WSSN Stories

By Jasmyne Cannick

To all of the Black journalists who were too dark, wore their hair too nappy or were too plus-size to get hired for television news — we see you.

To all the Black journalists who didn’t have the luxury of J-school — or college at all — who never got that big media break and have been dismissed by those who did — I see you. Your work is just as real, just as necessary, and just as powerful.

To my Black journalists out here doing the work without the backing of a major media machine — watching others get the paycheck, take the credit, collect the awards, and bask in the spotlight, all because you passed along a tip, knowing the story mattered more than your byline — thank you. You deserved better. You still do.

To all my Black journalists who had to pivot to PR or comms because news media wouldn’t hire you — and because, shocker, you actually needed to make a living — while still knowing how to string a sentence together without relying on ChatGPT? We see you. And we know who really has the range.

To the Black journalists who are made to feel like they’re not “real” journalists because they’re not working full-time in a newsroom — miss me with that nonsense. Journalism isn’t just about who signs your checks or what fancy title is on your LinkedIn. It’s about the work. The reporting. The storytelling. The impact.

Whether you’re freelancing, juggling gigs, running your own platform, or working in another industry while still doing the work, you are still a journalist. Your voice still matters. Your stories still shape narratives. And let’s be real — half of these so-called “real” journalists are just repackaging work that independent Black journalists broke first. So keep doing what you do. The industry may not always recognize you, but the people do.

To all the Black journalists who got tired of waiting for a seat at the table and decided to build their own — who launched platforms, built loyal followings, and proved that you don’t need a major outlet’s stamp of approval to tell the stories that matter — this is for you. You refused to be silenced, overlooked, or forced to play by rules that were never meant for you in the first place. You made your own lane, and whether they acknowledge it or not, the industry is watching — and taking notes.

To all the Black journalists who weren’t “corporate news” enough to get hired by a major outlet but somehow stay on speed dial for their reporters, editors, and producers — because they need your contacts, your story ideas, your relationships to make their jobs (and their careers) easier — yeah, I’d say we see you, but let’s be real, we don’t. You do the work, they take the credit. Just know this — I know exactly how that game goes. Personal experience is a hell of a teacher.

To all the Black journalists who put everything on the line to stand on truth, to tell the stories that make people uncomfortable, to challenge power even when it comes at a cost — you are the backbone of this industry, whether they acknowledge it or not.

You don’t just report the news — you expose what they’d rather keep hidden. You ask the questions they’re too afraid to ask. You amplify voices they’d rather silence. And in a world where truth is constantly under attack, your work isn’t just important — it’s essential.

They’ll call you biased, difficult, radical — anything to discredit you — because they know the power of your words, your reporting, your storytelling. But keep pushing. Keep writing. Keep telling the stories that matter. Because history won’t remember the ones who played it safe. It will remember the ones who told the truth, no matter the cost.

And finally, a thank you to the Black, non-corporate-owned media — the ones who know what it’s like to be dismissed, overlooked, and underestimated — who saw us, valued us, and gave us space when mainstream outlets wouldn’t. You’ve been holding it down, telling our stories our way, long before it was trendy. We see you. We appreciate you. And we owe you.

Among her many hats she proudly wears, Jasmyne Cannick is an award-winning journalist. Find her at iamjasmyne.com.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

It is taking so long to acquire licenses for concealed carry guns in California that some Black and Latino state residents are beginning to suspect the delays are rooted in racial bias or political foot-dragging.

The average wait time for a concealed carry gun license in California can be up to six months or more. This is a significantly longer wait compared to other states that may process licenses within timeframes that span a week to a few months.

Julio Amayo, who works for Los Angeles County training canines, recently applied for a license and was told there would be a 16-to-20 month wait just for the initial interview to see if he qualifies for the license.

“It’s a protection thing. I grew up in South Central Los Angeles back in the ‘90s. It was not uncommon to just go to sleep with gunfire, nightly, or have a helicopter circle your house if something was going on in the neighborhood,” Amayo said. “It’s just a safety thing for me. If these people are walking around with guns and are able to use them for whatever reason, I should be legally able to carry it to protect myself and my family.”

