December 29, 2019
2019 YEAR IN REVIEW African-American News&Issues
Vol. 24, Issue 49 SUNDAY SERVICE
KANYE WEST
Saving lives through music and religion
“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”
OUR CROWNING MOMENT Photo courtesy of www.stltoday.com
Photo courtesy of www.elle.com
THE REIGN OF THE BLACK QUEEN IS BACK AND WITH A VENGEANCE -- and Black women have, unapologetically, swept the field of pageantry on every major stage. They are all beautiful shades of light and darkness; rocking hair that is kinky, curly, relaxed and close-cropped naturals as “crowns of glories” beneath their tiaras. By N.L. Preston “Six of the brightest and loveliest young women in America are standing on our stage. One of them will be the new Miss America and the winner of a $25,000 college scholarship,” host Gary Collins said. “And our new Miss America is Vanessa Williams, Miss New York!” And there she was, beautiful, talented and a history maker. It was September 1983 and the world, as we believed, was on fire. A proud black woman strolled the catwalk waving the queen’s salute. It wasn’t the first time for the world stage, Miss Trinidad and Tobago’s Janelle Commissiong, became the first Black woman to be crowned Miss Universe in 1977, but this was, indeed, a pivotal point for America. And as proud as we were of our Bronx beauty, there remained a big, pink elephant in the room: she looked more white than black, with light skin and blue eyes. “Some of the criticism I got was, ‘Oh well, it’s not really a win because she’s not black enough,” Williams said about her historic win. “Well, she’s got light eyes, so it doesn’t really count,’ which basically negated my achievement, intellect and talent.” Williams, while definitely deserving the crown, also fit the European standard of beauty that whites found “acceptable” for African American women. After Williams, a few other African Americans donned the crown in various national pageant competitions (we could never forget Real Housewives of Atlanta’s Kenya Moore who was
STACY ABRAMS’ GREAT YEAR ON PAGE 3
the second Black woman to be crowned Miss USA), but compared to their white competitors, our numbers were no match. That is – until now. The reign of the Black Queen is back and with a vengeance -- and Black women have, unapologetically, swept the field of pageantry on every major stage. Miss World 2019 Toni-Ann Singh, Miss America 2019 Nia Franklin, Miss Teen USA 2019 Kaliegh Garris, Miss USA Cheslie Kryst and Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi have given us something to shout about. What’s even better? They are all beautiful shades of light and darkness; rocking hair that is kinky, curly, relaxed and close-cropped naturals as “crowns of glories” beneath their tiaras. Tunzi faced some scrutiny by deciding to ignore advice to hide her tapered semi-mohawk, telling Business Insider, “even a lot of people I knew, people that were my friends, were like, ‘Sis, we love you, but we’re just saying, maybe you should put on a wig or buy a weave.’” Being true to her Blackness paid off in the end. Singh may have summed it up best, writing to her Instagram fans. “My Jamaica, sweet Jamaica, we did it! Wah we seh? LIKKLE BUT WE TALLAWAH. The love and support you poured into me now allows me to pour into the world,” the post read, in part. “To that little girl in St. Thomas, Jamaica and all the girls around the world - please believe in yourself. It’s for you to truly understand that no matter where you’re from and the cards you’re dealt in life - your dreams are valid. You have a PURPOSE.” So what is the fascination behind the black queens? Why are they now accepting us? QUEENS cont. on page 2
NIPSEY HUSSLE’S VICTORY LAP ON PAGE 6
It has been quite a year entertainment-wise in the city of Houston, but one of the main highlights of 2019 was when Kanye West brought his wife, Kim Kardashian, his kids and his choir on a stop-the-press, headline-grabbing tour in late November, performing at some unlikely places. First stop, the Harris County Jail where the controversial rapper performed two shows for inmates. “I was in the middle of it all – literally standing between the inmates and the performers – and I can state unequivocally that the performances had a profound impact on all who attended,” Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said. “Our job as law enforcement officials is to serve and protect our community, but that does not mean we have to lose our humanity or our compassion.” Following that, West and his choir went to the Lakewood Church, where he stood center stage with Pastor Joel Osteen. There were no empty seats for the “Sunday Service” concert, which had to begin nearly an hour late as thousands packed the largest megachurch in the nation. Tickets were initially free to the public, but scalpers begin to sell online for hundreds of dollars.
