(BPRW) November is National Entrepreneurship Month

(Black PR Wire) Entrepreneurship can be the gateway to success. Conceptualizing an idea and bringing it to life can reap the sweetest rewards. Although entrepreneurship means different things to different people, it typically involves turning an idea…

The Key to Better Credit Scores? Erasing Medical Debt

By Bria Overs | Word In Black

Credit: Tima Miroshnichenko / Pexels

(WIB) – The negative impacts of medical debt on Americans could soon cease if the Biden-Harris administration succeeds in scrubbing medical bills from credit scores and reports. 

In September, Vice President Kamala Harris and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) publicized they were starting the rulemaking process to have medical bills removed from credit reports. The CFPB is a government agency that protects consumers from predatory and abusive banks, lenders, and other financial institutions.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) analyzed data from 2021 and found that 15.8% of Black American families struggled to pay medical bills. And middle-class families are hit hardest when it comes to medical debt, a study from Third Way, a center-left policy think tank, reported. An estimated 4 million middle-class Black Americans have financial medical obligations.

“You could be good on your mortgage, you could be making your credit card payments on time, but as soon as this massive amount of medical debt made it to your credit reports, it was like destruction,” says Netiva Heard, credit counselor at The Frugal CrediTnista.

The CFPB is considering proposals to end coercive debt collection practices, clean up inaccurate data, and improve credit scores. Removing some medical debt could significantly improve Black Americans’ ability to secure auto loans and mortgages, making them eligible for more favorable loan terms.

“Research shows that medical bills have little predictive value in credit decisions, yet tens of millions of American households are dealing with medical debt on their credit reports,” said CFPB Director Rohit Chopra in a statement. “When someone gets sick, they should be able to focus on getting better, rather than fighting debt collectors trying to extort them into paying bills they may not even owe.”

How Debt Affects Credit Scores

A credit score is “a prediction of your credit behavior,” according to the CFPB. It provides companies a snapshot of how reliable a person will be in paying a loan back on time and is used to determine interest rates, credit limits, and other terms.

It considers payment history, unpaid debts, number of loans or credit card accounts, length of open credit, credit utilization, number of inquiries, and, importantly, instances of debt sent to collections, foreclosures, and bankruptcy.

“It is just an easy way for a company to be able to say, ‘What is the risk of doing business with this person?’” Heard says.

In a post about Black women’s economic well-being, the Urban Institute offered policy solutions for closing the racial and gender wealth gap, which included canceling medical debt. These costly bills will “erode” most of Black women’s accumulated wealth with generational impacts.

“When you look at differences in debt by race, the big difference really is unsecured debt,” Ofronama Bui, senior research associate at the Urban Institute, tells Word In Black. “It is not necessarily even credit card debt or things like that. It’s debt like medical or student loans where Black people [owe more].”

Health Outcomes Cause Medical Debt

Bui points to the chronic and severe health conditions Black people are disproportionately afflicted with for those large balances. Research shows that racism, regardless of income levels, affects health outcomes for Black communities, she says.

“I think something that contributes to that is the employment issue,” Bui says. “It is, in fact, the case that Black folks, both women and men, have less health insurance, especially when it comes to employer-sponsored health insurance rates.”

An interest in this issue at the federal level started in April 2022, when Harris announced the administration would look into medical debt relief initiatives. “No one in our nation should have to go bankrupt just to get the health care they need,” she said during a press conference in April.

Harris said the bureau would launch a public education campaign on consumer rights around medical debt, adding that the administration would take action against “the bad actors” who violate those rights, force people to pay their debts, or harass consumers.

“Folks need to have the rights,” she said. “And if they’re not there, let’s put them into law, and let’s also make sure their rights are protected and that they are informed of their rights.”

If the administration’s debt removal proposal is approved, it should go into effect at some point next year. In a conference call with the press, Harris said the new rule will improve the credit scores for millions of Americans.

“Once this rule is final, it will mean, one, that consumer credit reports will not include medical debt and, two, that creditors will not be able to use medical debt to determine a person’s eligibility for credit,” Harris said.

