August 31, 2017 

By Lauren Poteat 

NNPA Newswire Contributor 

During a star-studded showcase of social activism, creativity and courage, BET celebrated the achievements of Black women and girls at the “Black Girls Rock! 2017” awards show.

Taraji P. Henson, the award-winning actress and star of the hit television show “Empire,” hosted the event that was held at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, New Jersey.

Henson said that “Black Girls Rock! 2017” honored Black women and girls from the boardroom to the block on stage and onscreen.

“There are so many examples of gorgeous Black women changing the world and perceptions of beauty,” said Henson. The “Empire” star and Washington, D.C. native said that the event was dedicated to Black love and “the fearless women, who remind us every day, that the sky is not the limit, it’s only the view.”

“Black Girls Rock! 2017” featured entertainers, philanthropists, community leaders and athletes; Anthony Hamilton, India.Arie, SZA and Tyrese performed. Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), whose “reclaiming my time” proclamation during a recent hearing in Congress went viral, was honored for her service and leadership in the Black community; Waters received the “Social Humanitarian” award.

“I want you to know that if it was not for the love and respect shown to me by Black women, those right-wing ultra conservatives would have me believe I’m too Black, I’m too confrontational, I’m too tough, and I’m too disrespectful of them,” Waters said. “But, now I know I’m simply a strong, Black woman.”

Music legend Roberta Flack, pop star Solange Piaget Knowles, "Insecure" producer and star Issa Rae, and the uber-successful businesswoman Suzanne Shank were also honored.

A biography posted on the “Black Girls Rock” website said that, “Shank co-founded a trillion-dollar municipal finance firm, Siebert Cisneros Shank & Co., L.L.C., from the ground up. She is CEO and chairwoman of the company. Her firm has transacted $1.4 trillion of municipal bonds and more than $1.1 trillion of corporate bond and equity transactions since its founding in 1996.”

The biography continued: “Shank is the most successful African-American women on Wall Street and continues to grow her business with her niche. If a city or state needs funding for infrastructure or environment developments, her firm is their first choice. Suzanne Shank took on Wall Street and is dominating.”

On the red carpet, before the show, Sports Illustrated model Ebonee Davis said that Black women and girls are often told that they’re not good enough.

“These barriers that society has...I just want to break all of that down and I want [Black women] to realize how beautiful and how powerful we are,” said Davis.

R&B singer Ne-Yo said that Black girls rock, because they have passion, integrity and class.

“We’re born with style, we’re born with swag we’ve got that coming out of the womb, but passion and integrity and class are things you choose to have, as a woman,” said the World of Dance judge.

Actress Michelle Mitchenor said that the strength of Angela Davis and Harriet Tubman runs through the veins of today’s Black women that lead movements, start their own businesses and run major corporations.

“Realize and understand your worth,” said Mitchenor. “We are beautiful and we rock!”

August 31, 2017

Aries March 21 - April 19 

Although you may have responsibilities, the focus on fun and leisure continues, which could be a bit of a distraction. You may not yet be ready to commit to your routine and getting more done, but you’ll get into your groove over the coming weeks. Restlessness could see you pursuing other options and finding it hard to settle, but a breakthrough may be possible because of this. The services of a coach or teacher could help you reach your full potential. 

Taurus April 20 - May 20 

As Mercury, the planet of talk and thought, moves back into your home zone, you may be drawn to connect with family and friends you haven’t seen in a while. The coming weeks can be a great opportunity for a reunion that gives you a chance to catch up. You might want to discuss your latest plans or introduce new members of the family to each other. On another note, pooling your resources can enable you to accomplish more than you might alone. It’s worth considering. 

Gemini May 21 - June 20 

As talkative Mercury, your personal planet, moves back into Leo and your sector of communication, the coming weeks offer a chance to review recent plans and make any changes. Don’t be too quick to sign contracts or make promises or commitments, as things may not work out as planned during this phase. The days ahead could see you aspiring to bigger opportunities, but take your time and avoid making spontaneous decisions. If you can pace yourself, you might do very well. 

Cancer June 21 - July 22 

The coming days and weeks can be an opportunity to go over your accounts and review your spending. You could also benefit from taking whatever precautions might be necessary to keep your personal details safe. Even so, the urge to splurge could be particularly strong over the weekend, and this is something to watch out for. At the same time, an opportunity could appear out of the blue and you might need to be quick if you’re going to grab it.

Leo July 23 - August 22 

With Mercury, the planet of mind and communication, moving backward into your sign, the past could figure into the present. You may feel moved to hold a reunion, or you might unexpectedly encounter old friends or even an old flame. You could also be tempted to escape from too much routine and do something a little bit different, such as take a trip or enjoy some time alone. A big idea could prove successful if you put your mind to it.