Amayo is not alone.

Black Californians who spoke with California Black Media (CBM) pointed out that some of California’s gun laws are rooted in racism and a fear of Black residents owning firearms. It is well documented that the Mulford Act, grew out of reactions to the Black Panthers in Oakland openly carrying firearms during the 1960s. They are hoping that some of those historical racial biases do not still exist in state policymaking.

They also point out that California’s Democratic state leadership strongly supports restrictions on gun ownership. Therefore, they say, there may not be any incentives built into the state’s bureaucracy to speed up the processing of gun permits.

The California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) and The California Department of Justice (DOJ) are the two agencies in the state that process gun permits. The BSIS has noted that there are a number of reasons for delays, including incomplete or inaccurate applications, federal processing delays, and incorrect fees, among others.

California Black Media reached out to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department to inquire about average wait times but, as of press time, the department had not responded.

In 2022, there was a surge in new gun applications after a Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) decision  determined that New York State’s requirement to demonstrate ‘proper cause’ before obtaining a permit to carry a concealed weapon in most public places was unconstitutional. That decision overturned similar, long-standing gun control laws in California.

Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta both expressed their disappointment with the Court’s decision, prompting counter measures by the state that critics say may be prolonging the permit issuing process.

“The fact is, individuals who are not law-abiding, responsible citizens simply shouldn’t possess firearms — and they especially shouldn’t be allowed to carry a concealed weapon in public,” said Bonta in a release following the SCOTUS’s decision. “When a gun is placed in the wrong hands, it is deadly. The Second Amendment is not a regulatory straitjacket. We must protect our communities.”

Newsom said gun control laws in California are working.

“Only in America do we see the kind of carnage and chaos of gun violence that destroys our communities and our sense of safety and belonging,” said Newsom. “America is number 1 in gun ownership, and we far surpass every developed nation on Earth in gun deaths – it’s not complicated. In California, we’ve passed common sense gun safety laws and they work: we have a 37% lower gun death rate than the national average.”

After the SCOTUS decision, Senate Bill 2 (SB 2) replaced California’s ‘good cause’ gun control requirements by expanding where concealed firearms are prohibited. It also increased minimum training from 8 to 16+ hours and requires applicants to have ‘good moral character’, which critics say is a vague prerequisite that is subject to the discretion of authorities.

“When there are critical delays accessing a constitutional right, especially around the right to defend oneself and family, you do have to wonder about the impact it’s having on underserved communities and populations,” said gun owner Micah Grant.

“What we definitely don’t want is a system where only the connected and elite can have added assurances and those without are left only to hope,” continued Grant, who is also chair of the board of trustees of CBM.

Craig DeLuz, owner of 2A News and a gun enthusiast for over 10 years, believes that delays in gun processing are having a critical impact on Black and other minority families, considering police response times in certain disadvantaged areas where Black communities are disproportionately located.

“I need to be my own first line of defense. You’re seeing that more and more. You’re seeing even people who weren’t averse to firearms being more proactive in engaging in buying firearms and getting firearms training because they are recognizing the need for self-defense,” said DeLuz.

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

You know there is a God. You know there is Satan. You know there is Heaven, and you know there is Hell, but yet instill you continue as usual. Make sense out of it!

We are living in the end-times! You can see the chaos that is virtually enveloping this world. You can feel the upheaval that is coming upon this world, but yet instill you continue as usual. Make sense out of it!

Because the world, as we know it, is coming to an end; it is even at the door. [Matthew 24:23]. Even Hollywood knows this. They have been sounding the siren, “Nee-naw, Nee-naw” about the end of the world for years. Every movie they make relates to End Times. They’re not just making movies, they’re showing you the future before it happens.

