Latest news with #GirlsTrip
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Young Soshanguve writer turns pain into purpose to empower youth
A determined young woman from Soshanguve Bock TT has turned her painful past into a platform for healing and empowerment. Bontle Amanda Chauke (24) is a determined changemaker who has shown she has her community's best interests at heart by committing herself to restoring confidence, purpose, and pride among the youth in her community. Speaking to Rekord, she relayed her tough upbringing as something that pushed her to inspire change in her township. 'My upbringing was not an easy one, especially having to grow up in Block TT – a place well known for crime, substance abuse, and reckless people. 'I had to navigate through a whole lot of challenges – from being one of the underprivileged kids, to being a victim of bullying,' said Chauke. However, she did not let that hinder her success and growth. Instead, she turned to writing as a way of telling her story. In March, she published her book Walk in My Shoes, inspired by her real-life experiences. 'I speak so vulnerably about the things I experienced. The book explores themes of bullying, self-acceptance, finding purpose, fatherlessness, identity crisis and other important aspects of one's life,' Bontle said. Her inspiration to write came unexpectedly. 'One day, I was watching a movie called Girls Trip. In the movie, there was this woman who was an author of a book titled You Can Have It All. She travelled to so many places and spoke at so many conferences to so many people that lives were impacted. She said the movie inspired her 'because I saw that there's beauty in words, there's beauty in telling people your story. From that moment, I knew I wanted to write books.' Bontle acknowledged her family and community's support in nurturing her writing journey. 'I think my family and community played a huge role in nurturing my writing journey, but unawares, because in the book I write about real-life events that I passed through. 'Imagine if my community were not what it was, then it means I wouldn't have been able to write this book, and the same applies to my family.' While Bontle's journey as an author is powerful, her real impact extends far beyond writing. She is the founder of the Bontle Ke Botho organisation, which is aimed at encouraging young people to find their purpose in life. Through her organisation, she runs a variety of programmes, including a reading and literature initiative and a back-to-school hair drive. The organisation benefits young people from Soshanguve and neighbouring communities. 'Young people get an opportunity to find their purpose, which is one of the most important aspects of life, because if you haven't found your purpose, you're not fit to live. 'Learners get their confidence restored, and that on its own helps them to get good grades in schools. Kids in the community have improved their reading through our book clubs and reading competitions,' she said. She highlighted the challenges she came across as a writer and an organisation founder. 'Burnout and time management became one of the challenges, in a way that it became a struggle balancing writing, leadership duties, admin work, and personal life.' In addition, she encouraged young, upcoming writers to keep writing because the world needs to hear their stories. 'Unless you put that pen to paper, people will never be able to hear your story, so do the world a favour and don't stop writing.' ALSO READ: Stakeholders honours Mandela's legacy by supporting most vulnerable Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
Refinery29
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Refinery29
Regina Hall Talks Food, Family & Finding Healing At The Cookout
In the words of The Fresh Prince [Will Smith] and DJ Jazzy Jeff, it's officially 'summer, summer, summertime.' And for award-winning actress Regina Hall, this season is all about the cookout — firing up the grill, making memories and taking in all the good vibes with family and friends. The D.C. native has a career spanning more than two decades, delivering unforgettable performances in Black cultural staples from hilarious comedies like Girls Trip to heartfelt dramas including The Best Man and Love & Basketball. Beyond the screen, she has built a legacy as a creative force and a champion for stories that feel real and relatable. But for all the standout moments throughout her career, it's the memories tied to food, family and friendship that she holds closest. That's why she partnered with Bounty to build her ultimate cookout — from the ribs to the clean-up crew — and let us in on how everyone has an important role at the function. However, for Regina, it's not just about the food. It's also about protecting your peace, finding joy in the little things and feeding your spirit as much as your plate. So we had to ask: What's going on her plate and what's really feeding her soul these days, and in true Regina fashion, she didn't hold back. Unbothered: What's a dish you have to have at a cookout, no matter what? Regina Hall: There are probably three, I would say. And that's for me. You've got to have barbecue, and you have to have burgers, but also you've got to have ribs and wings. I know that's three things, but it's really one thing. I have to have baked beans, and if you can keep it hot, I really love mac and cheese. I also like potato salad, depending on who makes it and how it's prepared. ' If I'm going too hard and I'm not listening, life will slow me down in some way, and so I've learned to listen to that. ' What's your unspoken role at the cookout? RH: Taste tester. I like to eat all the food. I can't stand messiness, and I hate to be at a cookout and you have to clean everything at the end of the night. I am probably someone who helps everybody. If I were throwing the cookout or if my friend were throwing the cookout, I would be the one helping with the cleanup and making sure people aren't being wasteful. I can't stand when people waste water, drink this much and then go get another one. I really can't stand wasted paper towels