T.I. and the crew are coming back to the ATL for the sequel of the coming-of-age movie that we all loved so much. Director Chris Robinson confirmed the sequel in a post on Instagram of the cast on set. “ATL was a classic. ATL2 will be legendary!!! And so it begins,” he wrote. T.I. reposted the photo on his own page so it’s official! From the looks of it, some of our favorite original cast members are back in the ATL, including Evan Ross and Lauren London. We can’t wait! [Billboard]
Ava DuVernay’s crime drama is shaping up to be the new show to watch. Anika Noni Rose (Dreamgirls, Princess and the Frog) has joined the cast of For Justice along with Phylicia Rashad. The CBS pilot will follow the FBI agents who work in the criminal section of the Department of Civil Rights Division. [Deadline]
Empire star Taraji P. Henson is quite the hot commodity. The Oscar-nominated actress has been hand picked to be a celebrity ambassador for the American Black Film Festival. This 19th annual festival celebrating the best of Black culture and achievement will take place June 11 through 14 in New York City. [Indie Wire]
Ciara is headed to primetime! The Grammy-nominated singer is joining the cast of I Can Do That!, a new variety show hosted by Marlon Waynes coming to NBC. She’ll star alongside Joe Jonas, Nicole Scherzinger of The Pussycat Dolls, and more. [Necole Bitchie]
Just a few days before the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, over 100,000 people in Selma, Alabama are petitioning to change the name of the bridge where peaceful protesters where attacked and tear gassed while marching in 1965. “Selma is currently 80% African American, with a Black mayor and majority African American local city officials. Let’s change the image of the bridge from hatred and rename it to memorialize hope and progress,” said Brandi Hatter who started the petition. Edmund Pettus Bridge is named after a former Grand Dragon of the Ku Klux Klan who went on to become an Alabama Senator. [News One]
Today in New York City thousands of teachers, parents and children will gather at the capital building for the #DontStealPossible rally to improve the state’s fail education system.
Janelle Monae and The Roots will join the rally for a free performance to support those who want to see serious changes in education in New York and in America. [The Source]
In addition to big music star, Raheem DeVaughn also has a big heart. His Love Life Foundation partnered with Radio One and a local D.C. shelter to surprise 20 survivors of domestic violence and make them “Queens For A Day.” The women received a spa day, hair styling, dinner and a private performance with none other than Raheem DeVaughn himself. [Hello Beautiful]
It’s nothing new for renown neurosurgeon Ben Carson to make a side-eye worthy public statement. This time, he’s saying he’s saying that LGBT people choose to be homosexual and the proof is in prison. “A lot of people who go into prison go into prison straight — and when they come out, they’re gay. So, did something happen while they were in there? Ask yourself that question,” Carson told CNN. Yes, he actually said that. [News One]
