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Career Gems

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Last year, following the #OscarsSoWhitbacklash, the Academy, in a bid to diversify its members, invited 928 new people from 59 countries – 49% being women and 38% being people of colour — including two Nigerians, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and Femi Odugemi.

This year, 842 new members have been invited to join the Academy — 50% being women and 29% being people of colour. This raises the percentage of women in the Academy from 31% to 32%, while the percentage of people of colour remains at 16% from last year.   

(Photo: AMPAS)

(Photo: AMPAS)

Among the new 842 members invited to become Oscar voters, three of them are of Nigerian descent — including the iconic Tunde Kelani for directing, the talented Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje for acting and the fast-rising Chinonye Chukwu for writing. 

Tunde Kelani

Tunde Kelani is one of Nigeria’s most acclaimed directors, known for classics like Thunderbolt: Magun, Saworoide, Agogo Eewo, and Dazzling Mirage. He’s currently working on the film adaptation of Wole Soyinka’s award-winning novel, The Lion and the Jewel.

(Photo: Independent Newspapers Nigeria)

Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje

British-Nigerian actor, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje has been on a steady rise, standing out in films and TV shows like The Bourne IdentityThor: The Dark WorldSuicide Squad and Game of Thrones. Last year, he made his directorial debut at TIFF with the auto-biographical Farming.

(Photo: HBO)

Chinonye Chukwu

This year, Nigerian-American filmmaker, Chinonye Chukwu, became the first black woman to win the Sundance Film Festival’s biggest prize for her movie, Clemency. She’s also set to direct the film adaptation of former Black Panther Party chairwoman, Elaine Brown’s memoirA Taste of Power

Chinonye Chukwu (Photo: Chinonye Chukwu)

Credit: konbini.com

Few months ago, Yemi Alade‘s “Johnny” became the first music video by an African woman to amass over 100 million views on YouTube. Now, the superstar has smashed yet another record, becoming the first female African artist to attain over one million subscribers on YouTube

Over the weekend, Yemi Alade broke the news on her Instagram: 

“God is the GREATEST, started this journey six years ago. Thanks to everyone streaming / watching my videos and music. Godbless us all.”

Yemi Alade joins an elite club of entertainers to have over one million subscribers, including the likes of P-Square (1.2 million), Davido (1.5 million) and Diamond Platnumz (2.1 million). We’re super pleased for Yemi Alade, who continues to break boundaries in African music. 

Listen to her record-breaking hit, “Johnny”, below:

Credit: konbini.com

Kim Kardashian is set to rename her shapewear brand – Kimono Solutionwear – following backlash accusing her of appropriating the Japanese culture.

Using the hashtag #KimOhNo, people on social media expressed their agitation over Kim Kardashian naming her shapewear ‘Kimono’, insisting that the name was disrespectful to the Japanese culture.

The Kimono is a traditional Japanese attire won on very special occasions and according to the Japanese, Kim Kardashian had no right to use the name for her shapewear.

Responding to the backlash, Kim had said that her shapewear is ‘built with inclusivity and diversity at its core’ and she is ‘incredibly proud of what’s to come’. She also insisting on not changing the name and went ahead to trademark the name.

‘Filing a trademark is a source identifier that will allow me to use the word for my shapewear and intimates line but does not preclude or restrict anyone, in this instance, from making kimonos or using the word kimono in reference to the traditional garment,’ Kim had said.

However, Kim Kardashian has had a change of mind and has decided to launch her Solutionwear brand under a new name.

She also broke the news on her social media handles saying:

Being an entrepreneur and my own boss has been one of the most rewarding challenges I’ve been blessed with in my life. What’s made it possible for me after all of these years has been the direct line of communication with my fans and the public. I am always listening, learning and growing – I so appreciate the passion and varied perspectives that people bring to me.

When I announced the name of my shapewear line, I did so with the best intentions in mind. My brands and products are built with inclusivity and diversity at their core and after careful thought and consideration, I will be launching my Solutionwear brand under a new name.

I will be in touch soon. Thank you for your understanding and support always.

Credit: Bella Naija

At just 14-years old, Sydney Wilson is about to start her freshman year at the prestigious Spelman College this fall, making her the youngest student ever admitted into the all-women HBCU.

