Scotland’s foremost country music venue has voted narrowly to ban the use of the Confederate flag because of its “toxic” associations with slavery and white supremacy.
Members of Glasgow’s Grand Ole Opry voted 50 to 48 to maintain a ban brought in by the venue’s managing committee last month. The emergency general meeting on Monday evening was the culmination of a bitter internal dispute that resulted in the resignation of the committee’s president two weeks ago.
The row centred around the use of the red and blue cross in a flag-folding ceremony – known as the American Trilogy and accompanied by the eponymous Elvis Presley hit – at the end of every club night.
In a statement on Tuesday, vice-president Karen McCulloch confirmed there would be “no display of the Confederate flag in any shape or form within Glasgow’s Grand Ole Opry”.
She added: “It has been disappointing that a hardcore of members refused to see that our club, like others, had to move with the times and stop using a flag that has come to symbolise toxic beliefs in America and elsewhere.”
“We were effectively making a stand against racism and it’s a huge relief that a majority of our members believed this was the right way to proceed.”
The Guardian understands that in recent years, and in particular since the Black Lives Matter movement grew to global prominence in 2020, there has been increasing discomfort about the flag’s associations amongst Opry members and visitors, and some bookings cancelled because of its prominence.
The National Theatre of Scotland, which scouted the Opry earlier in the year as a potential venue for a show, withdrew its interest explaining to the management that the flag is “now widely acknowledged as having racist connotations”.
The bruising row continues to play out on the Opry members’ social media pages, with some raising concerns about putting off black and Asian guests, others urging members to unite for the good of the club and one accusing those who reportedly ripped up membership cards at the meeting of “behaving like spoilt children”.
The club, which was founded in 1974 and immediately became one of Glasgow’s most popular venues, attracts committed enthusiasts who dress in authentic Western attire and line dance to live music.
With a seated capacity of 450 over three levels with two dance floors, it has also hosted gigs by the likes of Teenage Fanclub and Franz Ferdinand.
Musicians and promoters who work at the Opry describe it as a social club as much as a music venue, emphasising its inclusive approach, especially to those with disabilities.
One promotor told the Guardian: “Like a lot of people, I support the decision and hope this diffuses the situation in what is a magnificent and welcoming venue.”
Bafta-winning Scottish screenwriter Nicole Taylor – whose film Wild Rose, starring Jessie Buckley as an aspiring country singer and single mother, used the Opry as a backdrop – said: “It’s a place I really love – welcoming, inclusive, accessible, where hen nights jostle with the older crowd.”
Taylor, who spent Saturday nights at the Opry as a teenager, says she was drawn to the genre that expressed emotion growing up in a city where people did not traditionally talk about their feelings. “There’s a country song for every shade of feeling.”
Paul Kerr, who writes for Americana UK covering the Scottish scene, suggests the Opry represents “an old-fashioned version of country and western, stuck in the cowboy era with replica guns and quick-draw competitions”.
“Along with that goes a more middle-aged crowd who are perhaps not as aware of the changing views of the Confederate flag, particularly since Trump was elected.”
“The bands who play the Opry are a very trad form of country music, Nashville and southern-oriented, and I suspect the nearly half of members who voted to keep the flag were cleaving to those traditions, rather than supporting any racist association”.
The Opry is named after the venue in Nashville, Tennessee, where the Country Music Awards banned the confederate flag in 2022. Emerging stars such as Luke Combs distance themselves from that imagery and established artists including the Chicks and Lady A have changed their band names, amidst growing understanding that people of colour and LGBT+ have felt routinely excluded from the country music scene.
Kerr said: “There is a groundswell now in country music asking why there are so few black artists or people of colour in the audiences.”
RankTribe™ Black Business Directory News – Arts & Entertainment
Today, we raise our voices and instruments to honor the legendary Barry Gordy, a maestro who orchestrated the harmonies of Motown and left an permanent mark on the legacy of music history.. Born on November 28, 1929, Barry Gordy emerged as a musical star whose vision transcended genres and boundaries. His journey began in Detroit, Michigan, where he founded Motown Records in 1959. With a dream in his heart and an unwavering belief in the power of music, Gordy created a platform that would become synonymous with soul, rhythm and blues, and the timeless Motown sound.