Hollywood isn’t just entertainment, it’s a weapon. Predictive programming is the way they prepare the masses for what’s coming. They hide the truth in plain sight so when it happens, you’re already desensitized. Think about it, 9/11 dozens of TV shows predicted it years before. The X-Files’ Spinoff, Predicted 9/11 Six Months Before Tragedy. The Pandemic? Countless films like Contagious and Outbreak showed the exact scenario long before 2020. Even the Al takeover: 2001: The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951); A Space Odyssey (1968); Blade Runner (1982); Wargames (1983); The Terminator (1984); Robocop (1987); Judgment Day (1991]; The Matrix (1999); Bicentennial Man (1999); A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001); I, Robot (2004); Tron: Legacy (2010); Ex Machina (2014); Morgan (2016).

Not to mention Battleship, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Interstellar, Reign of Fire, War of the Worlds, Jerusalem Countdown, Left Behind, A Thief in The Night, The Beginning of the End, The Moment After, Image of the Beast, New World Order, The Mark, The Black Rider, The Rapture, The Prodigal, The Awakening; The Second Coming of Christ. The Omega Code.

I could go on and on, but the point is that these movies offers an intense look at the far-reaching consequences of biblical prophecy. But yet instead, you continue as usual. Make sense out of it! Wake your behind up!

People scoff at the idea that there will be an end to the world. Reducing everything to the level of their puny feelings, they’ll mock, “So what’s happened to the promise of Jesus Coming? Our ancestors are dead and buried, and everything’s going on just as it has from the first day of creation. Nothing’s changed.” [2 Peter 3:4].

But Peter says: Guess what? There’s a very good reason the end of the world hasn’t happened yet, and it’s not the reason you think. Get a clue, people! Just because the Lord hasn’t come back yet, don’t think for a minute that He won’t! The Lord isn’t being slow about His promise, as some people think. No, He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed but wants everyone to repent. [2 Peter 3:9]. So don’t get it twisted, this world, in all its fleeting glory, will come to an end. And make no mistake, that end is near. The Lord Himself has warned us, “The Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.” [Matthew 24:44]. You can ignore it, or even wish it away, but the day is coming. God destroyed the world once, and He will do it again. [Isaiah 24:1].

History repeats itself. The Old Testament tells a sad but true story about people who no longer loved God, and who had made up their minds that they would not obey Him anymore. The story begins in [Genesis 6:5], where the writer, Moses, said: “Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually”. People were sinning against God more and more. Finally, God had had enough and announced that He was going to destroy the entire world! The Bible says: “And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So, the Lord said, ‘I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air”. [Genesis 6:7-13]. Don’t get it twisted! Destruction is inevitable.

The Lord is going to lay waste the earth and devastate it; He will ruin its face and scatter its inhabitants. It will be the same for priest as for people, for the master as for his servant, for the mistress as for her servant, for seller as for buyer, for borrower as for lender, for debtor as for creditor. The earth will be completely laid waste and totally plundered. [Isaiah 24:1-3].

The Lord has spoken this word. Disaster! An unheard-of disaster is coming. I am about to pour out my wrath on you and spend my anger against you. I will not look on you with pity or spare you. The day is here! It has come! [Ezekiel 7:3-10].

Look! Disaster is spreading from nation to nation; a mighty storm is rising from the ends of the earth. [Jeremiah 25:31-33; Luke12:54-56; Matthew 24:3-8; Luke 21:10-26].

Even so, they continue as usual.

I set watchmen over you, saying; Listen to the sound of the trumpet! But they said, “We will not listen.” [Jeremiah 6:17].

Therefore, thus says the Lord; Behold, I am about to remove you from the face of the earth. This year you are going to die, because you have counseled rebellion against the Lord. [Jeremiah 28:16].

Blow the ram’s horn in Zion; sound the alarm on My holy mountain! Let all who dwell in the land tremble, for the Day of the Lord is coming; indeed, it is near. [Joel 2:1].

Tekiah! ??Shevarim! ?? Teruah! ??Tekiah Gedolah!

Hell awaits you!

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

On February 21, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass relieved L.A. Fire Department (LAFD) chief Kristin Crowley of her duties in the wake of fallout over how recent deadly firestorms in the city were handled.

Bass announced she appointed former Chief Deputy Ronnie Villanueva, a 41-year LAFD veteran as Interim Fire Chief.

