The constantly changing landscape of college sports is affecting both big and small schools, but none are facing a more uncertain future than HBCUs. They are largely being ignored by the major sporting publications in terms of assessing how the various mainstream conference realignments might affect them, but the handful of HBCUs who are not in the SWAC, MEAC or SIAC have to consider how the ongoing reshuffling of college alliances and conferences will affect their future. Most prominent on that list is Tennessee State University, currently a member of the Ohio Valley Conference. Last weekend two of TSU’s most…
Author: Ron Wynn
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — Jamie Foxx has teamed with actress Cameron Diaz in two previous films, among them the football-themed “Any Given Sunday” and “Annie.” But Diaz had been in retirement since 2014. However, she is now not only ending her retirement, but will be teaming with Foxx again for an action film that will be screened on Netflix. The announcement was made this week, though there remain some details still to be released. At this time the plot hasn’t been disclosed. But it is set that Seth Gordon will direct, and the script is being written by…
The greatest sister act in the history of sports is sadly nearing its end. Venus and Serena Williams have not only been the dominant names in women’s tennis for many years, Serena is arguably the greatest woman tennis player ever (some consider her the greatest period). The two have been on top of the sport for so long it’s hard to imagine that a time would come when they wouldn’t be title threats at any Grand Slam event, and in particular Wimbledon. The grass court setting has always been the most ideal for both Williams sisters. The sisters have won…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — Nashville SC’s Hany Mukhtar is providing his team some much needed offensive punch and firepower, while also emerging as a strong candidate for postseason honors. Mukhtar had another two goals Sunday as Nashville SC gained an important road victory, defeating DC United 3-1 Washington. D.C, The two-goal explosion by Mukhtar gave him a team leading eight goals, and it was also the third time this season he’s had at least two goals in a game. Mukhtar’s first came during first half stoppage time, which extended nearly five minutes due to a hydration break provided…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — The ongoing controversy behind Elvis Presley and his influences, as well as whether he’s overly credited with popularizing rock and roll, has been raging for decades. But the new Baz Lurhmann film on Presley, which opened Friday, features a number of Black actors, among them Nashville’s Shannon Sanders (who’ll be featured in an upcoming article/interview). Both vocalist Yola and model Alton Mason are acting debut in the film. They discussed last week with the Shadow and Act website their feelings on the film and the impact their characters (Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Little Richard)…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — The CBS daytime drama “The Young and the Restless” has long been among the industry’s most innovative in areas of diversity and inclusion. Last Friday the show made history as actress Mishael Morgan won Best Outstanding Lead Performance in a Drama Series: Actress. She became the first Black woman to win in the category. It was her third nomination and first win in the Lead Actress category. “I’m so proud of this generation,” Morgan said during her acceptance speech. “…I am being honored regardless of the color of my skin …for being the best…
Integration came late to a lot of Southern colleges, and in particular the huge ones. That change was even slower when it came to the coaching profession. But over the last month, two major colleges have made major coaching hires that signal, at least for now, a new day in terms of hiring practices. Both the University of Memphis and the University of Tennessee have hired Black men for roles that previously were mainly or only held by white ones. Memphis named Kerrick Jackson as their new baseball coach, the first Black man to coach that sport in school history.…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — Saxophone lovers will get a treat this Friday at Rudy’s Jazz Room with a special tribute to a living legend and showcases from two of the area’s finest saxophonists. The evening begins at 5:30 with a tribute show. “The Music of John Coltrane & Friends” spotlights Chicago drummer John Hanrahan heading a group that will perform some of Coltrane’s finest tunes. Hanrahan has extensive experience in both jazz and blues circles, and will be heading a quartet. Tickets for this show are $14 at the door. Prolific saxophonist Don Aliquo has played with numerous…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — Traditional gospel, which was the musical foundation for the sound that later became soul, doesn’t get much of the spotlight these days as the larger ensembles and contemporary ensembles are now most dominant in religious music circle. But fans of vintage, down-home gospel will be thrilled by what they see and hear in the new documentary “Stay Prayed Up,” which will be available on digital platforms next Tuesday and is currently being shown in some theaters. The acclaimed documentary, which is directed by D.L. Anderson and Matt Durning, had its debut at the Telluride…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — So far 2022 has been a very good year for the Nashville Sounds, but lately they’ve encountered rough going. They fell behind early Sunday against the Norfolk Tides and ultimately lost 7-2, dropping consecutive series for the first time this season. The Sounds continue to draw well, attracting over 8,000 (8,165) for the Sunday afternoon contest at First Horizon Park. But they were behind early and never were able to catch up. It was a sub-par outing for Sounds’ starter Dylan File. He took his third loss of the season, giving up five runs…