Dee Rees on Becoming the First Black American Woman Featured in the Criterion Collection with ‘Pariah’

Antonio Ferme editorZaila Avant-garde won the Scripps National Spelling Bee on Thursday night, becoming the first Black American winner in the competition’s 96-year history.The 14-year-old from Harvey, La., correctly spelled “murraya” — defined as “a genus of tropical Asiatic and Australian trees having pinnate leaves and flowers with imbricated petals” — to clinch victory.“Does this word contain the English word murray, which could be the name of a comedian or just an English name in general?”

We have a new Scripps National Spelling Bee champ: 14-year-old Zaila Avant-Garde! After the annual competition was cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Zaila emerged triumphant at the 2021 bee, making her the first Black American to take home the top prize. However, she’s not only an expert speller, but also a rising basketball star with multiple Guinness World Records to her name.

By By By Authentic, Accessible, RelevantMore from GlamourSee More Stories© 2021 Condé Nast. All rights reserved.

crowned the winner of the 2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee on Thursday night. Avant-garde, who is the first African-American winner of the bee, ended the competition with the word «murraya.» Avant-garde said she felt «really good» after her victory.

Instagram, where she showcases her dazzling skills on both the court and stage.  She hopes to attend Harvard, play in the WNBA and possibly coach one day in the NBA.

Zaila Avant-garde, a 14-year-old from Louisiana, has become the first black American student to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Fourteen-year-old Zaila Avant-garde took the top prize at the 2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee on Thursday by correctly spelling the word “murraya.” For those who aren’t botanists — or brilliant 8th graders — murraya is “a genus of flowering plants in the citrus family, Rutaceae,” according to Wikipedia.

Video: Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton are married (Yahoo Entertainment US) "At the wedding, Gwen starts, and she wrote this, 'Since I was a little girl, blah blah blah. .

Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani tied the knot in an intimate ceremony at their Oklahoma estate. Photos from their tasteful wedding were recently released by the couple on social media and it looked nothing less than a fairytale wedding.

A post shared by Gwen Stefani (@gwenstefani)"Dreams do come true," she captioned the picture on her Instagram. She later changed into a shorter gown, completed with high-heeled cowboy boots and short embellished veil.

Gwen Stefani married country star Blake Shelton over the weekend, the singer has revealed. The No Doubt singer tied the knot with Shelton in the US state of Oklahoma on Saturday - on the eve of the country's 4 July celebrations.

Video: Blake Shelton jokes his wedding to Gwen Stefani would be 'classless' if he planned it (USA TODAY)Take a look at the new trailer for 'Clifford the Big Red Dog'Biebers on hand for 'Dave' premiereElvis doc addresses manager's roleAdam Lambert: being gay is 'less taboo' now'Brady Bunch' chemistry back in actionPrince Harry says he's on 'different path' than brother Prince William in candid ITV interview'Please stop talking': Whoopi Goldberg, Meghan McCain spar on 'The View'Miss Universe, Miss

Gavin Rossdale was in a reflective mood over the weekend – sharing a very moving picture of him and his three sons to mark Independence Day.MORE: How Blake Shelton made intimate wedding to Gwen Stefani extra specialTaking to his Instagram on Sunday, the rockstar paid tribute to the special day, which commemorates the Declaration of Independence of the United States, by post a picture showing him and his sons with ex-wife Gwen Stefani walking on the beach. WATCH: Gwen Stefani's Son Zuma Enjoys

Video: Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton are married (Yahoo Entertainment US)'July 3rd 2021,' she captioned the video, indicating the date she had tied the knot with Blake. The No Doubt singer was dressed in a lustrous white stain robe with pink floral designs on the sleeves.

Video: Gwen Stefani & Blake Shelton reportedly wed in Oklahoma (Cover Video)NEWS OF THE WEEK: Bill Cosby is released from prison after conviction vacated by Pennsylvania courtNEWS OF THE WEEK: Joe Jonas & Sophie Turner celebrate second anniversary with wedding day snapsNEWS OF THE WEEK: Gal Gadot welcomes third childNEWS OF THE WEEK: Scarlett Johansson to launch beauty brandNEWS OF THE WEEK: Jason Sudeikis goes public with new romanceNEWS OF THE WEEK: Kim Kardashian providing Team USA with SKIMS

Congratulations are in order for Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton, who reportedly tied the knot over the 4th of July weekend. After meeting and falling in love six years ago while on The Voice USA, the American superstars made it official by exchanging vows in an intimate ceremony at Blake's sprawling Oklahoma ranch, Page Six reports.