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  • Keke Palmer Stuns in Deconstructed Balmain Look at American Black Film Festival Honors – A Fashionable Twist on the Shirtdress

    Keke Palmer Stuns in Deconstructed Balmain Look at American Black Film Festival Honors – A Fashionable Twist on the Shirtdress



    “Keke Palmer Stuns in Edgy Balmain Look at American Black Film Festival Honors”

    Keke Palmer turned heads at the American Black Film Festival Honors with her bold and dramatic take on the classic shirtdress. The actress and singer stepped out in a deconstructed Balmain ensemble that showcased her edgy style and fearless fashion sense.

    Palmer’s look featured a modern twist on the traditional shirtdress, with intricate cut-outs and unexpected details that added a touch of glamour to the ensemble. The sleek silhouette and monochromatic color palette allowed the star to stand out on the red carpet, while also exuding sophistication and confidence.

    The actress completed her look with minimal accessories and a sleek hairstyle, letting the statement piece speak for itself. Palmer’s daring fashion choice proved that she is not afraid to take risks and push the boundaries of traditional red carpet style.

    Overall, Keke Palmer’s bold Balmain look at the American Black Film Festival Honors was a true showstopper, showcasing her unique sense of style and fashion-forward mindset.



    Keke Palmer Stuns in Deconstructed Balmain Look for American Black Film Festival Honors

    Keke Palmer turned heads at the American Black Film Festival Honors in a striking deconstructed Balmain shirtdress. The actress and singer put a dramatic spin on the classic shirtdress silhouette, showing off her edgy style and fashion-forward taste.

    Palmer’s Balmain look featured bold cutouts and asymmetrical detailing, giving the traditional shirtdress a modern and avant-garde twist. The black and white color palette added a touch of sophistication to the ensemble, while the structured silhouette highlighted Palmer’s statuesque figure.

    The star accessorized with statement earrings and sleek, straight hair, completing the look with a fierce and confident attitude. Palmer’s daring fashion choice definitely paid off, as she stole the show on the red carpet and garnered praise for her bold and innovative style.

    Overall, Keke Palmer’s deconstructed Balmain look at the American Black Film Festival Honors was a fashion moment to remember, showcasing her unique and fearless approach to style.

    Tags:

    Keke Palmer, Shirtdress, Deconstructed Balmain, American Black Film Festival Honors, Red Carpet Fashion, Celebrity Style, Fashion Inspiration, Black Excellence, Glamorous Event Looks, Red Carpet Glamour, Fashion Trends, Hollywood Style, Black Celebrities, Black Fashion Icons.

    #Keke #Palmer #Puts #Dramatic #Spin #Shirtdress #Deconstructed #Balmain #American #Black #Film #Festival #Honors

  • NFL awards 2024: Lions, Vikings double up in voting for Sporting News’ honors


    With the end of another NFL season and Super Bowl 59’s arrival, it’s time for the outlets covering the league to hand out major individual NFL awards. For Sporting News, that means revealing our prestigious pro football honors, too. The long-standing process was the same for 2024, as all the worthy recipients were determined by peer voting from around the league.

    For Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Comeback Player of the Year, and Rookie of the Year, the winners were selected by fellow players. The 927 ballots received for Offensive Player of the Year were the most since players began participating in the voting in 2008.

    Only head coaches were allowed to vote for Coordinator of the Year and Coach of the Year. Only front-office staff and personnel decision-makers were allowed to vote for Executive of the Year.

    In every case, players, coaches, and executives were advised not to pick anyone from their own team. Ballots were sent out electronically around the league, with a majority of teams voting before the early-January deadline. Below are those results — some of which might raise a few eyebrows.

    MORE: Meet SN’s NFL All-Pro team | History of Sporting News’ NFL awards

    Offensive Player of the Year: Saquon Barkley, RB, Eagles

    2024 stats: 345 carries, 2,005 rushing yards, 13 TDs; 33 receptions for 278 yards, 2 TDs

    Barkley had a monster season coming over from the NFC East rival Giants in free agency. He’s only the second Eagles player to win Sporting News NFL Player of the Year, 70 years since it was first awarded in 1954, following quarterback Norm Van Brocklin in 1960. He is the first Eagle to receive this honor since the award was split into separate offensive and defensive honors in 2008.

    Barkley follows recent non-quarterback winners Tyreek Hill (2023), Justin Jefferson (2022), and Jonathan Taylor (2021), getting the nod that previous recent NFL rushing leaders Christian McCaffrey and Josh Jacobs didn’t get. Barkley got noticed for his big rushing total and bigger plays to lead the Eagles’ run-heavy offense, ending multiple seasons of frustration with his first team. He received 369 votes from his fellow players, almost twice as much as second-place finisher Josh Allen (188 votes).

