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Quincy Jones, an iconic figure in the music world, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2024, at 91, surrounded by family in his Bel-Air home. Known for a career that spanned over seven decades, Jones revolutionized the music industry with his genre-defying production, including Michael Jackson’s Off the Wall and Thriller, the latter becoming the best-selling album of all time.
Norfolk State University’s Homecoming 2024 was a week filled with energy, excitement, and reunions. Alumni, students, family, and fans from near and far flocked to Norfolk to celebrate and relive cherished Spartan memories. The city saw thousands pour in, all dressed in green and gold or their respected organization-affiliated colors, ready for events like Spartan Fest, the Annual Homecoming Step Show, and, of course, the highly anticipated Game Day. Tailgaters claimed their spots early. Some arrived in the wee hours of the morning, and others even the night before! The parade kicked off game day early Saturday morning and had to be adjusted from the normal parade route due to a main gas line issue that had a portion of Corprew Ave blocked and detoured. However, with the beautiful day ahead, no detour would stop spectators from celebrating homecoming with the Spartans. I joined the WNSB Hot 91 team at the tailgate, where we kept the crowd moving. Hot 91 DJs played the hottest new school and classic tracks while everyone got on their feet with dances like the Wobble (which, by the way, has a few more twirls than I remember), the Cupid Shuffle, and the Spartan Shuffle—a signature NSU dance to Maze’s “Before I Let Go” that truly showcases the unique Spartan Spirit.
A Warm Welcome
This past week, Norfolk welcomed the Carnival Pride, a vibrant cruise ship known for its exceptional amenities and entertainment options. The visit marked a significant moment for the city, drawing in locals and tourists alike eager to experience the ship’s offerings and the festivities surrounding its arrival. As the Carnival Pride docked, a sense of excitement filled the air. Local officials, business owners, and residents gathered to celebrate the ship’s arrival, which promises to boost tourism and support local economies. The visit also provided a platform for showcasing Norfolk’s unique culture and hospitality.
Carnival Pride is renowned for its diverse activities and luxurious accommodations. Passengers enjoyed a variety of onboard experiences, including gourmet dining, live entertainment, and relaxation by the pool. Special events were organized to highlight local culture, featuring performances by local artists and culinary showcases from Norfolk’s best chefs.
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In recent months, the grocery delivery landscape across the U.S. has transformed dramatically, with retailers like Walmart racing to meet skyrocketing consumer demand. However, this surge has not come without its challenges, particularly evident during a recent system crash that left many customers frustrated and waiting. Its undeniable that the pandemic accelerated a shift toward online grocery shopping, making it more than just a convenience—it became a necessity for many. Walmart, as one of the largest retailers in the country, expanded its delivery services, promising speedy and efficient order fulfillment. This move was aimed at capturing a market increasingly reliant on home delivery for everything from essentials to indulgent treats.
Recently, however, Walmart faced a significant hiccup in its delivery operations. A system crash resulted in a backlog of orders that created chaos for both customers and delivery drivers. During this incident, many loyal customers found themselves at the mercy of an overwhelmed system. I recently witnessed one such customer who utilized Walmart’s delivery service experience firsthand the ramifications of this disruption. After placing her grocery order online, she realized that the delivery was taking an unusually long time. Faced with uncertainty, she finally decided to switch her original order from delivery to in-store pickup, hoping to secure her groceries more promptly.
Unfortunately, the switch did not guarantee immediate relief. Upon arriving at the store, she encountered a long line of fellow customers in a similar predicament. Despite her proactive decision to change her order, she still faced a wait of over two hours to collect her groceries. This scenario highlighted not only the system's shortcomings but also the challenges that arise when demand outstrips capacity and manpower.
The port strikes have sent shockwaves through Hampton Roads, a vital commercial and military logistics hub of significant importance. As dockworkers from the International Longshoremen Association (ILA) abandon their posts, the ripple effects are immediate and severe. Container cargo and auto shipments grind to a halt, threatening to choke the supply chain and create shortages of consumer goods, agricultural exports, and other essential supplies. Local businesses, from truckers to retailers, are already feeling the pinch as operations come to a standstill.
Hampton Roads is one of the larger ports on the East Coast, but it is not the largest. It is, however, a significant hub due to its deep-water harbor and strategic location. The Port of Virginia, located in Hampton Roads, is the most profound water harbor on the U.S. East Coast and plays a crucial role in commercial shipping and military logistics by bolstering the local economy and facilitating global trade.
Frankie Beverly, the renowned lead vocalist of the legendary group Maze, has left an enduring legacy in the music world. Born in 1946 in Philadelphia, Beverly’s passion for music took shape in the 1960s, leading him to form various groups before establishing Maze in the 1970s. It was with Maze that he crafted a unique sound that beautifully blended soul, R&B, and funk, captivating audiences for decades.