either, where I'm like, "You barely used it. Fold it up and use it again." I don't like waste, so I would be the one cleaning up. That's my role. Beyond food, what's something that's been feeding your soul lately? RH: I always love reading books that teach me really practical things. There's a book I read recently called The Let Them [Theory] that I liked, allowing people to do... without it affecting you and getting upset. Like, "Let them." And I love summertime, because it's a good time to be outdoors. I enjoy being in nature; I like to walk, and I love the sunshine. I think waking up to sunshine is wonderful. I enjoy being outside, and I actually love cookouts because they're a chance to spend time with friends and family. It's the social aspect of healing that is, and the sense of community. So those things are really, really healing for me. Or soul feeding, I should say. That's a good point and brings me to my next question. What did the cookouts of your childhood teach you about family, belonging or joy? RH: I think it's more than what they taught me. I mean, they just were. They gave me aspects of joy and aspects of family, and what I think I gained from that was an understanding of how important those things are to my life and how much I value them. I've lost family members, I've lost my mom, so the importance of memories and the importance of making time, making it special. Food, celebration, friendship, all the things that you remember more than anything. Right? More than money. I have incredible memories. The truth is, my mom was like me. My mom was a Virgo, so my mom was incredibly neat. That's why she's like, "You don't clean up when you finish, you clean up as you go." So I think it's just the importance of family and the importance of memories, dancing and laughter. Everything that you grow up and realize are the truest treasures of life. Absolutely. I lost my mom too, but when I do certain things, I hear her voice. Or to your point, you incorporate her teachings into your daily life. RH: Yes, and what about things that you didn't do? Do you remember when your mom would say things like, "Turn off all those lights. Why do you have all the lights burning?" Or my mom would be like, "Stop using so many paper towels." But you weren't paying bills then, so you didn't really know. All those things that you heard, that you didn't necessarily realize that you were digesting into your being, you hear it now, and you kind of do it, even something as simple as making your bed. It's a really interesting thing to watch yourself hear and become from your mom or your loved one. Yes, I definitely understand that. And has there ever been a season where you realized you were giving too much and you needed to refill your own plate first? RH: I think there are periods of life like that. Maybe if you feel like, "Oh, I'm working a lot." Not that the work is too much, but you're like, "Oh, I need to relax so that I can enjoy the work." Or you say, "Gosh, I haven't spent enough time with friends," or "Maybe I need to do something where I need to nurture my body a little bit more," whether it's with a diet. Not a diet, as in not eating, but rather a focus on healthy things and exercise. I think life means that you're always searching for balance. And at one point, this could be an imbalance, and you might say, "Oh, I haven't done this and I haven't done that." So there are always times, and I think your heart and your spirit remind you. If I'm going too hard and I'm not listening, my body will just catch a cold or something. Life will slow me down in some way, and so I've learned to listen to that. ' I actually love cookouts because they're a chance to spend time with friends and family. It's the social aspect of how healing that is and the sense of community. ' It's all interconnected. Like you said, once you start listening to your body, it gives you that warning to slow down. RH: And after a couple of times of not listening, you're like, "All right, I get it. I'm going to listen from now on." Exactly. And what are the little joys you protect no matter what? RH: I always make sure I take some time for solitude. That's really important for me. I love quiet, because that's when I think, or don't think, and hear. I love my friends and I love food. My joys are really simple. It's probably a lot less complicated than most, or maybe I assume that. Also, I protect my food at all costs, I'll tell you that much. (laughs) My hairstylist is an amazing cook, and I begged her to cook for me, so she cooked, and the food was so good. If someone had said, "Can I have one?" "No. No!" I will say no, because it's easy for me to share a lot of things, but not food. But I'm always begging for someone else's food, so I'm hypocritical in that way. I feel you on that! (laughs) My last question. What would younger Regina be surprised to know about your life today? RH: Oh my gosh. She'd be surprised about it all. You know, young Regina probably thought, Oh, this was going to happen at this age. "Oh, by 26 I'm going to do that, and then by 29 I'll be married, and then by 30 I'll have 1.1 kids. I'll have my second one at 32. I'll be a mogul at 33." I mean, I don't know. But she would be happy to know that I was happy. In many ways, my life is beyond my wildest dreams, and in some ways it's not what I imagined at all. But the biggest thing would be that I have good friends. I have great people in my life. Professionally and personally, I have amazing people in my life. Young Regina would be very happy to know that she made some good choices because she spent a lot of time in the clubs. She could have made some bad ones. I try to tell my nieces and nephews that every decision always comes with a consequence, so be careful and mindful of the decisions you make. RH: Every decision. RH: Yes. Yes, yes! That goes from grade school to high school to college. I've always had really good friends. RH: And you know what? My mama always knew. They always know who's good for you and who's not. I don't know how moms know. I'd wonder, "How'd you know?" It's amazing how they know. But yeah, that's been really good.