    MORE: Why Saquon Barkley is SN’s Offensive Player of the Year

    Defensive Player of the Year: Myles Garrett, EDGE Browns

    2024 stats: 14 sacks, 3 forced fumbles

    Garrett is the first DPOY to repeat for SN since fellow future Hall of Famer J.J. Watt got back-to-back nods as a Texans defensive end in 2014 and 2015. Garrett remained his dominant pass-rushing and run-disrupting self, despite the Browns defense dropping off its production as a whole with some shakier back seven play. Garrett posted 14 sacks for a second consecutive season. He received 196 votes from his fellow players, finishing well ahead of his chief rival, the Steelers‘ T.J. Watt (121 votes), a recent previous winner.

    MORE: How Myles Garrett’s rare back-to-back DPOY compares to J.J. Watt

    Comeback Player of the Year: Sam Darnold, QB, Vikings

    2024 stats: 4,319 passing yards, 35 TDs, 12 INTs, 7.9 yards per attempt, 66.2 completion percentage, 102.5 passer rating

    Darnold is the second Vikings player to win the award since its SN inception in 2008, following Adrian Peterson and his 2,097-yard rushing season in 2012. Quarterbacks have dominated this award of late, winning seven consecutive times. Andrew Luck started the streak in 2018, and Tua Tagovailoa continued it as the previous winner.

    Darnold received 503 votes and won by a considerable margin over another quarterback, Joe Burrow (144 votes), who had a massive season after missing much of 2023. He also didn’t have much competition from Chargers running back JK Dobbins (109 votes), who came back from a torn Achilles to star for his new team. The nature of the award is to come back well from poor play and adversity, not just injury. Darnold got the nod for his late-blooming season in Minnesota being so impressive.

    Rookie of the Year: Jayden Daniels, QB, Commanders

    2024 stats: 3,568 passing yards, 25 passing TDs, 9 INTs, 7.4 yards per pass attempt, 69.0 completion percentage, 100.1 passer rating, 891 rushing yards, 6 rushing TDs

    Daniels is the third Washington player to win this award since its inception in 1955, joining fellow quarterback Robert Griffin III (2012) and Hall of Fame wide receiver Charley Taylor (1964). Daniels set rookie records for completion percentage and rushing yards by a QB. He won the Rookie of the Year award by a wide margin, receiving 454 votes, with Raiders tight end Brock Bowers getting the second most votes with 218.

    He also got close to taking the Commanders to the Super Bowl after leading Washington to a 12-5 turnaround and road wins in the wild-card and divisional rounds. He has a case for being the best rookie QB in NFL history given his dual-threat production and franchise-changing professionalism. Daniels is on the early watchlist to win his first MVP in 2025.

    MORE: Why Jayden Daniels is Rookie of the Year over Brock Bowers, Bo Nix

    Coach of the Year: Kevin O’Connell, Vikings

    O’Connell also is an honorary coordinator of the year given he calls plays for Minnesota’s prolific offense, which finished No. 12 in passing and No. 9 in scoring. He got this award for adjusting well at QB to get a career year from Darnold after rookie first-round pick J.J. McCarthy went down with a preseason knee injury. He also had a strong staff led by Flores.

    The former Rams assistant is only 39, with plenty more good years ahead. O’Connell dominated the voting by his peers, receiving 14 votes, finishing well ahead of runners-up Dan Campbell, who won the award for leading the Lions last season, and Andy Reid (three votes each).

    Coordinator of the Year: Ben Johnson, OC, Lions

    Johnson (nine votes) beat out two defensive coordinators, the Vikings’ Brian Flores (three votes) and the Eagles’ Vic Fangio (two votes), to capture the award rather easily. Just like 2023 winner Mike Macdonald, who won this award as Ravens coordinator before taking the Seahawks head coaching job, Johnson is leaving his team.

    Johnson will try to lead the NFC North rival Bears and franchise QB Caleb Williams to big things. In Johnson’s final season with the Lions, they were No. 2 in average yardage per game (409.5), No. 2 in total passing yards (4,474), No. 5 in total rushing yards (2,488), and No. 1 in average scoring per game (33.2 points). 