During her early years at school, it has always been evident that Wilson was an excellent student. When she reached second grade, it was found that she was really a bit different from her peers. Many of her classmates teased her for being too smart but she didn’t let it bother her.

“I just stayed on my path,” Wilson told WSB-TV. “I didn’t really feel like I needed to be popular… because, I mean, I like myself.”

When she was 10-years old, Wilson’s parents decided to enroll her in Wilson Academy in Lithonia where she already started taking high school classes.

Just a few months ago, Wilson was just then 13-years old when she applied to Spelman College. Later on, her father received an email from the school saying that she got accepted.

“So, he calls me in and he says, ‘Look at the computer!’ So I looked at it, and I just melt,” Wilson excitingly said. “I was screaming and I was crying. I ran out to tell my family, and we took a bunch of pictures and posted it on Instagram and everything.”

Just like a usual college student, Wilson plans to live on the campus. Although she is still young, she isn’t worried about her age gap from her future schoolmates.

“I’ve been with the older kids all my life, so socially, I don’t think it will be a problem for me,” Wilson said.

Moreover, Wilson said she wants to major in Biology in hopes to use animal science in curing human illnesses one day.

Credit: Blacknews.com

History was made in Tennessee on Saturday night after Brianna Mason was crowned Miss Tennessee, making her the first Black woman to hold the title. 

The 23-year-old elementary school teacher and Nashville native took home the crown after competing in the pageant for four years. 

Dedicated to increasing visibility for young Black women in the pageant circuit, Mason said, “I’m here to tell you that it does not matter what your skin color is. It does not matter what your religion is. You can do anything you want.”

Last year, she competed as Miss Knoxville and was second runner-up. 

“I can’t even put into words how special this is,” Mason said during a press conference following her win. “I have been competing for so long, and there’s a Miss Tennessee room with portraits of all past Miss Tennessees, and none of them looked liked me.”

As the newly crowned Miss Tennessee, Mason, who received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Tennessee, received a $15,000 scholarship and a chance to compete in the Miss America pageant on September 8.

With Mason’s crowning, she is in good company; earlier this year, the nation’s top pageants crowned three Black women as their winners: Miss USA Cheslie Kryst, Miss America Nia Franklin and Miss Teen USA Kaliegh Garris.

Credit: blavity.com

In a shock defeat, five-time Wimbledonsingles winner Venus Williams was beaten by 15-year-old American tennis prodigy Cori ‘Coco’ Gauff.

“Honestly I don’t really know how to feel,” Gauff said upon winning, as the Guardian reports. “This was definitely the first time I ever cried after winning a match. I don’t even know how to explain how I feel. I had to tell myself to stay calm, I’d never played on a court so big. I had to remind myself that the lines are the same size.” 

Gauff, the youngest player to ever qualify for the main draw at Wimbledon, won 6-4, 6-4.

She revealed to BBC that Williams congratulated her after her win.

“I just told her I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her, she’s so inspiring,” Gauff said. “I’ve always wanted to tell her that but I’ve never had the guts to before.”View image on Twitter

View image on Twitter

The Undefeated@TheUndefeated

Last week, 15-year-old tennis prodigy Coco Gauff became the youngest tennis player to qualify for Wimbledon in the Open era.

Venus and Serena Williams were the reason Gauff picked up a tennis racket.

Gauff just defeated Venus Williams (6-4, 6-4) in the first round.29.7K7:24 PM – Jul 1, 201910.4K people are talking about thisTwitter Ads info and privacy

There’s been a lot of Wimbledon surprises so far: Naomi Osaka is already out in the first round after losing to Yulia Putintseva. Osaka had been a favorite of tennis fans ever since she made her impressive performance in 2018, where she beat Serena Williams at the U.S. Open.

Credit: images.complex.com

Cardi B‘s application to catchphrase ‘okurrr’  to be used mostly for merchandise has been  officially rejected. 

According to Mail Online, Government officials have officially rejected her application to lay claim to the word, which is popularly pronounced with the Rs rolled.

Back in March, the 26-year-old rapper and mother of one submitted an application to catchphrase ‘okurrr’ including the commonly misspelled ‘okurr.’ Unfortunately, the US Patent and Trademark ruled that the slogan fell under the category of ‘widely-used commonplace expressions.’ It’s a valid argument, given that the phrase has existed in minority communities for years.