“Acting in the best interests of Los Angeles’ public safety, and for the operations of the Los Angeles Fire Department, I have removed Kristin Crowley as Fire Chief,” Mayor Bass said in a release. “We know that 1,000 firefighters that could have been on duty on the morning the fires broke out were instead sent home on Chief Crowley’s watch.

LAFD officer, Captain Robert Hawkins, is alleging that Crowley purposefully mismanaged the department to bring attention to a 17 million deficit and budget as part of a strategy to get more money for the fire department.

“On October 24th, I met with Fire Chief Kristen Crowley about removing recruitment officers and its impact on Black firefighter representation,” Hawkins told California Black Media (CBM). “She told me that she was refusing to maintain staffing and had planned to cut fire engines over a 17-million-dollar deficit, and she asked the stakeholders if we can contact our retirees to fill temporary recruitment roles, stating to us that sometimes you need to ‘let bad things happen’ to get the attention of the city council for our budget.”

After receiving this information, Hawkins requested a meeting with the deputy mayor, Brian Williams, on December 2.

“I met with him to express serious concerns about the leadership of the Los Angeles Fire Department. I told him I do not believe the fire chief has the mayor’s best interests at heart, nor do I believe she is managing the department appropriately,” Hawkins alleged. “I warned him to warn the mayor in the event of a major emergency with casualties or any type of major destruction, I fear that she would fail to protect the city and ultimately shift blame to the mayor and throw her under the bus.”

In addition to understaffing the department, Bass said Crowley refused to complete an after-action report on the fires as instructed by the President of the Fire Commission, a necessary step to the investigation.

“The heroism of our firefighters – during the Palisades fire and every single day – is without question. Bringing new leadership to the fire department is what our city needs,” said Bass.

During her time as LAFD chief, Crowley had been outspoken over her disapproval of funding allocated to the LAFD, citing it affected its ability to adequately respond to the recent fires.

After her dismissal, Crowley released a statement.

 “As the Fire Chief, I based my actions and decisions on taking care of our firefighters so that they could take care of our communities. Serving others before self, having the courage and integrity to do what is right, and leading with compassion, love and respect have guided me throughout my career,” Crowley stated. “I am extremely proud of the work, sacrifice and dedication of our LAFD members, both sworn and civilian.”

Crowley, who appealed her dismissal on Feb. 27, still serves on the LAFD.

Hawkins said shortly after he shared his concerns with Williams, the deputy mayor was accused of a making a bomb threat to city hall and relieved of his post.

“My concern is our firefighter’s union — if they have a background agenda and when that background agenda started. I know that the union approached me less than two years ago to start the process with a vote of no confidence to remove Kristin Crowley,” said Hawkins. “Then, recently, before the Palisades fire I found it interesting to see their overwhelming support for the Fire Chief.”

CBM reached out to former Chief Crowley for comment, but she did not respond.

Metropolitan A.M.E. Smart Surfaces Program Director Rev. Jon Robinson and AURN’s Ebony McMorris discuss the impact of Trump’s executive orders on the environment, particularly as it relates to marginalized communities across the country.

More on Metropolitan A.M.E. at metropolitaname.org

More on the Smart Surfaces Coalition at smartsurfacescoalition.org

By NBC Affiliate WDSU-TV

Krewe of ALLA Makes History this week with First Black King and Queen for 2025 Parade Oldest New Orleans Carnival Krewe to feature Black royalty in citywide celebration King and Queen honor Civil Rights Icon credited with desegregating old line carnival organizations

(NEW ORLEANS, LA) – In a historic first for New Orleans Mardi Gras, the Krewe of ALLA, the fifth-oldest parading organization in New Orleans, crowns its first Black King and Queen for their upcoming parade this Wednesday night.

ALLA is the oldest predominantly White New Orleans Mardi Gras organization to have a Black King and Queen. Their crowning marks a tribute to former New Orleans City Councilmember and Civil Rights pioneer Dorothy Mae Taylor, whose 1992 law desegregated Mardi Gras krewes, paving the way for a more inclusive celebration of New Orleans culture.