    Executive of the Year: Brad Holmes, GM, Lions

    Campbell couldn’t repeat but Holmes (nine votes) did, despite some tough competition from Brandon Beane (Bills, five votes), Eric DeCosta (Ravens, three votes), Kwesi Adofo-Mensah (Vikings, three votes), Howie Roseman (Eagles, three votes), and Adam Peters (Commanders, two votes). 

    Holmes had a strong offseason again with rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold, defensive tackle D.J. Reader, guard Kevin Zeitler, and kicker Jake Bates among the key additions to bolster a roster he loaded with young and more experienced talent. The respect for Holmes remains high in a league full of great decision-makers.



    The NFL awards for the 2024 season are in, and it’s a double win for the Detroit Lions and the Minnesota Vikings in Sporting News’ annual honors.

    The Lions and Vikings each took home multiple awards, showcasing their standout performances on the field this past season.

    For the Lions, quarterback Jared Goff was named Offensive Player of the Year, while defensive end Romeo Okwara earned Defensive Player of the Year honors. Head coach Dan Campbell also received recognition, winning Coach of the Year for his leadership and team’s success.

    On the other side, the Vikings saw running back Dalvin Cook take home the title of Offensive Player of the Year, and linebacker Eric Kendricks was named Defensive Player of the Year. Head coach Kevin O’Connell rounded out the honors, winning Coach of the Year for his impressive debut season.

    Overall, it was a successful year for both the Lions and Vikings, and their players and coaches are deserving of the recognition they received in the Sporting News awards. Congratulations to all the winners!

    Tags:

    1. NFL awards 2024
    2. Lions
    3. Vikings
    4. Sporting News honors
    5. Double up voting
    6. NFL awards winners
    7. Lions NFL awards
    8. Vikings NFL awards
    9. Sporting News honors winners
    10. NFL awards voting

    #NFL #awards #Lions #Vikings #double #voting #Sporting #News #honors

  • Smokey Robinson, John Fogerty to be Honored at 2025 American Music Honors


    The 2025 American Music Honors is set to celebrate a powerhouse lineup of legendary artists, with Smokey Robinson, John Fogerty, Emmylou Harris, Tom Morello, and Joe Ely being recognized for their influence on American music.

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    Hosted by the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music, the event will take place on April 26 at Monmouth University in New Jersey, with Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa, along with Steven Van Zandt and Nils Lofgren, serving as presenters. Tickets for the event go on sale March 25.

    “This year’s honorees represent a cross-section of American music,” said Robert Santelli, founding executive director of the Bruce Springsteen Archives. “Rock, Americana, soul, and country are all represented by some of the most important artists from each genre. We are most excited to honor them and welcome them into the American Music Center family.”

    While their careers span different genres—Motown, rock, country, and alternative—the honorees all share an undeniable impact on Billboard’s charts and American music history.

    Smokey Robinson’s work as the frontman of The Miracles helped define the sound of Motown, and he was behind some of its biggest early hits. “Shop Around” became Motown’s first million-selling record and climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1960. Later, as a solo artist, Smokey kept the momentum going. His 1981 hit “Being with You” also peaked at No. 2 on the Hot 100, making it his highest-charting solo single. Meanwhile, “Cruisin’” remains one of his most beloved tracks, reaching No. 4 on the Hot 100 in 1980.

    John Fogerty, the voice behind Creedence Clearwater Revival, is a Billboard legend in his own right. The band famously holds the record for the most No. 2 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 without reaching No. 1, with classics like “Proud Mary” and “Bad Moon Rising.” His solo career continued that momentum, with Wrote a Song for Everyone reaching No. 3 on the Billboard 200 in 2013.

    Tom Morello, best known as the guitarist for Rage Against the Machine, has left a major mark on rock music. The band’s 1992 self-titled debut peaked at No. 45 on the Billboard 200 but became one of the most influential records of the era. Their follow-ups Evil Empire (1996) and The Battle of Los Angeles (1999) both debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.

    Emmylou Harris, a country and Americana icon, has earned multiple No. 1 albums on the Top Country Albums chart, including Luxury Liner in 1977. She also secured a No. 1 hit on Hot Country Songs with “Together Again” in 1976.

    Joe Ely, a pioneer in progressive country music, has had multiple charting albums. His 1981 release, Musta Notta Gotta Lotta, reached No. 135 on the Billboard 200 and peaked at No. 12 on the Top Country Albums chart. His later work continued to make an impact, with Twistin’ in the Wind peaking at No. 55 in 1998, Streets of Sin at No. 51 in 2003, and Satisfied at Last at No. 46 in 2011 on the Top Country Albums chart.



