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Gospel Star Pastor Mike And Walt Disney World Resort Announce 2024 Disney Dreamers Academy Applications Opening Date

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Disney Dreamers Academy Application Announcement 1

Walt Disney World Resort made a special appearance at the ESSENCE Festival of Culture to announce the opening of applications and nominations for the 2024 Disney Dreamers Academy. 
Gospel singing star Pastor Mike Jr., joined Disney executive Tracey D. Powell and motivational speaker/former dreamer– Princeton Parker during the announcement at the Essence stage in front of thousands of spectators to announce the life-changing program.    

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Disney Dreamers Academy Application Announcement

The Disney Dreamers Academy is an epic four-day annual event held in March to enlighten and cultivate students at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The program is designed to broaden career and personal development for 100 teens from Black and underrepresented communities across America.

Students looking to achieve their dreams can apply and, for the first time this year, be nominated for the program at www.DisneyDreamersAcademy.com. The application process opens Monday and runs through October. The 100 selected students will receive an all-expense-paid trip along with one parent or guardian to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida to experience a combination of inspiration, education and fun at The Most Magical Place on Earth.

“We’re seeking the next generation of big dreamers to bring to Walt Disney World for the 17th year of this life-changing program,” said Disney Signature Experiences vice president Tracey D. Powell, who is also the program’s executive champion. “Any teen in your life who aspires to achieve their goals should apply. You never know where it could take them!”  

Pastor Mike Jr., dubbed “The New King of Urban Inspiration,” is an 11-time Stellar Award Gospel Artist, best known for his songs “I Got It” and “So Good”.  As one of several celebrity speakers who took part in last year’s Disney Dreamers Academy, he motivated the students through his inspiring storytelling and musical performance.

“Inspiring others is my passion, and it is also the core of Disney Dreamers Academy, which is why I’m so proud to affiliate myself with this program,” said Pastor Mike Jr. “I’ve seen how passionate these students are and I would encourage all students to apply or nominate a fellow Disney Dreamer for this once-in-a-lifetime transformative event.”

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Pastor Mike Jr., Tracey D. Powell and Princeton Parker

The impactful Disney program introduces the teens to an array of new opportunities, such as sessions teaching valuable life tools, leadership skills, effective communication techniques and networking strategies.

Students attend in-depth workshops in a variety of disciplines aligned with their dreams. These workshops introduce the Disney Dreamers to diverse career paths within business, entertainment, and sciences, including career opportunities within The Walt Disney Company.

Halle Bailey Surprises Students at Disney Dreamers Academy
Halle Bailey Surprises Students at Disney Dreamers Academy

In her role as Disney Dreamers Academy Ambassador, actor and singer Halle Bailey, who plays the lead role as Ariel in the live-action remake of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” was part of many special moments during this year’s event, sharing her own personal struggles and lessons on her path to success. She also personally hosted two aspiring filmmakers from the class at the world premiere of “The Little Mermaid.”

Over the years, Disney Dreamers Academy has inspired more than 1,500 students from across the country. Each year, graduates have gone on to become doctors, engineers, performing artists, entrepreneurs, Disney Cast Members and more, and some have transitioned into mentors to the Disney Dreamers who followed them.

The Disney Dreamers Academy program is an important part of Disney’s commitment to supporting diverse communities by encouraging the next generation to think big and to use what they learn in their relentless pursuit of their dreams in hopes of making a difference in the lives of others.

For more information, visit DisneyDreamersAcademy.com, or follow on social media at Facebook.com/DisneyDreamersAcademy, Twitter.com/DreamersAcademy and Instagram.com/disneydreamersacademy/

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Hollywood Cuts DEI Execs Following Affirmative Action Ruling

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Last week the U.S. Supreme Court stuck down Affirmative Action in higher education when they reversed affirmative action after 62 years. The Supreme  set new limits on affirmative action programs in cases involving whether public and private colleges and universities can continue to use race as one factor among many in student admissions. After decades of fighting for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in films and television, both behind and in front of the camera, Hollywood is flipping the script.