James Carter, a former New Orleans City Councilmember and Port of New Orleans Board Member, will reign as King alongside Gian Durand, founder and Chief Operating Officer of Loving Hearts of Louisiana and Secretary of the Louisiana Democratic Party, as Queen. Together, they represent the Krewe’s commitment to inclusivity and celebrating excellence in the local community. In addition, New Orleans City Council President JP Morrell will serve as this year’s parade Grand Marshal.

Durand and Carter’s selection as royalty represents a new era for a Mardi Gras, a direct reflection of Taylor’s vision for inclusive and representative celebration which dates to 1856 when the Krewe of Comus formed in the Crecent City. Taylor made history as the first Black woman elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives and later as a New Orleans Councilmember, where she passed a landmark ordinance calling for all krewes who use city services to adopt non-discriminatory policies.

Durand and Carter’s selection as royalty represents a new era for a Mardi Gras, a direct reflection of Taylor’s vision for inclusive and representative celebration which dates to 1856 when the Krewe of Comus formed in the Crecent City. Taylor made history as the first Black woman elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives and later as a New Orleans Councilmember, where she passed a landmark ordinance calling for all krewes who use city services to adopt non-discriminatory policies.

2025 ALLA Queen Gian Durand shared her excitement about her upcoming reign: “As a child, I dreamed of being a Carnival queen, but I never imagined it would become a reality, especially as opportunities for Black women in Mardi Gras krewes were so limited. The Krewe of ALLA represents what Mardi Gras should look like–where everyone can live out their dreams.”

This announcement comes as the Krewe prepares to roll in a new, coveted time slot on Wednesday evening, February 26, 2025, along the historic St. Charles Avenue parade route. The theme for 2025, “Only a Matter of Time,” will feature exquisitely revamped floats, an expanded lineup of marching bands and dance groups, and the Krewe’s signature hand-decorated genie lamp throws.

“The Krewe of ALLA has always been about bringing people together,” said Captain Adam Strickland. “Moving to this new time slot and celebrating our first Black King and Queen is a testament to our commitment to progress, diversity, and honoring the unique spirit of Mardi Gras.”

Founded in 1932 in Algiers, Louisiana, the Krewe of ALLA takes its name as a nod to its origins, combining the initials of “Algiers, Louisiana” in the same way “NOLA” represents New Orleans. Since moving to the Uptown parade route a decade ago, the Krewe has grown into a vibrant, co-ed, and family-friendly organization with a rich history and a dedicated focus on inclusivity.

Membership in the Krewe remains open to individuals of all backgrounds, including children aged 13 and older, making ALLA a true reflection of the diverse fabric of New Orleans.

For more information about the Krewe of ALLA and its 2025 parade, visit www.kreweofalla.net.

About the Krewe of ALLA

Founded in 1932, the Krewe of ALLA is one of the oldest and most cherished Mardi Gras organizations in New Orleans. Known for its rich traditions, vibrant parades, and dedication to community engagement, ALLA celebrates the culture and spirit of the Crescent City year-round. From its annual parade during Carnival season to creative events like the ALLA-ween Scavenger Hunt and the ALLA Bash, the Krewe brings people together through fun, inclusive, and unique New Orleans experiences.

By Bo Tefu | California Black Media 

Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed three Black judges to Superior Courts across California. The Commission on Judicial Appointments also confirmed a Black Judge, Charles Smiley, that Newsom appointed in November to the state’s Courts of Appeal.

Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, chair of the commission, announced the unanimous confirmation of Judge Charles Smiley to the First Appellate District, Division One, in San Francisco. Smiley, an Alameda County Superior Court judge since 2012, fills the vacancy left by the retirement of Justice Sandra L. Margulies.

Newsom’s judicial appointments last week included seven judges in Los Angeles County and others in Modoc, Riverside, San Diego, San Mateo, Tulare, and Ventura counties. Among them are three Black judges appointed to Superior Courts:

• James Montgomery Jr. (Los Angeles County Superior Court), a former court commissioner and attorney.
• Chandra Reid (San Diego County Superior Court), a former Deputy District Attorney with nearly two decades of prosecutorial experience.
• Mark McCannon (San Mateo County Superior Court), previously an Alameda County judge and prosecutor.

