This Week In Good Black News: PJ Washington Gets Married, Magic Johnson Is Officially A Billionaire, And A Tyler Perry Doc Is Coming
As we close out October and jump into November, Black excellence is shining brighter than ever.
This week's stories showcase the extraordinary impact and influence of the Black community in various fields, celebrating both personal and professional achievements. We are delving into PJ Washington's wedding bliss, the remarkable upgraded financial status of Magic Johnson, an upcoming documentary about the early beginnings of visionary filmmaker Tyler Perry, and much more.
Here is everything you may have missed in "This Week in Good Black News."
PJ Washington Ties The Knot!
Charlotte Hornets PJ Washington, 25, and fiancee Alisah Chanel are now husband and wife!
The duo exchanged vows last weekend in what appeared to be a glamorous ceremony attended by their friends and family. Chanel shared a carousel of snaps from their big day on social media, which she captioned "THE WASHINGTONS 💍 Part 1."
We love Black love. Congrats to the newlyweds!
Trailer For Doc On Tyler Perry Drops
Tyler Perry is notoriously private, but we do know that his early days as a filmmaker were marked with trauma and struggle before achieving worldwide success. Now, a documentary about his life will highlight his incredible rise to stardom in “Maxine's Baby: The Tyler Perry Story.” Scheduled to premiere on Amazon Prime on November 17, the doc is a nod to his mother’s love and an intimate portrait of Perry. With first-time directors Gelila Bekele and Armani Ortiz behind the project, this doc will surely be one of the most talked-about inspirational films of the year.
See the latest trailer that dropped this week above.
Justice For Breonna Taylor
It has been over three years since Breonna Taylor’s death, and finally, a federal trial began this week, starting with jury selection for the fatal shooting during a botched raid of her home, Louisville station WDRB reports. Federal prosecutors indicted Brett Hankison, who a jury acquitted in a state trial, on two charges of deprivation of rights for firing into a bedroom window covered with blinds and a blackout curtain in Taylor's apartment. Hankison also faces charges for shooting into a neighboring unit through Taylor’s wall, endangering three people.
On March 13, 2020, Taylor, a 26-year-old Black EMT worker, was asleep in her apartment, which she shared with her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, when, just before 1:00 a.m., police rammed down her door, using a no-knock warrant.
If convicted, Hankison faces a life sentence.
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‘All Dirt Roads Taste Of Salt’ Hits Theaters Today
Raven Jackson, 33, is a name you may not know, but this Black woman is about to take Hollywood by storm with her debut feature-length movie, "All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt." Produced by Barry Jenkins ("Moonlight"), it’s not just a film; it's a lyrical exploration of life for a Black woman in rural Mississippi. The New Yorker described the film as "a complex, intricate, and multifaceted tale with a natural unity that feels born of a piece, not assembled or calculated.”
“All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt” opens in select theaters today. Watch the movie's trailer above.
‘Belly’ Was Released 25 Years Ago This Week
Time sure flies!
November 3rd marks 25 years since the release of the iconic movie "Belly.” Released in 1998 and directed by Hype Williams, "Belly" is celebrated for its unique visual style, gritty storytelling, and memorable soundtrack. Starring Nas and the late-great DMX, the film offered an unflinching look at the criminal underworld, exploring themes of redemption and the pursuit of the so-called American dream.
Over the years, "Belly" has maintained a strong cult following and remains a pivotal piece of hip-hop history.
Ashanti Gifts Nelly With a Custom 1962 Impala For His Birthday
Ashanti officially wins the title of best girlfriend ever!
To celebrate Nelly's 49th birthday, the R&B singer/songwriter gifted the rapper with a surprise custom Impala that left him jaw-on-the-floor, completely speechless.
Overcome with emotion upon receiving his gift, Nelly turned around and faced his lady as she hugged him tightly. He later posted, "Besides my kids, this is the best gift ever."
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Magic Johnson Is Now A Billionaire
NBA icon Earvin “Magic” Johnson is officially a billionaire!
According to CBS News, Johnson is the fourth athlete to achieve billionaire status, along with Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Tiger Woods. When Johnson signed a 25-year, $25 million contract in 1984, it was the longest and most lucrative deal in sports history at the time. Johnson made approximately $40 million during his 13-year career. However, it was after retiring from the league that he would build his empire as chairman and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises, a conglomerate of businesses and ventures founded by Johnson. The company's primary focus is on business, philanthropy, and community development.
Ciara Slays As Janet Jackson For Halloween
We all know Ciara loves Halloween, and she has once again killed it with this year’s costume. A very pregnant Ciara channeled a 1997 Janet Jackson from her iconic “Together Again” video, a No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hit.
Ciara definitely understood the assignment. Tens across the board!
Speaking Of Miss Janet, J. Cole and Jermaine Dupri Rocked Her Atlanta Show
On October 28, Janet Jackson headlined this year's ONE Musicfest at Atlanta's Piedmont Park. The 57-year-old ran through her iconic catalogue of hits, but the night's surprise was when J. Cole graced the stage for a performance of “No Sleep.” Atlanta’s own Jermaine Dupri (her ex-boo) also had the crowd in a frenzy when he performed “Welcome to Atlanta.”
See the epic performance above!
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Barack and Michelle Obama Election Night Bobblehead Dolls Revealed
On November 3, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum revealed the limited-edition Barack and Michelle Obama Bobblehead commemorating that moment on election night when then Senator Obama was elected as President of the United States. This year marks the 15th anniversary of that amazing night when the entire Obama family stood in front of a crowd of 250,000 people in Chicago's Grant Park to celebrate the nation's first Black president.
The bobbleheads are available for $40 each (plus shipping and handling) exclusively through the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum’s Online Store.