Happy Thursday! Here’s what we’re talking about over our muffins and mocha lattes.
TLC’s Kickstarter is off to a great start! In just two days, the group has raised over $100,000. Over 1,000 people donated funds to the campaign, including pop star Katy Perry, who gifted $5,000. TLC is looking to raise $150,000 to fund their final album and from the looks of things, they’re going to have no problem reaching that goal. [Madame Noire]
Priyanka Banks of VH1’s Sorority Sisters is a sorority sister no more. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. permanently expelled Banks and four other cast members for appearing on the controversial reality show. “I found out through the Internet,” Banks said. “It was shocking. I can’t say I am hurt, because the organization is made up of people and people are hateful. I can’t be surprised, but I was baffled.” [Atlanta Journal-Constitution]
Henry Louis Gates Jr. has received an Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award for his PBS series, The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross, a documentary series about the history and culture of Black Americans from slavery to the present. “It’s clear to see that the great span of Black history has never had more relevance than it does right now,” Gates said in his acceptance speech. The series also won an Emmy Award, a Peabody Award and an NAACP Image Award. [The Root]
Sorry, ladies. Hip-hop heartthrob J. Cole is officially off the market. The rapper reportedly proposed to his longtime-girlfriend Melissa Heholt, who is coincidentally a wedding planner! The couple met while attending college in New York and will reportedly be walking down the aisle together very soon. Congrats! [Sister2Sister Magazine]
Larry Wilmore’s satire news program, Nightly Show, brought in some solid ratings for its first show. Over 900,000 viewers tuned in for the 11:30pm premiere and reviews are looking good for the Colbert Report replacement. “As for first impressions, I liked it,” said Tim Goodman of The Hollywood Reporter. “Wilmore himself is a smart, funny performer who is no stranger to The Daily Show crowd. Most viewers to his show probably knew what to expect for the most part.” [The Holllywood Reporter]