Photos from Pride Weekend at The Eagle’s new location. All photos by Russ Bowen-Youngblood.
07.10.2022 - 02:39 / thegavoice.com
A staff member at my son’s school emailed me shortly after classes returned in August. She listened to me on the radio back in the day, and we’ve gotten to know each other in recent years, so the email was more personal than professional. “I thought you’d appreciate this,” she began.
She was visiting Mr. Carter’s second grade classroom and didn’t want to interrupt the lesson, so she stood to the side until it was over. A few of the students were telling something about themselves to start the new year. When it was my son’s turn, he announced he had two moms.
“You’re so lucky,” said one of his classmates.
“I know,” was his reply.
That staff member knew what it would mean to me when she described the scene in her message and relayed that she herself was touched by the experience. And she was right in her assumption; I cried.
I cried not because it was the first time he had said that in public, since he tends to let everyone know who his parents are. He tells everyone from the grocery store clerk to the hairstylist. I cried not because he hasn’t received a positive response to this declaration, since most I’ve witnessed also say he’s lucky to have that kind of family.
I cried because I don’t take those moments for granted. It is my belief that if you experience something harsh or offensive, you should recognize the good that eventually comes from it because it shows your inner wish has come true. The fact that a straight women was sharing how wonderful she thought the moment was also wasn’t lost on me.
If you had told the 22-year-old Melissa who had just moved to Atlanta this story in 1992, she wouldn’t have believed you. She was too busy wrapping her mind around the mass of people gathered at her first Atlanta Pride. I can
Photos from Pride Weekend at The Eagle’s new location. All photos by Russ Bowen-Youngblood.
Photos from the 2022 Atlanta Pride Trans March on October 8. All photos by Russ Bowen-Youngblood.
Ethan Shanfeld Willie Spence, who came in second place in “American Idol” Season 19, has died in a car crash. He was 23. Spence was driving from Tennessee to his home in Atlanta when he crashed into a semi-truck that was parked on the side of the road. A post on the “American Idol” Instagram reads, “We are devastated about the passing of our beloved ‘American Idol’ family member, Willie Spence. He was a true talent who lit up every room he entered and will be deeply missed. We send our condolences to his loved ones.” The post features a video of Spence singing Rihanna’s “Diamonds” from his “American Idol” audition. Judges Lionel Ritchie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan praised Spence’s performance, with Bryan saying, “You are a special, special human being. I did not want it to end.”
Willie Spence, the American Idol runner-up in the 2021 Season 19 of the competition series, died Tuesday from injuries sustained in a car accident in Tennessee. He was 23.
Marvel Studios has paused production on the upcoming reboot of Blade starring Mahershala Ali, according to reports.Following the departure of director Bassim Tariq last month, Marvel has temporarily shut down production in Atlanta, where filming was scheduled to start in November.According to The Hollywood Reporter, the pause is to give the studio time to search for a new director and “coagulate other aspects” of the project. It’s claimed the studio is aiming to restart production in early 2023.The film’s release date, which was originally scheduled for November 3, 2023, has since been pushed back to September 6, 2024.Tariq’s exit as director was cited as being “due to continued shifts in our production schedule,” according to Marvel.
Tom Brady is focusing on spending time with his kids amid rumors about his estranged relationship with wife Gisele Bündchen.The 45-year-old Tampa Bay quarterback took to social media to share a sweet moment with his 15-year-old son Jack, revealing that they had a great night together.“Great win and a perfect night,” Brady wrote, referring to the game against the Atlanta Falcons. The pair looked casual while fishing in Florida, wearing matching shirts, shorts and sneakers.The celebrity couple share 12-year-old Benjamin and 9-year-old Vivian, and it seems they have taken some time apart, as a close source to Giselle revealed to People that she “is done” with their marriage.“She feels like she needs to move on.
NeNe Leakes confirmed that her son Brentt Leakes has been hospitalized after TMZ reported that the 23-year-old suffered more than one health scare.
Real Housewives of Atlanta star NeNe Leakes has shared the news that her son Brentt Leakes has been hospitalised after he suffered congestive heart failure and a stroke, at the age of just 23.The club owner first fell ill two weeks ago and was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment after a serious health episode left him struggling to speak. The news first leaked on TMZ on Monday, with Nene forced to confirm the news herself a short while later on Instagram. “This isn’t how I wanted it to come out…” she began.
NeNe Leakes has asked for "prayers" after her son suffered "heart failure and a stroke". The 54-year-old star has confirmed via social media that Brentt Leakes recently suffered a "very serious" health scare. NeNe said in an Instagram Story video: "Two weeks ago today, Brentt had congestive heart failure and a stroke.
"The Real Housewives of Atlanta" alum NeNe Leakes confirmed her son, Brentt, suffered from heart failure and a stroke on Sept. 26. The reality TV star, 54, took to her Instagram story on Monday to thank fans for their support after reports emerged that her 23-year-old son suffered a health scare.
NeNe Leakes revealed that her 23-year-old son, Brentt, recently suffered congestive heart failure and a stroke. In a video message on her Instagram Stories, the alum shared that the incident happened two weeks ago and that her son is recovering. The reality TV star said that after getting a flood of calls, text messages and emails, she decided to speak out about Brentt’s condition to make sure that the correct information was out, instead of waiting to speak to the public with him. Leakes said that the doctors are not sure what exactly caused the medical episodes.
Something to celebrate! Tom Brady is keeping a positive outlook amid speculation about his status with wife Gisele Bündchen.
NeNe Leakes' 23-year-old son, Brentt Leakes, is recovering after suffering congestive heart failure and a stroke. The cause of the health emergency isn't known, NeNe said. Amid reports of her son's condition, the former "Real Housewives of Atlanta" star took to Instagram to clarify what happened, noting the incident occurred on Sept. 26. "He's really young for something like that to happen to him," NeNe said in a lengthy video, adding that her son doesn't drink or do drugs.
UPDATE: NeNe has broken her silence on this news.
Earlier today, news broke that Brentt Leakes, the 23-year-old son of Real Housewives of Atlanta‘s Nene Leakes and the late Gregg Leakes, reportedly suffered a heart attack and stroke.
Oprah Winfrey, David Letterman and Ellen DeGeneres are among the moderators tapped to appear with former first lady Michelle Obama on her upcoming tour for her book The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times.
Michelle Obama has shared how 'humbled" she is to add extra book dates to her tour, with husband Barack Obama resharing the news with his fans.MORE: Malia Obama looks so much like her famous mother, Michelle, in remarkable throwback photoThe former First Lady is set to release The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times, on November 15, 2022 and she will be heading out across the US to promote the "collection of stories and practices that have helped me sort through all the challenges and questions that keep us up at night: How do I know I’m good enough? How do I bring my whole self to the table? How can I overcome my fears?"WATCH: Michelle Obama sparkles in surprising fashion choice for festive appearanceBut after selling out several venues, Mchelle has added extra dates. "I’m so humbled by your response to my upcoming book tour for #TheLightWeCarry!" she shared."We’ve added a couple of new dates, and tickets are on sale now at michelleobamabooks.com.