By Bo Tefu | California Black Media 

U.S. Rep. Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12) introduced her first bill in Congress last week.

 “The Assisting Small Businesses Not Fraudsters Act,” aims to reduce fraud in government aid programs for small businesses. The bipartisan legislation, co-sponsored by Small Business Committee Chair Roger Williams (R-TX-25), seeks to ensure that only eligible small businesses benefit from federal financial support.

The bill amends the Small Business Act to bar individuals and entities convicted of financial fraud — or making false statements related to grants — from receiving non-disaster- related financial assistance from the Small Business Administration (SBA). This includes grants and contracts intended to support small businesses, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Simon addressed growing concern over fraud in the SBA’s pandemic relief programs such as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) as she emphasized the bill’s importance.

“While small businesses faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, some exploited vital resources meant for struggling businesses,” said Simon.

“My bill ensures that those who have exploited the system will not be able to take advantage of future opportunities,” she added.

The bill is part of Simon’s broader effort to provide long-term support to small businesses across her district, which includes Oakland and other parts of Alameda County.

By BoTefu | California Black Media

In a speech at the 56th annual NAACP Image Awards – held February 22 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium — former Vice President Kamala Harris delivered an upbeat speech, reminding the audience that the future of America “is bright and that they hold the power to determine the course of the country’s future.

In her first major public appearance since she left office, Harris was honored with the NAACP’s prestigious Chairman’s Award.

The NAACP Chairman’s Award honors individuals who “excel in public service and leverage their unique platforms to ignite and drive meaningful change.”

“Eternal vigilance is the price of Liberty,” said Harris, who received a standing ovation when she walked on stage. “To stay alert, to seek the truth, and to actively participate in the fight for America’s future.

Harris said the NAACP came into being at a time America struggled with greed, bitterness and hatred.

“Those who forged the NAACP, those who carried its legacy forward, had no illusions about the forces they were up against – – no illusions about how stony the road would be,” Harris continued.

“Some look at this moment and rightly feel the weight of history. Some see the flames on our horizons, the rising waters in our cities, the shadows gathering over our democracy, and ask, ‘What do we do now?’ But we know exactly what to do, because we have done it before, and we will do it again.”

Ending on an optimistic note, Harris said she has no illusions about the challenges ahead.

“This chapter of our American story, this chapter will be written not simply by whoever occupies the Oval Office — nor by the wealthiest among us,” she said. “The American story will be written by you, written by us — by we the people. Thank you, God bless you, and God bless the United States.”

Skydance Sports Joins the NFL Career Tour, Which Gives NFL Players Valuable Insight into the Entertainment Industry

SANTA MONICA, CA— Building on the global announcement of Hidden Empire Sports Collective (HESC), the National Football League (NFL) and Hidden Empire Film Group (HEFG) are set to launch the third annual NFL Career Tour joined this year by Skydance Sports, the joint venture between the NFL and Skydance. Designed by the NFL’s Player Engagement team, this premier professional development experience offers current players and NFL Legends exclusive access to major organizations, providing them with invaluable industry exposure and high-level networking opportunities with top executives.

As part of the NFL Career Tour, Skydance Sports,  a leader in premium sports storytelling, will offer an exclusive look behind the scenes of sports filmmaking including providing participants with an immersive writers’ room experience and an insider look at the Hollywood industry.. This unique collaboration will inspire the next generation of sports media professionals by showcasing the power of storytelling in elevating the game.

“We are excited to provide this amazing experience for NFL players and Legends,” said NFL Senior Vice President of Player Operations Tracy Perlman. “The new division of Hidden Empire provides an opportunity that educates the attendees on every facet of the entertainment business. Their access to talent and entertainment executives also provides an additional networking opportunity for the group, which is a great resource.”