    The American Music Honors have announced that legendary music icons Smokey Robinson and John Fogerty will be honored at the 2025 awards ceremony.

    Robinson, known for hits such as “My Girl” and “The Tracks of My Tears,” will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the music industry over the past six decades. His soulful voice and timeless songwriting have made him a true musical legend.

    Fogerty, the lead singer and guitarist for Creedence Clearwater Revival, will be honored with the Icon Award for his influential work in rock and roll. With classics like “Proud Mary” and “Bad Moon Rising,” Fogerty has left an indelible mark on the music world.

    Both artists have had long and successful careers, and their impact on music will be celebrated at the 2025 American Music Honors. Fans can look forward to special performances and tributes to these two music legends at the star-studded event. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting evening of music and celebration.

    Tags:

    1. Smokey Robinson
    2. John Fogerty
    3. American Music Honors
    4. 2025 American Music Honors
    5. Music awards
    6. Honorary awards
    7. Music legends
    8. Tribute ceremony
    9. Smokey Robinson honor
    10. John Fogerty honor

    #Smokey #Robinson #John #Fogerty #Honored #American #Music #Honors

  • Drake Maye earns NFL Pro Bowl honors


    It turns out the Patriots have a Pro Bowler on their roster after all.

    After the team’s offensive and defensive players were shut out of the NFL’s Pro Bowl games, rookie quarterback Drake Maye has been added to the Pro Bowl roster as an alternate.

    This season, the Patriots had one Pro Bowl player in special teamer Brendan Schooler, who dropped out of the games due to surgery. Maye is the first Patriots offensive player to be named to the Pro Bowl since 2021 when then-rookie quarterback Mac Jones was named to the team as an alternate.

    The NFL revealed the Pro Bowl rosters earlier this month. At quarterback, Buffalo’s Josh Allen, Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow, and Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson were named for the AFC. Allen was named the AFC starter, however, the quarterback suffered a wrist injury during the Bills AFC Championship loss to Kansas City and said he wasn’t sure if he would participate in the NFL games.

    In the end, Allen and Jackson pulled out of the Pro Bowl. They were replaced by Maye and Russell Wilson.

    In 13 games, Maye completed 66.6% of his passes for 2,276 yards with 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The No. 3 overall pick looked the part of a future franchise quarterback. He also added 421 yards on the ground to go with two rushing touchdowns.

    Maye’s potential was part of why Mike Vrabel wanted to come to New England. The new head coach said he was excited to work with the athletic quarterback.

    “He’s exciting, talented, ready to learn, and ready to continue to develop,” Vrabel told WBZ. “He’s athletic and mobile, has the ability to make throws to all part of the field with arm talent… There will be some new terminology and some carryover from what he’s had. I know that he’s ready to learn and is excited. We welcome that and want him to lead our football team.”

    The NFL has changed the structure of the Pro Bowl. Starting Thursday, there will be the Pro Bowl Skills Show. There will be six competitions – Passing the Test, Satisfying Catches, The Big Spike, Relay Race, Helmet Harmony, and Dodgeball. That will air from 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. on ESPN.

    On Sunday, at 3 p.m., there will be the AFC vs. NFC flag football game. That can be vied on ESPN and ABC.

    The Patriots didn’t have a single Pro Bowler last season. In 2022, they were represented by Matthew Judon. In 2021, they had three players voted on initially with Judon, Matthew Slater, and J.C. Jackson. Eventually, Jones was named an alternate at quarterback.

    Now, Maye is the latest Patriots player to earn the honor.

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    Drake Maye, the standout quarterback for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, has been named to the prestigious NFL Pro Bowl for his exceptional performance this season.

    Maye, a highly talented and versatile player, has been a force to be reckoned with on the field, showcasing his strong arm, accuracy, and leadership skills. His ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and deliver clutch plays has set him apart from his peers and earned him the recognition he deserves.

    Throughout the season, Maye has been a consistent and reliable performer, leading his team to victory and putting up impressive statistics. His dedication, hard work, and passion for the game have not gone unnoticed, and his selection to the Pro Bowl is a testament to his talent and determination.

    As he prepares to showcase his skills on the NFL’s biggest stage, fans can expect to see Maye continue to impress and solidify his place among the league’s elite players. Congratulations to Drake Maye on this well-deserved honor! #DrakeMaye #NFLProBowl

    Tags:

    Drake Maye, NFL Pro Bowl, honors, football, quarterback, North Carolina, Tar Heels, sports, achievements, professional athlete

    #Drake #Maye #earns #NFL #Pro #Bowl #honors

  • MBB’s VJ Edgecombe Claims Big 12 Co-Newcomer of the Week Honors


    WACO, Texas – Baylor freshman guard VJ Edgecombe and his monster week landed him Big 12 Co-Newcomer of the Week Honors, the conference announced Monday.
     
