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The South African
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
Quinta Brunson honoured with key to West Philadelphia
Quinta Brunson, the Emmy-winning creator, returned to her roots in West Philadelphia last week for a heartwarming celebration. On 28 May, she was awarded the key to the city by Philadelphia's Mayor Cherelle Parker at her old school, Andrew Hamilton Elementary. The event was filled with pride, laughter, and a deep sense of community. Mayor Parker warmly declared, 'Quinta Brunson, this is your city and you are ours!' handing over the symbolic key amidst cheers from students, family, and local officials, according to BET. Brunson, ever the comedian, joked, 'What does it open?' before reflecting on the moment with gratitude. 'Even when I first walked in the door, I was like, 'Oh, I'm home. I'm home. I'm in Philly,' she said. 'This gym felt so big when I was a kid. Being back here feels like coming home'. The celebration also featured the unveiling of a vibrant new mural titled Blooming Futures on the school's exterior. The mural was created by Philadelphia artist Athena Scott in collaboration with Brunson and Mural Arts Philadelphia. Unlike the original plan to feature characters from Abbott Elementary , Brunson insisted the mural showcase real faces from the community — students, teachers, and neighbours. 'You don't need to see famous people on the wall. You need to see you on the wall. Painted, beautiful. We are beautiful. It makes a difference,' she explained. Brunson's mother, Norma Jean, a former kindergarten teacher in Philadelphia public schools, was present and applauded. Brunson credited her mother and other educators for inspiring the heartfelt stories in Abbott Elementary . 'This woman had five kids, and then she had 30 more in her classroom, and that's what let me know that education is not just a job, it is a lifelong dedication,' she said. Before the event wrapped up, surprised the crowd by pledging R1 million (approximately R 1,000,000) split between two local nonprofits. One supports music education, and another provides fresh groceries to children in need. 'Supporting our kids is everything,' she said. This generous donation reflects her ongoing commitment to uplifting her community. For fans eager for more Abbott Elementary , Quinta Brunson confirmed that the fifth season is already in the works. 'We just started in the writers' room last week,' she shared. 'I'm excited about what's coming next'. Brunson's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of community, education, and representation. Her journey from West Philly to global acclaim shows how local roots can inspire worldwide success. As she said, 'We have to see ourselves in the big picture. That's how we know there's a tomorrow. That's how we know there's a community to take care of'. In a world craving authentic stories and role models, Quinta Brunson shines as a beacon of hope and pride. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Diddy Allegedly Attacked Cassie on Prince's Front Lawn, Security Had to Step In
A former personal assistant to Sean "Diddy" Combs took the witness stand Thursday and told jurors the Bad Boy Records founder, known to his staff as Puff, worked her around the clock and sexually assaulted her multiple times during her employment from 2009 to 2017. The former employee, testifying under the pseudonym Mia — previously identified as Victim-4 in the Southern District of New York's criminal indictment — recounted an incident at a 2010 party hosted by Prince after the Emmy Awards, where the music legend's security had to intervene when Combs attacked Casandra "Cassie" Ventura. Mia said her tenure overlapped with Combs' relationship with singer Ventura, one of the women Combs is accused of sex-trafficking at his federal trial. Mia told jurors Combs kept tight control of Ventura's whereabouts, appearance and music career, and that part of her job was to 'keep tabs' on Ventura. When she and Ventura, who she says became like her 'sister," did something without Combs' permission, the 'punishment' could be 'unpredictable and terrifying,' she testified. Related: Diddy's Former Assistant Mia Says He Sexually Assaulted Her 'Several Times,' Made Her Crack His Knuckles That night, Mia recounted that Combs told her to stay with Ventura at a hotel to keep her company as the music mogul had told Ventura he would be with his kids. Then, Mia claimed, a friend called and told her and Ventura about the party at Prince's house. 'Cass and I debated like little kids if we should sneak out of the house for probably what felt like forever,' Mia testified. Ventura, who took the stand at Combs' sex trafficking trial on Wednesday, May 14, said she was having dinner with friends and wanted to go to Prince's house. Related: Cassie Says She Fled 'Once in a Lifetime' Experience at Prince's House After Learning Diddy Was There Too 'It was a once in a lifetime experience,' Ventura testified. She said she did not want to tell Combs about the experience because she thought "he would say no." Ventura and Mia ultimately went to Prince's party and were having fun dancing and watching him perform, Mia said, but then Combs arrived. Mia recalled seeing his bucket hat and the two locking eyes. Ventura testified earlier she saw BET executives and suddenly heard Combs was there. 