Even beyond ABC’s “Shark Tank,” Daymond John remains committed to supporting small businesses. During his second annual Black Entrepreneurs Day, Daymond John awarded $250,000 in NAACP Powershift Grants to Black entrepreneurs across the U.S., ET reports. The event featured conversations with Kevin Hart, Shaquille O’ Neal, Tyra Banks, Michael Strahan, Marcus Samuelsson, Rev Run and D Nice — where they all shared stories of their journey as business owners. “One thing I preach, ‘Different is better than better,’ I preach that, I preach that, and it is. However, when you are even a female founder, it’s not just about being different, you’ve gotta be better,” Banks shared at the event. “It’s like as Black people, momma has taught us, you can’t just do the same thing, you’ve gotta do better just to get this much.” Along with sharing their stories, the special guests were all a part of awarding the grants to small business owners who fought through the impact of the pandemic. According to...

Adut Akech will join the ranks of Ana de Armas, Bianca Brandolini D’Adda, Carolyn Murphy, Diana Penty, Grace Elizabeth, Karlie Kloss, Kōki, and Yang Mi when it comes to being part of the esteemed Estée Lauder team. The prestigious beauty brand recently announced that the supermodel is their newest global ambassador. “Adut is one of fashion’s biggest and most influential stars,” said Stéphane de La Faverie, Group President, The Estée Lauder Companies & Global Brand President, Estée Lauder and AERIN said in a press release. “We believe her incredible story, personality and beauty will help us continue to inspire and connect with our consumers and establish her as a beauty icon of her generation.” The  21-year-old, South Sudanese-Australian model is excited to step into a role she’s always dreamed of landing.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Adut Akech Bior (@adutakech)   “I resonated with Estée Lauder because not only is it an iconic brand, but I think just even the...

Media giant and entertainment company BuzzFeed is looking to expand its reach in the industry. The millennial outlet has secured a first-look deal with Universal Television this week, with a focus on developing scripted series projects based on its original published content and reporting from its journalists, Variety reports . “We are excited to join forces with UTV, an acclaimed studio with a proven track record producing series across network, cable and streaming platforms, to tap into the vast portfolio of BuzzFeed IP and elevate underrepresented voices,” said Charlotte Simms, TV development manager at Buzzfeed, in a statement . “This partnership is the foundation for building a television presence for BuzzFeed with projects that leverage our global audiences, our award-winning journalism and engaging entertainment content, and our ability to drive awareness at scale.” According to Deadline , the two entities have already hit the green-light on their first project inspired by...

Lizzo isn’t one to dim her shine, and her latest mega-watt boss move proves it. According to Deadline , Lizzo, born Melissa Viviane Jefferson, scored a first-look deal with Amazon Studios . Under the new partnership, the pop star will produce and develop TV series to premiere exclusively on Amazon Prime. “I’m so excited to partner with the amazing team at Amazon,” said Lizzo. “Thank you to Jen Salke and the rest of the team for making this dream come true. I can’t wait to get started and share my vision with the world.” Dubbed “force of positivity” by co-head of television at Amazon Studios, Albert Cheng, the “Truth Hurts” singer is known for feel-good songs like “Good As Hell.” Her first projects in Hollywood included a role in the film “Hustlers” and a character in “UglyDolls.” However, the new deal will be Lizzo’s first foray in the TV business . “Lizzo is one of the most exciting, creative, joyful artists in the industry, and it is such a pleasure to announce this new deal with...

Oscar-winning filmmaker Matthew A. Cherry is starting a new chapter in his career, beginning with his freshly-inked deal with Warner Bros TV, Variety reports . Let's get it! https://t.co/XvRvLWyu2B — Matthew A. Cherry (@MatthewACherry) June 17, 2020 The “Hair Love” creator is taking his talents back to television under the terms of a multi-year first-look developmental deal where he will “create, develop and produce new material for multiple platforms,” according to The Hollywood Reporter . “I am beyond excited to be joining the Warner Bros. Television family in this exciting new capacity,” Cherry said. “It’s an important time to be a Black creative working in this industry, and I look forward to creating impactful projects and partnering with other talented marginalized voices in our community.” Cherry’s deal with Warner Bros. TV makes this his first for television. Cherry, best known for Academy Award-winning project “Hair Love,” has years invested in the entertainment industry,...