HOLLYWOOD AND BLACK LIVES MATTER EFFORTS

NEW YORK (AP) — The entertainment world has taken steps to show solidarity with police brutality and racism protests that have swept the nation since the death of George Floyd. For example, the movie “Gone With The Wind” was yanked from a streaming site, TV shows featuring police have been canceled — and it seems every company with Hollywood ties has issued a Black Lives Matter statement. But is it enough? At a recent protest in Los Angeles, actor Michael B. Jordan called for studios and production houses to hire more blacks for executive jobs, not just those on camera. Jordan says if Hollywood doesn’t diversify the ranks of execs who green-light projects, the industry would, in effect, continue “policing” black storytelling.

RAVEN SYMONÉ IS MARRIED

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Raven-Symoné is off the market. In an online post, the actress says she’s “married to a woman who understands me from trigger to joy, from breakfast to midnight snack, from stage to home.” Along with the post, she included a photo of her and her mate, Miranda Maday — and declared her love for her. There were no details about when and where the wedding took place. And reps for the actress couldn’t be reached for confirmation.

POSTPONED MEMPHIS EVENTS CANCELED

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — They were once postponed because of the spread of the coronavirus. But now, Memphis has canceled two big events in the Tennessee city. Gone from the 2020 calendar are the Beale Street Music Festival and the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. The events were pushed back to the fall in hopes the COVID-19 outbreak would slow. But that hasn’t happened, so officials are scrapping them until next year.

NYC CANCELS FINE ARTS EVENTS DUE TO COVID-19

NEW YORK (AP) — Two major arts venues in New York are pulling the plug on events because of the coronavirus pandemic. Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts have canceled their fall schedules. And the New York City Ballet has called off its annual holiday presentation of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker.” Carnegie Hall has wiped its performance slate clean through Jan. 6. And the season opening concert, set for Oct. 7, will be online. Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center have been closed since mid-March.

by Oscar Wells Gabriel II

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