KANYE cont. on page 2
A CHICAGO HOAX
EMPIRE’S LIAR
Follow Jussie Smollett media wirlwind
Photo courtesy of Daily Mail
Although the case was dropped, the people still want to know the truth about what happened that cold night in Chicago. The case of Jussie Smollett is still shrouded in mystery. The actor made headlines at the beginning of this year after a tall tale of hate and city corruption spread through social media and eventually national news outlets. Best known as the talented singer, Jamal Lyon, the middle son on FOX’s Empire, Smollett has grown up in the public eye. The younger brother of actress Journee Smollett, the siblings are actually two of six children. Although he’s had legal issues in the past like a misdemeanor conviction in 2007 for using a false name, Smollett has maintained a squeaky-
HOAX cont. on page 2
BLACK HOLLYWOOD ON PAGE 7
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2019 YEAR IN REVIEW
TOP NEWS STORIES
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BLACK POISED & BEAUTIFUL The five queens to redefining the standard of beauty pageantry
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26-year-old Nia Franklin from Winston-Salem, Carolina was crowned Miss America 2019 in New York on Sept. 9. Frankin’s win marks the seventh Miss New York to win the Miss America title.
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South African-born Zozibini Tunzi (26) was crowned the 2019 Miss Universe hosted at Tyler Perry Studios on Dec. 8. She joins the ranks melanated queens to sweep the stage this year.
QUEENS cont. from cover
Could it be the excitement of our first Royal black princess Meghan Markle, who stole Prince Harry’s heart and earned the title of ‘Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex’? Could it be the wedding watched around the world with Markle famously arriving at Britain’s Windsor Castle with her brown-skinned Mama, Doria Ragland, by her side, rocking braided twists and sporting a nose ring? Or could it be that after years of the “swagga jackin” -- yes, that is a term -- and the “cultural appropriation” of white women taking credit for the Negro/ Black / Afro-American / African American mannerisms, looks, style and flair (waving to the Kardashians), the realization has set in that while you can imitate, you can never fully duplicate. No matter how much collagen one can pump up in the lips or how much transferred fat one can place in the hips, NOTHING is like a Black woman. We are the original goddesses of this Earth, descendants of the original man and a force to reckoned with whether recognized on stage, on television or in the corner store. When Maya Angelou poetically rapped about the phenomenal woman -- the vision in her head had an ebony hue. Take your bows, you phenomenal queens, you deserve all that and more. We at African-American News&Issues salute you! KANYE cont. from page cover West performed his classic chart-topper “Jesus Walks,” in addition to songs from his ninth studio album, “Jesus Is King.” He also added a gospel remix flair to SWV’s “Weak” and Destiny’s Child’s “Say My Name,” both of which are R&B songs. Some people felt it was all just a classic, Kanye publicity stunt to help promote his latest album. Others supported him, saying it could have been him honestly wanting to give back and deciding to walk in the path God may have set for him. Whatever it was, he brought inmates and worshippers to their feet, ending the last part of the year with a bang.
HOAX cont. from page cover clean public image. Unfortunately, on Jan. 29, Smollett alleged that he was attacked by two men in ski mask who taunted him and referenced President Donald Trump’s infamous slogan: “Make America Great Again” and tied a noose around the actor’s neck. During the investigation the Chicago Police Department reports cite that there were no serious injuries caused to Smollett and after an extensive monthlong search for evidence, the accuser (Smollett) was charged with 4 felony charges on Feb. 20 for filing a false police report. However, on March 26 all charges were dropped against Smollett with the judge order-
ing that his public court files be sealed. Although the actor was relinquished of all his charges and community service, the FBI announced that they would continue to investigate why the case was dismissed. Following the public embarrassment, Smollett was released from his role on the hit FOX show with the producer and cast coming out to support him. Taraji P. Henson, his co-star, urged spectators to give Smollett a second change, and producer Lee Daniels alluded to a star making a cameo in the series finale when it the show comes to a close on Jan. 21, 2020.
Photo courtesy of www.bet.com
On April 28, Kaliegh Garris (19) was crowned the 37th Miss Teen USA. Originally from Connecticut, Garris studies communications at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU).
Photo courtesy of Hollywood Life
After being crowned Miss USA 2019 in May, Chelsie Kryst (28) has taken a leave of absence from her career in law to focus on pageantry. She is currently working as an on-air correspondent for Extra.
Photo courtesy of New York Amsterdam News
Toni-Ann Singh (23) was born in Morant Bay, Jamaica and took the crown as Miss World 2019 on Dec. 4 in London. She is a graduate of Florida State University (FSU) where she studied women’s studies.