Motown Records became a cultural phenomenon under Barry Gordy’s leadership. The label gave rise to some of the most iconic artists in music history, including Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, and The Temptations, among others. With chart-topping hits like “My Girl,” “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” and “Dancing in the Street,” Motown dominated the airwaves and captured the hearts of listeners worldwide.
Barry Gordy’s impact extends beyond his role as a musical virtuoso. He was also a visionary entrepreneur who defied conventions and shattered racial barriers in the entertainment industry. Motown became a haven for African American artists, providing them with a platform to showcase their talent and break through the segregation that plagued the industry at the time.
Beyond the glitz and glamour of the stage, Barry Gordy’s success can be attributed to his genuine understanding of human emotions and his ability to tap into the universal language of music. His songs not only entertained but also resonated with listeners on a deeply personal level, creating an emotional connection that transcended time and space.
As we celebrate Barry Gordy’s 94th birthday, we acknowledge the enduring legacy he has created right here in Detroit. His contributions to music and culture continue to inspire generations of artists and enthusiasts alike. The Motown sound remains a source of joy, nostalgia, and celebration, proving that the rhythms he cultivated are indeed timeless.
Lynzee Mychael is a Journalist, Creative Director, Music Expert, Content Curator, and proud Detroiter. This culturally inclined writer is a natural with topics around entertainment, hot topics, events, and candid conversations about life.
Her hobbies include reading, concert hopping, traveling with family and friends, and being the life of the party. She resides on the Westside of Detroit with her husband, children, and fur babies.
Lets Connect! Follow me on Instagram @Iamlynzeemychael and send any story inquires to lmychael@michronicle.com
RankTribe™ Black Business Directory News – Arts & Entertainment
Miami Art Week is officially upon us once again. The week-long extravaganza, which runs from December 4 to December 10, started as a celebration of all things art. Still, through the years, it has expanded into all facets of South Florida, including food.
With a bevy of pop-ups, collaboration dinners, and culinary activations happening throughout the Magic City this week, here are the best bets.
Bar and Cocktail Events
LPM Miami x Ketel One x Lucy GlasserRuben Pictures – LPM Restaurant & Bar
LPM Miami x Ketel One x Lucy Glaser
LPM Miami and Ketel One have partnered with local artist Lucy Glaser to present a special cocktail, ‘La Sucette’. The cocktail will be served in limited-edition, hand-painted glassware created by Glaser and inspired by French artist Jean Cocteau. The La Sucette cocktail, a Vodka Highball with fat-wash strawberry yogurt vodka, citric solution, and a homemade rosé lollipop garnish, is available for purchase, and guests can take the custom glassware home.
Details: The event runs from December 4 to December 10 at LPM Miami at 1300 Brickell Bay Drive, Brickell. The La Sucette cocktail is priced at $21, served in collectible glassware.
Atwater Cocktail Club Takes Over Sweet Liberty Drinks and Supply Co.
During this year’s Art Week, local Miami Beach watering hole Sweet Liberty collaborates with Montreal’s Atwater Cocktail Club, ranked 32nd on “The World’s 50 Best Bars” list, for a one-night pop-up. Hosted by Kate Boushel of Atwater and Naren Young of Sweet Liberty, the event will offer a selection of unique cocktails combining both bars’ styles. Additionally, live art exhibitions by Roberto Porres, co-founder of Atwater Cocktail Club, will feature artworks for sale.
Details: Sweet Liberty Drinks and Supply Co., 237 20th Street, Suite B, Miami Beach. Wednesday, December 6. Open to the public.
Locale Firenze Takes Over the Roystone
Downtown Miami’s latest cocktail bar the Roystone is hosting Locale Firenze, ranked 46th on “The World’s 50 Best Bars” list, from December 7-9 as part of its ‘World’s Best’ series. Locale Firenze will serve unique cocktails, complemented by musical performances and an art gallery featuring local artists. The event includes a reservation-only session from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., followed by public access until 2 a.m.
