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Pearlena Igbokwe Is The Newly Appointed Chairman of Universal Studio Group

Pearlena Igbokwe, a Nigerian-born media executive, has been appointed to Chairman of Universal Studio Group. As the new chairman, she replaces Bonnie Hammer, who will take a new role as Vice Chairman, as announced by NBCUniversal.

This makes Pearlena the first woman of African descent to head a major American television studio.

Universal Studio Group is a division of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information for a global audience.

According to a statement by Universal Studio Group, she will lead the company’s growing global television studio businesses and report directly to Jeff Shell, CEO, NBCUniversal.

Here are six facts about Pearlena Igbokwe:

  • She was the president of Universal Television, where she oversaw all aspects of the studio business and achieved record volume for the legacy studio. Some of the programmes under her purview include the critically acclaimed comedies “Russian Doll,” “The Good Place,” “Superstore,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” and “Little America,” popular dramas “Good Girls” and “New Amsterdam,” and Dick Wolf’s new “FBI” and “FBI: Most Wanted,” among many others.
  • She served as Executive Vice President, Drama Programming, for NBC Entertainment, where she developed the top-rated new broadcast dramas.
  • Before joining NBCUniversal, she worked at Showtime for 20 years and was involved in developing a variety of hit series including “Dexter” and “Nurse Jackie.”
  • She currently serves as the Vice President of the Hollywood Radio and TV Society (HRTS) board and is a member of the Television Academy Executive Committee.
  • She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale University and an MBA from Columbia University.
  • Pearlena was born in Nigeria. She is married and has two children. She currently resides in Los Angeles, California.
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Regina King Makes History As First Black Woman Director At Venice Film Festival

Academy Award-winning actress Regina King just made history at the 77th annual Venice Film Festival in Los Angeles by becoming the first Black female director to have a film screened at the conference, according to Variety.

King is the director of One Night in Miami, her directorial debut.

“Unfortunately, across the world, that’s how things seem to work. One woman gets a shot and if she does not succeed, it shuts thing down for years until someone else gets a shot,” said King, via Zoom at a One Night in Miami press conference earlier this week at the Venice Film Festival.

“I am so grateful for our film to be a part of the festival but I really, really want it to perform well. There’s so much talent out there—so many talented directors—so if One Night in Miami gets it done here, you’ll get to see a lot more of us.”

King said that the movie, which Amazon bought the rights to in July, was supposed to debut earlier this year, but the pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement following the death of George Floyd added a new level of urgency to the film’s release.

“We thought we’d push it back because we didn’t know what the climate of going to theaters would be like,” said King. “And then a couple of months after the pandemic hit, [George Floyd died in police custody], and for all the producers and everyone involved, we were like, ‘This needs to come out now.’ I feel like fate always had it planned out this way, but maybe we’re lucky and we’re going to have the opportunity to be a piece of art out there that moves the needle in a conversation about transformative change.”

One Night in Miami, which made its world premiere this past Monday, is based on former journalist Kemp Powers’ fictional account of a real meeting in 1964 between a U.S. minister and political figure Malcolm X; Cassius Clay before his conversion and name change to Muhammad Ali; soul singer Sam Cooke; and NFL player Jim Brown.

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Jackie Oludimu Set To Launch New Book; “Grace Junkie” On September 12th