'I caught a glimpse of him, left the party and ran out as fast as I could,' Ventura testified. 'I knew he was angry at me.' She said she could see it in his facial expressions 'and then he came after me.' Related: Cassie Says She Fled 'Once in a Lifetime' Experience at Prince's House After Learning Diddy Was There Too Mia claimed they both took off running out of Prince's estate, but 'Puff caught Cass,' the former assistant said. Two weeks ago, Ventura told the jury that she started running before falling into the bushes in Prince's front yard. 'It's a little fuzzy, but the most distinct memory I have is running and falling into the bushes in the front yard,' Ventura added. 'I don't know if at that point he was over me. I have no idea. I just remember falling in the bushes and then getting up quickly and getting in the car to get back to the hotel.' 'He caught up to her and had her on the ground,' Mia said. 'He started attacking her, but Prince's security swiftly intervened.' Mia left and spent the night at a different hotel, she testified. The ex-employee said that the next day, the head of human resources told her Combs was suspending her without pay for attending Prince's party with Ventura. 'Puff said I was being insubordinate,' Mia claimed. She said the HR employee did not mention anything about Combs' behavior the night before. Back at Ventura's Beverly Hills hotel, Combs barged inside the room and allegedly beat Ventura, leaving her with a black eye, knots in her head, and a busted lisp, Ventura and her friend, celebrity makeup artist Mylah Morales, testified last week. Related: Makeup Artist Says Her Nap Was Interrupted by Diddy's Shouting — and What She Saw Next Was Disturbing Ventura, who dated Combs for 11 years, is the key witness for the prosecution at his trial. The artist, 38, welcomed her third baby, a boy, with husband Alex Fine, a source confirmed to PEOPLE on May 28. "We went into the bedroom and he beat me up,' Ventura alleged. 'He threw luggage at me, calling me all kinds of names." Related: Cassie Welcomes Baby No. 3 with Husband Alex Fine Almost 2 Weeks After Testifying in Diddy's Criminal Trial The prosecution has already established that several of Combs' employees and people on his payroll saw the mogul physically abusing Ventura over the course of their relationship. Former assistants George Kaplan and Capricorn Clark, Danity Kane's Dawn Richard, former stylist Deonte Nash and Morales, all testified they had been present when Combs brutally attacked Ventura. The Bad Boy Records founder is currently facing charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution, which he has adamantly denied. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to Read the original article on People
Black America Web
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Jamie Foxx & More To Receive Ultimate Icon Honors At 2025 BET Awards
Source: Variety / Getty BET is rolling out the red carpet for legends at the 2025 BET Awards, honoring four titans of music and entertainment with the prestigious Ultimate Icon Award. Read more about who's being honored inside. As part of the 25th anniversary celebration of 'Culture's Biggest Night,' Jamie Foxx, Mariah Carey, Kirk Franklin, and Snoop Dogg will be recognized for their decades of game-changing impact across music, film, advocacy, and culture. The highly anticipated show will air live on Monday, June 9 at 8 PM ET/PT, hosted by comedian and actor Kevin Hart. Mariah Carey, the best-selling female artist of all time, continues to set records with 200 million albums sold and 19 Billboard Hot 100 #1 singles. Her five-octave vocal range and undeniable influence have shaped modern pop. In 2025, Carey also celebrates the 20th anniversary of her landmark album The Emancipation of Mimi , cementing her legendary status. Jamie Foxx, an Oscar and Grammy-winning entertainer, is being recognized not only for his groundbreaking film and music career but also for his work behind the scenes through his Foxxhole Productions banner. From Back in Action to his #1 Netflix comedy special What Had Happened Was… , Foxx continues to dominate across platforms. Kirk Franklin, a 20-time Grammy winner, has revolutionized Gospel music for more than 30 years. Fusing gospel with R&B, hip-hop, and pop, Franklin has pushed boundaries while uplifting communities, solidifying his status as one of the genre's most important figures. Snoop Dogg, a cultural icon with over 40 million albums sold and 21 studio releases, has influenced music, fashion, and business globally. Recently named one of TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential People, Snoop continues to evolve as an entertainer, entrepreneur, and mogul. The 2025 BET Awards will also feature performances by Lil Wayne, Teyana Taylor, GloRilla, Playboi Carti, and Leon Thomas. Kendrick Lamar leads nominations with ten, while Doechii, Drake, Future, and GloRilla each received six. In addition, BET will commemorate 106 & Park's 25th anniversary with a nostalgic tribute featuring hosts AJ & Free, Terrence J, Rocsi, and performances by Bow Wow, Amerie, and more. As BET marks a milestone year, this star-studded celebration is set to honor icons while celebrating the past, present, and future of Black excellence. Who's watching? SEE ALSO Jamie Foxx & More To Receive Ultimate Icon Honors At 2025 BET Awards was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
