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If you’ve ever casually flipped through the television channels in search of something to watch, you probably already have a cursory knowledge of Tyler Perry’s massive TV empire . The writer, director, producer and actor has spent the last two decades absolutely dominating the film and television world, with such acclaimed projects as “Why Did I Get Married,” “I Can Do Bad All By Myself” and more recently, “Beauty In Black.” Perry has brokered exclusive deals with entertainment giants including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, and has even opened a massive studio facility in Atlanta, which spans over 330 acres. The New Orleans native has also spoken at length about his mission to support Black actors, writers and filmmakers through his expanding empire, even serving as a mentor to 50 Cent . Since Tyler Perry has become such an enormous part of the Hollywood system, it only makes sense that fans far and wide have started searching for ways to get involved. Luckily, we’ve got the...
Amaya Woodley is the proud owner of an indoor cycling studio. Woodley recalled falling in love with cycling after a former coworker invited her to a class in 2017. When the pandemic hit, she purchased a bike for her home but missed being surrounded by the community. That feeling drove her to open Adrenaline+ in her hometown. It is one of the few Black-owned cycling studios in Charlotte, NC, Woodley told AFROTECH™. She opened the studio in 2023 with her co-founders: her uncle Darrell Harding, aunt Heather Harding, and her husband Theo. Together, they self-funded the boutique studio. “It was a dream that I had, but I didn’t think it would happen as quickly as it did,” Woodley, Adrenaline+, co-founder and CEO, told AFROTECH™. “There was such a need for a space like that in Charlotte, especially for Black people, people of color, who were seeking a safe space to show up as their authentic self and still get a workout and be seen and have a good time.” View this post on Instagram A post...
Will.i.am is immersing himself further in the media landscape. According to a press release, he has joined Jarret Myer and Rich Antoniello in forming Uproxx Studios. It is described as a brand solutions studio led by influential leaders in media and music who will consider culture and push it forward. The new entity has been established following the acquisition of Uproxx, HipHopDX, Dime Magazine, and other major media assets from Warner Music Group (WMG), such as the exclusive license to represent its YouTube content. Looking ahead, Uproxx Studios and WMG will remain in collaboration to guarantee seamless execution for their partners. Antoniello, partner and executive chairman of Uproxx Studios as well as founder and ex-CEO of Complex Network, commented, “This is a game-changer. We’re merging the agility and freedom of an independent entity with the reach and resources of a major music label. This is the recipe for groundbreaking content and unparalleled brand experiences.” Uproxx...
Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference may have wrapped its first in-person event since the pandemic, but the features coming down the pipeline are still the talk of the town. During the week-long event, the leading technology company welcomed developers, students, and media for a first-of-its-kind event at Apple Park tucked away in Silicon Valley and offered first glances at the updated software set to unveil during the fall. The company had the chance to soak in the newly redesigned MacBook Air as well as an updated 13-inch MacBook Pro powered by the all-new M2 chip. What really had folks sitting at full attention in their seats is the forthcoming abilities of the iOS 16 software. Beyond that, Apple reiterated its commitment to being a home where technology is accessible to all through programs like the Apple Developer Academy and the WWDC Student Scholars. Buckle up for a full AfroTech rundown of the festivities.
Ever sent a risqué text that you wish you could take back? It looks like dreams might just come true in the next Apple iOS update. During its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), the leading technology company has announced a whirlwind of updates. And while AfroTech will have an inside scoop on all that is coming down the pipeline, we’ll get straight down to the one that has the world buzzing – the ability to unsend texts! Yup, you read that correctly – with the iOS 16 software, users will have the opportunity to not only recall messages that might have been sent on accident but will also have the ability to make edits to the text even after it’s been sent. “iOS 16 is a big release with updates that will change the way you experience iPhone,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering during the keynote event. “We have reimagined how the Lock Screen looks and works with exciting new features that make it more personal and helpful,...
NFT portfolios have become a new, viable way for people to build — and maintain — their wealth. And the same goes for celebrities, who are quickly wading into the NFT space to diversify their investments. As has been previously reported, everyone from Doja Cat to Method Man has taken advantage of the value that non-fungible tokens give to their portfolios. And while experts are divided as to whether the long-term value of NFTs will sustain themselves, a new report suggests that there are some celebrities — for now — that have some of the most valuable NFT portfolios in the industry today. According to a new report compiled by SCMP, these portfolios have taken a jump thanks to the involvement of major auction houses, like Sotheby’s and Christie’s, who have also started to see the value in this new digital technology. But what makes these celebrity NFT portfolios so valuable can actually vary. While some celebrities choose to create their own NFTs and sell them, others create wealth...
Jim Jones is a rap veteran who’s continued to drop new music, but also still has his eye on more ways to build his stature when off the mic. AfroTech previously shared a story about his digital coin, Capo Coin, which was minted in partnership with blockchain platform Zaptheory in 2021. As the recent crypto supporter has tapped into how the space is helping people create wealth, he’s now created what he believes is a “$1 billion idea” that could disrupt the music industry. According to CNBC, Jones has announced his new software company, Quarantine Studios — a metaverse music-recording platform — along with his business partner Jarman Hauser.