Grace Junkie is an autobiographical and inspirational book by author Jacqueline Oludimu, also known as The Marriage Evangelist. Jacqueline takes you on a vivid journey of her experience of the redemptive Grace of God. From her childhood, dating in the church, failed engagement(s), pre-marital sex, and abortions up till her marriage, one thing remained evident in her life- the depth of the Father’s love for her. Her life was preserved and she was ultimately led by Abba into living a life on purpose.
Jacqueline is a Christian Life Coach and SYMBIS (Save Your Marriage Before It Starts) certified pre-marriage facilitator, convener of “Saying I Do” conference and her autobiographical debut is packed with life hacks to help every woman fully embrace the love of God. To understand that regardless of how reckless your past has been, God is always happy to transform your pain into purpose.
Grace Junkie is set to officially launch on the 12th of September 2020. Currently, it has been read as far as the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Canada with a plethora of positive feedback from readers.
What people are saying about Grace Junkie
“I am a quarter way through and I’m quaking! It is a lot! I see the liberation anointing on this book. I do clearly! My heart is beating so fast and I am quickly renewing my commitment to parenting God’s way and with wisdom and keen observation etc. Just so so deep, unraveling dimensions. Too many lessons already – Debola Deji-Kurunmi
“This book is for anyone who struggles to believe that God can still love them, despite their past. Jackie rips the veil between the preacher and the one who is preached to; she shares her own journey openly and honestly, in a way that shows off the Grace of God. As you read it, put yourself in her shoes, remember all the times God has shown up for you and, most importantly, know that nothing can separate you from His love.”– Omotayo Adeola
“Whilst reading, I smiled at a couple of junctions, pausing to pray at others. It’s amazing how God takes us through fire and we come out with burns turning into scars yet we shine. Even those scars fade away over time and the marks are there just as reminders and nudges to help pull the next person(s) through. This book is surely going to take the reader on a roller coaster of emotions – more importantly not just informing but equipping. Well done Jacqueline!.”- Aderonke Abiona
“ You have a truly compelling story. Very humbling reading as you share on abuse as a child, father’s absence, mother’s resolve at a career, sex education and it’s lack, therefore, disappointment, premarital sex, abortion, broken engagement ‘S’, dating in the Church. The book is a good read, an easy read as well. An open one, as your husband gave his blessings to allow you to share experiences with your past relationships. I enjoyed the flow of the story, made it so cool to read. This sentence caught my attention, ‘The protection of one child is the protection of many.” – Adenike Oyetunde
Print copies of the Grace Junkie are available in the following locations;
Nigeria:
Roving Heights: 28 Ogunlana Dr, Surulere 100001, Lagos, Nigeria
Amazon worldwide: www.amazon.com
E-books are available on Kindle
You can also purchase on www.jackietalks.com/gracejunkie/
*For inquiries, please reach out to Jacqueline via*
Follow *her* on;
Instagram:@jackietalks
Twitter: @jackietalks
Facebook:  Jacqueline Oludimu
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Meet The Three Sisters Who Just Opened A Black Youth-Owned Cafe In Florida

Three sisters just opened a Black youth-owned vegan cafe in Florida, VegNews reports.

Sisters Lyrica (13), Zaira (12), and Nadira (9) Leo are the co-owners of Bourne Brilliant, a new vegan eatery in Tallahassee, Florida. The trio started the business some years ago, selling and catering their food to local festivals, events and farmers’ markets. With the help of their parents Syrheda La Shae and Jahlion Leo, as well as their mentor, Tallahassee chef Shacafrica Simmons, the girls have been able to open their first cafe.

Bourne Brilliant serves several homemade foods, including cupcakes, cookies and bread, and herbal teas, fresh fruit juices and preserves. They also have a rotating menu of hot dishes on Saturdays, including vegan BBQ drumsticks, Caribbean vegetable callaloo, mac and cheese and curry noodle soup. Not only is the food tasty, but it’s also affordable, with customers being able to purchase several different combos ranging in price between $10-$15. 

Lyrica works as head chef, while Zaira takes care of finances and inventory, and Nadira helps set up the shop and make sure shelves are stocked. Over the years, the girls have grown into their strengths and learned their unique place in the business. The Leo family said that despite the current pandemic, they still felt it was as good a time as any to allow their girls to get started with the business.

“We felt positive about the decision to open at this time. We traveled in South Carolina and Georgia this summer and looked at small businesses and retail to see what they were doing and what was working for them. We feel good about our safety practices,” La Shae Leo said. 

Bourne Brilliant is currently open to the public, only allowing five customers at a time with required masks. 

Congratulations girls!

Photo Courtesy of VegNews

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Meet The Black Woman Just Appointed To Google’s General Counsel

Tech giant Google appointed veteran lawyer Halimah DeLaine Prado to serve as general counsel, Fortune reports. 

DeLaine Prado is a 14-year veteran lawyer at Google, previously serving as head of the company’s product legal team. Prior to that, she practiced media law and product liability law in Philadelphia. In her new role, she will work closely with Google’s SVP of global affairs Kent Walker, who is in charge of guiding the political and legal responses for the company. 

The Georgetown Law graduate’s appointment comes during an intense time for the company. Recently, Google has been under fire, undergoing multiple antitrust investigations from governments across the globe while also being overwhelmed by internal allegations of racism and sexism. David Drummond, chief legal officer of parent company Alphabet, was recently ousted after allegations of romantic liaisons with subordinates and complaints from employees regarding a culture of inappropriate behavior from senior men.

