Empire

Malik Yoba is Giving Back Through Real Estate, Education, and Media!

“It was a moment while shooting, I wanted to bring three of my passions together, real estate, filmmaking, and young people,” said Yoba. “I shared that idea with a woman who is now my Chief of Staff. Two days later she gave me a deck which said, ‘I rebuild New York,’ and she had articulated my vision.”

IN MEMORIAM: Iconic Actor Clarence Williams III Dead at 81

His role as “Linc” on “The Mod Squad” in the 1970s, catapulted Williams into the mainstream. But some of his best work came on the big screen, particularly as Prince’s father in the 1984 hit, “Purple Rain,” and nine years later in the Wesley Snipes drama, “Sugar Hill.”

Howard University Announces Legendary Actress, Alumna Phylicia Rashad As Dean of the Newly Reestablished College of Fine Arts

“In this full circle moment, Ms. Phylicia Rashad will take the training and skills that she honed as a student at Howard and exuded in an outstanding performing career, and she will share those pearls of wisdom with the next generation of students in the College of Fine Arts. Her passion for the arts and student success makes her a perfect fit for this role,” announced Howard’s Provost Anthony K. Wutoh.

Jussie Smollett: Chicago Prosecution was Malicious

Former “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett is suing Chicago for malicious prosecution and says the city should not seek payment from him to cover the cost of the investigation into his claim that he was a victim of a racist and homophobic attack because it accepted his $10,000 bail “as payment in full.”

Jussie Smollett: Chicago Prosecution was Malicious

CHICAGO (AP) — Former “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett says his $10,000 payment after the close of a criminal case should prevent Chicago from seeking reimbursement for a police investigation of his claim that he was a victim of a racist and homophobic attack. Full Coverage: Jussie Smollett Smollett’s attorneys filed a response Tuesday to Chicago’s lawsuit in federal court. They also filed a counterclaim against the city, saying Smollett was the victim of a malicious prosecution that caused humiliation and extreme distress. Smollett told police that he was beaten in January by two men who looped a noose around his neck.

Terrence Howard Receives Walk of Fame Star

Directors Malcolm D. Lee and Dito Montiel preceded Howard in speaking at the 11:30 a.m. ceremony in front of the El Centro Complex on Hollywood Boulevard, near the corner of Hollywood and Vine. Lee directed Howard in the 1999 romantic comedy-drama  “The Best Man” and its 2013 sequel, “The Best Man Holiday.” Montiel directed Howard in the 2009 sports action drama “Fighting.”

Empire Star Taraji Henson Speaks on Suicide and Mental Health on Capitol Hill

“It breaks my heart to know that 5-year-old children are contemplating life and death, I just…I’m sorry. That one is tough for me. So, I’m here to appeal to you, because this is a national crisis. When I hear of kids going into bathrooms, cutting themselves, you’re supposed to feel safe in school,” Henson told the members of Congress and those in the audience in a hearing room on Capitol Hill in Washington.

Another “Empire” Actor Arrested, but on Traffic Offense

Bryshere Gray courtesy photo CHICAGO (AP) — Another “Empire” actor has been arrested in Chicago, but this time on a traffic-related offense. Police spokeswoman Karie James said Monday that Bryshere Gray, who plays a younger brother of Jussie Smollett’s character on the Chicago-based Fox TV show, was pulled over Thursday because a temporary license plate didn’t match the 2014 Rolls Royce he was driving. She says he was arrested on a misdemeanor registration charge and ticketed for driving an uninsured vehicle and failure to carry a driver’s license. James says the 25-year-old Gray isn’t in custody, but it wasn’t immediately

Watching a father & son

It is not just that the DJ Pryor and son video is adorable. It reminds the viewer of the components of love that must exist between a parent and child.

A Sold-Out Crowd Gathered to Honor African Americans In The LGBTQ+ Community

The black-tie affair honored African American, trailblazing men and women whose personal and professional accomplishments have positively impacted the perception and image of the Black LGBTQ+ community. The Truth Awards embodies the belief that members of the Black LGBTQ+ community and its allies who embrace and live their truth should be recognized and honored.  In addition, BBLA awarded $13,000 in scholarships to college-bound students Julian Roberson, Algernon Jackson, and Moses Hinton.

Jussie Smollett will Not Return to ‘Empire’ for Next Season

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Fox Entertainment said Tuesday that Jussie Smollett will not return to his series “Empire” next season in the wake of allegations by Chicago officials the actor lied about a racially motivated attack. “By mutual agreement, the studio has negotiated an extension to Jussie Smollett’s option for season six, but at this time there are no plans for the character of Jamal to return to ‘Empire,’” the studio said in a statement that gave no reasoning was given for the decision. Fox announced earlier Tuesday that the drama about a hip-hop record label and the fiery family

For Jussie Smollett, One Story Equals 16 Felony Counts

News that a grand jury had indicted “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett for allegedly lying to Chicago police about being attacked by two masked men may not have made much of a splash except for one thing: The lone felony count that Smollett had been arrested on last month had turned into 16.