In similar but unrelated news, four Diversity, Equity and Inclusion officers in Hollywood were fired the very next day.

Actress Yvette Nicole Brown took to her Instagram page and wrote:

In ONE day, FOUR talented, smart Black women lost their jobs — or “left on their own accord” in the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion space.

A day after #AffirmativeAction was gutted by the compromised and BOUGHT six GOP-chosen “Justices” #SupremeCourt

Actress Niecy Nash supported and reposted along with several others.

#ThisIsAmerica
Thoughts?

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From Long Beach To Million Dollar Endorsement Deals: What Is Snoop Dogg’s Total Net Worth?

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Rapper Snoop Dogg has been making money since he first stepped on the scene back in 1992 and the ‘Gin And Juice’ rapper has been on go since his arrival. HIs debut album Doggystyle sold a million copies in its first week. His smooth transition has been remarkable to witness as a fan. The 51-year old MCis now known as a Musician, Actor, Television producer, Film Producer, Rapper, Film Score Composer, Screenwriter, Singer-songwriter, Record producer and Voice Actor.

Aside from being arguably the most internationally recognized face in hip-hop, RIAA says he’s sold more than 13.5 million certified units in album sales. But if you ever wondered how much he makes every single year, Celebrity Net Worth brokedown the rapper’s alleged yearly earnings.

2007: $17 million
2008: $16 million
2009: $11 million
2010: $15 million
2011: $14 million
2012: $9 million
2013: $10 million
2014: $10 million
2015: $10 million
2016: $13 million
2017: $17 million
2018: $15 million
2019: $15 million

Snoop has earned lucrative endorsement deals with heavy hitters like Burger King and Wonderful Pistachios. Forbes says he earned $10 million in 2014 through deals with everyone from Hot Pockets to Airbnb, and it reports that he earned $10 million in 2015 just from touring and endorsements alone. In 2017, Forbes reported that Snoop made his millions from Martha and Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party and his cannabis lifestyle platform, Merry Jane.

He’s invested in everything from video games and cannabis to Reddit and Klarna, a multibillion-dollar Swedish financial tech company. Here’s what he had to say about that:

“I’ve been doing business in Europe for years with fashion brands, telecommunication companies, and more. I’ve endorsed them, advised them, and now I’m looking to invest in them. I plan to keep growing the portfolio, ya dig?”

According to Celebrity Net Worth, his total net worth is $160 million.
Salute to you Snoop…black excellence!

Check out a few a Snoop’s appearances below.

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Angela Bassett to Receive Honorary Oscar Award This November

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Angela Bassett Hints at the Future of Her 'Queen Ramonda' Character in Marvel Films

Angela Bassett will be awarded with an honorary Oscar at this year’s Governors Awards. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that additional honorary awards will go to Mel Brooks and Carol Littleton.

Sundance Institute’s Michelle Satter will also receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Awards. According to Variety, the four awards will be presented on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Los Angeles.

“The Academy’s Board of Governors is thrilled to honor four trailblazers who have transformed the film industry and inspired generations of filmmakers and movie fans,” said Academy President Janet Yang. “Across her decades-long career, Angela Bassett has continued to deliver transcendent performances that set new standards in acting. Mel Brooks lights up our hearts with his humor, and his legacy has made a lasting impact on every facet of entertainment. Carol Littleton’s career in film editing serves as a model for those who come after her. A pillar of the independent film community, Michelle Satter has played a vital role in the careers of countless filmmakers around the world.”

Bassett received her first Oscar nomination for her 1993 role as Tina Turner in What’s Love Got to Do With It? She also was recently nominated for her role as Queen Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

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Grammy Award-Winning Artist Monica To Launch MoTalk Radio On Apple Music Featuring Shaquille O’Neal

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Grammy Award-winning singer, actress, philanthropist, and entrepreneur Monica is announcing MoTalk Radio, a limited radio series airing exclusively on Apple Music’s global live-streaming radio station Apple Music Hits.

