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MyKayla Skinner Apologizes for Comments on Simone Biles’ Olympic Teammates

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usa olympic team

Skinner clarifies remarks after controversy surrounding her YouTube video critique.

MyKayla Skinner has issued an apology following backlash over comments made in a now-deleted YouTube video where she appeared to criticize Simone Biles’ Olympic teammates. The 27-year-old gymnast took to her Instagram Story to clarify that her remarks were misunderstood and not intended to cause harm. Skinner expressed her happiness for the women’s gymnastics team heading to Paris to represent Team USA this month, including Biles, Suni Lee, Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles, and Hezly Rivera.

In the since-deleted YouTube video, Skinner had expressed her observations about the talent and work ethic of the gymnasts aside from Biles, noting, “Besides Simone, I feel like the talent and the depth just isn’t like what it used to be.” Her comments sparked reactions, with Biles seemingly responding indirectly on Instagram and Chiles’ mother, Gina, tweeting her surprise at Skinner’s remarks being made public.

Skinner addressed the controversy in an Instagram Story that has since expired but was captured by People magazine. “Hey, guys, just wanted to pop on here really quick, because I know we did the recap on YouTube, and I feel like a lot of you guys had misinterpreted or misunderstood exactly what I was meaning or had said,” she explained. Skinner clarified that her remarks were not aimed at the current team, emphasizing her support and pride for all the gymnasts who made the cut.

“I love and support all the girls that made it, and I’m so proud of them,” Skinner added. She apologized if her comments were perceived as hurtful, reaffirming her excitement and support for the team during the trials. “Sorry for anything that got out of context or seemed hurtful. That is never my intention,” she stated, emphasizing that she was enthusiastic while watching the trials and participating in live events with her followers.

With Team USA’s women’s gymnastics set to compete in the qualifying round on July 28, Skinner’s clarification comes as the team prepares for the upcoming Olympics in Paris. At 27, Biles, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, has become the oldest female American gymnast to qualify for the Olympic Games, adding another milestone to her illustrious career.

Elevating Health Through Music

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hiphop public health

The Impact of Hip Hop Public Health

Hip Hop Public Health (HHPH) is revolutionizing health education in underserved communities by leveraging the power of music and culture. Co-founded by neurologist Dr. Olajide Williams and hip hop legend Doug E. Fresh, HHPH creates engaging, research-based educational resources to promote healthier lifestyles. Their programs, like “Songs for a Healthier America” and “Hip Hop H.E.A.L.S.,” use music to teach about nutrition, physical activity, and mental health, ensuring their message resonates deeply with the communities they serve.

A Unique Approach to Health Education

HHPH’s mission is to use culturally relevant and engaging methods to empower individuals to make healthier lifestyle choices. By integrating music, art, and science, HHPH addresses crucial health topics, including chronic disease prevention and mental well-being. Traditional health education often fails to reach marginalized communities, but HHPH bridges this gap by tapping into hip hop culture’s influential power.

Key Programs and Initiatives

“Songs for a Healthier America” features collaborations with popular artists to promote healthy habits among youth through catchy, informative songs. The “Hip Hop H.E.A.L.S.” program combines interactive lessons with hip hop music to teach children about nutrition and physical activity. HHPH also offers animated videos, educational games, and printable materials to make learning about health fun and accessible. These resources are research-based and created with public health experts, ensuring accuracy and impact.

Community Engagement and Impact

Community involvement is central to HHPH’s strategy. The organization partners with schools, community centers, and local organizations to deliver programs directly to those who need them most. This fosters community engagement, ensuring resources are embraced and championed by the communities they serve. Evaluations show significant improvements in participants’ health literacy and lifestyle choices.

A Vision for the Future

HHPH’s vision is to create a world where everyone has the knowledge and resources to live a healthy life. They aim to expand their reach and develop new, innovative ways to deliver health education through music and culture. In a society with prevalent health disparities, Hip Hop Public Health stands as a beacon of hope and creativity, inspiring a new generation to take control of their health.

For more information and to explore their resources, visit Hip Hop Public Health.

Tragic Loss: Minnesota Vikings Player Khyree Jackson Dies in Car Crash

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Khyree Jackson
Photo: Instagram/@real_khyree

Cornerback and Two Others Killed in Maryland Accident

Khyree Jackson, a promising cornerback for the Minnesota Vikings, tragically passed away at the age of 24 in a car accident in Maryland. The incident also claimed the lives of Isaiah Hazel and Anthony Lytton.

