
ABOVE PHOTO: Roundabout Theatre Company’s “A Soldier’s Play” on Broadway. Pictured (l-r): Jerry O’Connell, David Allen Grier, Blair Underwood, Nnamdi Asomugha (Photo: Marc Franklin)
By Florence Anthony
Up and coming rapper and singer Juice Wrld died December 8 after suffering a seizure as he walked through Chicago’s Midway Airport. He just turned 21 the prior week. Juice, whose real name was Jurad Anthony Higgins, had just landed in the Windy City from Los Angeles. Onlookers reportedly said he was bleeding from the mouth and was pronounced dead at a Chicago hospital. Juice’s first big hit, “Lucid Dreams,” came in the summer of 2018, reaching #2 on the charts. The emcee also sang the hook on Travis Scott’s “Astroworld” cut, “No Bystanders”. Ironically, Juice also recorded a song called “Legends” about Lil Peep and XXXTentacion‘s death. The lyrics said: “What’s the 27 Club? We ain’t make it past 21.” Condolences to Juice Wrld’s family, loved ones and fans…..
Award-winning actress Kerry Washington‘s husband, Nnamdi Asomugha, has transitioned from NFL player to Broadway actor. He is making his Broadway debut in the Roundabout Theater Company’s first Broadway production of my Howard University fellow alumni, Charles Fuller‘s award-winning drama, “A Soldier’s Play,” portraying Private First Class Melvin Peterson. Asomugha, who retired from the NFL after a stellar 11-year career as a four-time All-Pro Cornerback, is considered the “best player in the Oakland Raiders franchise ever.” He joins three-time Tony award nominee David Alan Grier, two-time Golden Globe nominee Blair Underwood, Jerry O’Connell and a stellar cast, in this magnificent play, directed by Tony award winner Kenny Leon.
International recording artist Deborah Cox gives her fans a special treat this holiday season with the release of ” Gimme Some Christmas.” Cox recorded the soon-to-be classic for Disney’s 2019 holiday movie, Noelle. “Gimme Some Christmas’ is a sassy and slightly naughty song,” she said. “That’s what I love about it. I feel it has a classic and timeless feel that could become a season favorite.” Cox has been making the rounds promoting her new R&B single, “Easy Way,” which will be featured on her forthcoming studio album, scheduled for release in 2020.
On November 26, celebrity philanthropist/Author and Mission Society board member, Jean Shafiroff, along with her husband, Martin, hosted a gathering to kick off the holiday season and celebrate the Mission Society’s impact on New York City. With over 100 guests in attendance, Ms. Shafiroff welcomed family and friends to “party with a purpose” by learning more about the Mission Society’s educational programs and getting involved in the organization. Guests included Mission Society President, Elsie McCabe Thompson, and New York State Assembly member Rebecca Seawright, among others. ” The holidays can be a difficult time for many of the families that the Mission Society serves. I hope this gathering inspires people to learn more about our important programs and to give back to help lift others up,” Shafiroff said.
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