Latest news with #UncomfortableConversationswithaBlackMan
Irish Daily Star
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Star
'I'm a former NFL star and Donald Trump's administration has banned my book'
Former NFL star Emmanuel Acho has slammed the government once more for "banning" his debut novel, "Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man," after it was removed from the Naval Academy public library . The ex-linebacker-turned-author, who previously dated actress Yvonne Anuli Orji , has become a three-time New York Times best seller since hanging up his boots in 2015, following an injury ravaged career that includes spells with the Cleveland Browns and the Philadelphia Eagles . It all began in 2020 amid the nationwide protests following George Floyd's murder , when Acho launched a YouTube series - bearing the same name as his first book - answering race -related questions from white viewers. Soon enough, Oprah Winfrey called and a book deal followed, with Acho releasing his debut novel on November 10, 2020. Approximately five-and-a-half years later, however, the 34-year-old had been informed that "Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man" had been abruptly banned by the U.S. Naval Academy . Read More Related Articles Donald Trump shows true colors after Jalen Hurts skipped White House visit Read More Related Articles Which Philadelphia Eagles did not attend White House as Jalen Hurts leads snubs Taking to his Instagram account on April 6, Acho shared a video revealing the news, whereby he admitted his main concern was not the "hundreds of hours" he had "tediously and tirelessly" worked on his book, but rather the issue of living in "a society that is currently intentionally removing certain pieces of literature from our libraries." A caption for the video had read: "Sad moment: My 1st New York Times best seller, Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man, has been banned and removed from the Naval Academy public library. If I may be vulnerable with y'all, this is heartbreaking, not because it's my book, but because I became an author based off books I read as a kid." Shortly after, the U.S. Naval Academy confirmed that it had removed 381 books from its library shelves , targeting works tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The purge, ordered by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth , follows Donald Trump -era executive orders banning DEI content in federal agencies. The following week, Acho returned with further criticism of his book's ban, sharing another video of him speaking on his social media pages in which he said: 'Banning a book doesn't erase the pain. It doesn't erase the injustice… It just proves how uncomfortable the truth really is. And maybe that's the point.' Many fans have since lent their support to Acho by buying his book in response to the U.S. Naval Academy's decision to ban it. "You're not just reading, you're resisting. You're not just supporting me, but more importantly, you're supporting truth, justice, and the power of a conversation,' said Acho in a heartfelt message. However, there have been those who have criticised the former NFL player for claiming his book has been banned by the government, claiming that it was just removed by one library, rather than being removed as a whole. On Tuesday, Acho took the opportunity to hit back at those who have been doubting him. It came after he had uploaded a clip of himself on X (formerly Twitter) discussing the issue of Philadelphia Eagles star Jalen Hurts skipping his team's visit to the White House on Monday. While Acho made it clear he had no issue with the 26-year-old's decision to miss out , he did with the racial slurs that have been directed his way as a result. "However, as someone whose book about historical racial inequities has been banned by our government, I also believe Saquon must understand the repercussions," Acho added. In a follow-up tweet, he then said: "For those trying to correct me, the author, on my book being banned. Let me save you the trouble, I've written 4 books (3 NYT best sellers). My first book, 'Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man' has been banned by the Naval Academy public library." Attached was a screenshot of a list of removed books from the Nimitz Library, where Acho's debut novel is quite clearly stated at number two. If it wasn't clear enough, then he even added a red arrow to make it perfectly clear exactly where it said his novel was no longer on the shelves of the institution. Along with Acho's book, "How to Be an Antiracist" by Ibram X. Kendi, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou, "White Rage" by Carol Anderson, and "Bodies in Doubt" by Elizabeth Reis have also been pulled from public access. According to the New York Times, Adolf Hitler's creed "Mein Kampf" remains on the shelf, as does "The Bell Curve".