Details: The Roystone, 100 NE 1st Avenue, 4th floor, Downtown Miami. December 7 to 9. $75 deposit is required for early reservations, including two cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Book via Resy.
Art Week Dinners and Special Menus
Maty’s Shack, a Shake Shack’s beef blend topped with cheese, Huachano-style pork sausage, fried egg, onion, and rocoto mayonnaise.Shake Shack
Maty’s x Shake Shack
Chefs Valerie and Nando Chang of Maty’s and Itamae have teamed up with mural artist Eric Junker and Shake Shack for a Miami Art Week event on December 5 and December 6. This two-night takeover at Maty’s features a menu combining Shake Shack’s flavors with Nikkei-Peruvian cooking, including items like Maty’s Shack burger, Huancaína Cheese Fries, Chicha Lemonade, and a Lucuma and Brownie Shake. Additionally, guests can participate in an art installation by Junker, coinciding with the launch of Shake Shack’s canned wines featuring his artwork. A portion of the ticket proceeds will support Food Rescue South Florida.
Details: The event takes place on December 5-6 at Maty’s at 3255 NE 1st Avenue, Midtown Miami. Tickets are $40 per person, covering the full menu, a Shack canned wine, an art experience, and a piece of artwork by Eric Junker. Tickets can be purchased at matysshakeshack.splashthat.com.
Capital One Dining with José Andrés and Dominique Crenn and Artist Alex Israel
Capital One celebrates Miami Art Week by offering visual and dining experiences to cardholders and the general public. The events through Capital One Dining will feature collaborations with The Cultivist, artist Alex Israel, and chefs José Andrés and Dominique Crenn with special ticketed dinners. Israel will debut Snow Beach Frozen Treats, a pop-up inspired by his childhood frozen yogurt shop in Los Angeles, with a retro ‘80s theme. Additionally, cardholders can enjoy Sunset Social, a panoramic city view event with music by Mark Ronson and DJ Jazzy Jeff. All events are hosted at 1111 Lincoln Road, Miami, with public access to Snow Beach Frozen Treats on December 8.
Details: Events take place at 1111 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. VIP access for Capital One cardholders on December 6 and 7 with exclusive dinner menus. Public access to Snow Beach Frozen Treats on December 8, noon to 3 p.m. Tickets are available on Capital One Dining.
Sushi Bar Miami Beach Dinner with Richard Geoffroy
Sushi Bar Miami Beach will host an exclusive dining and sake-tasting event on Sunday, December 2nd, featuring a collaboration with Richard Geoffroy, the founder of IWA and former chef de cave of Dom Pérignon. The event includes two seatings offering a 17-course omakase menu paired with four unique sake pours from IWA and a welcome pour of Dom Pérignon Champagne.
Details: Sushi Bar, 1438 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach. Sunday, December 3, seating at 6 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. Price: $275 per person for a 17-course omakase menu with sake pairings. For reservations, visit Sushi Bar Miami Beach’s website.
Graffiti Artist Bisco Smith at Giselle Miami
On Thursday, December 7, Giselle Miami hosts a special event for Miami Art Week featuring a live art performance by graffiti artist Bisco Smith. The evening includes a silent auction benefiting Project Art Box, accompanied by DJ Louis Dee’s live music.
Details: Thursday, December 7 at Giselle Miami, 15 NE 11 Street, Downtown Miami located atop E11EVEN Miami. For reservations, visit gisellemiami.com.
Queen Miami Beach Art Exhibits
Queen Miami Beach will host two art exhibitions during Miami Art Week. On December 8, in collaboration with Dot Fiftyone Gallery, the venue will display artworks and sculptures by various artists. The following day, December 9, Queen presents “Ab Ovo” by Italian artist Camila Ancilotto who will perform live sculpture painting, integrating her Renaissance-inspired techniques, and 20 percent of art sale proceeds will support Lotus House Miami.
Details: Queen Miami Beach, Paris Theater, Miami Beach. Art exhibitions on December 8 and 9, with seatings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close. To reserve, call 786- 373-2930 or visit queenmiamibeach.com.
