Entertainment

Reel-ality TV Talk

Published

11 years ago

June 15, 2015

By Marquesa LaDawn
NNPA Columnist

Real Housewives of Atlanta (RHOA) via Kandi’s Family ski trip just ended and it was really good. It’s no secret that this family had some kinks in the relationships department. The real divas on steroids were Mama Joyce and the old lady gang, as they call themselves. Frankly, without them in the mix, it would have been a bit boring.

Some highlights:

Mama Joyce and Carmen (Kandi’s assistant and best friend) had it out and all hell broke lose. Carmen finally realized that the gossip has nothing to do with her, Mama Joyce had some issues she needs to face. Carmen had a conversation with Mama Joyce’s sisters and all was confirmed. The sisters agreed that Mama Joyce needs to deal with some internal stuff.
Because of the big argument between Carmen and Mama Joyce, Kandi had to admit to herself, her Mama just refuses to accept her husband.
Todd was so frustrated that he swore on his mother’s grave that he’s never been with Carmen and those words seem to shut Mama Joyce down.
Todd, for the first time, felt welcomed into the family by the old lady gang and all it took was a trip to the “pot” shop.
The mini-series ended with the family writing down their issues with one another on a slip of paper and burning it to signify a new start.
Everyone burned their issues and accepted some type of responsibility, even Mama Joyce –kinda.

This was wonderful. I will miss the Tuckers until next season.

Up north, the Real Housewives of New York (RHONY) killed it, as always. I know because I am a New Yorker and admit we can be tough in relationships! That aside, it was really good this week. Let’s start with my girl Bethenny, the business powerhouse. Bethenny, I say this in love, can be a mean girl! She either likes you or doesn’t and there is no in between. Since these ladies are in a group, this is frustrating and confusing to the ladies, I have to say, in everyday life, women make the same decisions, they just do it, with a fake smile, just saying. Anyway, Bethenny was emotional and messy boots in one scene, especially if someone disagrees with her yet professional and classy in another. Yes, it’s a rollercoaster and you have to hold on for the ride.

Did you see the skinny girl summit, dang! You go girl! Sonya was the lucky housewife guest attending and taking lots of notes. It was refreshing to see Carole stand up for Heather doing a heated conversation with Bethenny and Ramona. Bethenny was complaining about Heather mothering her. Now, I get an adult not wanting to be mothered, but I felt like Heather was being nice and caring. Bottom line, it’s not about Heather, but Bethenny’s pain around never really having a mother or a peaceful childhood. Our hearts ache for her.

This episode ended with Bethenny feeling attacked, though I think it was about boundaries. Luann’s checking in, Carole’s sharing Bethenny’s mean words with Kristen and Kristen’s asking Bethenny why. Bethenny responds with a harsh reaction and walking away, she then leaves. Whew, that was interesting!

More drama, although at times inauthentic, on the Queens of Drama from the ladies of daytime TV. Although I enjoyed the show, and simply loved Donna Mills being her alter ego, Abby Ewing, from Knots Landing. Actresses need to stay with fictional TV. Just sayin!

Married With Medicine, my medical reality TV girls are back and messier than ever. I’m surprised by how messy the relationships are so early. Keep your eyes on these gals because we are in for an over the top season for sure.

Speaking of over the top, the Braxton girls are putting on their “medium girl” panties. Between Trina’s messy divorce, kids getting married at 17, Tamar trying to get along with her sisters, this show is on fire!

Quick note on RHOBH, Kim Richards is out and her sister Kathy Hilton is in! More news on that coming soon.

Marquesa LaDawn is a professional businesswoman who escapes the pressures of living in New York City by retreating into the real world of reality TV. Follow me on twitter @realityshowgirl and subscribe to her podcast at www.RealitytvGirl.com.

