekly Playlist for you to jam this weekend. Grab it here on Apple Music or Spotify. I’ll see you next week friend. In the meantime, stay fly!