By Nekesa Mumbi Moody AP Entertainment Writer Through laughs, tears and speeches that turned into sermons and affirmations, the overarching theme of this year’s star-studded Essence luncheon was that in an unforgiving industry that often overlooks, black women need no validation from Hollywood — or elsewhere — to appreciate their self-worth. “No one in this […]
Author Archives: Nekesa Mumbi Moody
AP Music Writer
Posted inArts & Culture, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, ENTERTAINMENT, Music, TV and Film
Diahann Carroll, Oscar-Nominated, Pioneering Black Actress, Dies
By Nekesa Mumbi Moody, AP Entertainment Writer Diahann Carroll, the Oscar-nominated actress and singer who won critical acclaim as the first Black woman to star in a non-servant role in a TV series as “Julia,” has died. She was 84. Carroll’s daughter, Susan Kay, told The Associated Press her mother died Oct. 4 in Los Angeles […]
Posted inArts & Culture, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, ENTERTAINMENT, TV and Film
Emotional Ceremony Honors Hall, Stenberg, Layne and Lewis
By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY, AP Entertainment Writer BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) — Amandla Stenberg brought the audience to their feet as she talked of being protected by the ancestors. KiKi Layne evoked tears as she talked about having the comfort of Black women during an exciting but “terrifying” time. Kiki Layne attends the 12th Annual […]
Posted inArts & Culture, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, ENTERTAINMENT, LIFE & STYLE, National News, NEWS
Obama Says Designer’s Energy Informed her Fashion Choices
By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY, AP Entertainment Writer NEW YORK (AP) — For Michelle Obama, choosing what designer to wear while she was in the White House involved many factors, from diversity to whether they were a nice person. Obama talked the decisions behind the outfits that made headlines during her time as first lady during […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Carey Returns to ‘New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’
NEW YORK (AP) — Mariah Carey is determined to have a better New Year’s Eve than in 2016 — she is returning to “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest” after last year’s debacle. FILE – In this Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2017, file photo, Mariah Carey poses for photographers during her hand and […]
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Perry Writes About the ‘Higher’ Power that Sustains Him
NEW YORK (AP) — Tyler Perry has always relied on the word of God to lift him up in troubling times, but even he admits the onslaught of negative headlines over the past 18 months has tested his spirit. In this Nov. 16, 2017 photo, actor-filmmaker and author Tyler Perry poses for a portrait in […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, InstantArticles
Joni Sledge, Member of Sister Sledge, Dies at 60
YORK (AP) — Joni Sledge, who with her sisters recorded the enduring dance anthem “We Are Family,” has died, the band’s representative said Saturday. She was 60. File- This Aug. 14, 2006 file photo shows Joni Sledge, one of the original members of “Sister Sledge,” second from left, posing with Rodney Jerkins, second from right, […]
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Chaka Khan and Sister Enter Rehab
NEW YORK (AP) — Chaka Khan and her sister have entered a drug rehabilitation program to battle their addictions to prescription drugs, and Khan says the death of her good friend Prince helped hasten her decision to get help. In this Oct. 24, 2014, file photo, Chaka Khan performs at the 13th annual “A Great […]
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Prince Exalts in His ‘Heaven’
This CD cover image released by Warner Bros. Records shows “Art Official Age,” by Prince. (AP Photo/Warner Bros. Records) CHANHASSEN, Minn. (AP) — Nightfall is fast approaching at Paisley Park. There are few lights on in the cavernous compound, and unseen doves (of course there would be doves) are cooing up a racket before twilight […]
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Serena Williams, LeBron James Hit Up Beats Parties
NEW YORK (AP) — One Super Bowl party wasn’t enough for Beats by Dre. The headphone company held two events Friday with completely different vibes. The night began at the intimate Graff Diamonds jewelry store, where Serena Williams, Anthony Mackie, Jerry Stackhouse, Jermaine Dupri and others grooved to a performance by British singer Estelle. They […]
Posted inSports
Serena and Venus Test their Culinary Skills
NEW YORK (AP) — Could cooking be the new doubles endeavor for Serena and Venus Williams? The two tennis superstars giggled and teased each other as they joined celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson in a cooking demonstration Thursday as part of the annual “Taste of Tennis” event, one of the many festivities leading up to next […]
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Lil Wayne ‘Recovering’ in Hospital after Seizure
Lil Wayne has been hospitalized, but according to his camp and his official Twitter account — he’s OK. The multiplatinum rapper was hospitalized in Los Angeles on Friday and reps confirmed he was “recovering.” He apparently tweeted to his fans from his official account on Friday night: “I’m good everybody. Thx for the prayers and […]