Author: Marie Lemelle

Nearly 70 Percent of African Americans Don’t Know How to Swim

CARSON, CA-Like a rock star, WBA Super Featherweight Champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis entered the ring to the sounds of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” with dancers. The fast-rising boxing superstar demonstrated a cool, calm swag as the crowd rose to their feet in anticipation of the main event. Davis took his place in the blue corner of the ring with world champion, promoter and mentor Floyd Mayweather Jr. Words were exchanged between the two, which seemed to further ignite the hype already exploding in the outdoor arena. The light rain that dropped on and off throughout the night during the clash between…

BROOKLYN, NY-Two years is a long time for any fighter to be away from the ring, especially when injuries are the culprit. Naysayers questioned if WBA Welterweight Super Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman would be a one and done champion. Challenger Josesito Lopez hoped Thurman’s layoff would work to his advantage. Lopez’s hope was quickly diminished in the second round against Thurman in their championship bout at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. On the flip side, Thurman predicted an early knockout.  He nearly delivered on that prediction when he dropped Lopez to his knees in the second round. “I…

LAS VEGAS, NV-Make no mistake about it, Manny Pacquiao dismantled Adrien “The Problem” Broner in chunks and pieces during their WBA world welterweight championship bout. And so what does that mean when it comes to the boxing landscape? Could another possible Floyd Mayweather Jr. bout be lurking about in the near future for the 40-year-old Pacquiao? That is a matter that remains to be seen, although there is plenty of buzz floating around that possibility. What is certain is that Pacquiao whipped the much-younger Broner in winning his 61st (61-7) professional boxing match of his distinguished career. Pacquiao would not make…

When it comes to Cedric the Entertainer, he is a connoisseur of laughter and live entertainment. That said it is no wonder that he becomes the 2,640th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the category of Live Performance. NBA icon Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Comedian and actor George Lopez and business partner Raffles Van Exel in support and celebration of Cedric the Entertainer as the latest recipient of a prestigious star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on July 18, 2018, at 6212 Hollywood Boulevard in front of the Hollywood el Centro Complex. “Cedric the Entertainer is one of…

Award-winning and Grammy-nominated R&B, gospel and pop singer Ruben Studdard released “Ruben Sings Luther,” his first album in four years. Studdard, known as the “Velvet Teddy Bear” and American Idol Season 2 winner, pays homage to the multiple Grammy award-winning singer, writer, and producer Luther Vandross who passed in 2005. Studdard is well-known for skillfully covering popular songs recorded by music legends. It comes at no surprise that Studdard would return to the music world after a four-year recording hiatus with a solid release of nostalgic songs made famous by Vandross. “In my young teens, I would perform a Luther…

You might say that Howard Lenoid Bingham was a world champion when it came to photography.  His circle of friends, and there were many, would say that Bingham was the epitome of friendship and loyalty.  To the Bingham family, he was a hero who cared deeply for his sons, parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, and extended family members. To the world, Bingham was the best friend of world boxing champion and humanitarian Muhammad Ali.  When I think about the “The Dash” poem written by Linda Ellis, there is a verse that comes to mind, “would you be proud of the things…

LOS ANGELES-When Los Angeles Clippers star Chris Paul arrived in Los Angeles, our city was more than a place to work but a place to make a home.  The change we needed to see “on and off court” for our community began to happen.  From putting the Los Angeles Clippers on the map to bringing inspiration into the lives of children, Paul’s team spirit has been infectious. It is a trait that should be lauded and commended.  In a world of false entitlement, the multi-talented Paul is the epitome of family, being a team player and a giver.  His selflessly…

LOS ANGELES-Attorney Areva Martin wears many crowns: as the partner and co-founder of Martin & Martin LLP; a recurring guest host on the Emmy Award-winning daytime talk show “The Doctors;” the author of “The Everyday Advocate: How to Stand Up for Your Autistic Child;” president and co-founder of the non-profit community-based organization Special Needs Network (SNN); mother of three; and wife. I refer to crowns instead of hats because Martin is the queen of innovation and change. Recognized by millions as a result of numerous television appearances as a legal analyst on Dr. Phil, Good Morning America, Dr. Drew, World…

For 20 years, Marcell Bassett has worked full-time job in the Recovery Department at IKEA in Orange County.  IKEA, the world’s largest home furnishing company, was founded more than 60 years ago in Sweden. It may not seem remarkable to hold a job for two decades; however, for a person with a disability, it is quite an accomplishment for both the employer and the employee. To encourage employers to include people with disabilities in the workforce, October has been designated as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Established in 1945 as National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week, with a name change…