Fiola Miami Art Week Dinner with Alexander Mijares and Patron Tequila
Fiola Miami, an award-winning Italian restaurant in Coral Gables, is hosting an Art Week event on Tuesday, December 5, collaborating with local Miami artist Alexander Mijares Alexander Mijares and Patron Tequila. The event will showcase the unveiling of Mijares’ new art installation, which will be displayed throughout the restaurant while enjoying a five-course tasting menu.
Details: December 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Fiola Miami at 1500 San Ignacio Avenue, Coral Gables, FL 33146. Purchase tickets here.
Food & Art Programming
Marion Miami.
Marion Miami Art Week Events
Marion Miami is transforming into an art and dining venue with two events during the week. The first event features artists Franck Brill and Manuel Angarita creating live art alongside Marion’s Asian-inspired cuisine. The second features visual artist Mark Rios, known as “Mr. Drippings,” who will paint a live exhibit featuring a surprise celebrity.
Details: Thursday, December 7 and Saturday, December 9. Marion Miami, 1111 SW First Avenue, Brickell. A special live art exhibit will be held on Friday, December 8, starting at 1 a.m. Reservations can be made by calling (786) 717-7512 or visiting marionmiami.com.
Liv in the Clouds at the Epic Hotel
Liv in the Clouds at the Epic Hotel Art Residency program presents an art exhibition by local contemporary painter Liv Dockerty. The exhibition showcases Dockerty’s new large-scale works that capture the dynamic colors of clouds at sunset, utilizing her unique interference paints that change color based on viewing angle. Complementing the art, Area 31’s executive chef Sezer Deniz and Dockerty have created a special Art Week menu with small dishes and cocktails inspired by the artwork.
Details: “Liv in the Clouds” exhibition at Kimpton Epic Hotel, 270 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Downtown Miami. Art and dining experiences available during regular hotel and restaurant hours.
Jägermeister is partnering with Brazilian artist Gustavo Barroso for an exhibition during Miami Art Week, featuring his new sculptures made from repurposed Jägermeister bottles and an interactive machine installation showcasing Barroso’s use of glass and an interactive installation developed with Zach Umperovitch, an expert in chain-reaction machines.
Details: The exhibition, “Infinite Growth” by Gustavo Barroso, will be open at The Set, located at 776 NW 21st Terrace, Miami. It’s open to the public on Friday, December 8, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday, December 9, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Kaleidoscope Exhibition at Love Life Cafe
During Miami Art Week, Wynwood’s Love Life Cafe transforms into an art hub for the “Kaleidoscope” exhibition. This event showcases diverse artistic expressions on the cafe’s walls, accompanied by a live DJ performance. Attendees can enjoy the cafe’s offerings, with food and drinks available for purchase.
Details: Saturday, December 9, from 8 p.m.. Love Life Cafe, 545 NW 26th Street, Wynwood, Miami. Open to the public. Food and drinks for purchase.
Miami Art Week Celebrations at R House
Longstanding Wynwood restaurant R House is set to host a series of events during Miami Art Week. Highlights include “Yas Queen,” an after-dark drag performance on December 8, and Drag Brunches on December 9 and 10. International artist Antonyo Marest will be live painting a new mural, showcasing his Art Deco style. To cap the week, there will be an HBOMax drag makeover event on December 9, with makeovers by Athena Dion and Latrice Royale from “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” and a debut performance by the makeover participants.
Details: R House, 2727 NW 2nd Ave, Wynwood. Events span from November 24 to December 9. Drag show times: Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 8 p.m., with brunches on Saturday and Sunday at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. HBOMax drag makeover event on December 9 during brunch. For reservations and more info, visit here.
Mandarin Oriental, Miami x Christopher “Flore” Florentino
During Art Week the Mandarin Oriental, Miami will collaborate with Art Angels gallery and artist Christopher “Flore” Florentino to showcase his “Urban Cubism” paintings. Throughout the hotel, guests can check out Flore’s artworks, including exclusive pieces for the hotel and La Mar by Gastón Acurio. MO Bar + Lounge will offer four cocktails inspired by Flore’s style and new culinary options, while La Mar will display Flore’s art, and chef Diego Oka will create three dishes inspired by Flore’s art. Additionally, the artist is doing a limited print release of one of his paintings to be exclusively sold through La Mar.