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21st Annual Taste of Soul: California’s Largest Black Street Festival Comes Alive With Culture, Music and Connections

The 21st annual Taste of Soul Family Festival drew over 300,000 attendees to South Los Angeles for a massive celebration of Black culture, food, and music. Spanning the Crenshaw Boulevard corridor, the free event featured roughly 350 vendors, offering everything from Southern cuisine to professional health services and job recruitment opportunities. While headlining musical acts performed across three stages, the festival also served as a vital platform for small business entrepreneurs to reach a vast audience. Organizers are now addressing reports regarding several incidents that occurred during the festivities. Read more.

Published

6 hours ago

November 3, 2026

Post News Group

INSIDE Danny Bakewell Sr. (left) and Pamela Bakewell (right), longtime community leaders and organizers of the Taste of Soul Family Festival in Los Angeles.

The 21st annual Taste of Soul Family Festival brought hundreds of thousands to Crenshaw Boulevard in South Los Angeles on Oct. 17 for food, music and a celebration of Black culture. Visitors could shop with small businesses, enjoy live music performances, speak with health professionals and learn about job opportunities.

Presented by Bakewell Media and the Los Angeles Sentinel, the free festival stretched along the corridor from Stocker Street to Obama Boulevard. The Sentinel estimated attendance at more than 300,000. The day also marked founder Danny J. Bakewell Sr.’s 80th birthday.

“We call it a party with a purpose,” Pam Bakewell, the founder’s sister and a longtime festival organizer, told California Black Media (CBM).

The enticing aromas of barbecue, fried chicken and catfish filled the air as food vendors served up a tempting array of Southern favorites, including cobbler and other desserts. Vendors also offered clothing, jewelry, books and beauty products. About 350 vendors and sponsors participated, including approximately 80 food vendors, Bakewell said. Businesses came from across Southern California and as far away as Chicago and Atlanta.

“In one day, an entrepreneur has the opportunity to showcase their business to hundreds of thousands of people,” Danny J. Bakewell Jr., president of the Sentinel.

Chase offered vendors training in marketing and financial management, followed by a reception.

Experienced vendors also helped newcomers. Pam Bakewell cited Cobbler King, a longtime participant who shares lessons from his early festivals about preparing for crowds and building a business.

“We want everybody to be successful,” she said. “We can’t guarantee that, but we give you the crowd.”

Kaiser Permanente served as the festival’s main medical provider. St. John’s Community Health sponsored Children’s World, where children played games while families received preventive care and information about follow-up services.

St. John’s provided flu shots, fluoride treatments for children and clinic sign-ups for physical examinations. It also reported distributing more than 10,400 bags of diapers.

CBM hosted a booth as part of its California Black Health Journalism Project, a yearlong, solutions-oriented reporting initiative to advance health equity for Black Californians.

Dr. Deidra Beckles, who practices family and internal medicine, and Adriana Westby-Trent, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist, held “Ask the Doc” conversations. Both are with Divinely Restored Health & Wellness. The booth drew steady traffic as they answered attendees’ health questions. Visitors received a “Your Wellness Matters” T-shirt.

The Sentinel promoted a developing jobs platform, inviting attendees to post resumes and connect with employers. Bakewell said about 350 people signed up along the boulevard.

Three stages offered music for different generations. The Bakewell Media Sounds of the Soul Stage featured Thelma Houston, Switch and headliner Midnight Star. Tony Cornelius, son of “Soul Train” creator Don Cornelius, introduced Midnight Star and appeared with eight veteran dancers from the television show.

The Radio Free KJLH Music Stage featured Lucky Daye, Alex Isley, Allen Stone and Terisa Griffin. On the Brenda Marsh-Mitchell Gospel Stage, MAJOR. served as host and performer. The lineup included Deitrick Haddon, local choirs and a youth performing arts ensemble.

During the festivities, ABC7 reported two stabbings and an hours long Los Angeles Police Department citywide tactical alert.

Pam Bakewell said police told organizers the incidents occurred outside the festival boundaries. She said organizers are reviewing safety measures with security personnel and police.