As new general counsel, DeLaine Prado will become part of an elite group of Black women occupying the role at a Fortune 500 company, which includes Rhonda Ferguson of railroad company Union Pacific and Deneen Donnley of energy company Con Edison. An organization representing Black corporate lawyers say its goal is to have 100 general counsels at Fortune 1000 companies by 2025.

“Google has been my home for nearly 14 years, allowing me to work on some of the most complex and important legal issues of the digital age with a world-class legal team,” DeLaine Prado said. 

Congratulations Halimah!

Photo Courtesy of Google

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Whoopi Goldberg Pleads To Disney To Build A Wakanda Theme Park In Honor Of Chadwick Boseman

With everyone still in mourning over the passing of actor Chadwick Boseman, talk show host Whoopi Goldberg feels the best way to honor the late actor would be to create a new Disney attraction, according to CNN.

With all the outpouring of love toward Boseman, there is a petition on Change.org to replace a Confederate statue with a statue of the Black Panther star in his hometown of Anderson, South Carolina.

Goldberg is the latest in a line of people who want to acknowledge the actor. She went on Twitter to suggest to Disney that a Wakanda-themed park would suit to honor him and the character he played in the Disney movie.

https://help.twitter.com/en/twitter-for-websites-ads-info-and-privacy

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Beyonce Donates An Additional $1M To Small Black-Owned Businesses

Mega-superstar and philanthropist Beyonce has made an additional donation earmarked for Black-owned small businesses to the tune of $1 million according to Billboard.

Beyonce announced, through her BeyGOOD foundation this past Wednesday (Sept. 2), that she is partnering with the NAACP by donating $1 million in additional funds to help Black-owned small businesses. This is round 2 of the funding that both organizations started in July.

“Proud to announce $1M in additional funds from Beyoncé to help Black-owned small businesses. Round two of funding opens this month, with our partner NAACP.”

Back in July, The NAACP had announced on its website that it will be distributing a number of grants valued at $10,000 grants to Black-owned small businesses in Houston, Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles, and Minneapolis that have been impacted by the COVID-19 health crisis.

“Over the last couple of months, the pandemic and outpours for justice throughout the Black community and across the country has been felt in every imaginable area of our lives, including in how our local businesses continue to operate,” said the organization in a press release.“The challenges of Black business owners navigating in the climate cannot be understated, as the effects of uprisings across the nation have led to many businesses being placed in dire straits due to damages and other small business needs.”

Earlier this year, the singer released her a surprise single, “Black Parade” on Juneteenth. Along with the release of the single, she launched an initiative that supports Black-owned businesses. The talented artist and philanthropist had listed a directory of Black-owned businesses that was created and curated by @ZerinaAkers with @black.owned.everything on her website. The site lists several hundred Black-owned companies.

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Vivien Shobo Recognized As African Banker Icon At The 2020 African Banker Awards

The African Banker Awards has recognized Nigeria’s Vivien Shobo as the winner of the African Banker Icon Award 2020, in acknowledgment of her outstanding work and exemplary career during her tenure as Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria’s foremost credit rating agency, Agusto & Co.

Vivien Shobo was recognized for playing an important pioneering role in helping to transform the debt capital market in Nigeria and beyond; which has facilitated multibillion naira transactions and enabled companies to grow and thrive.

In addition, the Award Committee acknowledged her part in contributing to the development of a world-class organization that competes effectively with global competition. According to the African Bankers Awards committee, “The impact of her work is beyond measure and we are proud to have an African Champion that has been able to play such an important role and compete with and out-do global competitors with larger resources.”

Agusto & Co recorded several milestones during Vivien’s tenure, including rating the largest Municipal Bond programme and single largest tranche issuance – Lagos State Government’s ₦500 billion Bond programme and ₦87.5 billion Bond issuance, rating Nigeria’s first 15-year corporate green bond, as well as issued first ratings to the first bond issued by a deposit money bank in Nigeria, the First Bond issuance by an insurance company, and rating the first commercial paper issuance under the new guidelines of FMDQ.

In addition, to being the pioneer domestic rating agency to many of Nigeria’s large corporates.

Vivien Shobo also led the firm’s African expansion initiatives by obtaining Credit Rating Agency licenses from the Capital Market Authorities of Kenya and Rwanda.

Commenting on the award, Vivien Shobo remarked that the recognition is an honor and source of encouragement to African women leaders in various sectors. “Winning the African Banker Icon Award 2020 is truly an honor. I am particularly excited that our commitment and contributions to the development of Debt Capital markets over the years are being recognized and rewarded. I urge all women leaders especially those in the financial services to be inspired by this win as this is an award for all of us. I thank my colleagues at Agusto & Co for all their solidarity.”