V&A East set to showcase Black music and culture

She said the exhibition also aimed to emphasise the social importance of music and its ability to be an “extension of an individual”.

Contemporary Black artists, including Kano and Jorja Smith also feature.

The show will delve into the historical, social and cultural context that gave rise to British music genres, from Drum & Bass to Grime, and beyond.

It will also include the international impact of Black British music and the creative influence of East London on this genre.

As part of the project, V&A East has also commissioned a new film that aims to be a dynamic portrayal of Black British musical styles.

V&A East’s director, Gus Casely-Hayford, said the event would be “a landmark show foregrounding multiple perspectives to tell a long-overdue story about the creation of our national sound”.

“V&A East is dedicated to opening up new creative opportunities for all,” he added.

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75 Years of Free Inspiration: Georgia Museum of Art Celebrates Major Anniversary

Founded 75 years ago with a core collection of 100 works, the Georgia Museum of Art has since amassed a permanent collection of over 17,000 objects that reflect a wide range of media, cultures, time periods and perspectives. Nestled on the East Campus of the University of Georgia, the museum strives to promote the knowledge and appreciation of art, not only within the immediate community of students and scholars, but beyond to regional and global audiences. Its dual designation as both an academic museum and, since 1982, the official art museum of the state of Georgia places it in a unique position that furthers the university’s overarching mission of teaching, research and service. 

GMOA began as the vision of founder Alfred Heber Holbrook, a retired lawyer from New York who, at the age of 70, set out on an inspiring new journey to explore the intriguing world of art. After taking an art appreciation course under Lamar Dodd, head of UGA’s art department, he felt moved to select the university as the site for a museum in memory of his late wife. The museum was founded in 1945 with a donation of 100 American paintings from Holbrook, who served as the museum’s director for 25 years—well past his 90th birthday—before eventually passing the torch to William D. “Bill” Paul Jr., who served until 1980. Holbrook was adamant that art should be for everyone, and the museum continues to fulfill his legacy today by offering free admission, working to remove barriers to accessibility, and fostering an educational, welcoming environment to experience the arts. 

Georgia Museum of Art Georgia Museum of Art founder Alfred Heber Holbrook

The exponential growth of the museum’s collection can be partly attributed to generous donations from art collectors who, like Holbrook, ensure their prized possessions can be seen and appreciated by generations to come. Since 2001, Carl and Marian Mullis have donated over 400 pieces ranging from American Scene prints and paintings to works by Southern self-taught artists, stoneware and decorative art. In 2002, the Pierre Daura Study Center and the museum’s first endowed position, Pierre Daura Curator of European Art, was established through a gift from Martha Randolph Daura that included over 600 paintings, prints, drawings and sculptures by her father. A decade later in 2012, Larry and Brenda Thompson donated 100 works by African-American artists and established an endowment to fund a curatorial position in African-American and African Diasporic art, significantly diversifying the collection. 

As the museum’s collection has grown, so too has its facility. The museum first opened to the public in 1948 in the basement of the old library, now UGA’s Administration Building, on the university’s North Campus. When the library moved to a new building in 1958, the museum was able to take over the entire structure and add five new galleries. In 1996, the museum made its major move to a new 52,000-square-foot building in the Performing and Visual Arts Complex on East Campus, allowing for more ambitious exhibitions and an emphasis on professional practices. In 2011, the museum completed a major expansion that brought its size up to 79,000 square feet, and included new galleries to house the permanent collection, as well as the outdoor Jane and Harry Willson Sculpture Garden to showcase works by female artists. 

Lee Gatlin

Beyond ringing in the museum’s diamond anniversary, 2023 has been a year of major transition as William Underwood Eiland, who became the museum’s director in 1992, retired this past March after 30 years of service. Under his leadership, the museum dramatically grew its collection, impressively won over 250 awards, expanded its reach through traveling exhibitions and further established its reputation as one of the leading university art museums in the country.