GREATER HOUSTON AREA
2019 YEAR IN REVIEW
POLITICS
WAKE UP AMERICA
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WOMEN IN POLITICS
NEW FACES IN DA’ HOUSE
Meet ‘The Squad’ – these four women represent diversity and a younger generation advocating for progressive policies ALEXANDRIA OCASIO-CORTEZ (NY) gained national notoriety after she won the Democratic Party’s primary election in New York, ending her opponent’s 10-year term. At the age of 29, Ocasio-Cortez is the youngest woman to serve in the Congress and is very active online. “I am very hands-on about social media,” she said. “That’s my voice.” She has also supported the efforts to defund and shutdown detention centers at the Mexico-US border.
Photo courtesy of Gainesville Times
After Stacey Abrams (GA) refused to concede to her opponent in the 2018 Georgia gubernatorial election, the former House minority leader stole our hearts when she delivered the Democratic response to the State of the Union Address on Feb. 5.
By Isaiah Robinson From almost winning a highly-competitive election for Georgia governor, to taking America by storm in her response to President Trump’s State of the Union Address, Yale-educated lawyer and former Georgia Democratic Leader Stacey Abrams had one heck of a year. Who would’ve thought a plus-sized, Black woman with kinky hair and a gappedtooth smile would scale the walls of politics with a huge base of supporters behind her? She is not the traditional Black politician Americans have become accustomed to seeing at the podium, but her passion, care for the common people and bold-
ness is a commodity that many Americans would arguably want as a leader. Since the climactic election that left Abrams and now Georgia Governor Brian Kemp in a political brawl over voting issues, the Mississippi-native has kept her focus on battling obstacles affecting minority and young voters, creating the “Fair Fight Action” organization. Moreover, Abrams took the opportunity at the Democratic State of the Union Address to respond to Trump, blasting him for the 35-day partial government shutdown, calling it a stunt that “defied every tenet of fairness and abandoned not just our people — but our lives.” It should be noted, Abrams was
the first African-American woman and non-sitting public official to deliver a rebuttal to a presidential address. Since, Abrams continues to garner national attention, with television appearances on shows including The View, Showtime, CBS This Morning and more. Now, rumors are speculating that Abrams could possibly be selected as a running mate for Joe Biden if he takes on Trump in the 2020 Presidential Election. Are the people ready for a fearless Black woman to ride the turbulent waves of America? For right now, the answer is unclear for some, but for Abrams, 2019 was hers for the taking and we look forward to seeing what she has in store for us in 2020.
AYANNA PRESSLEY (MA) is a Democrat and the house representative for Massachusetts. She is originally from Illinois, where she was voted ‘most likely to be mayor of Chicago’. Pressley supports NFL “take-a-knee” protests and Medicare-for-All. As a survivor of sexual violence, she also supports the decriminalization of sex work. “Decriminalizing sex work would improve the health and safety of sex workers and put them on the path to greater stability,” Pressley said.
Texas HBCU hosts Democratic Debate Is there still hope for another Black president?
Photo courtesy of
Senator Cory Booker (NJ), Senator Kamala Harris (CA), and Senator Bernie Sanders (VT) standing together during the Democratic Debate.
Texas Southern University (TSU) had the opportunity of hosting the third Democratic primary debate on Sept. 12 with two African American senators, Corey Booker (NJ) and Kamala Harris (CA), in hopes of becoming the next United States president. The debate grabbed national headlines for the second-largest historically black university (HBCU) in the nation, emphasizing the power of the Black vote, and placing all eyes of America on the university, headed by President Austin Lane. Booker and Harris each held their own against opponents. Harris tackled topics head-on, and even threw a couple of haymakers at President Donald Trump by calling out his last two-and-a-half years in office. Booker, the charismatic politician, focused on getting the base on the same page. Following the debate, Harris has since dropped out of the race due to lack of financial resources and Booker is still fighting on, despite not qualifying for the December debate. Will Booker be able to make it to the top, or will one of them be chosen as a running mate for Joe Biden, the front-runner many anticipate will be the chosen one? We at African-American News&Issues definitely want one of our own in the Oval Office again.