The African Bankers Award recognizes personalities and banks that are driving Africa’s rapidly transforming financial sector and celebrates the achievements of those who are driving growth and development and creating new economic opportunities for citizens and communities all over the continent and inspire new generations of bankers who are shaping Africa’s future.

The African Banker Icon category is awarded to people for their help in transforming the financial services sector but who is not necessarily within banking. Previous winners include Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Adebayo Ogunlesi, one of Wall Street’s most eminent financiers, Tidjame Thiam, and Eleni Gabre-Madhin, founder of the Ethiopian Commodities Exchange and many African luminaries.

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#JusticeforUwa: 6 Suspected Killers Of Uwa Have Been Arrested (Watch Video)

In what can be viewed as a welcome development, six suspected killers of Vera Uwaila Omozuwa have been arrested by the Edo State Police Command, Punch reports.

Uwa, as she’s generally known, a student of the University of Benin, was raped and murdered in Church where she went to read.

The suspects were identified as Nelson Ogbebor, Akato Valentine, Tina Samuel, Mary Ade, Nosa Osabohien and Collins Ulegbe.

Parading the suspects, the Edo State Police Commissioner of Police, Johnson Kokumo, said, the matter is of great concern to the Inspector General of Police,  Muhammed Adamu, who sent homicide experts to work with our policemen in Benin.

What we are seeing today is a result of the efforts of the police to get at the root of the crime, and today, I announce to you that the perpetrators have been arrested.

The suspects revealed that one of the paraded suspects, Mary Ade, offered them N1million to carry out the killing for ritual purpose. After the act, they allegedly cleaned the deceased’s blood with a white handkerchief and handed it over to Mary.

Let’s hope all Uwa gets her justice.

Watch this video below:

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Outstanding Honesty: Gov. Ugwuanyi Rewards Woman Who Returned N13.9m With N1M

In appreciation of the outstanding and exemplary honesty she displayed in returning the sum of thirteen million, nine hundred and forty six thousand, four hundred naira (N13,946,400.00) mistakenly paid into her account, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Tuesday, rewarded Mrs. Josephine Nchetaka Chukwujama-Eze, with a cash of one million naira.

The cash reward was announced by the State Commissioner for Gender Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Princess Peace Nnaji, after a closed-door meeting with the woman in her office.Mrs. Chukwujama-Eze, a teacher with a mission school in Enugu, is married to Barr. Chukwujama Eze, an indigene of Enugu Ezike, in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Speaking after the meeting, Hon. Nnaji, who presented the cash to Mrs. Chukwujama-Eze, on behalf of the governor, commended her for being a good ambassador of Enugu State, stressing that “this is the kind of culture we are inculcating in all our women, men, young boys and girls”.

The Commissioner maintained that the woman’s action has earned the women of Enugu State much respect, calling on the public to emulate her exemplary honesty.

“What we are witnessing today is heartwarming and thought provoking. It is something memorable and substantial.

“This is a woman, Mrs. Josephine Chukwujama-Eze, who to the greatest chagrin of so many people had the sum of N13,946,400.00, mistakenly credited to her Bank Account. And immediately she saw it, she quickly alerted her husband and they went to the bank and returned the money to the rightful owner.

“We all know that times are hard these days, especially with the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic. It is not that she is very comfortable; she is a teacher in a mission school and look at what she has done.

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“This is a real character and Enugu State Government wants to appreciate her for what she has done. His Excellency, Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has directed that she should be rewarded with the sum of one million naira”, Nnaji said.

Responding, Mrs. Chukwujama-Eze, who was overwhelmed with joy, thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for the reward, saying: “I so much appreciate this”.

According to her, “I was just being my normal self. I never knew that what I was doing will get to this extent. I did what I feel I should do. I did this just to clear my conscience. Thank you, the Honourable Commissioner for Gender Affairs. Please extend my greatest thanks to His Excellency, our dear Governor”.

Also in his appreciation, the woman’s husband, Barr. Eze, ascribed his wife’s display of honesty to family upbringing and the cultural value of Enugu State and the entire Igbos, pointing out that “it is a demonstration that in Nigeria, there are a lot of good people out there.”

His words: “What we have witnessed today is a life experience which didn’t come by accident. It is a function of family upbringing.

“We sincerely thank His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for this recognition. Nigeria is redeemable; Nigerians are good people and I am proud to say this”.

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