Bounce said farewell to the best drama series on television, “Saints & Sinners” on Sunday, May 22. Seasons one through five are available at www.BrownSugar.com. The mega-hit original series is the most-watched show in Bounce history and has been a breakthrough success, attracting a huge and loyal fanbase and taking them on a rollercoaster ride every season. “Saints & Sinners” is set against the backdrop of a large southern church and centered around the pursuit of power, intertwined with greed, deception, corruption, compromising sexual affairs, and murder. Vanessa Bell Calloway and Clifton Powell lead the series. I sure will miss spending Sunday nights with them.
Usher made a surprise visit to a volunteer training workshop hosted by Usher’s New Look (UNL), the youth development foundation he launched 23 years ago to provide access, training, mentorship, and support of Black youth, at Centennial Academy in midtown Atlanta on May 10. Training took place over a four-day period. Usher engaged with the teaching and support staff and stopped by each of the Powered by Service classrooms to give students a brief overview of the UNL history and why he started the nonprofit. Powered by Service is part of UNL’s comprehensive program of training, mentorship and access to resources for underserved youth across the country. Since its founding in 1999, Usher’s New Look has helped transform the lives of 50,000 young people.
On May 17, HBO Max and The Root (of G/O Media) held an advanced screening event at Syndicated Bar Theater Kitchen in Brooklyn, to celebrate the upcoming premiere of the second season of the HBO Original series, “PAUSE with Sam Jay.” Emmy-nominated comedian and writer Sam Jay joined a room filled with notable guests, media and influencers to view the first episode of the new season, followed by a discussion moderated by Vanessa De Luca, editor-in-chief of The Root. Created by Sam Jay and Prentice Penny, “PAUSE with Sam Jay” offers a new take on the late-night talk show format.
Lil’ Kim was reportedly among the stars at the Empire State Building lighting ceremony to honor the 50th birthday of the late Notorious B.I.G. whose real name was Christopher Wallace. The event was presented in partnership with Bad Boy/Atlantic/Rhino Records and the Christopher Wallace Estate on May 20. Biggie’s mom, Voletta Wallace and Lil’ Kim looked fabulous. The Brooklyn raptress was dressed in Versace and carried a Hermes Birkin purse. Biggie’s children C.J. and T’Yanna Wallace were also in attendance.