Details: Mandarin Oriental, Miami, 500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell. Art and dining offerings are available during regular hotel and restaurant hours.
Food and Drink Events
Inside Julia & Henry’s.Julia & Henry
Around the World in 25 Bites at Julia & Henry’s
On Wednesday, December 6th, Julia & Henry’s offers an event where guests can sample a bite from each of its 25 vendors with a specially designed “Palate Passport.” The event includes dishes from chefs like Yann Couvreur, José Mendín, and Michelle Bernstein. Tier 2 passport holders will also enjoy three specialty drinks from La Época, BoxElder Craft Beer Market, and The Lasseter. The event features live music and painting by DJ Barbi Kolm and interactive art activities on the 2nd and 3rd floors.
Details: Wednesday, December 6, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Julia & Henry’s. Event access requires a passport, available for purchase at $75 per ticket. Tier 2 tickets for guests over 21 include additional drink options. Purchase here.
Marriott Bonvoy and American Express Miami Art Week Activations
During Miami Art Week, Marriott offers a range of culinary and artistic experiences. On December 7 and 8, Marriott Bonvoy and American Express will host an exclusive dinner at The Restaurant at W South Beach, featuring a multi-course meal by chef Kwame of NYC’s Tatiana. Additionally, the 7th annual Marriott Bonvoy Art Basel Card Member Party is scheduled for December 9 at the W South Beach Pool, with art by Kelly Dabbah and music by DJ D-Nice. The Resy Lounge, presented by American Express and Delta SkyMiles, will provide a beach-front pop-up for Untitled ticket holders, featuring events like a cocktail party with Ayesha Nurdjaja and dinners with chefs Gregory Gourdet and Virgilio Martinez. American Express also hosts #TheAmexBrunch on December 9 at The Miami Beach EDITION, an immersive event celebrating Black art and culture with a menu by chef Akino West of Rosie’s Miami Beach.
Details: Dinner with Chef Kwame: December 7 and 8, 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., at The Restaurant at W South Beach. Marriott Bonvoy Art Basel Card Member Party: December 9, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., at W South Beach Pool. Resy Lounge Events: Cocktail Party with Ayesha Nurdjaja on December 5, 7:30 p.m.; Dinner with Gregory Gourdet on December 6, 7:30 p.m.; Dinner with Virgilio Martinez on December 7, 7:30 p.m.; all in South Beach. SAVOR & SOUL™ #TheAmexBrunch: December 9, 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., at The Miami Beach EDITION.
Basel House at Fabel Miami
During Miami Art Week, Basel House at Fabel Miami features events from December 7 to December 9. The schedule includes the Art Hearts Fashion X Fabel Dinner Party with fashion shows and dining on December 7, Brunch En Blanc, an all-white themed brunch with guest DJs and artist talks, on December 8, and the Gospël X Fabel Dinner Party with dining and music sets the same evening. The series concludes on December 9 with a Health & Wellness day, offering meditation, fitness classes, and wellness activities.
Details: Fabel Miami, 50 NW 23rd Street, Suite #110, Wynwood. Art Hearts Fashion X Fabel Dinner Party: December 7, 8:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Brunch En Blanc and Artist Talks: December 8, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Gospël X Fabel Dinner Party: December 8, 8:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Health & Wellness: December 9, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Purchase tickets here.
Art Week at Smorgasburg Miami
During Miami Art Week, Smorgasburg Miami in Wynwood hosts events from December 7 to December 10, featuring food, beverage, and art experiences in collaboration with partners like Coca-Cola, DoorDash, Diageo, and Fever Tree. The market will include live mural paintings, special food and drink offerings for Art Basel, and craft cocktails. The event is open to the public without the need for an RSVP.
Details: Smorgasburg Miami, 2600 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami’s Wynwood Arts District. Thursday, December 7, and Friday, December 8, from 6 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, December 9, and Sunday, December 10, from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
An Evening with Massimo Bottura, Lara Gilmore, and Jay Cheshes
Massimo Bottura and Lara Gilmore will discuss their new book, “Slow Food, Fast Cars,” in a conversation hosted by Books & Books and moderated by Wall Street Journal writer Jay Cheshes. The event includes a book signing and reception.
