Entertainment

Kim Kardashian partners with company to help 5k inmates get jobs

Published

5 years ago

June 17, 2019

Eric

Kim Kardashian is working with rideshare giant Lyft to help secure jobs for over 5 thousand inmates after they leave jail.

According to TMZ, the company is working round the clock to get these inmates jobs immediately after they leave jail. This is going on smoothly all thanks to Kim Kardashian’s continuous effort at getting these guys out of jail and securing a normal life after prison.

Reports say this new move is a long-term plan in place to make sure those released from prison will continue to get opportunities for years to come.

This is going on smoothly all thanks to Kim Kardashian's continuous effort at getting these guys out of jail and securing a normal life after prison [Instagram/KimKardashianWest]

This is coming a few days after her visit to the White House where she had the audience of the president of the United States, Donald Trump and announce her partnership with Lyft. It is no news that Kim Kardashian has been on a campaign to help get inmates who have had a second chance to get out of jail secure jobs and accommodation.

White House senior adviser Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, right, sit with Kim Kardashian West, who is among the celebrities who have advocated for criminal justice reform, as they listen to President Donald Trump speak about second chance hiring in the East Room of the White House, Thursday June 13, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

A few weeks ago, Kim Kardashian visited an inmate on death row at San Quentin State Prison which kind of got a lot of buzz.

The purpose of her visit is to free an inmate who has been awaiting death since 1983 [Instagram/KimKardashianWest]

The purpose of her visit is to free an inmate who has been awaiting death since 1983. According to TMZ, 61-year-old Kevin Cooper was convicted of committing 4 heinous murders in Chino Hills, CA in the ’80s and sent directly to death row.

Between then and now, the death penalty was suspended, reinstated, there was a gas chamber and then death by lethal injection and all the while Cooper sat waiting to die, always proclaiming his innocence.

61-year-old Kevin Cooper was convicted of committing 4 heinous murders in Chino Hills, CA in the '80s and sent directly to death row [TMZ]

TMZ also reports that Kim Kardashian back in 2018, asked then-Governor of California, Jerry Brown, to look into Cooper’s case because it appeared that he was being framed up for the murders crimes.

The then governor ordered for a new DNA test to prove that Kevin Cooper was an innocent man. California’s new Governor, Gavin Newsom, ordered additional testing in February 2019. Kim Kardashian decided to visit the prison because she wanted to see Kevin one-on-one. It reported that after chatting with Kevin, Kim believed that he was innocent.

Entertainment

Anike Performs at the 55th Annual Dove Awards

Published

5 days ago

October 5, 2024

Eric

By Samantha Ofole-Prince

Nigerian-American rapper Anike was one of several artists who performed at Gospel music’s biggest night of the year. It was the first time, Anike, formerly known as Wande, has performed at the Dove Awards.

An annual event which showcases many of the nation’s leading Christian music artists, this year’s awards show was held in Nashville, Tennessee.

Other performers included Chandler Moore, Tye Tribbett and gospel icon CeCe Winans, who not only took home three trophies but opened the show with a joy-fueled performance of “That’s My King” complete with a 24-person choir.

“I’m known for my music all over the world,” shared CeCe Winans as she accepted her accolade for Artist of the Year. “People know me for my music. God only knows me for my relationship with Him. With every breath that I am able, I will sing of the goodness of God.”

An event where artists from every style of gospel music come together for a night of music and celebration, winners included Jonathan Smith, Brandon Lake, Chandler Moore, and Jason Ingram. Song of the Year went to “Holy Forever,” honoring songwriters Chris Tomlin, Brian Johnson, Jenn Johnson, Jason Ingram and Phil Wickham. Gospel Music icons Bill and Gloria Gaither were honored with the Jackie Patillo Leadership Award.

Photos by Jamie Gilliam, Terry Wyatt & Tessa Voccola

Entertainment

I Made Up My Mind to Become an Actor at 16 – Jimmy Akingbola

Published

2 weeks ago

September 28, 2024

Eric

By Samantha Ofole-Prince

Versatile and quite talented, Jimmy Akingbola plays Geoffrey in “Bel-Air,” the remake of the hit ’90s sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” which starred Will Smith, and has built an impressive resume with several projects that include “Arrow,” the award-winning television series “Ted Lasso,” “Rise” and “Hero: The Extraordinary Life of Mr. Ulric Cross.”

The British thespian, who is of Nigerian descent, was one of several actors, who shared his journey to Hollywood at AAFCA’s annual event Spotlighting Black British Actors in America.

Akingbola, who made his American debut on the television show “Arrow,” had hopes of pursuing a career in sports but sought a career on the screen when he caught the acting bug as a teenager.

“I watched a lot of American films and television and was inspired by what I saw and did a one man monologue stand up show,” he shares. “People laughed and I got a standing ovation and at 16 I decided I wanted to become an actor.”

It was a long road for the Akingbola who worked several odd jobs including a job as an usher to pay his way through drama school before landing his first project.

Despite a successful acting career in the U.K., he was inspired to move to America by actors such as Delroy Lindo, Idris Elba and Emmon Walker and the slew of other Brits who were carving out careers in Hollywood.

“It was a risk as I had to start from scratch,” admits the actor. “It wasn’t paved with gold and I had to be humble.”

Akingbola, who cites actor Don Cheadle (“Hotel Rwanda”) as an inspiration, also runs the Triforce Creative Network which provides opportunities for actors, writers, directors and producers.

Established in 2003, the African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) is America’s largest organization of black film critics.

Entertainment

Akon Releases First Single in a Decade

Published

2 weeks ago

September 26, 2024

Eric

The first artist to hold the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching one billion views on YouTube, Akon who has been noticeably silent the last few years, is back with a new single.

Called “Akon’s Beautiful Day,” it’s due out October 4 via Konvict Kulture Records.

The release of the single coincides with the 20th anniversary of his debut album, “Trouble,” which launched him into superstardom with hits like “Locked Up.” and the song’s message resonates with his mission to inspire millions through his work in Africa, where he is working on access to energy with ‘Akon Power & Lighting Africa.’

The track also features a viral hook sung by 10-year-old Jamaican student Jermaine Edwards, whose heartwarming performance at school captivated audiences around the globe.

Akon was instrumental in the early development of Lady Gaga and T-Pain, signing them to his label and helped shape their careers. He is also embarking on “Akon Super Fan Tour Asia,” and is working on a documentary film in partnership with Kevin Hart and Hartbeat called “Headliners Only.”

Feature Photo: Shola Orolugbagbe