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Weekly Wrap-Up: #PRAYFORHAITI

It’s that time of the week! With the end of each week comes another recap into some of the biggest headlines. From world news to politics and entertainment, we’ve got you covered!

Birth of a Nation Flops in the Box Office

Birth of a Nation

The Nate Parker film, Birth of a Nation, premiered in theaters this past Friday. The film stars director and producer Nate Parker, alongside Armie Hammer, Colman Domingo, and Aja Naomi King. The story follows Nat Turner, who led a slave rebellion during the 1800s. The film first premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival and after receiving positive reviews as well as winning the Audience Award and Grand Jury Prize in U.S. Dramatic, it was set to be released to theaters.

After such a positive response at the Sundance Film Festival, the film didn’t meet its former grand expectations when it finished 6th in the box office its opening weekend. Many people planned to boycott the film because prior to the release of the film, the 1999 rape allegations against Nate Parker and his Birth of a Nation co-writer, Jean Celestin, resurfaced. Both were accused of sexually assaulting a fellow student. Nate Parker was cleared of the charges while Celestin was sentenced to six months in prison before the case was declared a mistrial.

Gabrielle Union, who stars in the film and has spoken out about her own rape, has stated that she supports “every victim and survivor” if they choose not to see the film.

Hurricane Matthew Ravages Haiti

Haiti

It seems that nature has been no friend to Haiti. In 2010, we all heard about the earthquake that took over 100,000 lives and more recently, Hurricane Matthew which has claimed over 1000 lives. According to the Huffington Post, the hurricane met the shores of Haiti with 145 mph winds that left 1.4 million people in need of assistance.

Organizations like the Red Cross, CARE, Mercy Corps, and the Salvation Army are taking donations to help with the relief program.

Rest in Peace – Thomas Mikal Ford

Thomas Mikal Ford

Although he starred in the film Class Act, he is best known for his role as Tommy Strawn on the hit show “Martin.” After he was done trying to convince America that he in fact had a job, he had a recurring role on the TV show “The Parkers.” On Sunday, it was announced that he had been hospitalized and was on life support from an abdominal aneurysm. He passed on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at 52 years old.

ROCK THE VOTE!

Rock the Vote

Are you 18 or over?! Are you registered to vote?! If not, you need to do so and quickly! This Tuesday marks the last day that anyone can register to vote! There are 31 states that can register online, but if you’re not one of those states, you’ll have to send your form in by mail!

The most recent debate took place this past Sunday, October 9 and the next one is scheduled for Wednesday, October 19. Educate yourself on the presidential and congressional candidates! If you’re wise about politics, you know that seldom can a president accomplish anything without the backing of Congress.

There are 469 Congress seats up for grabs, not to mention the next president will be decided November 8. If you’re eligible to vote and still choose not to, just know that you have no grounds to complain about the president or Congress for the next four years!

Make sure you rock the vote!

Birthday Shout Outs!

Birthday Shout Outs

Happy 47th Birthday to MC Lyte! (Oct. 11)

Happy 48th Birthday to Tisha Campbell-Martin! (Oct. 13)

Happy 38th Birthday to Usher! (Oct. 14)

Be sure to tune in next week to our next Weekly Wrap Up!

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