They also explained that it ‘is a slogan or term that does not function as a trademark or service mark to indicate the source of applicant’s goods and/or services.’

Credit: LIB

Gospel singer, Sola Allyson has shared her sexual assault stories as a child growing up.

Triggered by Busola Dakolo’s recent rape allegation against Pastor Fatoyinbo, the gospel singer said, ‘I was abused a lot. Different ways at different stages. I almost got used to it. I am still healing. because I speak ! It hurts but I speak’.

The singer said she paid a visit to her mum to relive some of her childhood sexual abuse encounters and here’s what she wrote;

I was at my Mother’s today… There had been issues, since my childhood. But that story, for another time… So, I was asking her questions, out of pain.. Then, this conversation below took place:

Me: “Do you know that your cousin, when you left me at shdgrigofn, molested me?” I was in primary school. Over 30 years ago… I remember everything clearly… I was confused. What would I say? How would I say it?

Her: Eyes wide!

Me: “Do you know that Mr. Thshdudidj nearly raped me? The one that used to come to your shop…” Her: Eyes wider, mouth agape, “why didn’t you tell me?” Me: “Tell you? How? When there was no connection and it showed you didn’t like me? Kò possible nao!” Me: “That man that used to come and take beer and peppersoup in your shop, after I served him one day, brought out his penis that I should play with.” I was like 14-15. I ran away from the shop. You didn’t bother to ask why, you only punished me by depriving me of food for days because, “that’s where you get money from.” Her: No words

Me: “Do you remember that time when….” And so on

Her: No words, looking what-do-I-say kind of. I love her!

We talked about other things… I felt a lot better. The anger I’d been feeling for days subsided… I’m still healing. I was abused a lot. Different ways at different stages. I almost got used to it. I am still healing. Because I SPEAK! It hurts but I SPEAK!

This is my story. This is my song. Told in this way I choose. Sung in this form I deem fit. But I SPEAK! For the sake of my kind, who have been made “sick” by abuse of all sorts. Not for you? Please move on. I’m not begging for “fanhood”! It is not only for Busola’s sake that we are doing this. It is for our women, our daughters, our sons, our future! She murdered her privacy to SPEAK. She risked it all… Yes, I believe her. You won’t listen to my music again? If it is because of this, it’s ok. I wish you well. But you will be replaced by millions others from here, from distant shores and islands! Where I’m going is far. Everything in Creation backs me up as I stand and SPEAK for the TRUTH, only.

SPEAK, Child, therefrom your healing begins!

Credit: LIB

Late Dr Ameyo Adadevoh has been posthumously honoured by The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for her role in reducing the spread of Ebola virus.

Adadevoh was awarded winner of the 2018 ECOWAS Prize of Excellence.

The award was presented by President Muhamadu Buhari, at the 55th Summit of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government on Saturday in Abuja and received by her son Bankole Cardoso and her niece Niniola Soleye.

Credit: fabwoman.ng

A young Ghanaian woman who gained the attention of major eye balls globally for the superior quality of work she produced for her PhD in Mathematics for the University of Glasgow, UK, has successfully graduated.

Angela Tabiri, a young female math-goddess who made headlines for the higher quality of work she produced for her PhD in Mathematics for the University of Glasgow in the UK, has successfully graduated as a doctor of Mathematics. She earned media attention when her PhD thesis in Mathematics for the university was first shared by globally revered Ghanaian, Ben Dotsei Malor.

Upon successfully graduating with a PhD in Mathematics, Dr. Angela Tabiri, has become an inspiration to young women especially young girls in Africa who either want to or are pursuing courses that would eventually lead to careers in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

While Mathematics is generally regarded as a no-go area for most women, Dr. Angela Tabiri, has challenged this narrative after successfully graduating with a PhD in Mathematics.

Tens of people including love ones have expressed their sense of pride for Dr. Tabiri’s rare achievement after super proud friends shared her remarkable feat via Facebook in photos, along with captions:

Like most math geniuses, Dr. Angela Tabiri would use the knowledge and skills acquired in solving problems including finding solutions to diseases, researching into its causes and developing long lasting solutions to critical world problems.

Credit: yen.com.gh