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National Geographic, Shawn Carter and The Weinstein Company will partner on a new global documentary series, RACE (W.T.), which will give a stark and provocative look into systemic injustices in America. Inspired by and an extension of issues introduced in “JAY Z: The War On Drugs Is An Epic Fail,” the series will weave together documentary, animation and archival footage to tell a profoundly intimate, highly cinematic and strikingly inventive collection of curated tales. Present-day stories will be captured via vérité footage of a diverse mix of people from all walks of life in cities across America – from immigrants to first-generation Americans and unsuspecting voices that might otherwise go unheard. Through these intimate sequences and additional archival footage of decisive cultural moments that have contributed to mass incarcerations, inequality in education and other social ills, RACE (W.T.) will contextualize both past and present events. Added Shawn Carter: “The stories explored in the project are necessary, and conversations that this series will inspire are needed. The country is not more divided than ever. The deep-rooted wounds and beliefs that are ingrained in our psyche and infect our society have always been here. Right now, we are experiencing the resurgence of attitudes from an ugly time in our history. When talking heads spoke of a post-racial United States of America, prejudices snuck into dark corners; injustices never stopped; and stereotypes never faded. Why can’t a person of color walk down the street? Why is a person of color guilty until proven innocent? What is the responsibility of the media, local officials, community and religious leaders? What is our responsibility to each other? With this series, in partnership with The Weinstein Company and National Geographic, we hope to hold a mirror to our broken institutions and ourselves.” RACE (W.T.) will explore topics that have become crucial issues in America. The six episodes will delve into crime & punishment, wealth inequality, the role of social media, activism and family. Additionally, in January 2018, National Geographic Magazine will dedicate a full issue to race. For more information, visit www.natgeotvpressroom.com. #Documentary #NationalGeographic #Race #ShawnCarter

Copwatch is a true story of WeCopwatch, an organization whose mission is to film police activity as a non-violent form of protest and deterrent to police brutality. Directed by Camilla Hall, the Copwatch documentary profiles several WeCopwatch members revealing how their mission to film police activity and brutality has impacted their own lives. Copwatch is not about what happened in front of the cameras, but it’s about those who stood behind them. It’s about a sense brotherhood that developed through the shared trauma of standing up to police brutality. The documentary profiles several WeCopwatch members including: Jacob Crawford (co-founder) who has spent more than 15 years with a camera in his hand documenting police activity; David Whitt (co-founder) a young father who lived in Ferguson and started filming after Michael Brown’s “Hands Up” shooting; Ramsey Orta who captured Eric Garner’s final words “I Can’t Breathe” on his cell phone; and Kevin Moore who captured Freddie Gray fatal arrest. Like Ramsey who is currently incarcerated, Kevin became a target for making his voice heard and was arrested shortly after he filmed the video while attending a protest. #Copwatch #Entertainment #Trailer

The NFL released the schedule for the 2017-2018 season yesterday. While the season does not start for another 5 months, it does give us something to look forward to and perhaps the opportunity to plan on going to a game! Some of the bigger games: The season opens with the Kansas City Chiefs visiting the defending super bowl champion New England Patriots on September 7th. Another marquee matchup that week will be the New York Giants playing the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night football, for the third year in a year. Week 5 will see a rematch of perhaps the best playoff game from last year, as the Green Bay Packers pay a visit to the Dallas Cowboys on October 8th. Can Dallas and Dak Prescott beat Aaron Rodgers this time? In week 7 we will have the Super Bowl rematch as the Atlanta Falcons pay a visit to the New England Patriots on October 22nd, on Sunday night football. Will the Falcons be able to hold off another late-game collapse in hostile Foxborough? For the first time in recent years, the New York Giants will be playing on Thanksgiving night, going to FedEx field to take on Josh Norman and the Washington Redskins. The other matchups on Thanksgiving are the Minnesota Vikings at the Detriot Lions and the Los Angeles Chargers at the Dallas Cowboys. This year’s Christmas day games are the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Houston Texans, followed by the Oakland Raiders at the Philadelphia Eagles. Should make for an interesting Christmas Day! Finally, the season ends on New Year’s Eve, with a slew of divisional matchups, like the New Orleans Saints at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens. A lot of divisions could be decided in these pivotal week 17 matchups! #Football #NFL #Sports