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Teton Ridge Appoints Ande Wall as Senior Vice President of Programming and Content
Seasoned ESPN Leader to Oversee Sports Programming & Content Including The Cowboy Channel, Teton Ridge FAST Channel, Podcasts and more FORT WORTH, Texas, February 13, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Teton Ridge, a leading force in Western sports and entertainment, today announced the appointment of Ande Wall as Senior Vice President of Programming and Content. With more than two decades in sports production, storytelling, and talent development, Ande will lead Teton Ridge's sports programming and content strategy including oversight of the recently acquired platform The Cowboy Channel. Ande joins Teton Ridge following a distinguished career at ESPN, where she was most recently head of production at Longhorn Network (LHN), overseeing studio production, original programming, social media, and content development. She led a team of producers, editors, photographers, and on-air talent, driving the creation of award-winning programming across linear and digital platforms. In addition to managing production, Ande played a key role in talent recruitment and development, working with industry figures such as Sam Ponder (NFL Countdown), Emmanuel Acho (Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man), and Kaylee Hartung (Thursday Night NFL on Amazon Prime). "Ande is a dynamic leader with an incredible track record of creating compelling sports content that resonates with audiences," said Deirdre Lester, CEO of Teton Ridge. "Her expertise in live production, digital storytelling, and brand-building will be instrumental as we continue to expand our media footprint. With Ande at the helm of our sports content strategy, we are positioned to further elevate the storytelling of Western sports and culture, while also ensuring The Cowboy Channel remains the premier destination for fans." Her tenure at ESPN also included leadership roles contributing to flagship programs like SportsCenter, SportsNation, and Texas GameDay. She was instrumental in developing marketing campaigns for LHN's top shows, earning multiple Emmy and College Sports Media Awards. Ande began her career as a reporter and columnist, covering major sports teams, Big 12 athletics, and Texas high school football. "As a native Texan, I've seen firsthand the passion for Western sports," said Ande Wall, Senior Vice President of Programming and Content at Teton Ridge. "Fans are eager for more access to the athletes, stories and places that make this industry so special. Teton Ridge and The Cowboy Channel are creating new opportunities to deliver that content, and I'm thrilled to build on that momentum—expanding our reach and deepening the connection between the sport and its audience." This appointment builds on Teton Ridge's continued momentum in the sports and entertainment space. With the acquisition of The Cowboy Channel, the launch of the Teton Ridge FAST Channel, and an expanding slate of digital content—including podcasts and original programming—Teton Ridge is redefining the landscape of Western sports, entertainment, and culture. From live broadcasts to digital innovation, the company continues to set new industry standards and expand its influence. In addition to its sports-driven content initiatives, Teton Ridge Entertainment serves as the company's dedicated division for film, TV, and new media, led by Jillian Share. This division operates with a distinct focus, complementing the company's broader efforts in Western sports and live events. About Teton Ridge Teton Ridge, owned by TWG Global, is dedicated to expanding the reach and impact of Western sports and culture. TWG Global is co-chaired by Mark Walter and Thomas Tull, who launched Teton Ridge in 2019 with support from investors including Jim Breyer and the Lee Bass Family Office. TWG Global launched Teton Ridge in 2019 with support from investors including Jim Breyer and the Lee Bass Family Office.. Since its inception Teton Ridge has grown through strategic acquisitions and initiatives, including The American Rodeo Contender Series & Championship Weekend - live on FOX Sports, The American Performance Horseman, and the acclaimed docuseries Window to the West. Its portfolio also includes Better Barrel Races, C&I Magazine, The MauneyCast, and the Let's Freakin' Rodeo podcast. In 2024, Teton Ridge acquired The Cowboy Channel and Cowgirl Channel, cementing its leadership in Western sports media. Teton Ridge is also the parent company of Teton Ridge Entertainment, a film and television studio led by President Jillian Share that explores Americana stories and highlights the themes, ethos, and setting of the American West. View source version on Contacts Teton Ridge Media Contact:Deb Duffy / / 914-643-7117