Black America Web
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Black Movies to Watch for the Fourth of July
Black Movies to Watch for the Fourth of July This Fourth of July, skip the textbook history and tap into something real—Black joy, resistance, freedom, and the flyest energy our culture brings. Independence Day hits differently when you know the full story, so why not spend the holiday vibing with movies that reflect our power, passion, and legacy? Whether you're pre-gaming for the cookout, chillin' under fireworks, or just catching a break from the chaos, this list brings the fireworks to your screen. From comedy classics and quotable faves to coming-of-age gems and bold statements of Black independence, these movies remind us what it really means to be free—on our terms. RELATED: Top 20 Classic Black Movies Since 2000 Black Movies to Watch for the Fourth of July was originally published on 1. The Wood (1999) – Brotherhood, nostalgia, and summer love in Inglewood. 2. Girls Trip (2017) – Black girl freedom, turned all the way up. 3. Poetic Justice (1993) – Janet & Pac? Road trip vibes and emotional healing. 4. House Party (1990) – A cookout essential. Ain't no party like a Black party. 5. Coming to America (1988) – Royalty, romance, and freedom from tradition. 6. Do the Right Thing (1989) – A hot summer day in Brooklyn turns revolutionary. 7. Set It Off (1996) – Ride or die friendship and economic rebellion. 8. Paid in Full (2002) – Hustle, loyalty, and that gritty 4th of July hustle spirit. 9. ATL (2006) – Skating, summer, and Southern Black coming-of-age. 10. Get Out (2017) – A surreal reminder of what freedom really means.
Perth Now
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Queen Latifah reveals her first paycheque was just 87 bucks
Queen Latifah's first paycheque was "87 bucks" from Burger King. The 55-year-old Hollywood actress and rapper - who was born Dana Owens - had humble beginnings flipping burgers at the fast food chain long before she became a global star. She told First for Women magazine of her first job: "Burger King, at 15 years old: my first check was for 87 bucks." Now she's in her 50s, the Girls Trip star star feels women should support each other more. She told the publication: "In our 50s, we have to support each other as women. We don't compliment each other enough, and we should. "We are more confident in our skin now-more comfortable than we were in our 20s, 30s and 40s. No one should think life is 'over' after a certain age. I still have so many things I want to do! This is the greatest time for women to lock in on their own health-and finally put themselves first." Meanwhile, the Ladies First hitmaker is set to be the subject of an upcoming biopic and she's excited to be able to tell her own story. She told The Hollywood Reporter in 2024: 'We've been talking about it for a while. "We've seen a lot of people tell our stories who weren't there and really have no idea how much more involved these stories are. It's important to see how it all happened from people who were actively in the room."
Miami Herald
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Hollywood producer celebrates son's graduation from HBCU
Zion Packer, son of Hollywood producer Will Packer, has graduated from North Carolina A&T State University. This is another proud HBCU moment for the Packer family. The graduation took place on May 10, 2025, at the First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina. Zion completed his undergraduate degree with dedication and focus. Will Packer, a proud alumnus of Florida A&M University (FAMU), shared his excitement on Instagram. He wrote, "So proud of you son! Nothing and no one can stop you. Here's to your biggest chapter yet!" The message captured the joy and pride of this important milestone. Zion's success is especially meaningful because his father is one of the most well-known graduates of FAMU. NCAT and FAMU have a friendly rivalry as two former MEAC foes and two of the largest HBCU institutions in the country. Will Packer has built a major career producing blockbuster films like Girls Trip and Think Like a Man. Zion followed his own path at North Carolina A&T. According to his LinkedIn profile, he studied in the College of Engineering, pursuing an undergraduate degree in Computer Science. He lists his interests in the defense, intelligence, and software development industries. His graduation highlights the importance of family, education, and determination. This achievement is also a proud moment for the HBCU community. Both FAMU and North Carolina A&T have helped shape the Packer family's legacy of excellence. Zion's next steps are full of promise. His father's words offer a reminder that the future is wide open. Zion's story is a celebration of what can happen when hard work meets opportunity. It is also a powerful example for other young students on their own journeys. The post Hollywood producer celebrates son's graduation from HBCU appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
