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95-Year Old Actress Cicely Tyson Says She Refuses to Retire

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Nationwide — Cicely Tyson, one of the most iconic actresses of our time, has just turned 95-years old. But despite her age, she says she will never ever retire from her decades-long career.

Tyson was the cover star for Time Magazine’s latest “The Art of Optimism” special issue. During her interview, she revealed that she has no plans to retire from Hollywood.

“The reason why I have been in this universe as long as I have been is because he’s not ready for me,” said Tyson. “When I’ve completed my job, he’ll take me away. I know several people who have retired and then six months later, they’re gone.”

Since the 1960’s, Tyson has been gracing both the film and television screens and making an impact as a Black woman. She paved the way for more representation of Black women in Hollywood.

Throughout her career, she has won a number of prestigious awards including Emmys and a Tony and was nominated for Academy Awards for her role in the 1972 film Sounder. Among some of her works, she has appeared in two Tyler Perry movies, was part of the Roots miniseries, and had a small role in the Oscar-nominated movie The Help.

Now, she plays a recurring character in How to Get Away With Murder as the mother of the main character Annalise Keating, portrayed by Viola Davis. And she is far from retiring.

“We have to honor this blessed gift that we have. That’s what keeps you going. Keeps your mind fluid — your heart, your whole being. You can’t just stop, because that will be the end of you.”

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Black Life Texas

Celebrating Hip-Hop’s Golden Anniversary at National Battle of the Bands

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The 2023 Pepsi National Battle of the Bands (NBOTB) is turning up the heat to celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. The event organizers announced an all-star lineup featuring Doug E. Fresh, aka “Human Beat Box,” Slim Thug, Choppa, Lil Keke, Z-Ro, DJ Mr. Rogers, and a special artist announcement on August 26. These artists will join the nation’s top Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) marching bands for an unforgettable musical experience.

The musical showcase, hosted in collaboration between Webber Marketing and the Harris County – Houston Sports Authority, occurs annually in Houston, TX, at NRG stadium. Event organizers have generated nearly $1 million in scholarships for the participating colleges and universities. 

Recognized as the annual kickoff to the fall marching band season, NBOTB spotlights hip-hop legends shaping the genre’s rich history. The special anniversary celebration seeks to pay tribute to the cultural impact of hip-hop, intertwining with the spirit and soul of HBCU marching bands.

“The 50th anniversary of hip-hop is a significant milestone in our musical heritage,” said Derek Webber, executive producer and creator of the National Battle of the Bands. “We’re ecstatic to bring together the vibrant energy of HBCU bands with hip-hop pioneers, creating a unique synergy that honors the past and fuels the future. This year’s lineup symbolizes the unbreakable bond between music, culture, and education.”

The rich history of HBCUs extends beyond academia to a thriving tradition of soulful marching bands and community activism. Their performances are not just about the music but also the movement, passion, and creativity that resonate with the essence of hip-hop. This shared heritage makes celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop at NBOTB a momentous occasion in American culture.

For more details, including tickets and official event information, visit (NationalBattleOfTheBands.com) or follow.

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Black Life Texas

Black in Gaming

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The fast-paced gaming world will hit American movie theaters on Aug. 25 via the Sony movie “Gran Turismo.” The film is loosely based on the true story of gamer Jann Mardenborough (played by Archie Madekwe), a mixed-race teenager who becomes a real-life race car driver. 

In 2011, Mardenborough became the third and youngest winner of the GT Academy competition, beating 90,000 entrants. Sony PlayStation used the Academy to help racing gamers become professional drivers. 

Though his success is far and few between for Black gamers. Research shows that Black people make up a staggering 2% of the video game industry, and only 11% of Black characters are featured as the central player outside of athletes in sports games. 

The nonprofit Black in Gaming Foundation is dedicated to cultivating, supporting, and promoting Black professionals in the video game industry. By actively working on creating opportunities for Black people in the video game industry, BIG also develops action plans to combat systemic institutionalized racism that manifests itself in unsafe spaces, microaggressions, and hidden discrimination in the workplace.

Also, soft-drink company Mountain Dew (MTN Dew) is doing its fair share to uplift minorities in Esports. The company is bringing back the MTN DEW Real Change Challenge in 2023, which focuses on promoting representation in Esports and gaming and supporting HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) student gamers. 

MTN Dew is teaming up with Cxmmunity Media, a champion of diversity and equity in gaming and creators of the HBCU Esports League. The Real Change Challenge will be open to all current HBCU students. Contestants will compete for a share of the $500,000 prize pool, coaching, and exposure to esports professionals. The tournament will kick off in October, with sign-ups open to all current HBCU students through Sept. 8 at (HBCUESports.co/RealChange).

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Black Life Texas

Black Weekend is Here!

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The tax-free weekend is not only the best time to go shopping but THE prime time to socialize, network, and get involved in the community that we like to call Black Weekend

Kicking off Black Weekend on Friday, Aug. 11, is the first annual Purchase Hire Black expo presented by Avista Products at the Freeman Expo Hall near the AT&T Center from 2 pm to 8 pm. The free expo is a great way to recognize Black Business Month as a way to celebrate and support Black-owned businesses. Later that night, check out famed jazz musician Najee, who will perform on Aug. 11 at 7:30 pm at the Buena Vista Theater downtown. He is a part of the 2023 jazz series dubbed “Jazz on the Water by Land & by Sea,” presented by Foster Perry Travel.

Then on Saturday, head over to the Renaissance with the Stars on Aug. 12 at the Tobin Center starting at 5 pm. This annual fundraiser supports the San Antonio Area African American Community Fund, which is a part of the San Antonio Area Foundation. This year’s dancers are Kit Mason, Jon Coker, Jacob Valenzuela, Juan Antonio Flores, George A. Williams, and Ryan Lugalia-Hollon. 

After the Renaissance with the Stars, people can head to the 14th Annual All White Martini Party on Aug. 12, sponsored by Psi Alpha Scholarship Foundation, Inc., at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center from 8 pm to 2 am. 

And then, on Sunday, Aug. 13, choose between two soulful brunches or hit both starting at 9 am with Tony G’s Soul Food at its Soulful Brunch featuring Southern favorites until 4 pm. Or, check out the R&B Brunch Bash on that same day from 2 pm to 5 pm at the Upstage Comedy Lounge presented by the Brunch Boss & Young Black San Antonio. 

And if you have a little energy left from Friday, bowl for a good cause. The Obadiah Jo’el McCarthy Memorial Scholarship Bowl-A-Thon starts at 2 pm at Banderal Bow. This event provides academic scholarships to high school seniors and includes awareness about organ donation. 

To learn more about all these events, visit (www.Weekend.Black).

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