Snoop and The Game Show Unity in LA

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Snoop Dogg and The Game united in LA on  Friday in response to the shootings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile who were shot and killed by police. Then to add more salt to the wounds of the nation, snipers killed five police officers during a Dallas protest.

Snoop explained to TMZ,  “that’s not the answer,” but added that “there’s a lot of built-up frustration.”  “You can’t answer hate with hate. You gotta answer hate with love. This is a love offering.”

Both Snoop who is affiliated with the Crips and The Game who is affiliated with the Bloods, put generational beefs and years of strife aside and came together to show that unity in this moment in time is the best and only response.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8hmxD0fciQ

20th Anniversary of the Million Man March!!

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Thousands of black rights activists from across the nation gathered Saturday on the National Mall to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Million Man March and call for policing reforms and changes in black communities.

Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, who spearheaded the original march, led the anniversary gathering Saturday at the Capitol called the “Justice or Else” march.  I remember being  a 14 year old boy back in 1995 the MMM was an awesome experience for a young buck like myself.  I remember seeing Maya Angelou and the late Rosa Parks speak, and just seeing so many black men gathered together for a positive cause was inspiring.

In 2015, Farrakhan called Black Lives Matter protesters the next leaders of the civil rights movement and called on older leaders to support them.

“What good are we if we don’t prepare young people to carry the torch of liberation to the next step?” he said.

At the march, the families of several unarmed African-American men and women killed in encounters with law enforcement encouraged the crowd to continue to speak out against police misconduct.

“We will not continue to stand by and not say anything anymore,” said Sybrina Fulton, the mother of Trayvon Martin, the 17-year-old black teen shot dead in Sanford, Florida on Feb. 26, 2012.

March participants spoke of their sense of purpose in guaranteeing black Americans rights for which many have fought for generations.

The original march on Oct. 16, 1995, brought hundreds of thousands to Washington, D.C. to pledge to improve their lives, their families and their communities. Women, whites and other ethnic minorities were not invited to the original march, but organizers said all were welcome Saturday.

The National Park Service estimated the attendance at the original march to be around 400,000, but subsequent counts by private organizations say the number was at least double that. The National Park Service has refused to give crowd estimates on Mall activities since.

Just a few statistics, in 1994, law enforcement agencies arrested 3.5 million African Americans, comprising 30.9 percent of all arrests, the FBI said. In 2013, law enforcement arrested 2.5 million African Americans, which made up 28 percent of all arrests, the latest FBI data shows.

Celebrities React to Nelson Mandela’s Pssing

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Nelson Mandela

One of the world’s greatest leaders and humanitarians, Nelson Mandela, passed away today at the age of 95. Politicians and celebrities alike took to social media to express their sympathy and remember the first black South African president for his courage, compassion, and everlasting legacy.

Personally, I am proud and honored to say that I stepped foot on the African soil where he fought and made no apologies for his movement and the people of South Africa.  Standing on Robben Island, actually seeing the cell where he was held for so many years; I could feel the spirit of freedom throughout the island.

Read some of their reactions below.

Beyoncé: Thank you for all you have sacrificed to improve the lives of other human beings. Rest in peace.❤️

Jay Z: Thank you. Rest In PEACE.

Mariah Carey: My heart is breaking with everybody in the world, yet I’m feeling so humbled and blessed to have been in the presence of this magnificent soul..arguably the greatest hero ever to grace us. His sacrifice & gift to the world are incomprehensible. RIP Mandela.

Rihanna: One of the greatest men who’s ever lived!!! #Legend We will never forget the things this man has taught us, and we will never truly comprehend the level of strength that it took for him to endure many of his years!! Thank you #Mandela

Justin Timberlake: One of our GREATEST leaders… Thank you for BEING the true meaning of compassion. May you be at peace now.

Lady Gaga: It is such a sad yet beautiful moment that Nelson Mandela has passed. A time to celebrate him & remember his contributions to humankind.

Nas: Thank you Nelson Mandela. All the best on your transition.