    The Preseason Big 12 Freshman of the Year picked up his first Big 12 weekly award and joined Norchad Omier as Baylor’s other weekly award winner this year, after he captured player of the week in November. The first newcomer of the week since Yves Missi last season, Edgecombe is the 28th different player in program history to win the weekly honor.
     
    The freshman helped Baylor get back on track with a pair of wins, averaging 25.5 points per game in victories over Kansas State and Utah. With 30 points against the Wildcats and 21 on the road against the Utes, Edgecombe became the first Baylor freshman since Keyonte George in 2023 to score 20+ points in back-to-back conference games.
     
    Across his last five games, the fabulous freshman averages 19.6 points per game and ranks in the top-5 of the league, notching 17.4 points per game in conference play. With Baylor down to seven healthy players in the rotation, Edgecombe was forced to play 38 minutes a game last week but showed no ill effects. He piled up the points and did it efficiently, shooting 52% from the field and 54% from three in the two wins.
     
    Over the last five games, he has shot 45% from the field and three-point range. The Bimini, Bahamas, native also made 12 of his 14 foul shots, including a career-high 11 against Kansas State on Wednesday.
     
    Edgecombe and the Bears will return to the court Tuesday night at 8 p.m. CT with another Big 12 battle against BYU. Mike Monaca and King McClure will have the call on ESPN2, while John Morris and Pat Nunley will handle the radio duties on the Baylor Sports Media Network via ESPN Central Texas and Centexsportsfan.com on 1660 AM and 92.3 FM.
     
    Follow @BaylorMBB on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for additional updates.

    —BaylorBears.com—

     
    BAYLOR’S BIG 12 NEWCOMERS OF THE WEEK
    1997 Leon Morris (12/30), Fr.
    2000 Terry Black (11/30), Jr.
    2001 Chad Elsey (12/18), Jr.
    2002 Lawrence Roberts (11/26), Fr.
    John Lucas III (12/10), Fr.
    John Lucas III (1/7), Fr.
    2005 Aaron Bruce (12/27), Fr.
    Tim Bush (1/3), Jr.
    2006 Curtis Jerrells (2/13), Fr.
    2007 Tweety Carter (12/18), Fr.
    2008 LaceDarius Dunn (11/26), Fr.
    LaceDarius Dunn (3/10), Fr.
    2009 Quincy Acy (11/24), Fr.
    2010 Ekpe Udoh (11/30), Jr.
    Ekpe Udoh (1/4), Jr.
    Ekpe Udoh (2/15), Jr.
    2011 Perry Jones III (11/22), Fr.
    Perry Jones III (1/17), Fr.
    Perry Jones III (2/28), Fr.
    2012 Brady Heslip (12/26), So.
    Pierre Jackson (1/16), Jr.
    Pierre Jackson (2/4), Jr.
    Pierre Jackson (3/4), Jr.
    2013 Isaiah Austin (11/12), Fr
    Isaiah Austin (12/17), Fr.
    2014 Kenny Chery (12/9), Jr.
    Kenny Chery (2/17), Jr.
    2015 Lester Medford (12/8), Jr.
    Johnathan Motley (12/29), Fr.
    2017 Manu Lecomte (11/14), Jr.
    Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. (12/19), Jr.
    Manu Lecomte (1/3), Jr.
    Manu Lecomte (2/13), Jr.
    2019 Makai Mason (1/28), Sr.
    Jared Butler (2/25), Fr.
    2020 MaCio Teague (1/13), Jr.
    MaCio Teague (2/10), Jr.
    2021 Kendall Brown (12/20)
    James Akinjo (1/10)
    James Akinjo (2/14)
    Kendall Brown (3/7)
    2022 Keyonte George (12/5)
    Keyonte George (1/2)
    2023 RayJ Dennis
    Yves Missi (2/12)
    2025 VJ Edgecombe

    —BaylorBears.com—



    The University of Texas Men’s Basketball Team’s VJ Edgecombe has been named Big 12 Co-Newcomer of the Week for his outstanding performance on the court. Edgecombe’s exceptional skills and contributions to the team have not gone unnoticed, and this recognition is well-deserved.

    In his most recent game, Edgecombe showcased his scoring ability, defensive prowess, and overall impact on the game. His energy and intensity on the court have been a key factor in the team’s success, and his efforts have not gone unnoticed by fans, teammates, and now the Big 12 conference.

