Entertainment

Reel-ality TV Talk: Kenya Still Being Kenya

Published

10 years ago

February 16, 2015

By Marquesa LaDawn
NNPA Columnist

The Housewives did not disappoint; it’s all about facing your issues head on. Can we talk my friends?

Over in Atlanta, our slightly imbalanced (gotta love her) Kenya shared her shady plans for a show mirroring her arch-enemies – Nene, Porsche and Phaedra. She evidently duped a major producer into listen. What gives? Then, we heard the He Said/She Said Saga’s of Phaedra and Apollo:

She Said: “Should I take my sons to see their father in prison? I don’t want them around that crowd. I do not see myself meandering around prisons without being paid for it?

My take: Really, what about your sons? Remember what your friend, the doctor, said: They will hold being away from their father against you someday. Phaedra, you married Apollo knowing he was an ex-con. Do not play that card now, not at the cost of you sons knowing their father.

He Said: “I want to see my children, just not sure what she will do when I’m behind bars.”

My take: Come on Apollo, take some responsibility. Be more empathetic and treasure your time with your kids. ‘Woe is me’ time is over. You are father, so own it!

Speaking of “She said,” the Queen Diva housewives, Nene Leakes, said, “It’s an accomplishment to be a wife.”

By inference, she is saying all single women are losers. Claudia had the best retort: By this logic, are we to believe that Nene thinks she is better than Condoleeza Rice, Oprah Winfrey and Jill Scott because she “accomplished” getting married to Gregg Leakes? That’s just a silly statement made by a silly person. Any healthy relationship, including marriage, is an accomplishment. But “Mrs.” for the same of being “Mrs.,”not so much.

I loved when people face issues head-on, as Claudia did when she called out Porsha for accepting really big gifts from her men instead of earning them. Porsha responded by shutting Claudia down at her industry party. You have to admire Claudia for going into the lion’s den without hesitating. The result? A heated conversation, mutual hate, and entertaining TV.

On more thing from the Atlanta front…Kandi must understand that the viewers are not happy with the mother/daughter/husband dynamic in her family, especially after Todd’s mom passed.

On the Beverly Hills front, the “Sister – Sister” diaries continue, Kim is still addicted and Kyle, her sister, is fed up and not taking on all the responsibility any more – I luv it!

Kim’s buddy these days, Brandi, is still in full force. She’s being confronted by all the other housewives over, well, coming between sisters. Like the Brandi, we know, she attacks Yolanda, her most supportive housewife. And she attacks big by going after Yolanda’s daughter.

Another bombshell of the quiet type , Lisa Vanderpump can actually be vulnerable. Maybe not when it comes to friends. When it comes to her children, however, she is a ball of emotions. It was refreshing to see her show her softer side. After all, anyone would be emotional over their adopted child looking for their biological parents.

One more thing before we leave Beverly Hills, the new RHOBH, Eileen and Lisa Rinna, are bringing it! No more hiding behind the acting gate. They are now showing the real person underneath. I‘m loving it!

Can we drop by New Jersey by way of prison?

Yes, I’m talking about it, it’s been 40 days and RHONJ head diva is settled in behind bars. Well, as settled as you can be in prison. I’m hearing her skin is breaking out because of cheap makeup and her hair is not adapting well to the hair color products she’s using. The good news is that she’s cooking her recipes in the prison kitchen leading to fab meals for the inmates. Well, before you judge, she is a Housewife and, yes, we care.

Marquesa LaDawn is a professional business woman who escapes the pressures of living in New York City by retreating into the real world of reality TV. Visit her at www.Realitytvgirl.com.

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Related Topics:Marquesa LaDawn reality tv shows reality TV stars Reel-ality TV Talk The Real Housewives

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Bo Tefu

Gov. Newsom Highlights Record-Breaking Tourism Revenue, Warns of Economic Threats from Federal Policies

“California dominates as a premier destination for travelers throughout the nation and around the globe,” said Newsom. “With diverse landscapes, top-rate attractions, and welcoming communities, California welcomes millions of visitors every year. We also recognize that our state’s progress is threatened by the economic impacts of this federal administration, and are committed to working to protect jobs and ensure all Californians benefit from a thriving tourism industry.”

Published

4 days ago

May 19, 2025

Oakland Post

iStock.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom, along with the nonprofit organization Visit California, announced that tourism spending in California reached a record $157.3 billion in 2024, reinforcing the state’s status as the top travel destination in the United States.

The Governor made the announcement May 5, referencing Visit California’s 2024 Economic Impact Report, which highlights a 3% increase in tourism revenue over the previous year.

According to the report, California’s tourism sector supported 1.2 million jobs, generated $12.6 billion in state and local tax revenues, and created 24,000 new jobs in 2024.

Despite the gains in tourism revenue, Visit California’s revised 2025 forecast points to a 1% decline in total visitation and a 9.2% decrease in international travel. The downturn is attributed to federal economic policy and what officials are calling an impending “Trump Slump,” caused by waning global interest in traveling to the United States.

To offset projected losses, the Governor is encouraging Californians to continue traveling within the state and has launched a new campaign aimed at Canadian travelers.