Following an extensive national search, David Odo—previously the director of academic and public programs, division head and research curator at the Harvard Art Museums—was named the new director of the Georgia Museum of Art, where he began in June. Odo, who received his D.Phil. in social and cultural anthropology from the University of Oxford and B.A. in East Asian Studies from Columbia University, is a visual and material anthropologist interested in early Japanese photography, the intersections of art and medicine, and museum pedagogy. 

In addition to its monthly variety of gallery tours, curator talks and creative workshops, the museum will host multiple special events in recognition of its milestone year. The 75th Anniversary Celebration and Spotlight on the Arts Family Day will feature art activities for all ages, prizes, a photo booth and refreshments on Nov. 5 from 1–5 p.m. Held in conjunction with Third Thursday, the Georgia Museum of Art Student Association will host a Student Night with themed activities, door prizes and refreshments on Nov. 16 from 6–9 p.m. 

UGA’s 12th annual Spotlight on the Arts Festival, a month-long showcase promoting the literary, visual and performing arts happening across campus, is currently underway through November with over a dozen events lined up at the museum. Highlights include the Holbrook Memorial Program: “Making the South Modern” panel discussion on Nov. 9 at 5:30 p.m., Music in the Galleries: “Jazz Classics of the First Half of the 20th Century” on Nov. 16 at 5 p.m. and an Evergreen Wreath Workshop with R&R Secret Farm on Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. Visit georgiamuseum.org for a full calendar of events and to virtually explore the permanent collection.

RankTribe™ Black Business Directory News – Arts & Entertainment

Britney Spears’ memoir may have halted an *NSYNC reunion

In a rumoured battle of the ultimate 90s comeback, Britney Spears’ tell-all memoir may have forced boy band *NSYNC to hit the brakes on a reunion.

Spears’ highly-anticipated autobiography ‘The Woman in Me,’ released on October 24, has produced countless headlines with the 41-year-old’s admission of aborting a pregnancy she shared with singer Justin Timberlake, and that her former boyfriend had cheated on her.

And just like their hit song, ‘bye, bye, bye’, *NSYNC’s rumoured comeback may be over, before it can even begin.

On Instagram, Spears claimed her memoir was already the “highest selling celebrity memoir in history” on its first day on shelves.

The Toxic hitmaker’s book also included an anecdote about Timberlake and his former boy band, *NSYNC.

“They were white boys, but they loved hip-hop. To me, that’s what separated them from the Backstreet Boys, who seemed very consciously to position themselves as a white group,” she wrote.

“*NSYNC hung out with black artists. Sometimes I thought they tried too hard to fit in.

Britney Spears’ final revenge: The Woman in Me is rumoured to have halted an *NSYNC reunion.

Dave Hogan

Britney Spears’ final revenge: The Woman in Me is rumoured to have halted an *NSYNC reunion.

“One day [Justin] and I were in New York, going to parts of town I’d never been to before. Walking our way was a guy with a huge, blinged-out medallion. He was flanked by two giant security guards. J got all excited and said, so loud, ‘Oh yeah, fo shiz, fo shiz! Ginuwiiiine! What’s up, homie?’”

As it turns out, Timberlake’s former boy band *NSYNC were reportedly in talks for a comeback of their own this year, according to the Daily Mail.

Rumours of a reunion for the band began to swirl in September after *NSYNC released their first song in 20 years, Better Place, for the Trolls film.

The band also appeared at the MTV Video Music Awards that same month to present the award for Best Pop, which was presented to Taylor Swift.

Joey Fatone, from left, Lance Bass, Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez and Chris Kirkpatrick of *NSYNC.

Charles Sykes/Invision/AP

Joey Fatone, from left, Lance Bass, Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez and Chris Kirkpatrick of *NSYNC.

However, with the negative press facing Timberlake, the singer is reportedly “furious” that his reputation has taken a hit, a source told the Daily Mail.

“Justin has not reached out to Britney at all about any of this, and he is not going to because there is nothing he can say to her,” the insider said.

“Justin is not at all happy about what has come out in this book.”