Following its tremendous success in past years, the NFL and HESC have teamed up again to host the 2025 NFL x Hidden Empire Career Tour at the Hidden Empire Studio in Santa Monica, CA.

“An NFL career is just the beginning. The real game is building a future beyond the field. That’s why this partnership with the NFL is so crucial—it equips players with the tools, connections, and opportunities to thrive long after the final whistle.” said co-CEO of Hidden Empire, Roxanne Taylor. “It’s fresh, different, and an exciting way to build today’s athletes into tomorrow’s leaders in the film and television space.”

“Skydance Sports is thrilled to be joining Hidden Empire and our partners at the NFL for this incredible opportunity,” said Head of Skydance Sports, Jason Reed. “We believe current and former players have a great deal to contribute to Hollywood storytelling. Our goal is to give players new insights into how the film industry operates and how they can unleash the potential of their unique skills and experiences.”

This unique three-day program offers a comprehensive exploration of the entertainment industry, from educational sessions to hands-on workshops and in-depth camera training. Last year’s three-day experience was a major success that included celebrity panelists such as Tyrese Gibson, Master P., and NFL Legends Vernon Davis, Rocket Ismail, and Ephraim Salaam. Players learned from and worked collaboratively with entertainment industry stars, including Michael Ealy, Demetrius Shipp Jr., Steven Caple Jr., Joe Carnahan, Kurt Wimmer, Charles Murray, Rodney Barnes, and many more.

“Our commitment to facilitating these athletes’ transition into their next chapter is unwavering, and we are overjoyed to provide them with this unparalleled opportunity to expand their horizons, embrace their creative passions, and chart a new course in their illustrious careers,” said co-CEO of Hidden Empire, Deon Taylor. “This collaboration underscores our dedication to nurturing talent and unlocking new possibilities, paving the way for these remarkable individuals to make an indelible mark in the world of entertainment.”

Attendees will put the knowledge gained into practice by shooting, producing, directing, and acting in a short film. All camera equipment for the workshop was sponsored by David Dodson of Panavision. The Career Tour will conclude with feedback about the short films and a discussion of how players can further explore their interest in the entertainment industry following the event.

About Hidden Empire Sports Collective

Hidden Empire Film Group (HEFG) and The Union announced the launch of Hidden Empire Sports Collective (HESC), the first entertainment division from a film studio to prioritize intellectual property and content creation for athletes and sports earlier this month. The new arm will redefine storytelling through strategic partnerships to create a pipeline for authentic, culture-centric narratives from the world’s best athletes. HESC will be overseen by The Union’s Co-CEO, Sumair Khan. Rodney Guillroy and Ephraim Salaam will join the leadership team as President of Talent Strategy and Creative Executive, respectively. They bring their collective expertise to the helm alongside Deon and Roxanne Avent Taylor, Co-CEOs of HEFG.

About Skydance Sports

Skydance Sports, the joint venture between the NFL and Skydance, has quickly become the preeminent studio for leagues, teams, elite athletes, and A-List Hollywood talent seeking to produce premium, sports-related entertainment.

Initially launched in 2021, the studio’s first two projects include the Sports Emmy-nominated docuseries _Good Rivals _and the critically acclaimed film _Air_ which received two Golden Globe Award nominations including “Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.” In 2022, Skydance partnered with the NFL and NFL Films on a joint venture to significantly expand multi-platform programming across sports in a broad range of formats for partners, fans, and viewers around the world. The partnership’s projects include the upcoming docuseries _America’s Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys_ chronicling the Dallas Cowboys’ dynasty and franchise owner Jerry Jones, a documentary feature on football legend John Elway, and a docuseries on tennis icon Rafael Nadal for Netflix along with a scripted series for Hulu written and executive produced by Dan Fogelman set inside the world of the NFL. Recently released projects include the Hallmark holiday movie _Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story_, _Aaron Rodgers: Enigma_ for Netflix, _Freediver _on Prime Video, _Hard Knocks: Offseason with the New York Giants _for HBO as well as the Sports Emmy-nominated _NFL Draft: The Pick Is In_ for The Roku Channel and _Kelce_ for Prime Video.