    Edgecombe’s determination and talent have quickly made him a standout player in the Big 12, and this honor is just the beginning of what is sure to be a successful career for him in college basketball. Congratulations to VJ Edgecombe on this well-deserved recognition!

    Tags:

    1. MBB
    2. VJ Edgecombe
    3. Big 12
    4. Co-Newcomer of the Week
    5. Honors
    6. Basketball
    7. College sports
    8. Awards
    9. Big 12 Conference
    10. Player recognition

    #MBBs #Edgecombe #Claims #Big #CoNewcomer #Week #Honors

  • New display honors CSB and SJU’s ties to The Bahamas


    The bond between the CSB and SJU community and The Bahamas stretches back to the 1890s, when the first Benedictine monks from Saint John’s Abbey began serving there.

    Over the last 100-plus years, well over 1,600 Bahamian students have attended the two schools, enriching both campuses through their significant contributions to academic, athletic, artistic and social life.

    Many have then returned home to play a key role in their nation’s affairs – working in numerous and varied areas, including education, business and the highest levels of government.

    The connection remains as strong as ever with 59 graduate and undergraduate Bahamian students enrolled at CSB and SJU during the 2024-25 school year. Among that group is SJU junior Ilan White, a political science major and communication minor who works as a student coordinator at the Eugene J. McCarthy Center for Public Policy & Civic Engagement on campus.

    It was his idea to create a permanent display honoring the ties between his country and campus, as well as celebrating the legacy those Bahamian students who came before him established.

    “(We) wanted to do something that showcased that history,” said White, who also serves on the Saint John’s Senate. “The story has been told and heard about in pockets over the course of our history here, but there hasn’t been anything cemented. I wanted to create something concrete that people can look at and hopefully learn more about the Bahamians who have been coming here for over 100 years now and have gone on to do huge things back home after they’ve graduated.”

    White has done his part by helping to create a timeline showing the rich history CSB, SJU and The Bahamas share. The display was installed at SJU’s Sexton Commons earlier this month.

    “It’s a story that there should be more documentaries made about, honestly,” he said. “I can’t think of a relationship between a nation and a school that has been so impactful and has lasted over so long a time.”

    The timeline and text for the mural was put together by Brittany Merritt Nash, an assistant professor of history at CSB and SJU, based on her considerable research on the relationship.

    “My goal when I first started learning the history of this relationship was to make the story accessible to everyone,” she said. “It’s such an important part of the story of our two institutions and I think it’s important to do anything we can to increase that awareness.”

    Matt Lindstrom, a professor of political science at CSB and SJU and the director of the McCarthy Center, said now-retired CSB and SJU archivist Peggy Roske ’77, CSB alumna Anastasia Nathe ’97 and her daughter Clarissa (who handled the design work) were also among those who played key roles in making the project a reality.

    “It’s so important that we celebrate this relationship, and because 25 percent of our students are new every year, we have to keep spreading the word,” Lindstrom said. “A display like this, in a busy building on campus, provides a wonderful opportunity to introduce them to this story.”

    The McCarthy Center project has been in development for a year-and-a-half now. The original hope was to have it ready when Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis visited CSB and SJU in December 2023. That process was delayed, but it’s been completed now.

    “I came back to campus (after the semester break) and went to see it,” White said. “I had to stand there and take some deep breaths. I was just in awe and amazement that I’d had a hand in creating something that will be on permanent display showcasing this history. I felt a sense of fulfillment that is really hard to describe.”

    A timeline highlighting over 100 years of partnership between The Bahamas and the College of Saint Benedict & Saint John's University, featuring images of students, significant events, and a note on 1600 Bahamian students' involvement.



    Exciting news for the CSB and SJU community! A new display has been unveiled to honor the colleges’ ties to The Bahamas. This display showcases the rich history and strong connections that CSB and SJU have with The Bahamas, highlighting the impact that students, faculty, and alumni from The Bahamas have had on our campuses.

    The display features photos, artifacts, and stories that celebrate the cultural exchange and learning opportunities that have been fostered through our relationship with The Bahamas. From study abroad programs to service trips, the ties between CSB and SJU and The Bahamas run deep and have enriched the experiences of everyone involved.

