Here’s why we’re going back for a second cup of coffee this morning:
Kerry Washington has teamed up with Barack Obama to form a mentor program for students in Washington, DC under the Turnaround Arts Initiative. Washington adopted Savoy Elementary school and coordinated the program where fourth and fifth graders will have the opportunity to hear from notable speakers such as Michelle Obama and Yo Yo Ma. The Scandal star’s intention is to make sure that the arts are on an equal footing as math and science programs. [Clutch]
In reality TV news, Real Housewives of Atlanta star Porsha Stewart is in hot water for showing up late to a meet & greet in Ocoee, FL. Stewart was paid $2,000 upfront and demanded the remaining balance of the same value, even though she showed up 20 minutes before the end of the event. The organizer, Tanika Olivier, is demanding her money back. [TMZ]
Barack Obama has been featured on GQ magazine’s “The 25 Least Influential People of 2013″ list. Drew Magary of GQ writes: “He can blame republicans in Congress all he likes and get away with it because congressional Republicans are the worst, but the fact remains that I have spent the majority of this man’s presidency watching bad things happen…” The president ranked at No. 17 on the list. [The Root]
Beyonce has surpassed the $100 million mark in ticket sales for the Mrs.Carter Show world tour. She has earned the No. 1 Hot Tours ranking with $44.9 million in box office grosses from her fall dates, making the overall gross $104.3 million. The concert is a precursor to her latest album, which is set to release in 2014. [Billboard]