Maryland State Police reported that Jackson, Hazel, and Lytton were traveling in a maroon Dodge Charger in Upper Marlboro when their vehicle was struck by a silver Infiniti attempting to change lanes at high speed. The collision caused the Charger to crash into a moving Chevy Impala before veering off the road into trees. Paramedics pronounced Jackson and Hazel dead at the scene, while Lytton succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital. No other injuries were reported.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with no arrests or summonses issued thus far. Khyree’s mother, Ebbony Jackson, confirmed her son’s death, stating she received the heartbreaking news early Saturday morning. Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah expressed his condolences, calling the loss of Khyree deeply heartbreaking.

Photo: X/@Vikings

Khyree Jackson, drafted by the Vikings in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, had an impressive college career with the University of Alabama and the University of Oregon. He was a native of Upper Marlboro and a graduate of Dr. Henry Wise High School.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Khyree’s family and friends during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Khyree Jackson.

Busta Rhymes Demands Audience Engagement at Essence Festival 2024

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Busta Rhymes performing at Essence Festival | Josh Brasted/Getty Images

The Rap Icon Calls Out Fans for Sitting During His Energetic Performance

Busta Rhymes, renowned for his high-energy performances, encountered an unexpected challenge at the 2024 Essence Festival in New Orleans. Despite his dynamic stage presence, many fans chose to remain seated during his set, prompting an impassioned response from the Brooklyn rap legend.

In a video shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, by user @DaBlogger_504 on Friday (July 5), Busta Rhymes paused his performance to directly address the seated audience members who were preoccupied with filming the show on their cell phones.

“A-yo, f**k them camera phones, too. Let’s get back to interacting like humans. Put them weird-ass devices down,” Busta exclaimed. “I ain’t from that era. Them s**ts don’t control the soul. F**k your phone.”

He continued with a stern warning, “I will put every one of y’all out until y’all a*ses is up.”

Reflecting on his extensive career, Busta emphasized, “Thirty-three years of doing this s***t, I ain’t used to ni**as sitting down at my show, I don’t give a f**k!”

The rap icon expressed his anticipation for an enthusiastic response from the crowd, especially since this was his debut performance at the Essence Festival. Initially met with a seated audience, Busta’s passionate plea eventually motivated the fans to rise and engage, allowing the veteran artist to deliver the energetic show he’s known for.

The full video of Busta Rhymes’ candid interaction with the crowd can be viewed below.

https://twitter.com/LucyTakesOnNOLA/status/1809394234023113112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1809394234023113112%7Ctwgr%5E9acc37ff6c726f9c64805984132ff2614c6efb1d%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.xxlmag.com%2Fbusta-rhymes-curses-out-fans-seated-set-2024-essence-festival%2F

Englewood Community Grieves Sudden Loss of Beloved Principal Dr. Daniela Small-Bailey

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Dr. Daniella Small-Bailey
Englewood school principal Dr. Daniela Small-Bailey and her son, Sidanii Bell, were among four people killed in a head-on crash in South Africa. Photo Credit: Daniela Bailey Facebook/Sidanii A. Bell Facebook

ENGLEWOOD — The Englewood community mourns the loss of Dr. Daniela Small-Bailey, the esteemed principal of Dr. John Grieco Elementary School, who was tragically killed in a head-on collision in South Africa on July 4. The announcement was made by the school district on its website.

The upcoming 2024-25 school year will feel notably different without Small-Bailey’s vibrant presence. She was traveling with her son, Sidanii Bell, who also lost his life in the crash. They were visiting his two children in South Africa at the time.

The accident occurred near Dullstroom, South Africa, at 4:20 p.m. on July 4, involving a white double cab and a marked police car, according to Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, the acting provincial commissioner of the South African Police Service. The crash claimed the lives of Small-Bailey, Bell, a police constable, and another woman. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.

Amy Lupardi, an instructional coach in the district, described Small-Bailey as “a pillar of the Englewood Public Schools community,” noting her nearly two-decade-long dedication to the district. Small-Bailey, an ordained reverend and former head pastor at Bethel AME Church in Passaic, served in various roles, including assistant principal and most recently, principal of Dr. John Grieco Elementary School.

“Her career as a school administrator was marked by her vibrant and larger-than-life personality, which brought boundless energy and a relentless drive to every role she undertook,” Lupardi said. “Dr. Small-Bailey’s influence was felt throughout various buildings across the district. Her dynamic personality and unwavering commitment to excellence left an indelible mark on countless students, staff, and families.”

To support those affected by this tragedy, grief counseling services will be available for students and employees. “Dr. Small-Bailey’s enthusiasm for education was infectious, her presence in a room was electrifying, and her dedication to fostering a nurturing and inclusive school environment was unparalleled,” Lupardi added. “Her legacy is one of tireless devotion, transformative impact, and a spirit that will continue to inspire us all.”