Monday, June 3, 2024

Simone Biles Wins Record-Breaking Ninth All-Around Title at U.S. Gymnastics Championships

Photo Courtesy USA Gymnatics
Simone Biles secured a record-extending ninth all-around title at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships on Sunday, decisively defeating Skye Blakely. This victory cements Biles' status as the most decorated gymnast in history and sets the stage for her pursuit of a third consecutive Olympic all-around title in Paris.
Biles, a dominant force in gymnastics for over a decade, showcased exceptional athletic prowess throughout the competition. Her score of 119.750 comfortably surpassed Blakely's 113.850. The competition was notably affected by the absence of fellow Black gymnast Shilese Jones, who was sidelined by a shoulder injury. Despite this, the event underscored the depth of talent within the Black gymnastics community, with Biles standing as a beacon of inspiration for future generations.

Beyond her athletic achievements, Biles has made significant contributions as an advocate for athlete safety and empowerment, particularly within the Black community. Historically underrepresented and facing numerous barriers in gymnastics, Black athletes have found a powerful ally in Biles. The "Simone Biles Legacy Act," which mandates increased oversight within the U.S. Olympic Committee, is a testament to her commitment to creating a safer and more equitable environment for future athletes, especially young Black girls who look up to her.

Biles' triumph at the U.S. Championships adds to a career marked by both dominance and resilience. In 2020, at the Tokyo Olympics, she made headlines by prioritizing her mental health and stepping away from competition. This courageous decision sparked a global conversation about the pressures faced by athletes, resonating deeply, particularly among young Black women who identified with her vulnerability and strength.

From her early years in foster care to her rise to international stardom, Biles continues to inspire athletes of all backgrounds. Her routines, known for their technical difficulty and grace, constantly push the boundaries of what is possible in gymnastics. Off the mat, Biles leverages her platform to promote diversity and inclusion within the sport, encouraging young Black girls to chase their dreams on national and international stages.
Biles' latest victory at the U.S. Championships is a testament to her enduring dominance. As she prepares for Paris, she remains a central figure in gymnastics and a powerful cultural icon. To young Black athletes, she is more than a champion; she is a symbol of hope and inspiration, embodying the possibilities of perseverance and excellence.

Reflecting on her win and her journey towards Paris, Biles told NBC, "Today, it was just getting out there and getting comfortable and confident in my gymnastics and hopefully going to Olympic trials and making that next step towards Paris. I couldn't be more proud of how I'm doing this time of the year, just getting that confidence. Over and over, getting myself back in front of the crowd. And just doing what I do in practice."
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Sunday, June 2, 2024

Dee Barnes, Hip-Hop Icon and Dr. Dre Assault Survivor, Issues Urgent Plea for Donations

On Saturday, Dee Barnes, the iconic host of the late '80s and early '90s music video show "Pump It Up!", took to social media with an urgent plea. She’s facing financial difficulties and is seeking to raise $3,000 by Monday.

"Hello EVERYONE! I’m trying to urgently raise $3000 this weekend, my deadline is this Monday 6/3/24. If you are able to donate and share. Thank you, I really appreciate you ALL!” Barnes wrote, providing details for donations via CashApp, Venmo, and PayPal.

The next day, she updated her followers, stating, "Still need your help please! $1,800 to get closer to the goal! THANK YOU!!"

Barnes made history as the first Black woman to host her own music video show on a major network, with "Pump It Up!" airing on FOX from 1989 to 1992. However, her career took a dramatic turn after a violent assault by Dr. Dre in 1991. The attack left her with lasting physical and emotional scars, and despite filing charges and settling out of court, Barnes' career and personal life were significantly impacted. In 2019, she revealed she was homeless, leading to a viral response and a successful GoFundMe campaign. Yet, five years later, she continues to struggle.

Beyond her financial challenges, Barnes has remained a vocal advocate for victims of domestic violence. Recently, she spoke out about a 2016 video showing Sean "Diddy" Combs assaulting Cassie Ventura. "Seeing that video is extremely triggering," she tweeted on May 17. "#DrDre punched, slammed, kicked and stomped me out. #Concussion Logging TF off."

Barnes’ advocacy for domestic violence victims has been unwavering. She expressed her disappointment with Combs and solidarity with Ventura and other victims, tweeting, “I’m disgusted and disappointed with Sean Combs. I stand with #Cassie, #KimPorter and all the other victims of his violent abuse.”

Dr. Dre has publicly apologized for his actions, first in 2015 and later in the 2017 HBO series "The Defiant Ones." He acknowledged, “Any man that puts his hands on a female is a fing idiot, he’s out of his fing mind. I was out of my fing mind at the time, I fed up. I paid for it, I’m sorry for it, and I apologize for it.”

While Barnes has accepted Dre's apology, she continues to highlight the long-term impact of domestic violence and the challenges survivors face in rebuilding their lives. Her recent call for financial assistance underscores these ongoing struggles.

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Thursday, May 30, 2024

Usher to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at BET Awards; Monét Honored by ASCAP

Usher will receive the Voice of the Culture Award, while Monét, the 2024 Grammy winner for Best New Artist, will be presented with the Vanguard Award at the June 27th ceremony in Los Angeles. (Photo Credit: Bellamy Brewster)
Music industry titan Usher and rising star Victoria Monét are set to be celebrated at upcoming award ceremonies. Usher's enduring impact on music and culture will be recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 BET Awards on June 30th.

Meanwhile, both artists will be honored by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers on June 27th. Usher will receive the Voice of the Culture Award, while Monét will be presented with the Vanguard Award.

"Usher's artistry has transcended generations," said Connie Orlando, BET EVP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy, in a statement. "From his chart-topping hits and electrifying performances to his signature sound and dance moves, he continues to be a force in the industry and a champion of Black excellence. We look forward to celebrating his remarkable career with a truly unforgettable tribute."

He is also nominated for four additional BET Awards this year, including Album of the Year for "Coming Home," Best Collaboration and Video of the Year for "Good Good" with Summer Walker and 21 Savage and Best Male R&B/Pop Artist (an award he shared with Chris Brown last year).

Usher's influence extends beyond the stage. As the founding chairman of the New Look Foundation, he has positively impacted over 55,000 youths globally through education and mentorship programs. This dedication earned him recognitions like the NAACP's 2010 Ford Freedom Award Scholar and Morehouse College's 2014 Candle Award.

The artist's recent achievements solidify his enduring legacy. His ninth studio album, "Coming Home," debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, and his collaboration "Good Good" remains a chart fixture. He also won Outstanding Male Artist at the NAACP Image Awards in March.

Presented to ASCAP members who have had a major influence on music and culture, the Voice of the Culture Award recognizes Usher's lasting impact.

“Artistic development is a lifelong journey of experimentation that requires risk for reward, embracing unknowns, trusting your intuition, and believing in your creative vision and God given talent. It means the world to me that my peers, this community of passionate and distinguished songwriters, composers, and authors are inspired by my execution of the craft,” Usher said in a statement.

Monét, a rising star with a voice that's both powerful and intimate, is a three-time Grammy winner this year, including the prestigious Song of the Year award. She is being recognized by ASCAP for her innovative spirit and influence on the future of music. Her artistry extends beyond her own performances, as she's also a talented songwriter who has contributed to the success of other artists.

"Victoria Monét has proven herself not only as a luminous songwriter but also as a flourishing artist who consistently pushes boundaries," said Paul Williams, chairman of the board and president at ASCAP, in a statement.

The 2024 BET Awards will air live on the East Coast on Sunday, June 30, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

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