Nicki Minaj: A complete and fulfilled life of a King. We could never repay you for your dedicated, passionate fight against injustice. We enjoy the very liberties you gave your freedom for. Your legacy will never die. Thank you, and may God bless your soul. ***Madaraka kwa watu***

Kendrick Lamar: Advising all my young ones that follow me to research a small piece of Nelson Mandela Life. That’s how you pay your respect…… GO!

Lauryn Hill: God Bless you Honorable Nelson Madela! May you rest well. With Great Respect, Gratitude and Love!

Missy Elliott: #RIPNelsonMandela we can’t thank u enough for all the wisdom u have given to the world! A true Leader and loved by so many #rip

Ashanti: RIP to an Amazing Icon who has globally changed lives. Our generation has benefited from his sacrifices & struggles. My heart goes out to the entire Mandela family. God Bless. #Madiba #AntiApartheid

The-Dream: So much was Done, so much was Earned I can and will always look up to a King like you! Inspired all of us!

Elle Varner: I knew this day was coming but it doesn’t make it any easier……RIP my hero Madiba and thank you for your contribution to us all

Kelly Rowland: wow. #RIPNelsonMandela

K. Michelle: R.I.P Mr. Mandela

Dawn Richard: RIP #NelsonMandela …. Truly a beautiful spirit and an incredible leader.

Machine Gun Kelly: Mandela was such a strong revolutionary that even after his death, he’s very much alive. may he rest in peace.

The Game: I break from my #CeaseFire campaign to honor one of the greatest Leaders of our time in his demise. Nelson Mandela died today at the age of 95 years old. Your legacy will forever be remembered. Rest is Paradise KING.

LL Cool J: Nelson Mandela. What a difference one person can make. #RestEternally

Janelle Monáe: 1 of the most important&greatest individuals to walk on this Earth. Nelson Mandela. He walked the walk. He was 4 THE PEOPLE. Nelson Mandela.

Busta Rhymes: RIP 2 ONE OF OUR LAST TRULY GREAT KINGS AND GOD OF OUR UNIVERSE, THE LATE GREAT NELSON MANDELA!!! I WILL 4EVER LOVE U GREAT MAN & GREAT MIND

Marsha Ambrosius: R.I.P Nelson Mandela. Prayers and love to all. This great man will be missed NEVER FORGOTTEN!!! A true hero!!!

John Legend: What a heroic, beautiful life Mandela lived. Rest in peace.

Aubrey O’Day: Feel blessed 2 have met #NelsonMandela ..such an incredible contributor 2 humanity. He taught me that true dignity is precious beyond words!

Jessie J: Nelson Mandela showed and acted out in front of the world what the true meaning of “fight for what you believe in” is! Thank you for giving humanity your humbling spirit everyday until the very end. I am so happy that one day my future children will learn about you as a genuine leader of love and peace. An example to all. You are an angel. ❤️ R.I.P

Rick Ross: RIP NELSON MANDELA

Tinie Tempah: Your story will continue to inspire generations may your soul rest in perfect peace. R.I.P Nelson Mandela

Ludacris: Honored that I had a chance to meet this amazinginfluential being & to participate in his 46664 Aids benefit concert in South Africa. You will live on thru your work for eternity.

Beyonce’s ‘I Was Here’ Reaches 1 Billion Goal

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Social media history was made Sunday, and Beyoncé is getting credit for helping to make it happen.

Ahead of World Humanitarian Day, Beyonce released her music video, “I Was Here,” to inspire people to make a difference. The goal of the campaign was to generate 1 billion messages of hope and the campaign did that and better.

“Thanks to the amazing work of Beyoncé and our partners, we now have a global commitment to humanitarian action. The message of people helping people is universal. Making your mark and saying ‘I Was Here’ resonates powerfully with people all over the world,” said Valerie Amos, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs.

New Video: Beyoncé – ‘I Was Here’

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Beyoncé aims to reach 1 billion people on one day with one message of hope with the video for “I Was Here,” dedicated to World Humanitarian Day. The pop powerhouse has teamed up with the United Nations and humanitarian aid organizations to launch a global campaign to celebrate humanitarian work and encourage people worldwide to get involved by helping others on August 19. Beyoncé filmed the visuals in front of a live audience at the United Nations General Assembly Hall in New York earlier this month.