In this episode of Black Mental Health Matters, Latisha Carr shares with us how she overcame living in a household with parents that faced mental illness. Carr shares how she turned these early life lessons into a passion for mental health. By not only earning a B.A in Psychology and M.A in Mental Health Counseling but in addition, she’s in route to becoming a life coach and starting a mental health program that’s aimed towards benefiting young adults in between the ages 20 and 30. Check out Episode 2 of Black Mental Health Matters below. About Black Mental Health Matters The BMHM (Black Mental Health Matters) web series is an attempt to bring people of color together in an effort to de-stigmatize the mental health issues surrounding the African-American community. These episodes were created by Leon Burns who was inspired to take on this venture after learning about several mental illnesses that had touched my close friends and family. This led him to believe that there was an incredibly serious issue that would never be brought to life. As a culture, we as African-American seldom disclose the issues that we’ve overcome after years of being accustomed to a socioeconomic disadvantage. #Health #MentalHealth

This weeks QG Model is Anthony Johns. He is not just a man, he’s a Gentleman. Check out why he is our Quintessential Gentleman Model of the Week! Name: Anthony Johns Hometown: New York City Occupation: Male Model/Law Student Career Goals: Entertainment Attorney and entrepreneur as a fashion boutique owner . Hobbies: Gym, bowling and backpacking traveler. Miami Beach and wine vineyard resorts. What does a Quintessential Gentleman mean to you: To be bold in your mannerisms through giving and becoming selfless by putting others before you. Living in wisdom. Maintaining a healthy mind, body and soul, in order to pour out wisdom from your mind; energy from your body and love from your soul to give unto the world which is the reasonable service of a human being and being a quintessential gentleman. Instagram handle: @6pack_king_ #AnthonyJohns #QGModeloftheWeek

Twenty-five years after the verdict in the Rodney King trial sparked several days of protests, violence and looting in Los Angeles, LA 92, a new feature documentary from National Geographic Documentary Films, immerses viewers in that tumultuous period through stunning and rarely seen archival footage. Produced by two-time Oscar winner Simon Chinn (“Man on Wire”) and Emmy winner Jonathan Chinn (“American High”) and directed by Oscar winners Dan Lindsay and TJ Martin (“Undefeated”), the film looks at the events of 1992 from a multitude of vantage points, bringing a fresh perspective to a pivotal moment that reverberates to this day. The film captures the shock, disappointment and fury felt by many Angelenos, particularly those in the African-American community, following the outcomes of two back-to-back, highly publicized trials. In November 1991, a Korean convenience store owner who was convicted of fatally shooting African-American teenager Latasha Harlins was given no jail time by a white Los Angeles judge. Six months later, four police officers caught on videotape brutally beating unarmed black motorist Rodney King were acquitted of assault by a predominantly white Simi Valley jury. Check out the trailer for the gripping National Geographic documentary “LA 92” below and don’t miss it’s television broadcast debut on National Geographic on Sunday, April 30, at 9/8c. Photo Credit: National Geographic Documentary Films #LA92 #NationalGeographic #RodneyKing

Spring is finally here and the patio furniture is beginning to unfold! The best part of the summer is drinking that cocktail as you enjoy the heat. These liquor brands below are getting you ready for the summer. Captain Morgan – Loco Nut Coconut lovers, listen up! CAPTAIN MORGANis taking some of those coconuts and turning them into a delicious new shot, just in time forsummer. Introducing CAPTAIN MORGAN LocoNut, an insanely delicious shot made with Caribbean rum, coconut liqueur, spice and natural flavors. Ciroc – Summer Colada Hennessy – Sweet Tea Sweet Tea is a Southern favorite, tailor-made for hot summer days when the only relief is a tall, iced drink. In this recipe, add Hennessy V.S. and Grand Marnier to provide a rich, new take on this classic way to cool down. What is your favorite summer drink? #CaptainMorgan #Ciroc #Alcohol #Henessey #Summer #Liquor