Read More >> Community Corner
Formally known as National Public Radio Inc., NPR formed a physical presence on the East and West Coast as the syndicator of more than 1,000 public radio stations that reached 27.3 million weekly listeners. (Kuypers, 2012 p.1) National Public Radio has served the community as a member-supported entity with its operation centers located in Washington D.C. and Culver City California. (Kuypers, 2012 p.1) By 2023, NPR, the public radio network of the United States, reached an audience of approximately 44 million supporters by way of their app, website, radio, social media, podcasts, and live events. (NPR, n.d. p.1) The “Full NPR Strategic Plan” documented that NPR was originally founded in 1970 by ninety determined public radio stations that served their communities with the content of each of their markets in mind. (National Public Radio, n.d. p.1) Bill Siemering, one of the founders, believed that the above-mentioned approach celebrated “…the human experience as infinitely varied, rather than vacuous and banal…” (National Public Radio, n.d. p.1)
A few years ago, I hosted a quaint dinner party for my father with some family. It was his birthday, and that year, one of the gifts we decided to surprise him with was a budding blueberry plant. Dad is quite the outdoorsman, among other things, but one of his great hobbies is gardening. Well, I should probably mention that he's become passionate about planting edible trees. He is undoubtedly well on his way to becoming an Arborist at the rate he's going. To say the least, we have benefitted from several summers of delicious Bartlett and Keefer Pears over the years, thanks to my dad's green thumb! But let's get back to the blueberries.
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If you haven’t heard the name Ava DuVernay by now, you must be hiding under a rock in an alternate universe. Ava DuVernay is a woman of inspiration who gives many individuals hope. She has truly been taking the entertainment world by storm. Not only is she a highly accomplished African American woman, but were you aware that Duverney had an early career in Public Relations long before she picked up her director's cap? She once told interviewers, “…my story's also really about age because I didn't pick up a camera until I was 32…" (Farley, 2018). Surprisingly, DuVernay’s work as a director began with her first narrative feature film titled “I Will Follow.”
by Julia Yancey
When was the last time you went out to the theater to see a movie? Do you even remember the name of the last movie you saw in theaters? Was it a grand event that you put real effort into? Did you actually put an outfit together and plan to see the movie with a date, friends, or family?
In 2023, 14% of American Gen Z reported increased movie theater attendance post-pandemic, while 27% were less interested in watching movies in theaters. On the other hand, Millennials and Gen X, who trail behind with 18% and 10%, respectively, have been going to the cinema more frequently than before the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, the pandemic has significantly impacted moviegoing habits. In 2020, only 36.3% of moviegoers frequented theaters between one and three times, indicating decreased attendance due to health and safety concerns.
So, while some people are returning to movie theaters, others are still cautious and prefer viewing from home. The landscape is evolving, and it will be interesting to see how moviegoing habits continue to change in the coming years!
Updated March 1, 2024
Updated 05/27/2024 Based on Highest Total Box Office Gross
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
The Garfield Movie
IF
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
The Fall Guy
The Strangers: Chapter 1
Sight
Challengers
Back to Black
Babes
Updated March 1, 2024
Updated 02/17/2024 Based on Highest Total Box Office Gross
the Special Plant & its Key Benefits
While many of us look forward to the smells of fresh pine during the winter months, I have found that my go-to plant to have throughout the entire house is the Eucalyptus. To be quite honest, eucalyptus is a must-have essential for my household during the whole year. When I can find it fresh, I normally try to acquire it in large bunches because I know it's something that I like to keep in vases throughout each room of the house not only for its fragrance but also its other unique properties. Read More
Written By M. Harris
Edited Tuesday 11:13 PM January 2024
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African American Music Month, also known as Black Music Month, is an annual celebration in the United States that honors the rich musical heritage of African Americans. President Jimmy Carter initially declared June as Black Music Month in 1979, recognizing the significant impact of African American music on American culture. However, it wasn’t until 2000 that the bill officially passed, thanks to the tireless efforts of activist Dyana Williams. During the era of slavery, African Americans maintained their cultural traditions through tribal chants, language, and emotional expression, laying the foundation for genres like gospel, blues, jazz, soul, funk, and hip-hop. Notable figures such as Dyana Williams, Kenneth Gamble, and Ed Wright have contributed significantly to the industry. In 2009, President Barack Obama renamed the celebration African American Music Appreciation Month, emphasizing its impact on American society. However, in 2023, President Joseph Biden Jr. returned to the original name, Black Music Month, honoring its roots and significance. Throughout June, music enthusiasts nationwide celebrate the contributions of legendary African American artists, past and present, recognizing their enduring influence on music and culture.
by M. J. Harris
Did you know that National Minority Health Month is celebrated every April? Even more interesting, its roots formed in the 1915 establishment of National Negro Health Week by Booker T. Washington. That's deep! Mental Health Month, on the other hand, is observed in May every year in the United States, and it has only been recognized since 1949. The month is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues, reducing stigma, and supporting those living with mental health conditions. Various organizations participate in both of these observances by providing resources, organizing events, and fostering public education. Each observance also reflects a commitment to improving the nation’s public health by addressing the needs of vulnerable populations and promoting equitable health care for all. They serve as a reminder of the ongoing efforts required to ensure that every individual has the opportunity to achieve optimal health and wellbeing.