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Black America Web
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
BET's Black + Iconic Soirée Celebrates Black LGBTQ+ Excellence [Photos]
Source:/ BET BET's Black + Iconic Soirée made a powerful Washington, D.C. debut during its third annual celebration, honoring the rich legacy and bright future of Black LGBTQ+ excellence. Read more about the event and check out a gallery of photos inside. Held under the 2025 theme 'Excellence Ascending,' the event spotlighted changemakers across activism, entertainment, and community who are leading with authenticity, purpose, and pride. Hosted by Access Hollywood anchor Scott Evans, the Soirée was a star-studded evening of storytelling, soulful performances, and impactful recognition. Ashlee Davis, J.D., who received the Executive Realness Award for her groundbreaking civil rights leadership across government and corporate spaces. Hope Giselle, awarded Emerging Leader for her tireless work uplifting Black trans visibility and inclusion. Kierra Johnson, Executive Director of the National LGBTQ Task Force, honored as Active Advocate for decades of reproductive justice and LGBTQ+ advocacy. Ashlee Marie Preston, acclaimed activist and strategist, who took home the Creative Visionary Award for using media to drive intergenerational change. Bob the Drag Queen, Emmy-winning performer and cultural force, accepted the Culture Trailblazer Award, delivering a stirring speech on identity and legacy. The evening also spotlighted grassroots impact. The Center for Black Equity and TAKE Resource Center each received $5,000 BET Thrive Fund grants for their continued work in advancing Black LGBTQ+ wellness and equity. Us Helping Us, a local D.C.-based health equity nonprofit, was granted a $5,000 donation from new partner Truth Initiative, marking a commitment to culturally relevant tobacco cessation programs. Broadway star Avery Wilson, fresh from The Wiz revival, delivered a show-stopping medley performance, while BET+ stars including Eva Marcille, Carter The Body, Bryan Terrell Clark, and Arrington Foster offered heartfelt tributes to the evening's honorees. 'This couldn't be just another event,' said Tiyale Hayes, BET's EVP of Insights and Multiplatform Analytics. 'It had to be an intentional space to uplift stories too often silenced.' With support from longtime partner Gilead Sciences and new ally Truth Initiative, the Soirée marked a cornerstone of BET's 45th anniversary, reinforcing its mission to celebrate Black culture and elevate LGBTQ+ voices. Stay tuned for the televised premiere date (to be announced at a later date) and relive the night via #BlackAndIconic across BET's official social platforms. BET's Black + Iconic Soirée Celebrates Black LGBTQ+ Excellence [Photos] was originally published on Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lil Wayne To Perform At 2025 BET Awards
Lil Wayne is set to take the stage at the 2025 BET Awards. Announced on Thursday (May 15), the list of performers also includes GloRilla, Playboi Carti, and Teyana Taylor. Leon Thomas will also make his BET Awards debut at the 25th annual event. 'We're setting the tone for a night that celebrates 25 years of impact, creativity, and Black culture,' detailed Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET. 'With electrifying performances from some of the biggest names in music and an iconic comedic host, BET Awards 2025 will be a can't-miss celebration of everything the culture represents.' As previously announced, BET will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the nostalgic music video countdown show 106 & Park with a tribute, creative directed by Teyana Taylor and The Aunties Production. Hosts AJ Calloway, Free, Julissa Bermudez, Keshia Chanté, Rocsi Diaz, and Terrence J are set to unite for the affair, with performances from Bow Wow, Amerie, B2K, Jim Jones, Mya, T.I., and more. Kevin Hart has been named the host for the anticipated award ceremony. 'I'm truly honored to host the 25th BET Awards and celebrate the culture's biggest night. This year marks the 25th anniversary, and my partners at Hartbeat, BET, and JCE are pulling out all the stops to make it a night to remember. It's a black-tie affair, and you're all invited. Tune in live on June 9th, only on BET,' expressed the comedian. Rapper Kendrick Lamar leads this year's nominations, counting 10 potential trophies with Doechii, Drake, Future, and GloRilla closely behind with six noms apiece. The 2025 BET Awards are set to air live on Monday, June 9, on BET at 8 pm ET/PT. More from Digital Nas Says Ye And Playboi Carti Could Reconcile Soon After Months Of Beefing Taraji P. Henson Is A Mom On A Mission In Tyler Perry's 'STRAW' Iman Shumpert Wants Teyana Taylor Arrested For Allegedly Violating Divorce Terms