RASHIDA TLAIB (MI) is a politician and lawyer representing Michigan in the House of Representatives becoming the first Palestinian American in Congress, which caused her to be denied entry into the country of Israel. Tlaib is concerned with foreign affairs and has publicly criticized the Israeli government and openly expressed the support to end US aid in the country. “We shouldn’t be supporting any form of aid towards countries that are killing people that are innocent,” Tlaib said.
ILHAN OMAR (MN) was born in Somalia, where her family lived before escaping war and arriving in New York in 1992. Before reaching the US borders, Omar and her family spent four years in a refugee camp. In 1995, her family secured asylum in Virginia, before settling in Minnesota. Omar’s political position revolves around capitalism, education, and immigration. She supports loan forgiveness programs and free college tuition. In Feb. the FBI arrested a man who plotted to assassinate Omar and other politicians.
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To date, Woods has acquired 82 official PGA (Professional Golfers’ Association) Tour events, 41 European Tour wins, three Japanese Golf tours, one Asian Tour, a tour in Australia, 21 amateur and 16 other professional wins.
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In the story of Tiger Woods, the old adage, “when it rains, it pours” can be followed by “Look at God!” when mentioning the triumphant return of one of the greatest athletes to ever swing a golf club. Black America watched in frustration as one blow after another befell upon Eldrick “Tiger” Woods, beginning when he lost his father, Earl, in May 2006 from prostate cancer. The bond the two of them shared was unbreakable.
GYMNASTIC DOMINATION
Shortly after, Woods went on a downward spiral. In November 2009, he ran over a fire hydrant, supposedly trying to flee an angry wife, Elin, and a hellish public domestic battle began. Sordid tales about Woods’ insatiable sexual appetite with mistresses led to an ultimate divorce, and the troubles continued mounting. Professionally, his game plummeted, and he suffered one injury after the next, which Woods admitted led to him becoming overly dependent on pain killers. After a DUI arrest in 2017, no golf wins and a dwindling public persona, many speculated that
his career was over. Woods’ comeback shows there just may be a higher power in play, as he is dominating once again. He has just been named the 2019 Associated Press Sports Story of the Year after his comeback at the Masters at Augusta National in April, where he won his 15th major and first since the 2008 U.S. Open. Woods also served as captain at the US President’s Cup in December, leading his team to victory. His true leadership skills, as well as his stellar game, was credited for helping the U.S. beat the International team.
TOO DARN GOOD!
Biles is the first gymnast to be named AP Female Athlete of the Year twice and the first to do it in a non-Olympic year.
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At the age of 22, Biles is the most decorated gymnast of our time. This year, the Houstonian took home five gold medals at the 2019 World Artistic Gymnast Championship in Stuttgart, Germany on Oct. 4.
Simone Biles continues to shine with an astonishing year of breaking records, out-flipping the competition and again proving that Black girls do rock and dominate. What more can we say about Houston’s golden gymnastic princess? Biles is arguably the most dominant female athlete of the 2010s; and is on her way to being one of the most dominant athletes ever at the age of 22. The Houston native has been on top of the world for six years out of the decade, and that is completely mind-boggling. From her historic triple twisting-double somersault to becoming the most decorated male or female gymnast in history with 25 world championship medals, it’s safe to
say that many female gymnasts competing against the Houston native will have to settle for second place for another decade or so. Further, at the world championships in Stuttgart, Germany in October, Biles won five gold medals—in the team competition, the individual all-around, the vault, the balance beam and floor exercise---raising her gold metal total to 19. Biles also had four skills, including a double-twisting double somersault beam dismount and triple twisting-double somersault, being named after her at the U.S. National Gymnastics Championship this year. As the new decade turns the corner, the Houston star continues onward showcasing Black excellence, Black dominance, and Black girl power.
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
EDUCATION
2019 YEAR IN REVIEW
SCHOLARSHIP
DEAR OL’ MOREHOUSE
Billionaire pledges to pay off Georgia class’ student loans
Photo courtesy of Business Insider
Robert R. Smith, Colorado-born billionaire and CEO of equity firm.
Rapper and entertainer Queen Latifah.
Lonnie Bunch III, educator and historian, is the first Black man to head the Smithsonian Institution.