“It says, ‘I want to leave my footprints in the sands of time’ and it basically is all of our dreams,” B told Anderson Cooper of the Diane Warren-penned ballad off her latest album 4. “And that’s leaving our mark on the world. I feel like we all want to know that our life meant something.”

The video was helmed by production company Ridley Scott & Associates and directors Kenzo Digital and Sophie Muller (“Ring the Alarm,” “Deja Vu”).

To make your mark on World Humanitarian Day, visit  whd-iwashere.org.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=i41qWJ6QjPI

Beyoncé to Celebrate World Humanitarian Day with ‘I Was Here’ Video

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Via AP

Beyoncé is lending her voice to a good cause. The pop superstar has announced plans to shoot a video for “I Was Here” in honor of World Humanitarian Day.

 The 30-year-old singer has teamed up with the United Nations and humanitarian aid organizations to launch a global campaign to celebrate humanitarian work and encourage people worldwide to get involved by doing good for others.

The World Humanitarian Day music video for “I Was Here,” a ballad off Beyoncé’s 2011 album 4, will be filmed in front of a live audience at the UN General Assembly Hall in New York and released globally on August 19. Beyoncé and the song’s writer Diane Warren are donating the video to the campaign.

“We all see the headlines and we think what can I really do to help?” said Beyoncé. “World Humanitarian Day is an opportunity for all of us to work together to make a difference. This is our time to leave our mark on the world and show that we were here and we care.”

The video will be helmed by production company Ridley Scott & Associates and directors Kenzo Digital and Sophie Muller. The campaign aims to reach 1 billion people with a single message when it launches.

In 2008, the UN General Assembly designated August 19 as World Humanitarian Day to raise awareness for humanitarian assistance, recognize people who risk their lives to help others, and commemorate the day in 2003 when 22 people lost their lives in an attack on the UN offices in Baghdad.

PETA Goes After Dr. Dre Over Furry Headphones

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Hit producer/mogul Dr. Dre is in hot water with PETA over a new limited edition run of Beats by Dre headphones.

Dre, born Andre Young, has teamed with Oscar De La Renta to release a limited-edition line of Beats by Dre earmuff headphones, that are wrapped in fox fur.

Earlier in the week Michelle Cho, a representative for PETA, fired off a letter to Dr. Dre urging him to respect animal rights.

“We wanted to get in touch to urge you to keep fur and exotic-animal skins out of your Beats by Dre designs,” Michelle Cho wrote. “Foxes, minks, rabbits, and other animals—including cats and dogs—are bludgeoned, genitally electrocuted, strangled with wire nooses, drowned, and even skinned alive for their pelts.”

Cho explained to Dr. Dre that most animals are killed for their fur in China, because there are no penalties for animal abuse want for farms.

Cho also provided Dr. Dre with a video featuring Eva Mendes, to educate himself on animal abuse.

Cho urged Dr. Dre to use his influence around the world to make a positive difference in the lives animals.

“You have a tremendous amount of influence on young people,” Cho continued. “Won’t you please consider using your platform to advocate kindness toward animals by pledging never to design with real fur and exotic skins?”

Dr. Dre’s Beats by Dre fox fur earmuff headphones retail for $695.

Jay-Z to Play Carnegie Hall for Charity

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Jay-Z has performed at New York landmarks including Yankee Stadium and Madison Square Garden, and now he’s headed to Carnegie Hall. The hip-hop superstar has announced two concerts at the legendary venue to raise money for charity.

Billed as one of his most intimate performances in years, the shows will take place at Carnegie’s Stern Auditorium on February 6 at 8:00 p.m and February 7 at 9:30 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the United Way of New York City and the Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation, raising dollars to help boost on-time graduation rates in underserved New York City schools and put college within reach for low-income students across the five boroughs.

“It’s every artist’s dream to play a venue as legendary as Carnegie Hall,” stated Jay-Z. “The fact that I can use the arts and my talent to benefit the education of the next generation of artists, entrepreneurs, and great thinkers makes for a legendary night. I’m proud to be a part of the continuing work of United Way of New York City and expanding the Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation.”

Private ticket packages will go on sale December 12. Additionally, a limited number of single tickets will be offered to the public starting January 30 at 11:00 a.m.