This Week in Good Black News: New York Liberty Makes Franchise History, Missy Elliott and Queen Latifah Receive High Honors, and Idris Elba Plans to Establish an Entertainment Industry in Africa
This week in Good Black News was packed with history-making moments.
The WNBA's New York Liberty secured their first-ever championship in franchise history. Meanwhile, hip-hop icons Missy Elliott and Queen Latifah also made history by receiving the prestigious National Medal of Arts.
Elsewhere, actor Idris Elba expressed his vision to bring Hollywood magic to Africa by helping establish an industry that spotlights underrepresented talent.
Keep reading to check out these stories and more this week in Good Black News.
Missy Elliott and Queen Latifah Make History
Hip-hop legends Missy Elliott and Queen Latifah made history this week after becoming the first emcees to receive the National Medal of Arts and Humanities by President Joe Biden at the White House on Monday (Oct. 21).
The National Medals of Arts and Humanities, the nation's highest honor for artists, were presented in a combined ceremony for 2022 and 2023 following COVID-19-related delays. Among the 39 distinguished honorees were iconic figures like Spike Lee, LeVar Burton, Eva Longoria, and the late Selena Quintanilla.
Al Pacino Credits Hip-Hop with 'Scarface' Success
Al Pacino recently shared insights on Marc Maron’s WTF podcast about how hip hop fans helped “Scarface” evolve into a cult classic, despite Hollywood's initial negative response. Pacino recalled how the film’s director, Martin Scorsese, had warned them during the premiere: “You guys are great — but be prepared because they’re going to hate it in Hollywood.”
Hip-hop, however, played a considerable role in Scarface’s enduring popularity. “Hip-hop just got it. They understood it. They embraced it, the rappers,” Pacino explained, as the film's themes resonated with many marginalized communities.
Idris Elba Set to Launch New Film Studio in Ghana
Actor Idris Elba is gearing up to establish several film studios across Africa.
After meeting with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the “Luther” star received approval to start the first studio in Zanzibar.
“Much of the imagery about Africa isn’t even generated from Africa,” Elba said. The British actor emphasized the need for young Africans to share their own stories, as “the median age in Africa is 19; these young people are optimistic and deserve the chance to tell their own stories.”
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New York Liberty Win First WNBA Championship
The New York Liberty made history by winning their first-ever WNBA championship after a close Game 5 against the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday, Oct. 20.
The Liberty secured a 67-62 win in overtime, led by center Jonquel Jones, who scored 17 points in the game. Jones, who averaged 17.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists throughout the series, was named the WNBA Finals MVP.
NeNe Leakes’ son undergoes successful heart transplant surgery
NeNe Leakes' son, Brentt Leakes, just shared some great news—he had a successful heart transplant! After being diagnosed with congestive heart failure in June and going through a tough year with hospital visits and doctor’s appointments, he's now on the road to recovery.
“In July of this year, I went into a 14 hour heart transplant surgery and now have a brand new heart in me. Now that I’m back (still in recovery) I’ve essentially had to relearn how to walk and communicate, but I’m even more fluent,” he wrote.
“This experience has FOREVER changed my life. I am so thankful to the family that donated the heart!”
Brentt took a moment to thank his loved ones for their support and reflect on how grateful he is to be healing after such a scary experience.