Details: Thursday, December 7 at 7 p.m. at Books & Books at 265 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables, FL 33134. Tickets include one copy of “Slow Food, Fast Cars.” Purchase tickets here.
The Art of Agave at Casa Ya’ax
Casa Ya’ax, a new Wynwood restaurant, celebrates Miami Art Week with four nights of immersive agave-centric culinary and theatrical experiences from December 6 to 9. Each evening, chef/owner Omar Montero will present a five-course dinner with unique agave-based spirits, accompanied by cocktails from Sabina Sabe bar, Oaxaca. The event features a journey through the history and mythology of agave, with music and theatrics by Sophisticated Minds and director Josefina Pieres.
Details: ‘The Art of Agave at Casa Ya’ax’ takes place from December 6-9 at Casa Ya’ax, 51 NE 24 Street, Suite 101, Wynwood at 8:30 p.m., priced at $150 per person, including dinner, two cocktails, and agave pairings. After 10 p.m., the venue opens to the public for cocktails and tacos, with a DJ. Tickets can be purchased here.
Art After Dark at Cote Miami
Art After Dark at Cote Miami takes place from December 7 to 17 at Michelin-starred Cote Miami, showcasing private art collections from collectors like Amanita, Artline, Craig Robins, and others in partnership with Artline and American Express. The event features an “Art After Dark Feast” from December 8 to 10, highlighting this year’s theme, “Relationships,” curated by Simon Kim, Rosa Sue Kim, and Ji Park of Artline.
Details: COTE Miami, 3900 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami Design District. Reservations can be made here.
Boia De x Glass2Grass: Glass & Gourmet
Experience the “Glass & Gourmet” event at Boia De on Friday, December 8, combining glass art from Glass2Grass artists like Ksukebey and Sibbelley with Michelin-starred dining. The event features a VIP dinner from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and a general admission party with a buffet, open bar, and music.
Details: Boia De, 5205 NE Second Avenue, Friday, December 8 VIP event: 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. $350, includes exclusive gifts and early access. General Admission: 8 p.m. – Midnight. For more information and reservations, visit here.
Sip & Paint at Pubbelly Sushi
Pubbelly Sushi is hosting a series of Art Basel Weekend events from December 7 to 10 across its various locations in Miami. The events include Sip & Paint sessions for $50 per person, featuring painting activities, wine, and live DJ sets by D.J. Barbi Kolm, who will perform live painting. Additionally, the Dadeland location will transform into an art gallery showcasing the work of Florida International University students. Menu items, the Tora Doya Crispy Rice, and the Starry Night cocktail, inspired by artists Danny Doya and Van Gogh, will also be featured.
Details: Thursday, December 7, to Sunday, December 10. The Sip & Paint events happen on December 7 at Pubelly Dadeland from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.; December 8 at Pubbelly Brickell from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.; December 9 at Pubbelly Aventura from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.; and on December 10 at both Pubbelly Miami Beach and Pubbelly Pembroke Pines from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., respectively. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.
RankTribe™ Black Business Directory News – Arts & Entertainment
Jeffery Lamar Williams popularly known as Young Thug is being accused of racketeering with prosecutors accusing him of co-founding a street gang called YSL (Young Slime Life).
On Monday during the opening statement, Adriane Love, Deputy District Attorney of Fulton County said that Young Thug’s lyrics were relevant to the crimes allegedly committed and “bore a very eerie significance to real life.”
She proceeded to include part of the lyrics in her opening statement allegedly associating the rapper with murder. “We didn’t chase any of the lyrics to solve any murders,” Love said. “Law enforcement in Fulton County chased the murders and found the lyrics.”
Some of the rap lyrics being cited in the YSL indictment are, “I never killed anybody but I got something to do with that body…I told them to shoot a hundred rounds…Ready for war like I’m Russia…I get all type of cash / I’m a general,” from hit song Anybody starring Nicki Minaj. Other songs included Take It to Trial, by Young Thug, Yak Gotti, and Gunna where they rapped about not being afraid of going to court. Bad Boy by Juice WRLD featuring Young Thug and Ski by Young Thug and Gunna.
