TODAY IS:
On September 16th, 1979,Sugar Hill Gang's "Rapper's Delight," the first rap record, was released on Sugar Hill Records, the New Jersey-based label formed by Sylvia Robinson, formerly of Mickey & Sylvia. It was the first rap single to become a Top-40 hit onBillboard'sHot 100 chart.
TODAY'S TOPICS:
AUDRA MCDONALD STARTS GROUP IN RESPONSE TO BROADWAY’S “EERIE SILENCE” OVER DEATH OF GEORGE FLOYD
Broadway star Audra Mcdonald has launched a new initiative called Black Theater United. The group is a response to what Audra called the “eerie silence” from the Broadway community in the wake of the death of George Floyd. The non-profit will work to raise awareness and “work on the micro issue of systemic racism within the theater community, and then the macro issue of systemic racism within our country.” (YouTube)
REALITY SHOW CHRONICLING FREEDOM, GEORGIA INITIATIVE IN THE WORKS
A new reality show will spotlight the 19 Black families who banded together to buy up 97 acres of land to start their own community called Freedom, Georgia. The initiative aims to create a safe space for Black families and to build generational wealth. TMZ reports that the two women who came up with the idea —Renee WaltersandAshley Scott— are currently fielding offers from a number of major networks and production companies. But whoever winds up cutting a deal will have to agree to let the residents own the content and the rights to it, plus will have final say over how the show is edited and aired. (TMZ)
FLORIDA TOWN RECONSIDERS LAW BANNING SAGGY PANTS
Officials in Opa-Locka, Florida, recently came together to abolish a law that's banned its predominantly Black and Hispanic community from wearing saggy pants that expose undergarments, since 2007. In a 2013 amendment, women were included as part of the ordinance. If violated you could be subject to a citation with a fine of up to $500. Vice MayorChris Davisis the one who proposed the repeal, stating though its intention was to encourage people to dress appropriately in public, it targeted certain groups of people. The vote would require a second wave of approved votes at its next commissioners meeting to take effect. (WSVN-TV)