On MoTalk Radio, Monica will focus on R&B of the ’90s and ’00s with mixes curated by DJ Baby Yu. She will bring this music to life with her commentary and insight, and will include candid interview segments with various personalities, touching on music and trending cultural topics.

The debut episode will air Saturday, June 24 at 3pm PT featuring special guest NBA Hall of Famer and entrepreneur Shaquille O’Neal.

About the show, Monica says, “MoTalk is an outlet for artists, entertainers, musicians, politicians, athletes, and others to share their story, their way! Being interviewed over the years has given me insight that allows me to tell the story respectfully, our truths are often diluted and distorted for the gain of others. MoTalk brings that to an end, and gives creatives back their stories. Discussing hard topics, creating change, and highlighting the greats is key for me.”

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‘The Flash’ Opens with Disappointing $55M Three-Day Total

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'The Flash' Opens with Disappointing $55M Three-Day Total

Not every movie is smashing the box office. The Flash had a three-day opening of $55.1 million and a Juneteenth weekend of $64 million. Both were viewed as disappointments for the weekend.

Deadline points to The Flash’s “flop” due to the film’s star, Ezra Miller, being unable to do press following ongoing controversies between 2020 and 2022. The film was projected up to $75 million for the three-day window.

The SAG-AFTRA strike may also prevent further film stars from doing press if it becomes fully enacted amid talks.

The film received a B CinemaScore and 77% Comescore, combatting the belief by James Gunn that The Flash would be one of the best movies superhero movies of all time.

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Karl Kani Featured In NBC News Doc ’50 Years Fly: The Rise, Fall And Revolution of Hip Hop Fashion’

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Karl Kani is the undisputed Godfather of streetwear who launched the first streetwear brand in fashion history! His style and influence are still felt today. Karl will be featured in the new NBC News digital documentary, 50 Years Fly: The Rise, Fall, and Revolution of Hip-Hop Fashion. Born and raised in the streets of Brooklyn, Karl’s creativity and originality were forged in the crucible of Hip-Hop and urban culture, where he quickly became a standout for his unique style. More than 30 years after he launched his eponymous clothing line, his designs have been consistent go-to’s from stars like Tupac and Wu-Tang Clan to Joey Bada$$ and Ariana Grande.

Karl also worked closely with Aaliyah before she passed away. On the cover of her 1994 debut album, Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number, she wore an iconic Karl Kani metal plate hoodie. The duo also collaborated on a custom racing jacket that Aaliyah donned on the cover of her sophomore LP, One In A Million. Regarding his relationship with the late R&B legend, Karl commented, “Working with Aaliyah was an iconic moment. She simply changed women’s fashion forever. Baggy bottom crop top: that’s the Aaliyah look. Before her, it didn’t exist.”

50 Years Fly: The Rise, Fall, and Revolution of Hip-Hop Fashion is currently available on NBC’s Peacock and also streaming on NBC News NOW, NBCNews.com, and NBC News’ YouTube channel.

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Tobe Nwingwe, Dominique Fishback and Anthony Ramos on Preparing To Deliver a Box Office Hit in ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beast’

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Tobe Nwingwe, Dominique Fishback and Anthony Ramos on Preparing To Deliver a Box Office Hit in ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beast’

Transformers: Rise of the Beast is the seventh installment of the evergreen franchise. The film stars Dominique Fishback, Anthony Ramos, and Tobe Nwingwe. 

Fishback, Ramos, and Nwingue speak on their experience while filming the movie and leading up to it. 

Regarding living up to any expectations, Ramos and Fishback stood tall on their acting chops. 

“I wouldn’t call it any more pressure than my desire to be authentic as a character,” says Fishback. “You can’t go wrong if you live in the heart of your character. “I do my best to follow the heart of my character.” 

Ramos agreed with his co-star while also praising the previous leading actors of the franchise. 