PAVING THE WAY
HARVARD HONORS Ivy-league school dedicates award to Black excellence and opportunity in honor of W.E.B. Du Bois Harvard University honored hip-hop artist Queen Latifah and award-winning artist Kerry James Marshall amongst few others with the W.E.B. Du Bois Medal celebrating Black excellence and opportunity. The Du Bois medal is the highest honor Harvard gives to scholars, artists, writers, journalists, philanthropists, and public servants for their contributions to African and African-American history and culture. Besides Latifah and James, this year’s honorees included Elizabeth Alexander, a renowned poet; Lonnie Bunch III, the head of the Smithsonian Institution; Rita Dove, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and former U.S. poet laureate; Sheila C. Johnson, philanthropist and co-founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET); and African-American billionaire Robert F. Smith, who made national headlines for paying off college loans of more than 400 Morehouse College students who graduated in May. The honorees who were presented with the prestigious medal this year showed the young- adults in the audience, who look just like them, what perseverance, courage, focus, opportunity, but most importantly, Black greatness looks like.
We can say that almost every college student’s dream is to graduate debt free, but at some point during those grueling four years, it later becomes fool’s gold when reality walks into the room and your wallet is coughing up dust bunnies. However, that wasn’t the case for the 2019 Morehouse College graduates when the wealthiest African American billionaire, Robert F. Smith, pledged to pay off $34 million worth of loans for its graduating class at the historic black men’s college. During his commencement address, he presented the gracious news, “On behalf of eight generations of my family that have been in this country, we’re gonna put a little fuel in your bus,” he said. “This is the challenge to you, alumni. This is my class—2019. And my family is making a grant to eliminate their student loans.” The grant covered both public and private loans for the students at Morehouse; and the parents who had to borrow on behalf of their children (Parent PLUS Loan) would benefit as well. According to Morehouse, about 68% of its undergraduates take out loans, owing an average of $40,000 at graduation --both of which are higher than the national average. Smith’s selfless act to ease the burden of more than 400 students, parents and guardians, and being a financial ram in the bush for so many, is a moment for many Black students to appreciate.
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Rodney Robinson was named National Teacher of the Year by the Council of Chief State School Officers / Douglas County High School senior Jordan Nixon was awarded $1.6 million in scholarship money and accepted to 39 colleges and universities / Aleesia Johnson was appointed Indianapolis Public Schools superintendent, making her the first Black woman to lead the state’s largest school district / Donzella Washington received her college degree and in doing so, became the oldest person to obtain a degree in social work at 80-years-old
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2019 YEAR IN REVIEW
ENTERTAINMENT
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THE MARATHON CONTINUES
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
Nipsey’s contribution to Hip-Hop created a new lane for urban community-based solutions
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GAYLE KING INTERVIEWS R. KELLY: On March 6, singer Robert “R. Kelly” Kelly appeared on CBS This Morning in an interview with Gayle King, where he defended his character against allegations made during a six-part docu-series, “Surviving R. Kelly.” Part II will premiere on January 2, 2020.
EDDIE MURPHY RETURNS to Saturday Night Live (SNL) marking the show’s highest ratings in nearly three years. The episode featured musical guest Lizzo, and reintroduced viewers to Murphy’s beloved characters like Mr. Robinson, Gumby, Velvet Jones and Buckwheat. According Nielsen, the episode brought in 9.921 million viewers.
Photo courtesy of BET Networks Tumblr
HONORABLE MENTIONS: Lizzo named TIME Entertainer of the Year / Billy Porter is the first openly-gay Black man to win Lead Actor at the Emmys / Jordan Peele makes a $70 million debut with “US” / A$AP Rocky is incarcerated in Sweden / Rapper 21 Savage deported / Aretha Franklin hand-picks Jennifer Hudson in 2020 biopic / Megan thee Stallion has a “Hot Girl Summer” / CW’s “Girlfriends” cast reunites with Charlemagne the God
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Photo courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter
SPIKE LEE EMBRACES SAMUEL L. JACKSON during the 91st Academy Awards, hosted in Los Angeles on Feb. 24. Black entertainers took home the lot in some of the most prestigious film categories. Mahershala Ali (Green Book) and Regina King (If Beale Street Could Talk) took home Best Supporting actor and actress awards. Director Spike Lee finally received accolades from the Academy with his adapted screenplay, BlacKKKlansman.
THE LION KING (2019) made its theatrical release on July 19, grossing $543.6 million in the US and Canada, making it the highest-grossing animated film of all time. Entertainers Donald Glover and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter provided their voices to the main characters, as well as, a curated album (“The Gift”) and an original song by Knowles, “Spirit,” which is nominated for a Grammy.