According to TMZ, *NSYNC members Lance Bass, Joey Fatone, Chris Kirkpatrick, and JC Chasez have been supporting Timberlake throughout the fallout.

Bass reportedly told the outlet that if Spears can forgive Timberlake, the rest of the world can too.

RankTribe™ Black Business Directory News – Arts & Entertainment

In defense of self-diagnosing

We’ve all been there, spinning down an internet rabbit-hole of potential diagnoses and cures, perhaps to solve a mysterious medical ailment or a persisting mental health issue. In doing so, you probably find a comically wide range of explanations for your specific collection of symptoms; Some sites recommend you pop an Advil, while others urge you to go to the hospital now! Right now! Because if you don’t, you may die in your dorm room googling symptoms for your suddenly fatal disease. 

Many who admit to self-diagnosing receive judgemental sentiments that call into question the validity and accuracy of their diagnoses. Such judgements, while potentially offensive, are not entirely misguided. Those who use social media as their source of diagnosis are in jeopardy of falling victim to oversimplified and misleading information, often posted by uneducated users intending to create relatable content. There are a smattering of irreputable sources saturating the internet outside of social media as well, which also contribute to inaccurate self-diagnosing. I discussed this dilemma in a previous column, explaining how the oversimplification of mental illnesses on platforms like TikTok results in an epidemic of self-diagnosing.

However, merely because one’s informational source may be misleading does not mean we should disregard the value of self-diagnosing entirely. There are a wide collection of reliable, informative sources that can provide the information necessary for an accurate self-diagnosis; You just need to know where to find them. Sites like MedlinePlus, for example, are backed by medical professionals and provide easily accessible information, outlining potential diseases, treatments, and symptoms. With such information, the internet can certainly be a reliable way to diagnose.

Aside from the wide availability of reputable sources and the convenience that web-surfing provides, self-diagnosis is preferable to many because it eliminates the requirement of interacting with the outrageously expensive U.S. medical system. The average telehealth visit costs anywhere between $40 and $90, while in-person visits with a specialist average $335, depending on the state. Of course, this range changes drastically depending on the type of medical professional, reason for visit, and ability to use insurance, but the point remains the same: receiving accurate diagnoses by medical professionals favors the economically privileged, whereas self-diagnosing provides a more affordable option.

At the University of Michigan’s University Health Services, a psychiatric diagnostic evaluation without insurance would cost $168, according to their estimated out-of-pocket cost sheet. Due to such outrageous out-of-pocket costs, students are forced to rely on their parents’/guardians’ insurance to receive reasonably-priced medical diagnoses, which favor those who come from a socioeconomically advantaged background and have a favorable relationship with their parent/guardian. This is often not a feasible option for many students and young adults. The independence and low-cost of self-diagnosing therefore makes it the only option for those looking to get medical information without assistance.

Moreover, there are a range of demographics that are subjected to worse treatment by medical professionals, specifically patients who are overweight, female and elderly. Those who are overweight are often assumed to neglect their health, and all medical problems are typically pinpointed to their weight; The pain of female patients is often attributed to stress; The problems of elderly patients are often brushed off in the name of aging. For people of these demographics, it may be more appealing to turn to the internet for diagnosis, rather than being subject to prejudice and discrimination by healthcare professionals. 

Much like overweight, female, and elderly people, people of color are often subject to implicit bias. Doctors are most likely to misdiagnose people of color, regardless of any other demographic factors. African American patients are underdiagnosed with bipolar and major depressive disorders and overdiagnosed with psychotic disorders. According to John Hopkins Medicine, misdiagnoses “accounted for the largest fraction of claims, the most severe patient harm, and the highest total of penalty payouts,” even more so than surgical errors or medication overdoses. Naturally, self-diagnosing leaves us susceptible to misdiagnosing as well, but at least we’d be misdiagnosing ourselves for free and not based on bias.

Free universal health care would fix the problem of expense, but it may lead to more problems with misdiagnosing and prejudice. When a free healthcare system is established, private practices continue to operate creating separate and unequal systems, wherein those who can afford private care receive more sufficient and sustainable care. 