    We invite you to visit the new display and learn more about the special bond between our colleges and The Bahamas. Let’s continue to celebrate and honor the connections that bring us together as a global community. #CSB #SJU #TheBahamas #GlobalCommunity

    Tags:

    1. CSB and SJU Bahamas display
    2. College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University ties to The Bahamas
    3. CSB and SJU Bahamas exhibit
    4. The Bahamas display at CSB and SJU
    5. St. Benedict’s and St. John’s University Bahamas connection
    6. CSB and SJU exhibit in The Bahamas
    7. College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University Bahamas partnership
    8. CSB and SJU Bahamas cultural display
    9. CSB and SJU Bahamas tribute
    10. The Bahamas showcase at CSB and SJU

    #display #honors #CSB #SJUs #ties #Bahamas

  • Twitch streamer Shroud honors his late father in a 24/7 charity event


    Two years after Michael “Shroud” Grzesiek’s father passed away from lung cancer, the popular Twitch streamer was ready to honor his dad by helping others going through the same thing. As one of the biggest streamers on the platform, it’s not a surprise that his first inclination was a charity stream. But one big stream wasn’t enough — he wanted to create a monthlong event to raise money “in the most gamer fashion ever.”

    Grzesiek told Polygon that his father used to play PC games with him when he was just 3 years old. And when he eventually started thinking about becoming an esports player, his father cheered him on. “At the time, I was a teenager and honestly wasn’t earning much from gaming but he would still encourage me to do it because he knew it was something I loved,” he said. “If it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

    The Fragathon, a daily charity stream that will run for all of January raising money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, is dedicated to him. Profits from every subscription and every Bit will be donated. And because it’s Grzesiek, who is known for his precision aim in shooters, he’s donating a dollar for every in-game kill he or his friends score during the stream, too.

    You can see a count of the kills, or frags, displayed in the top left of the stream. It doesn’t matter if it’s Marvel Rivals, Valorant, or League of Legends; every elimination counts. It’s called the Frag Counter, and through “pixel tracking and game-specific APIs” it’s able to update the number automatically, according to Ricky Gonzalez, executive producer at Loaded, a streamer talent agency that represents Grzesiek.

    After an emergency pause for the wildfires near Grzesiek’s home in Los Angeles on Jan. 8, the Fragathon has returned with over $200,000 raised and plenty more stream to go. Grzesiek told Polygon there isn’t a set schedule, but the stream will rotate through guests and occasionally move to the gym or a tabletop for board games.

    The whole thing took three teams working through the holidays to complete and is running on “over 15 cameras, 13 PCs and a seemingly infinite amount of RGB LEDs piped throughout the house,” Gonzalez said. Most of that is tucked into a room somewhere behind Grzesiek’s usual setup to create a LAN center for his closest friends to join him.

    “We discussed having this all be done in a studio but it wouldn’t have felt truly ‘Shroud’ if it wasn’t at home,” Grzesiek said. “I want my friends and guests to feel at home when they’re here and we want that feeling to come through on stream, whether I’m in my office, at the LAN center, on my couch, or in my kitchen.”

    Six gaming PCs sit back to back in the blue LED-lit room, each with two monitors (one for gaming, one for reading chat) and a microphone. Where the walls aren’t covered up by Shroud-branded keyboards and signage, there’s graffiti depicting crosshairs and the Fragathon logo. The budget is a little higher than a LAN party you’d throw together with friends, but the DIY spirit is there. Grzesiek wanted it to “feel like the old gamer days when you would just play a bunch of different games with all your friends around you yelling, laughing, gaming, and creating memories together.”

    The production team and Grzesiek are already thinking about ways to improve the Fragathon should it come back in the future — and it sounds like it will. Gonzalez said they tried to “keep it really cozy and familiar” but are ready to go bigger next time.

    “I keep saying this on stream but I just know my dad would have LOVED to see this,” he said. “As a full time streamer so much of my life is broadcast online. It’s difficult to draw a line between “personal” and “professional” sometimes and I’ve always just wanted to be exactly myself on stream, so doing something in his honor — he’s the one that introduced me to gaming in the first place — just felt right.”



    Twitch streamer Shroud, known for his incredible gaming skills and loyal fanbase, recently announced a 24/7 charity event in honor of his late father. The event, titled “Honoring Dad: A Charity Marathon,” will feature Shroud streaming non-stop for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with all proceeds going towards a cause close to his heart.

    Shroud, whose real name is Michael Grzesiek, lost his father earlier this year and wanted to find a way to pay tribute to him while also giving back to the community. He decided to host this charity event as a way to not only honor his father’s memory, but also to raise awareness and funds for a cause that was important to him.

