Entertainment

History in the Making

Published

7 years ago

January 27, 2018

MC Staff

by Jeremy Pierce

“In my mind, I see a line. And over that line, I see green fields, lovely flowers, and beautiful white women with their arms stretched out to me over that line, but I can’t seem to get there no-how. I can’t seem to get over that line. That was Harriet Tubman in the 1800’s. And let me tell you something: the only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity. You cannot win an Emmy for roles that are simply not there.”

These are the words spoken by a woman who had just made history. These are the words spoken by a black woman who just made history. On September 20th, 2015, at the 67th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, Viola Davis became the first black woman in the history of the awards show to win the Emmy for Outstanding Lead in a Drama Series. Quoting Harriet Tubman in her acceptance speech, it’s the role of Annalise Keating in How to Get Away with Murder that brought Davis the win. It’s her strength, her perseverance, and natural talents that brought her the award. Her speech was one for the record books.

“So here’s to all the writers, the awesome people that are Ben Sherwood, Paul Lee, Peter Nowalk, Shonda Rhimes, people who have redefined what it means to be beautiful, to be sexy, to be a leading woman, to be black.

“And to the Taraji P. Hensons, the Kerry Washingtons, the Halle Berrys, the Nicole Beharies, the Meagan Goods, to Gabrielle Union: Thank you for taking us over that line. Thank you to the Television Academy. Thank you.”

She thanked the writers for redefining what it means to be beautiful, to be sexy, to be a woman, and to be Black. She even acknowledged her fellow actresses of color [Taraji P. Henson, Halle Berry, Kerry Washington, and Gabrielle Union] for taking us over that line. It was beautiful, poignant and timely. With cheers of joy, the audience seemed to appreciate it. Kerry Washington had tears in her eyes. Taraji P. Henson could barely contain herself. But, not everyone was pleased.

“General Hospital” star Nancy Lee Grahn expressed her disapproval.

In a series of tweets, she wrote:

“I wish I loved #ViolaDavis Speech, but I thought she should have let @shondarhimes write it. #Emmys

She could’ve stopped there and explained her way out of it, but of course, she didn’t. It was the subsequent tweets that dug an irreparable hole. In response to someone else, she said:

“@nxssy I do 2. I think she’s the bees knees but she’s elite of TV performers. Brilliant as she is. She has never been discriminated against.”

Grahn faced immediate criticism, but she still didn’t get the picture.

“@MelioraEsq and I heard Harriet Tubman [sic] and I thought its a fucking emmy for gods sake [sic]. She wasn’t digging thru a tunnel.”

Grahn has since deleted the last two tweets.

“I apologize for my earlier tweets and now realize I need to check my own privilege. My intention was not to take this historic and important moment from Viola Davis or other women of color but I realize that my intention doesn’t matter here because that is what I ended up doing. I learned a lot tonight and I admit that there are still some things I don’t understand but I am trying to and will let this be a learning experience for me.”

Then later:

“30 yrs an advocate, 3 human rights & now i’m a racist. Color me heartbroken. Twitter can bring out the best & sadly tonight the worst of us.”

It still surprises me that even in this day and age, for all their power, influence and privilege that white people possess in this country, there are those who still find a way to take offense when a person of color merely references their oppression. I wonder sometimes as to why they’re affected so strongly. Is it guilt? Are they threatened or is it just uncomfortable?

Earlier in the evening, Regina King won the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie for her role in the ABC drama, American Crime. Viola Davis gave a standing ovation to a shocked and emotional Regina King. I was beyond ecstatic to see such a talented actress who caught a lot of people’s attention for roles in 227 and Southland win the award. But, you thought to yourself if they would really give us more than one award for the evening.

Then, the category of Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series came up. Uzo Aduba won the previous year for Orange is the New Black, yet was categorized as Comedy as this year Emmys changed the classification of what is considered a drama or comedy. Uzo has talent and that’s something that cannot be denied, however was there really a chance that she’d win the award two years in a row? Not only did she win, but also she made history, as she became the second person and first female to win an award for playing the same character in a drama or comedy.

A Black woman saying she’s experienced discrimination doesn’t mean that women in general don’t have a hard time in acting. Why would you want to silence a colleague who’s speaking about what’s real for her and others like her? The act of ignoring and then attempting to discredit or silence black pain, experience, and triumph is one that is deeply rooted in racism and I hope Nancy sees that now.

Entertainment

Toni’s Revenge Movie Premiere: Cast Meet & Greet

Published

2 months ago

October 19, 2024

MC Staff

Join the cast of “Toni’s Revenge” for an unforgettable evening as they dive into the much-awaited sequel to “Who?”