So the next time someone shares a self-diagnosis, think twice before you judge, and maybe even praise them for avoiding the many faults of the U.S. medical system. 

Talia Belowich is an Opinion Columnist. She writes about U.S. politics and human psychology. She can be reached at taliabel@umich.edu

Baton Rouge’s Black fraternities and sororities communicate through the art form stepping


Southern University senior and criminal justice major Kamani Cannon dreams of becoming an officer with the Atlanta Police Department after graduation next spring. But on a balmy night in September, the
Los Angeles native is only thinking about dance moves. 

Cannon stands in formation with fellow Zeta Phi Beta sorority sisters Mackenzie Knight and Jasmine Brooks in the common room at the Zeta house. The Harding Boulevard location is one of the spots where the trio has been rehearsing since August. 

During Southern’s annual Homecoming Greek Step Show, fraternities and sororities vie for top honors in the century-old percussive dance form stepping. Homecoming’s top two sororities and fraternities will progress to the Bayou Classic Greek Show on Nov. 24 to compete against Grambling State University. The Zetas will ultimately place second—but tonight, they are at work on a Hunger Games-themed routine for the October event.

Knight, 20, tees things up with a loud and clear call that goes, “Z., Phi. Z., Phi, B. Step!,” a cousin to cheerleading’s “Ready, OK!” Then, tightly choreographed moves commence. The friends stomp combat boot-clad feet, clap their hands (sometimes under aloft knees) and move in a quick syncopated rhythm. 

In some cases, they’re executing steps performed across the decades by Zeta Phi Beta, one of the historic Black sororities and fraternities known nationally as the “Divine Nine.” Zeta was founded at Howard University in 1920 and has chapters at Southern and LSU. It was the first sorority to be chartered on Southern’s campus.

Stepping is a cultural touchstone for Black Greek organizations nationwide and is a source of pride, joy and bragging rights, says Southern University Assistant Director of Student Leadership and Engagement Winton Anderson. 

The genre stems from African American folk dance traditions that create rhythms using the body, rather than drums—signaling the confiscation of musical instruments by slave owners. 

Anderson says Southern’s Homecoming Greek Step Show is an iconic gathering, drawing scores of students, alumni and family members to the F.G. Clark Activity Center. A record-breaking crowd of nearly 4,000 attended in 2022. 

“Stepping is a symbol of unity,” Anderson says. “When we see a group able to move in sync like that, it’s indicative of what is happening in these organizations, which are all about standing together.”

Each Greek organization creates a routine for the homecoming show. Brooks, a senior from Little Rock, says the Zetas’ number is composed of four segments, representing the sorority’s principles of scholarship, service, sisterhood and finer womanhood. 

“We did a lot of research and looked up Zeta steps to see how it would fit into our theme,” she says.

Southern University students and Zeta Phi Beta sorority sisters Mackenzie Knight, Kamani Cannon and Jasmine Brooks practice stepping ahead of this year’s Homecoming Greek Step Show. Zeta placed second at the Oct. 13 show, behind first-place sorority Sigma Gamma Rho. Southern’s Alpha Phi Alpha and Kappa Alpha Psi chapters were the first- and second-place fraternities, respectively.

Indeed, it’s not unusual for Greek organizations to plumb their histories for moves, sorority advisor Nakeisha Robertson Cleveland says. The Baton Rouge health care administrator is a Zeta and LSU alum who stepped in college in the early ’90s. She says Zetas are known for a particular style. 

“Zetas always do more stepping and less dancing,” Cleveland says. “The moves really connect ‘soros’ (members) from all over the country.”

That’s something the three friends may soon experience firsthand. Cannon and Brooks are both seniors for whom stepping will soon be a fond memory.  

But for now, the moves are what matters. 

Z., Phi. Z., Phi, B. Step!

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4,000

Approximate attendees at the 2022 Homecoming Greek Step Show at Southern—a record-breaking crowd. The top two sororities and fraternities from the October 2023 homecoming show will progress to the Bayou Classic Greek Show this month to compete against Grambling State University.