Photo courtesy of Atlanta Magazine
Born Ermias Joseph Asghedom, the hip-hop performer better known by his stage name, Nipsey Hussle, gained notoriety in 2005 with the release of his first mixtape, Slauson Boy Volume 1. He was a local success. Originally from South Los Angeles, he dropped out of high school at 14 years olds and became a member of the Rollin 60’s Neighborhood Crips, an offshoot of the well-known Crip gang. From 2008 to 2019, Nipsey Hussle released music under Epic Records and later, Atlantic. He also founded his own record label, All Money In, and grew his catalog of music with a compilation of mixtapes and a final album, Victory Lap (2018), selling 30,000 units in its first week of release. The 33-year-old rapper was gunned down in front of his Los Angeles clothing store, “Marathon Clothing” on March 31. The suspect, Eric Holder, was identified and arrested two days later on April 2. Nipsey Hussle was a thriving entrepreneur and was known for his hustle. He could sell anything, starting with mixtapes out the trunk of his car. This entrepreneurial spirit led to the creation of his Marathon Brand. He opened his store in the commercial district in the neighborhood he grew up in. It was important to him to invest in the area that raised him up. Steve Carless, Nipsey Hussle’s business partner, said the rapper invested over six figures in the community-based business. His goal was always to bring solutions and inspiration to the hood. Nipsey Hussle denounced gun violence and used his music to tell vivid stories about gang culture in L.A. The days following his death, mourners demonstrated in the streets of South L.A. and wrote a petition to rename the intersection where he died (Slauson Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard) in honor of Nipsey Hussle. The rapper was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. He leaves behind two children: a son with actress Lauren London, and a daughter from a previous relationship. As of today, his clothing store has remained closed.
LIL NAS X shot up the Billboard Hot 100 R&B/Hip-Hop charts this year, breaking records in the country charts with his debut single, “Old Town Road,” featuring Billy Ray Cyrus. He also made history by becoming the first openly-gay rapper to win a Country Music Association (CMA) award.
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“WHEN THEY SEE US” COULD BE CONSIDERED A CULTURAL PHENOMENON. Based on the story of the “Central Park Five,” Ava Duvernay’s film captures the realities of the true story, putting emphasis on the lives and personal development of the young men accused of the horrific crime we remember from the news headlines. The director made sure that America would never forget the names: Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana, Kevin Richardson, Antron McCray and Korey Wise. The Netflix drama aired in four parts on May 31, and subsequently received high accolades during award season. Actor Jharrel Jerome won the Outstanding Lead Actor award for his portrayal of Wise during the 71st Primetime Emmy Awards on Sept. 22.
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
HOVA: Streets to Billionaire Status Rapper and entrepreneur Sean “Jay-Z/Hova” Carter became the first hip-hop artist amongst a handful of entertainers to reach the billionaires club. From a street corner drug dealer, then musician to now businessman, the Brooklyn native has defied the odds that many African-Americans would deem impossible. Jay-Z’s growing enterprise kingdom continues to expand, as he has dipped his business hand in liquor, art, real estate and stakes in many other companies. Further, the clothing line Hova once started in 1999 sold for $204 million to Iconix in 2007; the champagne company he owns 100% of, Armand de Brignac, is worth $310 million; his cash & investments--which includes a stake with Uber-- is worth $220 million. Furthermore, business ventures like D’Ussé and Tidal are both worth $100 million; Hov’s entertainment company, Roc Nation, and his music catalog are worth $75 million. Lastly, Jay-Z’s art collection, one of which he’s rapped about frequently, is worth $70 million; and his real estate worth $50 million. The Brooklyn rapper cultivated his own map of success not for himself, but for his people and for the culture.