“Shia LeBeouf and Mark Wahlberg set a pretty high bar as far as male leads,” he begins. “I try not to think about how good they were. The movie is not just about me, so it helps to have new characters and elements to help me to be my best.”

Nwingwe acted in the film and provided the leading song for the movie’s soundtrack entitled “On My Soul,” featuring Nas and Jacob Banks. The song is featured in the movie’s final battle scene as well. 

2023 has brought about a number of debuts for Nwigwe. He also made his Coachella debut back in April, where h was introduced to the stage by Autobots leader Optimus Prime. 

“My first idea was to get all of the Transformers down there and have them all in mint (color),” said Nwingwe. “But we were pressed for time and Paramount was able to at least make Optimus (Prime) happen. 

Transformers: Rise of The Beast also made history by casting the first Black director of the film in Steven Caple Jr. 

“You focus on the product and the story you want to tell,” he says. “We accomplished what we wanted to do, and that’s to have people connect to the film itself.” 

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts debuted at No. 1 in its opening weekend with $60.5 million in domestic sales.

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Ja Rule Reveals He Declined Fast And Furious Role Because He Was Making More Money At The Time

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Rapper Ja Rule played the role of Edwin in the original 2001 Fast and Furious movie. His character unfortunately didn’t reappear in 2 Fast 2 Furious or any of the various sequels that followed it and Ja Rule is revealing it was about money. However, things could’ve been different if the Grammy nominee had stayed on for the sequels. His character  was ultimately  replaced by franchise staple Tej Parker, played by Ludacris. Almost two decades later, the rapper is explaining why he turned down the opportunity and revealed whether or not he regrets it.

The billboard charting rapper was offered the chance to be a lead role in the 2003 sequel alongside Paul Walker and Tyrese. During that time, he was dominating the music charts with hits like “Always on Time” and “Livin’ It Up.” During an interview with Insider, Ja reveals how money played a role in his decision to choose music over the blockbuster franchise:

“I was probably the biggest artist in the rap game. I’ll propose this to you: I’m John Singleton. I’m gonna offer you $500,000 to shoot a movie for three months. Or I’m going on a tour and I’m gonna make close to $15 million in the span of less than two months. Well, what you doing? Who knew that there was going to be 10 of them? But even still, I would’ve had to do 10 movies to make that kind of money, or at least eight.”

Despite the franchise going on to become a huge success, Ja doesn’t regret his decision.

“I don’t at all. Everybody has become the Monday morning quarterback: ‘He missed out on doing 10 ‘Fast & Furious’ movies.’ That’s okay. I’m fine with that. I’m Ja Rule, the amazing artist that has had an amazing career, an amazing songwriter. That’s who I am. That’s who people see me as. That’s who I want to be revered as.”
Thoughts?

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[WATCH] Trailer for Keyshia Cole’s Biopic Produced by Lifetime Released

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Trailer for Keyshia Cole's Biopic Produced by Lifetime Released

The Keyshia Cole biopic is ready for your viewing. Keyshia Cole: This Is My Story will make its premiere on June 24 on Lifetime.

The trailer was premiered by Billboard. The film is executive produced by Keyshia Cole, who says, “as a young girl, I survived so many different situations.” She added, “I always wanted to make a movie about my life.”

The film’s synopsis states the movie chronicles Cole’s “early days in Oakland honing her musical talents to her rise to a multi-platinum selling recording artist and television personality, to her complicated yet warmhearted relationship” with mom Frankie Lons.

“This is a story of a daughter’s love for her mother and although my heart remains broken from her untimely passing I am honored to be sharing it with the world,” Cole said in a statement. “Playing the role of myself was a unique opportunity to re-live special moments in my life that also gave me the chance to process her loss in ways I did not expect. I miss her every day and even though she is not here, her presence was felt throughout this film. Mom, I love you.”

Frankie passed in July 2019. You can see the trailer for the film below.

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