With game one behind us and the playoffs truly upon us, here are eight thoughts on the first eight games. Hawks X Wizards (G1) The Thought: John Wall is amazing, why isn’t he seen as such? Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE – Presswire Wall is the best point guard in the east, and there’s no doubt about it. After a down year and offseason knee surgery, Wall put on a show this year. Overshadowed by the play of other players , Wall’s game is often gone uncovered. Wall and Bradley Beal, when healthy, have been an unguardable backcourt combination. Wall is still searching for new sneaker deal after feeling being under-represented by the brand and feeling some type of way about other point guards not on his level getting contracts that mirror his own. If there were ever a platform to grow his brand, it would be making it to the Finals. Although, for Wall, this will be a very steep uphill climb. With the Cavs and Celtics seemingly ready to fall apart at the seems, this may be the time for the Wizards to push through. Prediction: Wizards in five TrailBlazers X Warriors (G1) The thought: The Blazers are one star away from being a dangerous team. The Blazers have been surprisingly accomplished team considering they blew up their roster two seasons ago. They have made the most out of a relatively mediocre roster and have managed to make the playoffs each year since. With Damian Lillard and CJ Mccollum, both fringe all-stars, they have one of the best back court duos in the league. They’ve been one of the few teams that have matched up well with the Warriors, but there’s always something missing. Whether it be a reliable big or wing that can be consistently effective off-ball, ‘Rip City’ needs a bit more from its supporting cast. Jusuf Nurkic could potentially be that difference-maker, but he’s played just 20 games with the team. Mo Harkless, Allen Crabbe, and Evan Turner are decent role players but have yet to show their potential. Prediction: Warriors in six Celtics X Bulls (G1) The thought: Is Jimmy Butler that good or are the Celtics that flawed? After a close game one loss to the TNT Bulls, Boston has to regroup as the team’s role players underperformed. Isiah Thomas had another stellar performance, and Al Horford filled up the stat sheet getting close to a triple double. Although, for the rest of the team, only Avery Bradley scored more than 9 points and is this just another game in the stretch of inconsistent play. The Celtics need a solid team performance every game if they are going to get out of the first round. The Celtics team has thrived in the regular season, but as their team continues to revolve solely around Thomas’ offense, their offense continues to grow more predictable. On Tuesday, Boston will have the opportunity to get a home split before heading to Chicago. Prediction: I would like to plead the ‘fifth.’ Clippers X Jazz (G1) The Thought: Chris Paul is going to look good in a Spurs jersey next season. The Clippers flame out in this round because their team is like a game of Tetris that has gone all wrong. The “Clips gon’ clip” sentiment has reached new levels because they’ve found a way to miss out on a championship. Paul has spent six years in L.A trying to win a title and almost did, but unfortunately, when the going got tough they blinked and found themselves ousted before they could recover. Well, Paul is now 31, and he’s coming up on free agency and has decisions to make. Close friends with both Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James, Paul should look over at what Anthony is currently going through in New York after resigning with the Knicks with no real infrastructure and a minimal future, James has moved teams to get the best chance to win a title. If Paul is interested in winning a title he needs to consider looking around the league for a team that requires a great Point Guard but can also support him as he ages. Even if the Clippers can resign Blake Griffin, they won’t be able to afford Paul, and J.J. Reddick whom is essential to the Clippers game. The Clippers salary cap will be maxed out if Paul resigns so with no money and no picks, the Clippers will find it problematic to improve their team beyond what they are right now. Paul should consider his options this offseason as if there was ever a chance for him to win a title (other than as a backup on the Championship Timberwolves teams of 2023-2027) it will be with Greg Popovich and Kahwi Leonard. ….Or if the Cavs trade Kyrie Irving for Carmelo Anthony and then sign Chris Paul through some David Stern level cap shenanigans then there’s a chance. Prediction: Jazz in six Spurs X Grizzlies (G1) The Thought: Mike Conley should have left Memphis. Mike Conley is a phenomenal guard that took on Golden State with a broken face when they were on their way to their 14-15 Championship. The guy cracked a vertebrae and came back in a month. The problem with anyone playing in Memphis is he will never get the acclaim and appreciation by the national audience. Conley is an exciting player, and it seems to be going unnoticed in Tennessee. Prediction: Grizzlies in six Rockets X Thunder (G1) The Thought: The Thunder might not win a game, and that doesn’t mean anything. However, when it comes to their image, this series will change nothing. Harden’s team is built to amplify his strengths. The Thunder are the ruins and remains of a hodgepodge of solid role players that without a backup point guard. The argument for Westbrook as the MVP should have always been that he’s doing what he’s doing with a team of misfits. There’s no pressure on Westbrook who will undoubtedly be forgiven for any playoffs misfortunes by fans and media alike. Harden is a different story, as Harden and the Rockets have themselves been…rocketed…out of the playoffs three straight years. Any poultry performance in these playoffs will be another stain on Hardens image. Prediction: Houston in Five Raptors X Bucks (G1) The Thought: Kris Middleton is the Key to the outcome of the series. The Bucks are a playoff wild card and could serve as playoff Cinderella story if they get past the Raptors. With Middleton out for most of the year and two rookies playing significant minutes, we can’t know how good they’ll be. The same can be said for the inconsistent playoff Raptors. Even with the additions of Serge Ibaka and P.J Tucker, the Raptors are still a giant question mark. Kyle Lowry and Demar Derozan have seen their shots disappear in mid-April every season. Kyle Lowry has the 15th worst playoff FG% in NBA history. (At least 1,000 minutes played) — Justin Jett (@JustinJett_) April 17, 2017 Giannis Antetokounmpo is incredible and will be the one who leads the team to the next round if they make it, but Middleton’s play is what will push them over the edge. Middleton’s versatility is key to the way the Bucks Play. As a larger two guard, Middleton can defend multiple positions, but more importantly, he is the ideal guard for Derozan. Derozan being a far better shooter when being guarded by smaller guards, i.e., Isiah Thomas. Prediction: Bucks in six Cavaliers X Pacers (G1) The thought: The Pacers are the more enjoyable team to watch than the Cavaliers. Lance Stephenson, Playoff Paul George, So much less background noise. Watching a single game of the of the Cavaliers is like watching seven hours of ‘The Americans.’ The amount of drama on and off the court is exhausting. The entertaining part of Cavaliers games is often their opponents. The interest level in the Cavs has deteriorated because of the redundancy James teams in the east. Prediction: Cavaliers in 7 #Baskeball #NBA #Playoffs