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Bayou Classic Greek Show

Nov. 24, 6 p.m.

The top two sororities and fraternities from SU’s Oct. 13 Homecoming Step Show head to the Bayou Classic Greek Show this month—including Zeta Phi Beta. They’ll compete against squads from Grambling State University. The annual show takes place at the Caesars Superdome the Friday evening before the Saturday football game an­­d is a beloved part of the festivities. mybayouclassic.com


This article was originally published in the November 2023 issue of 225 magazine.

Michelle Williams and her youngest child are Halloween bunnies as they go trick-or-treating in Brooklyn, New York 

Michelle Williams and her youngest child donned bunny costumes while trick-or-treating near their $10.8M Brooklyn Heights townhouse on Halloween.

The 43-year-old Dawson’s Creek alum and her one-year-old baby were joined by her mother Carla Swenson, wearing a witch costume, and a brunette gal pal in a skeleton top.

Michelle’s celebrity neighbors reportedly include Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Matt Damon, Jennifer Connelly, and Björk.

Missing from Williams’ side on Tuesday were her three-year-old son Hart and her second husband Thomas Kail, who was most likely at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre overseeing the Broadway revival of Sweeney Todd.

The five-time Oscar nominee was still technically married to producer Phil Elverum when she met the 46-year-old Emmy and Tony-winning director on the 2018 set of FX’s Fosse/Verdon.

Squeee! Michelle Williams and her youngest child donned bunny costumes while trick-or-treating near their $10.8M Brooklyn Heights townhouse on Halloween

Squeee! Michelle Williams and her youngest child donned bunny costumes while trick-or-treating near their $10.8M Brooklyn Heights townhouse on Halloween

Squeee! Michelle Williams and her youngest child donned bunny costumes while trick-or-treating near their $10.8M Brooklyn Heights townhouse on Halloween

Spooky holiday: The 43-year-old Dawson's Creek alum and her one-year-old baby were joined by her mother Carla Swenson (R), wearing a witch costume, and a brunette gal pal (L) in a skeleton top

Spooky holiday: The 43-year-old Dawson's Creek alum and her one-year-old baby were joined by her mother Carla Swenson (R), wearing a witch costume, and a brunette gal pal (L) in a skeleton top

Spooky holiday: The 43-year-old Dawson’s Creek alum and her one-year-old baby were joined by her mother Carla Swenson (R), wearing a witch costume, and a brunette gal pal (L) in a skeleton top

‘It’s totally joyous,’ Michelle gushed of her full house to Variety last year.

‘As the years go on, you sort of wonder what they might hold for you or not hold for you. It’s exciting to discover that something you want again and again is available one more time. That good fortune is not lost on me or my family.’

Last Saturday, Williams celebrated the 18th birthday of her daughter Matilda from her relationship with her Brokeback Mountain leading man Heath Ledger, who died in 2008.

In honor of her becoming a legal adult, Matilda can now inherit her famous father’s posthumous best supporting actor Academy Award for his role as Joker in Christopher Nolan’s 2008 film The Dark Knight – according to New Idea.

The teenage heiress was only two years old when the beloved Australian actor passed away, age 28, from acute drug intoxication (oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam, and doxylamine).

The Montana-born blonde is already receiving Grammy Award buzz for her narration of Britney Spears’ memoir The Woman in Me, which hit shelves a week ago.

But the Recording Academy cut off eligibility for the best audio book, narration, and storytelling recording category on September 15, so Michelle will have to wait another year to be considered.

Williams went viral for her impersonation of Justin Timberlake’s cringeworthy ‘blaccent’ approach to Pony hitmaker Ginuwine during the height of his *NSYNC fame.