Ice-T just linked up with Cheerios to promote health and wellness. Yahoo! Entertainment reports Ice-T will serve as a coach for its promotional campaign “Pour Your Heart Into It.” Announced Wednesday, a workout series is set to launch in hopes of encouraging more Americans to live healthier lives through body movement, and of course, a hard to resist bowl of Cheerios. “This stuff doesn’t have to be hard. It can be as simple as a bowl of Cheerios and a walk around the block,” Ice-T said, according to AllHipHop. “That’s why I wanted to join Buzz to share some different ways to start to get your heart pumping regularly, and help make diet and exercise a happy part of your day.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cheerios (@cheerios)
Bishop T.D. Jakes has sent a message. According to the Saporta Report, the mega-church pastor’s real estate arm has submitted a reported “master plan” for affordable housing on what was formerly a military base for the Confederacy. In the T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures’ “master plan” submission, the affordable housing would be partnered with entertainment districts dedicated to the new communities in Fort McPherson, which is just outside of Atlanta, GA. The five-part plan will provide amenities and other resources that are not currently available in southern Atlanta. In the first part of the plan, the VA hospital and the bungalows surrounding the VA hospital will be updated. That’s followed by the second part of the plan, which is when the single-family subdivision, townhomes, apartment complexes, retail space and a K-8 school along the Campbellton Road corridor will begin construction — in other words, the affordable housing. That will be followed by commercial space, which T.D....
The Black News Channel (BNC) will soon be available in more homes! According to PR Newswire , the nation’s first and only 24/7 news network on a mission to cover the challenges, unique perspectives, and successes of Black and brown communities has just achieved a huge distribution agreement. This week, Verizon Fios TV subscribers will be able to watch BNC on Fios Channel 612 and through the Fios TV “Widgets” menu on Verizon Fios TV One. Thanks to Verizon Fios TV and its base of over 3.7 million subscribers, BNC’s total distribution across North America is reportedly on track to rapid expansion. It is now the nation’s fastest-growing news network over the past 12 months and has achieved an annual growth percentage increase of 1800%. “We are pleased to reach this important distribution agreement with Verizon Fios TV and continue BNC’s strong growth trajectory during a period of contraction for most of the industry,” said Princell Hair , CEO of BNC in an official statement. “Linear and...
Dreams really do come true! According to the Economic Times , Brandy Fisher-Blood will now lead the company’s Diversity & Inclusion Strategies and will be responsible for overseeing diversity and inclusion efforts across Walt Disney Animation Studios. She will also serve as the primary strategic consultant to Walt Disney Animation Studios’ business leaders and creative leaders which includes directors, producers, and production leadership along with its Human Resources partners. Fisher-Blood will bring insight on the best inclusion methods that will help to broaden Walt Disney’s inclusion commitment both internally and externally. “I was 8 [years] old when the first BIPOC Disney Princess hit the big screen and no words can express how it felt to [finally] see an animated Disney character resemble me on TV, in stores, on lunchboxes at school, on t-shirts at the playground, and much more,” said Fisher-Blood in an interview with the Economic Times. Fisher-Blood will be responsible for...
The gaming industry has a diversity problem. More than two-thirds of game developers are white, and Black people make up only two percent of the industry. This lack of diversity means the perspectives of people of color are often overlooked. We spoke with the co-founder of Dynamic Ink Games about his decision to create a Black-owned game development studio and the challenges he’s faced. Game Development Beginnings Two Average Gamers: How’d you get into game development? Damian: As a kid, I grew up poor in Bakersfield. We would take cardboard from the garage to make board games. We had a natural affinity for game design. As I got older, I recognized that game design is my calling. It was what I leaned into. I started with a program focused on directing and later switched to video games. Understanding the structure of a story and how to keep people entertained over a period of time. TAG: It definitely seems like you were meant to be in this industry. Tell me about the inspiration for...
Condé Nast has found its new editor-in-chief for Teen Vogue to take over Lindsay Peoples Wagner’s former role — Axios reporter Alexi McCammond. According to the media company, McCammond — an Illinois native who graduated from the University of Chicago — is known for her work as a political reporter who was leading the coverage behind Joe Biden’s presidential campaign. “Alexi has the powerful curiosity and confidence that embodies the best of our next generation of leaders,” Anna Wintour — global editorial director of Vogue and chief content officer of Condé Nast — shared in a statement. “Her interest in fashion, wellness and important issues in the lives of the Teen Vogue audience and broad knowledge of business leaders, elected officials, influencers, photographers and filmmakers is unrivaled, and I’m so very pleased that she will be bringing her expertise and talents to our team.” Within her new role, McCammond will be leading the editorial vision behind Teen Vogue’s digital,...