Thor: Ragnarok In Marvel Studios’ Thor: Ragnarok, Thor is imprisoned on the other side of the universe without his mighty hammer and finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok – the destruction of his homeworld and the end of Asgardian civilization – at the hands of an all-powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela. Baby Driver A talented, young getaway driver (Ansel Elgort) relies on the beat of his personal soundtrack to be the best in the game. When he meets the girl of his dreams (Lily James), Baby sees a chance to ditch his criminal life and make a clean getaway. But after being coerced into working for a crime boss (Kevin Spacey), he must face the music when a doomed heist threatens his life, love and freedom. Transformers: The Last Knight The Last Knight shatters the core myths of the Transformers franchise, and redefines what it means to be a hero. Humans and Transformers are at war, Optimus Prime is gone. The key to saving our future lies buried in the secrets of the past, in the hidden history of Transformers on Earth. Saving our world falls upon the shoulders of an unlikely alliance: Cade Yeager (Mark Wahlberg); Bumblebee; an English Lord (Sir Anthony Hopkins); and an Oxford Professor (Laura Haddock). There comes a moment in everyone’s life when we are called upon to make a difference. In Transformers: The Last Knight, the hunted will become heroes. Heroes will become villains. Only one world will survive: theirs, or ours. Atomic Blonde Oscar winner Charlize Theron explodes into summer in Atomic Blonde, a breakneck action-thriller that follows MI6’s most lethal assassin through a ticking time bomb of a city simmering with revolution and double-crossing hives of traitors. The crown jewel of Her Majesty’s Secret Intelligence Service, Agent Lorraine Broughton (Theron) is equal parts spycraft, sensuality and savagery, willing to deploy any of her skills to stay alive on her impossible mission. Sent alone into Berlin to deliver a priceless dossier out of the destabilized city, she partners with embedded station chief David Percival (James McAvoy) to navigate her way through the deadliest game of spies. https://youtu.be/MiWVQyEAVjQ The Hitman’s Bodyguard The world’s top bodyguard gets a new client, a hit man who must testify at the International Court of Justice. They must put their differences aside and work together to make it to the trial on time. #Thor #AtomicBlonde #Transformers #TheHitmansBodyguard #Movies #BabyDriver