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2019 YEAR IN REVIEW
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BUSINESS
BLACK HOLLYWOOD
PERRY INVESTS IN US
By Todd Travon Rogers
In the early 2000s, budding filmmaker and playwright, Tyler Perry made a household name for himself after creating a niche lane on the “chitlin’ circuit”, or the urban theater circuit. Inspired by the matriarchs of his family, Perry created Madea, the loud-talking, gun-wielding grandmother and titular character in all of his films and plays. His celebrity skyrocketed when he decided to take his works on the road, which garnered a large African-American following. He sold copies of his play, which in-turn became the first “boot-leg phenomenon”. By 2005, Forbes reports showed that Perry had sold more than $100,000 million tickets, $30 million in video sales and $20 million in merchandise. These were all true signs and a measurement to the type of success and support Perry would garner throughout his career in entertainment. When Perry opted to adapt his comedic stage plays into family-friendly theatrical dramas in partnership with Lions Gate Entertainment, there was no doubt that his upcoming projects would be instant hits. His first film, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, grossed
Photo courtesy of Hollywood Reporter
This year, Perry invited a host of Black entertainers and celebrity supporters to the grand opening of the newly established studio, now the largest film production studio in the nation. $50 million domestically and his most recent, A Madea Family Funeral grossed over $73 million in the US. These film opportunities opened the director up to new talent, as well as, Hollywood legends he had only dreamt of working with. All of his feature films are jam-packed with Black star power. Performers like Gabrielle Union, Idris Elba, Janet Jackson, Phylicia Rashad, Angela Bassett, Louis Gossett Jr., Journee Smollett, and the great Cicely Tyson have all been collaborators on Perry’s projects. The businessman even took his talents to television with two hit shows on TBS: Meet the Browns and House of Payne, which
is currently the longest-running sitcom on television. The show which features a predominantly Black cast ran for eight seasons with a total of 254 episodes, beating out shows like The Jeffersons and The Cosby Show. He even partnered with Oprah Winfrey to produce a series of scripted content for her Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). The director purchased 330 acres of a former military base in Atlanta, which he transformed into the studio of his dreams. But what he hadn’t imagined, would be birthed from this one important business venture and blossom into a reality that has stamped Tyler Perry’s name in our history books.
This year, Perry invited a host of Black entertainers and celebrity supporters to the grand opening of the newly established studio, now the largest film production studio in the nation. To pay respect to the big-name actors that collaborated on past film projects, Perry made sure to memorialize the soundstages with greats like
Whoopi Goldberg, Diahann Carroll, Ruby Dee & Ossie Davis
Despite harsh criticism from some of his creative peers, like Spike Lee, who calls Perry’s work “coonery buffoonery,” Tyler continues to push boundaries with his content, contributing to the overall success of Blacks in entertainment, and bringing up the next generation behind him.
FOR THE CULTURE
MEDIA BLACK-LASH The year 2019 has arguably been one of the best times in Black culture. Black Hollywood was embraced with high acclaims during award season. Black artists took the helm of some of the most notable brands, even successfully launching their own. Politicians of color made names for themselves both in Washington and in our living rooms, becoming household names. We transformed music this year, taking over country and pop charts. All of these achievements are great, but are we the only ones that think so? Here is a short, yet comprehensive list of our cultural milestones that may only pique the interests of our melanated readers:
HONORABLE MENTIONS: Virgil Abloh creates a lifestyle around his fashion aesthetic with limited-edition IKEA designs / Kimora Lee Simmons relaunches her signature brand ‘Baby Phat’ / Charolette Nebres becomes the first Black principal dancer in NYC’s ‘The Nutcracker’ / Singer Rihanna becomes the first Black woman to head a luxury fashion brand: FENTY by LVMH / “Black-ish” producer Kenya Barris receives huge backlash from core audience after developing another show with interracial parents and multiracial children / Band Earth, Wind & Fire are awarded at the 2019 Kennedy Center Honors / / Actress Tracee Ellis Ross develops a haircare line “Pattern” to address natural curl patterns of Black men and women
Photo courtesy of Allure
Actress Gabrielle Union is known in our homes through the television, where we’ve grown to love the sassy, outspoken and unapologetic Black women she portrays in fiction. However, life imitates art and Union has refused to take the silent approach this year. The former America’s Got Talent judge made headlines after speaking out on the racism she encountered while filming the popular talent competition. She called her experience on the NBC show “toxic” after the network allegedly referred to her revolving hairstyles “too Black” after reportedly receiving excessive notes on her physical appearance.
Photo courtesy of Complex
Somethings are for us, by us, and ONLY us
Daniel “Dapper Dan” Day is a Harlemite and New York City legend. At age 22, he entered the clothing business; selling shoplifted garment out his car. His business grew and in 1982, the “hood tailor” opened Dapper Dan’s Boutique. He struggled to afford textiles, which led him to “bootlegging” fabrics, something he would become widely known for. He sold his designs to hip-hop talent like LL Cool J and Big Daddy Kane. His breakthrough talent led to multiple lawsuits, forcing the clothier to shut down his business. After nearly 20 years, Dapper Dan’s resurgence is now not only being accepted by urban communities, but backed by mainstream fashion brands like Gucci.
8 AFRAMNEWS.COM
2019 YEAR IN REVIEW
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