After spending over two years in confinement, Toni has finally escaped and is determined to settle the score with her cousin Kendra and her family. The stage is set for a dramatic showdown filled with shocking twists and a fierce quest for revenge.

As Toni sets out on her mission, nothing will hinder her. Loyalties will be tested, new secrets will emerge, and the boundaries between justice and vengeance will become blurred. Will Toni reclaim her strength, or will Kendra outmaneuver her again?

Get ready for a night packed with suspense and drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat! Don’t miss your opportunity to witness this captivating saga unfold.

Entertainment

LIVE NATION CONCERTS PROMOTES JENIFER SMITH TO HEAD OF URBAN TOUR MARKETING

Published

3 years ago

September 23, 2021

MC Staff

Today Live Nation announced Jenifer Smith has been promoted to Head of Urban Tour Marketing & Strategy. She will lead Live Nation’s Urban Tour Marketing team supporting all marketing efforts for their roster of R&B and Hip-Hop tours within the Concerts division.

Live Nation is dedicated to helping artists connect with their growing global fanbase, and Jenifer will be working across some of the biggest names as well as rising stars across R&B, Hip-Hop and Rap that Live Nation promotes, including Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Drake, The Weeknd, Travis Scott, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, H.E.R., A$AP Rocky, Lil Baby, Alicia Keys, Young Thug, Jack Harlow, and many more. Smith most recently launched and supported all global marketing efforts for the Fugees Reunion tour celebrating the 25th anniversary of their iconic album The Score.

Jenifer will be developing and building out the Urban Tour Marketing team as one of the fastest growing and most popular sectors in the industry only continues to dominate the global market. Moving forward, she will be leading marketing strategies for Live Nation’s wide range of hip-hop and R&B artists across touring and key festivals.

“Whether it’s artists or our own internal team, Live Nation is always investing in people we believe in,” said Omar Al-joulani, Head of Talent & Touring for Live Nation Concerts. “Jenifer has been an incredible leader at Live Nation, and we are confident her strategic focus and experience will do big things for every artist working with our Urban marketing team. ”

Prior to joining Live Nation 2 years ago, Jenifer was a Tour Marketer at AEG Presents & Goldenvoice for almost a decade where she worked across all genres of live from Urban, Pop, Rock, and Comedy shepherding marketing efforts for the Rolling Stones, Charlie Wilson, Melanie Martinez, Ali Wong, Anthony Hamilton, Bianca Del Rio, Jim Jefferies, Pod Save America, and the XSCAPE reunion tour. Prior to her time at AEG Presents, she was at ICM Partners in the concerts division for 3 years working with Caroline Yim, Zach Iser, Roberts Gibbs and Dennis Ashley with clients including Beyoncé, Drake and Mary J. Blige.

This post appeared first on www.livenationentertainment.com

Entertainment

Remembering the TV & Radio Broadcast Legend Larry King

Larry King was perhaps the most prolific interviewer of all time. He has passed at 87.

Published

4 years ago

January 24, 2021

Matthew Maratea

Larry King became the name associated with interviews, broadcast journalism, and suspenders over the course of his career which spans from the last 1950s until now. His life may have ended on January 23rd, but his legacy will last far beyond that.

King’s long-running program Larry King Live, for which he is most known, began in 1985 on CNN. In those days, CNN was a fledgling network that media magnate Ted Turner was attempting to push forward. King’s presence and popularity helped build the network into the news powerhouse that it has become today. Of the 60,000 interviews that King has done, 30,000 of them have appeared on CNN. The Guinness Book of World Records acknowledges King as having “the longest-running television show hosted by the same person, on the same network and in the same time slot” with 6,000 episodes of the show.

King interviewing the late Hank Aaron, who also passed this week.

Even after his separation from CNN, King was an active interviewer and host, branching into streaming services with Hulu and podcasts as well. A two-time Peabody Award winner, King is also a member of the Radio Hall of Fame and Broadcasters Hall of Fame. This is in part to his easy-going style. King could talk to anyone, and guests on the show ranged from political figures and celebrities to UFO theorists and psychics.

King was also involved in charity, founding the Larry King Cardiac Foundation. The foundation is a nonprofit that helps fund life-saving cardiac care for those that can’t afford it. King was also a survivor of heart disease, having survived a heart attack and quintuple bypass surgery. King’s matters of the heart didn’t stop there. He was married 8 times to 7 different women.

Larry King has done nearly everything you can in media. He’s been a radio and TV host, newspaper columnist, disc jockey, and even a color commentator for the Miami Dolphins. His collection of content is arguably the widest library of any interviewer in history and if you’re looking to hear someone speak, chances are they’ve talked to Larry King.