The Atlanta rapper has been in jail since May 2022 and was charged with 27 other individuals associated with the YSL gang. The gang was linked to murder, carjacking, and robbery by the district attorney’s office.
“This indictment is significant because it targets 28 people who decided to become involved in a criminal street gang and really do havoc in our community,” said District Attorney Fani Willis on May 10, 2022, in a press conference citing the indictment.
Using the lyrics as evidence sparked a lot of outrage and sparked a movement known as “”Protect Black Art.”
When a motion was filed in December to stop prosecutors from using the lyrics, the motion was denied by Judge Ural Glanville allowing the 17 sets of lyrics in the indictment to be used as evidence.
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RankTribe™ Black Business Directory News – Arts & Entertainment
New Report Analyzes Historic African American Section of Lexington Cemetery
Updated: 7:43 AM EST Nov 28, 2023
The City of Lexington has announced Richard Grubb & Associates, Inc. will conduct an archaeological survey of the historic African American section of the Lexington City Cemetery.Top Stories:17-year-old Parkland High School student dies from injuries after jumping from back of school bus, police say ‘Coughing, sneezing, lethargic’: Triad veterinarians see dogs presenting with mystery dog illness symptomsWinston-Salem Firefighters are warning residents after a chimney catches fireIn 2022, city leaders were notified Lexington was selected for the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office’s 2022 Historic Preservation Fund Grant. The grant is providing the city the money to hire the surveying firm. After reviewing proposals from 6 qualified firms, Richard Grubb & Associates, Inc. was chosen. On July 6, 2023, Richard Grubb & Associates, Inc. conducted a geophysical survey using ground-penetrating radar at a site in the Lexington City Cemetery. The site is approximately 3,800 square feet. It’s located in the oldest portion of the cemetery. It is a vacant space with a singular marker, atop a rough stone pyramid, that states that slaves were buried there before the Civil War. Geophysical Specialist, Cayla Cannon, BA, performed the fieldwork with assistance from Archaeologist Dylan Zedaker, MA. The public was invited to observe the fieldwork and ask questions. Over 30 community members attended. The report from Richard Grubb & Associates, Inc. provides the GPR survey findings and methodology. This report was presented to the Lexington City Council at their meeting yesterday.
LEXINGTON, N.C. —
The City of Lexington has announced Richard Grubb & Associates, Inc. will conduct an archaeological survey of the historic African American section of the Lexington City Cemetery.
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In 2022, city leaders were notified Lexington was selected for the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office’s 2022 Historic Preservation Fund Grant. The grant is providing the city the money to hire the surveying firm. After reviewing proposals from 6 qualified firms, Richard Grubb & Associates, Inc. was chosen.
On July 6, 2023, Richard Grubb & Associates, Inc. conducted a geophysical survey using ground-penetrating radar at a site in the Lexington City Cemetery. The site is approximately 3,800 square feet. It’s located in the oldest portion of the cemetery. It is a vacant space with a singular marker, atop a rough stone pyramid, that states that slaves were buried there before the Civil War. Geophysical Specialist, Cayla Cannon, BA, performed the fieldwork with assistance from Archaeologist Dylan Zedaker, MA. The public was invited to observe the fieldwork and ask questions. Over 30 community members attended.
The report from Richard Grubb & Associates, Inc. provides the GPR survey findings and methodology. This report was presented to the Lexington City Council at their meeting yesterday.
… placement course in African American Studies and its new African American history curriculum … was accused of implying that Black Americans benefited … the school from accusations of racism. Or perhaps he reasoned … RankTribe™ Black Business Directory News
From an AI-driven fashion house to a gallerist reframing how art is sold, these 30 visionaries are the vanguard of creativity.
By Simone Melvin, Osman Can Yerebakan and McKenna Leavens
Although he is just 25, model, artist, and actor Chella Man has been breaking boundaries for most of his life. From being IMG’s first trans and deaf model to becoming one of the only disabled actors playing a superhero (on DC Universe’s Titans), Man says pushing the envelope of mainstream media has been beautiful and terrifying. “There are people who have been working in these industries for 40 or 50 years, and it’s their first time working with a trans or disabled person,” he says. “Which is just mind-blowing because there’s no framework, and it fuels my motivation to construct one.”