'It's totally joyous!' Missing from Michelle's side on Tuesday were her three-year-old son Hart and her second husband Thomas Kail (R, pictured June 11), who was most likely at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre overseeing the Broadway revival of Sweeney Todd

'It's totally joyous!' Missing from Michelle's side on Tuesday were her three-year-old son Hart and her second husband Thomas Kail (R, pictured June 11), who was most likely at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre overseeing the Broadway revival of Sweeney Todd

‘It’s totally joyous!’ Missing from Michelle’s side on Tuesday were her three-year-old son Hart and her second husband Thomas Kail (R, pictured June 11), who was most likely at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre overseeing the Broadway revival of Sweeney Todd

Still going strong! Williams was still technically married to producer Phil Elverum when she met the 46-year-old Emmy and Tony-winning director (R) on the 2018 set of FX's Fosse/Verdon

Still going strong! Williams was still technically married to producer Phil Elverum when she met the 46-year-old Emmy and Tony-winning director (R) on the 2018 set of FX's Fosse/Verdon

Still going strong! Williams was still technically married to producer Phil Elverum when she met the 46-year-old Emmy and Tony-winning director (R) on the 2018 set of FX’s Fosse/Verdon

Eldest: Last Saturday, the five-time Oscar nominee celebrated the 18th birthday of her daughter Matilda (M, pictured in 2006) from her relationship with her Brokeback Mountain leading man Heath Ledger (R), who died in 2008

Eldest: Last Saturday, the five-time Oscar nominee celebrated the 18th birthday of her daughter Matilda (M, pictured in 2006) from her relationship with her Brokeback Mountain leading man Heath Ledger (R), who died in 2008

Eldest: Last Saturday, the five-time Oscar nominee celebrated the 18th birthday of her daughter Matilda (M, pictured in 2006) from her relationship with her Brokeback Mountain leading man Heath Ledger (R), who died in 2008

Legacy: In honor of her becoming a legal adult, Matilda can now inherit her famous father's posthumous best supporting actor Academy Award (pictured) for his role as Joker in Christopher Nolan's 2008 film The Dark Knight

Legacy: In honor of her becoming a legal adult, Matilda can now inherit her famous father's posthumous best supporting actor Academy Award (pictured) for his role as Joker in Christopher Nolan's 2008 film The Dark Knight

Legacy: In honor of her becoming a legal adult, Matilda can now inherit her famous father’s posthumous best supporting actor Academy Award (pictured) for his role as Joker in Christopher Nolan’s 2008 film The Dark Knight 

Viral audiobook! Michelle is already receiving Grammy Award buzz for her narration of Britney Spears' memoir The Woman in Me, which hit shelves a week ago

Viral audiobook! Michelle is already receiving Grammy Award buzz for her narration of Britney Spears' memoir The Woman in Me, which hit shelves a week ago

Viral audiobook! Michelle is already receiving Grammy Award buzz for her narration of Britney Spears’ memoir The Woman in Me, which hit shelves a week ago 

‘His band *NSYNC was what people back then called “so pimp.” They were white boys but they loved hip-hop,’ the Deep Sky narrator read in one excerpt.

‘To me, that’s what separated them from The Backstreet Boys—who seemed very consciously to position themselves as a white group. *NSYNC hung out with Black artists. One day, J and I were in New York, going to parts of town I had never been to before.

‘Walking our way was a guy with a huge, blinged-out medallion – he was flanked by two giant security guards. J got all excited and said so loud, “Oh yeah, fo’ shiz, fo’ shiz. Ginuwine, what’s up my homie?”‘

Michelle – who played Marilyn Monroe in 2011 – could easily relate to the 41-year-old Grammy nominee considering she was legally emancipated from her parents at age 15.

And while the ongoing SAG/AFTRA strike has paused all of her acting projects, Williams might next be teaming up with Todd Haynes for their third film Fever – a biopic on Peggy Lee – after I’m Not There (2007) and Wonderstruck (2017).

‘We really put so much time and thought into it,’ the 62-year-old Oscar nominee told IndieWire on October 1.

‘The interest in the subject hasn’t gone away. The amazement with the subject and her art hasn’t gone away. And the desire to work with Michelle again hasn’t gone away.’

RankTribe™ Black Business Directory News – Arts & Entertainment