Recent research shows that people would rather fire their boss than get a raise, and half of American workers say that they have quit a job to escape a bad boss. But bosses aren’t too happy either, as research also shows that managers are phoning it in and that they admit they feel disconnected from their staff and their position of leadership. Former CEO-turned-CEO coach Krister Ungerboeck, CEO of Courageous Growth, says, “It doesn’t surprise me that so many employees dislike their employers, or that so many bosses struggle to be effective and engaged leaders. In fact, I used to be one of those bosses.” Many people find that speaking with CEO coaching services can help them unlock their true business potential with the advice and learning that they can give. Below, Mr. Ungerboeck reveals his top 5 ways to stop being a jerk and start being a true leader. Stop trying to be the smartest person in the room. “We assume that the CEO should be the smartest person in the room,” says Ungerboeck, “But once I dropped that goal, I was able to step back and let my team’s true talents shine. I stopped thinking I had to do everything myself if I wanted it done right. I had more faith in my team and, ultimately, myself. After all, I am the one who hired them, so I had to trust my instinct that they could perform well.” Don’t assume your employees think like you. “One of the biggest mistakes that employers make is they assume that their employees approach life with the same mindset as they do,” says Ungerboeck. “This just isn’t true. It might not be a big deal to you to get a short, dismissive email from a higher-up, or to never get any praise, but the opposite might be true for your staff. Your differing levels of power mean that their need for positive feedback is much different than yours. Think of it this way: Your position of power affords you organic praise every day. You feel important and necessary every time you walk into the office, whereas a junior employee likely doesn’t. Hence, for them, a small word of praise is positively vital. So don’t assume that a ‘good job’ isn’t important just because you personally never need to hear it.” Don’t tell people what to do. “Instead of giving people the answer you want, ask open-ended questions and let them find their own way,” says Ungerboeck. “This is the only way you can help your employees develop and grow. If you hold their hands every step of the way, they will never develop the skills you desire. A good leader should be like a North Star guiding his staff towards the solutions, rather than the captain grabbing the wheel.” Don’t neglect your personal relationships. “When your marriage is on the rocks or you’re dealing with family drama at home, it is going to take a toll on your mood and your health,” says Ungerboeck. “You might worry that you are taking time away from the office if you spend time focusing on your marriage or your kids, but your company will suffer if your personal life hits the rocks. As the saying goes, ‘you can’t pour from an empty vessel.’ You need to make sure that you are practicing self-care outside the office and tending to your personal relationships if you want to shine professionally.” Remember, your staff has to WANT to follow you. “At the end of the day, the most important quality in a leader is whether his employees want to follow him, or whether they are just showing up and pulling a paycheck. When you have staff that are inspired, engaged and go home every day feeling proud of themselves, you are winning. Make it your goal that your employees go home feeling like they have learned something new, feeling like they have grown as people and as professionals, and that their work for your company is valued and recognized.” #Business #CEO #Entrepreneur