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Activism

BOOK REVIEW: The Afterlife of Malcolm X

Betty Shabazz didn’t like to go to her husband’s speeches, but on that February night in 1965, he asked her to come with their daughters to the Audubon Ballroom in New York. Did Malcolm X sense that something bad would happen on that night? Surely. He was fully aware of the possibility, knowing that he’d been “a marked man” for months because of his very public break with the Nation of Islam.

Published

5 days ago

May 18, 2025

Oakland Post

Book Cover of the Afterlife of Malcolm X. Courtesy of Simon & Schuster.

By Terri Schlichenmeyer

Author: by Mark Whitaker, c.2025, Simon & Schuster, $30.99, 448 pages

Who will remember you in fifty years’ time?

A handful of friends – at least those who are still around – might recall you. Your offspring, grandkids, and greats, maybe people who stumble upon your tombstone. Think about it: who will remember you in 2075? And then read “The Afterlife of Malcolm X” by Mark Whitaker and learn about a legacy that still resonates a half-century later.

As the news of his murder spread around New York and around the world, his followers and admirers reacted in many ways. His friend, journalist Peter Goldman, was “hardly shocked” because he also knew that Malcolm’s life was in danger, but the arrest of three men accused of the crime didn’t add up. It ultimately became Goldman’s “obsession.”

Malcolm’s co-writer for The Autobiography of Malcolm X, Alex Haley, quietly finished the book he started with Malcolm, and a small upstart publishing house snatched it up. A diverse group of magazines got in line to run articles about Malcolm X’s life, finally sensing that White America “’needed his voice even more than Blacks did.’”

But though Malcolm X was gone, he continued to leave an impact.

He didn’t live long enough to see the official founding of the Black Panther Party, but he was influential on its beginning. He never knew of the first Kwanzaa, or the triumphs of a convert named Muhammad Ali.

Malcolm left his mark on music. He influenced at least three major athletes.

He was a “touchstone” for a president …

While it’s true that “The Afterlife of Malcolm X” is an eye-opening book, one that works as a great companion to the autobiography, it’s also a fact that it’s somewhat scattered. Is it a look at Malcolm’s life, his legacy, or is it a “murder mystery”?

Turns out, it’s all three, but the storylines are not smooth. There are twists and tangents and that may take some getting used-to. Just when you’re immersed, even absorbed in this book, to the point where you forget about your surroundings, author Mark Whitaker abruptly moves to a different part of the story. It may be jarring.

And yet, it’s a big part of this book, and it’s essential for readers to know the investigation’s outcome and what we know today. It doesn’t change Malcolm X’s legacy, but it adds another frame around it.

If you’ve read the autobiography, if you haven’t thought about Malcolm X in a while, or if you think you know all there is to know, then you owe it to yourself to find “The Afterlife of Malcolm X.”

For you, this is a book you won’t easily forget.

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Barbara Lee

WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries Kick Off Season with Community Programs in Oakland

“The Golden State Valkyries are more than a team—they’re a movement,” said Oakland Interim-Mayor Kevin Jenkins. “Their touchdown in Oakland marks a new era of opportunity, inspiration, and equity in sports. This partnership reflects our city’s deep commitment to uplifting women, investing in youth, and building a community where every dream has a place to grow. We’re proud to welcome the Valkyries to The Town.”

Published

5 days ago

May 18, 2025

Oakland Post

The Valkyries came to Oakland City Hall with a “Hoopbus.” Present were (from left to right): City Councilmembers Noel Gallo, Rebecca Kaplan, Zac Unger and Rowena Brown; Oakland Mayor-elect Barbara Lee, Valkyries President Jess Smith, a Valkyries team representative and Deputy Mayor LaNiece Jones. Photo courtesy Rebecca Kaplan’s office.

Team installs new nets at playgrounds, holds flag-raisings at City Halls in Oakland and S.F.

Special to The Post

The Golden State Valkyries brought the excitement of their inaugural season to every corner of the Bay Area with a full slate of community celebrations leading up to their historic home-opener against the Los Angeles Sparks at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Friday.

The week featured flag-raising ceremonies at city halls in Oakland and San Francisco, three “Violet Net” installation days at Oakland parks to encourage basketball play, fun “Hoopbus” takeovers at multiple schools presented by Kaiser Permanente, and player appearances.

In total, 90 violet nets were installed on 45 basketball courts across 34 public parks throughout Oakland this week. A list of the parks receiving violet nets can be found at Valkyries.com.

About the Golden State Valkyries

The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA affiliate of the seven-time NBA Champion Golden State Warriors, were announced as the 13th WNBA franchise on Oct. 5, 2023. According to Norse mythology, Valkyries are a host of warrior women who are fearless and unwavering – flying through air and sea alike.

This brand is Golden State’s modern interpretation of Valkyries: strong, bold, and fierce. Tipping off during the 2025 WNBA season, the team is headquartered in Oakland and will play home games at Chase Center in San Francisco. For Golden State Valkyries’ assets, including team logos, visit valkyries.com.