Virgo August 23 - September 22 

As convivial Mercury, your guide planet, backs into your sector of spirituality, you may find that you’re more in touch with your feelings, especially buried anger. This doesn’t mean that you should express it, but instead trace it back to its source. You also might want to channel this energy into vigorous exercise or hard work. If you do, you might feel fitter or accomplish more than you have in some time. On another note, a home-based project could succeed very nicely now.

Libra September 23 - October 22 

The coming week or so could bring opportunities for reunions, whether organized by you or another. This can be a chance to catch up on news and perhaps see more of these people in the future. It’s also possible that an unexpected encounter could encourage a spontaneous attraction. This might become a romance or friendship, but it could fade away unless you nurture it carefully. Regarding a key plan, detailed research and positive action can help you accomplish much.

Scorpio October 23 - November 21 

You might need to revisit an idea, particularly if things aren’t working out as you’d hoped. But with quicksilver Mercury presently retrograde in your sector of goals, it would be just as well not to be in too much of a hurry. Meanwhile, an opportunity could become available, and this may be one occasion when you need to be quick off the mark or you could miss it. When it comes to money matters, allow your intuition to guide your actions.

Sagittarius November 22 - December 21 

Are you thinking of going on a vacation? If so, it might be wise to check that you have everything you need. Also double-check your passport, tickets, and hotel accommodations. The coming days and weeks could coincide with misunderstandings or delays, but an unexpected detour or snafu could also prove beneficial. If you’ve been busy, you may opt for a spontaneous trip that allows you to explore new territory, and this could prove very revitalizing.

Capricorn December 22 - January 19 

You could feel moved to review certain changes and consider how things have altered since they were implemented. In this instance, the focus is on a deeper emotional transformation that may be possible if you can let go of people or situations that no longer serve you. This can also be a time of insight, when the answer to a family matter could show up out of the blue and lead to a swift solution. It would still be wise to check the facts before you proceed.

Aquarius January 20 - February 18 

The present astrological backdrop could lead to misunderstandings unless you can make sure that others get your message. You might have more success if you’re prepared to talk things over and find positive solutions through discussion. An electric encounter could see you and another getting along very well, and this could lead to a new friendship or collaboration on a key project if you can maintain this bond. Cautiously stepping outside your comfort zone could be fun over the weekend.

Pisces February 19 - March 20 

You might need to go over a project you’ve already completed or review the details of a plan. You could find that by doing so things work out much better. Due to lively Mercury’s retrograde phase, you might need to take care in general if you’re to avoid mishaps. You might also be eager to look and feel healthier, especially if you want to impress a certain someone. But don’t do too much too soon. Pacing yourself can ensure you benefit from your efforts. 

August 31, 2017 

By Brittany K. Jackson 

Contributing Writer 

Long time actress Tasha Smith has made her directorial debut with the highly-anticipated film ‘When Love Kills: The Falicia Blakely Story’, exploring how life in the fast lane is bound to take turns for the worst.  

The film follows the tempestuous story of Falicia Blakely, a teenage mother who becomes entranced in a lifestyle of exotic dancing, violence and crime after meeting a charming pimp named Dino. Starring Lance Gross as Dino and Niatia ‘Lil Mama’ Kirkland as Blakely, viewers can expect to experience a predatory meets prey tale of lies, sex, drugs, murder and deceit. The cast also features appearances from reality-TV personality Tami Roman, who plays Stacey, Blakely’s mother, along with cameos from boxing champion Floyd Mayweather, Big Freedia, and Lil Zane, amongst others. 

Given the details of Blakely’s murderous tirade as we know it, most would consider her actions unforgiveable. Although Blakely’s upbringing was heavily stressed during her trial in hopes gaining a lesser sentence, the murder of three men within a two-day period sealed her fate in DeKalb County jail for life, without the possibility of parole.

For Tasha Smith, it was critical to tap deeper into Blakely’s individual thought process, exploring why she felt her loyalty to Dino was more important than human life. Smith also said making this film taught her more about herself. “I’ve got to trust God, I’ve got to trust my instincts, my creative ability to communicate and that was one of the biggest things I’ve learned,” she said.

Kirkland said that for her, it was important to be a voice for women who’ve endured multiple forms of abuse and manipulation. “For me it was a sacrifice, it was a sacrifice for women all over the world,” she said.

Gross, who’s known to star in roles that are a bit more light-hearted, says that he had to pull from his experiences growing up in Oakland, California to prepare for the role. “Everybody knows me as the nice guy, so even casting directors, they’ll look past me for stuff like this, but luckily Tasha believed in me, you know she gave me a chance,” Gross said.  “People forget that we’re actors, we transform,” he added.

The one question Gross said he would ask his character was if Dino truly ever loved Falicia Blakely. Well, we know one thing is for sure, true love wouldn’t allow one to intentionally place their partner in dangerous and compromising situations.

Overall, Smith says that the key takeaway of the film is to “love yourself and love your purpose, and love your future more than you love the streets.” When Love Kills: The Falicia Blakely Story is set to premiere on TV ONE August 28, 2017. For exclusive interview, visit www.lasentinel.net.