New York City’s youngest gallerist—Paul Hill— is also taking leader the way in what he considers an antiquated industry. Hill’s gallery falls under his brand, Strada World—an art “ecosystem” aimed at reimagining art sales for emerging artists. In addition to showcasing buzzy performers such as Doja Cat and Teezo Touchdown, Strada has partnered with brands like Nike and Spotify and exhibited young artists whose works have gone on to be acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. “We are here to change the art world, and change it for the better,” the 24-year-old Hill says.
Hill and Man join 28 other innovators on this year’s Forbes Under 30 Art & Style list. The Class of 2024 was reviewed by a panel of expert judges, including fashion designer Tan France, star of Netflix’s Queer Eye and columnist for GQ; Winnie Harlow, a model-turned-entrepreneur and alumna of the Under 30 Class of 2022; music producer and rapper Swizz Beatz, a passionate art collector focusing on Black artists; and photographer and filmmaker Laurie Simmons, one of the leading figures of ‘The Pictures Generation,’ an influential art movement of the 1970s and ‘80s.
Kendall Jenner wears dresses by Bottega, earrings by Mega. Hair by Shay Ashual. Makeup by Mary Phillips. Styling by Dani Michelle.Jamel Toppin for Forbes
The honorees are redesigning the future of their respective fields—including some who use artificial intelligence. Ramin Ahmari, founder of the AI-driven fashion brand Finesse, uses technology to predict trends and forecast consumer demand. Finesse customers vote on 3D renderings of clothes they want to buy from the website, and the company—which has racked up $56.4 million in funding—uses the data to prevent overproduction. Other listers, like Isabella Lalonde, are crafting the designs that are setting the trends of the future. A year after graduating college, she launched Beepy Bella, a jewelry and accessory label that caught the attention of young stars like Olivia Rodrigo, Grimes, Bella Hadid, and Bad Bunny. “I remember Grimes messaging me on Instagram when I just started, saying ‘I love your work’—and it feels nice that people whose work you respect, also respect yours,” Lalonde says. After having her jewelry showcased in HBO Max’s Euphoria, she has since taken her L.A.-based business to retailers, including Nordstrom, SSENSE, and soon, Urban Outfitters.
Supermodel-turned-entrepreneur Kendall Jenner made the list with her first venture into the business of premium tequila. Forbes estimates that Jenner’s 818 Tequila made around $25 million in sales in 2022.
Meanwhile, art adviser Kendra Walker is blazing a trail in her native state of Georgia. The 27-year-old founded Atlanta Art Week in 2022. “There’s great talent in Atlanta,” she says. “I think an art week within the city will create more long-term relationships with larger players throughout the world.”
Farther north, the state of Vermont appointed Tillie Walden its newest cartoon laureate, and at 26, she’s the youngest artist to receive the honor. Walden, who has published more than 10 books, often centering queer narratives, is also one of the youngest recipients of an Eisner Award, often referred to as the Oscars of the comics industry.
In Canada, Nia and Justice Faith Betty launched Révolutionnaire, an apparel company for dancers of color and have since sold out of collaborations in stores across Canada, the U.S., and Taiwan. The sisters champion social impact and activism, having worked with the nail polish brand Essie to create inclusive hues and raising $1 million for volcano relief following the 2021 La Soufrière eruption in Saint Vincent.
While dividing his time between New York City and Los Angeles, celebrity stylist and author Andrew Gelwicks has a clientele that includes Sarah Jessica Parker, Catherine O’Hara, and Idina Menzel. And making impact around the globe is Gisela McDaniel: an indigenous Chamorro visual artist whose work has been shown in Germany, London, New York, India and at galleries such as Jeffrey Deitch, the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, and the Institute of Contemporary Art Miami.
This year’s Art & Style list was edited by Simone Melvin, Mckenna Leavens, and Osman Yerebakan. Click here for a link to the complete Art & Style list, and for full Under 30 coverage, click here.
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