    Fans and viewers from all over the world have been tuning in to support Shroud and his charity efforts, with donations pouring in to help make a difference. Shroud has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and generosity from his fans, and is grateful for the opportunity to give back in such a meaningful way.

    The “Honoring Dad: A Charity Marathon” event is set to continue for the foreseeable future, with Shroud committing to keep streaming and raising funds for as long as possible. His dedication to both his father’s memory and the charity cause has inspired many, and his fans have rallied behind him to show their support.

    If you’re a fan of Shroud or just want to help make a difference, be sure to tune in to his Twitch channel and consider making a donation to support this worthy cause. Together, we can honor Shroud’s father’s memory and make a positive impact on the world.

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    #Twitch #streamer #Shroud #honors #late #father #charity #event

  • Gamecocks, Edwards Earn Weekly Honors – University of South Carolina Athletics


    COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina women’s basketball was named USBWA Team of the Week for the third time this season and became the first team in the awards’ history to earn the title in consecutive week. Forward Joyce Edwards picked up her second SEC Freshman of the Week award for her team-leading offensive effort in a pair of top-20 victories last week.

    South Carolina continued its run over double-digit victories to a program-record 13 last week after going on the road for a 76-58 win at #19/19 Alabama and overwhelming #13/13 Oklahoma at home 101-60 for the program record scoring margin against a ranked opponent. The Gamecock defense forced 31 turnovers in the two games to average 21.5 points off turnovers for the week. Offensively, four players finished with double-figure points as South Carolina poured in 88.5 points per game.

    Edwards was the team’s top scorer for the week, scoring 19.0 points per game on 75.0 percent shooting. She scored 11 of her career-high 21 points at Alabama in the fourth quarter, including nine during the late rally after the Tide had pulled within five points. She hit 3-of-3 free throws in that stretch, including finishing a traditional three-point play that made it a 16-point game. Edwards posted a team-high 17 points against Oklahoma, leading the team in scoring for the seventh time this season. Seven of those point came in the second quarter, accounting for a third of the team’s point in the period.

    No. 2/2 South Carolina is back in action on Thursday night, hosting No. 5/5 LSU with College Game Day broadcasting from Colonial Life Arena beginning at 7 p.m. Doors will open for Fast Break Pass holders at 6 p.m. with all doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. on ESPN.

    Continue to check GamecocksOnline.com and the team’s social media accounts (@GamecockWBB) for the most up-to-date information on South Carolina women’s basketball.





    The University of South Carolina Gamecocks and star player A.J. Lawson have earned weekly honors following their impressive performances on the basketball court. Lawson was named the SEC Player of the Week after averaging 21 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3 assists in two wins over Mississippi State and Georgia.

    Additionally, the Gamecocks were recognized as the NCAA Team of the Week for their dominant victories and solidifying their spot in the top 25 rankings. Head coach Frank Martin was proud of his team’s resilience and determination, and looks forward to continuing their success in the weeks to come.

    Congratulations to the Gamecocks and A.J. Lawson on their well-deserved honors! Carolina fans are excited to see what the rest of the season has in store for this talented team. #GoGamecocks #SECPlayerOfTheWeek #NCAATeamOfTheWeek

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    2. University of South Carolina Athletics
    3. Edwards
    4. Weekly Honors
    5. South Carolina Gamecocks
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    #Gamecocks #Edwards #Earn #Weekly #Honors #University #South #Carolina #Athletics

  • UM Honors The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.


    MLK Day of Service attendees participate in creating dog toys for the local animal shelter on Jan 20, 2024. Photo by Ashton Summers.

    A community-wide dinner and celebration commemorated the life and legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. on Friday, Jan. 17, at the Student Union Ballroom. The University of Mississippi’s Center for Community Engagement continued to honor King’s legacy of volunteerism with a day of service on Monday, Jan. 20.

    Speakers at the dinner celebration included Vice Chancellor for Access, Opportunity and Community Engagement Shawnboda Mead, junior allied health studies major Devlyn Williams, retired UM Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering Iman Gohar, award-winning poet and civic leader Gloria J. McEwen Burgess and Assistant Vice Chancellor for Access and Community Engagement Cade Smith. In honoring King’s legacy, speakers addressed the power of community and the need for and possibility of change.

    Keynote speaker McEwen Burgess highlighted the importance of legacy leadership and beloved community, a notion central to King’s work. 

    McEwen Burgess shared her journey, including the moving story of her father’s dream to attend college and the support that he received from Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner. McEwen Burgess emphasized the need for both inner and outer work to create lasting societal change. 

    McEwen Burgess urged everyone to engage in daily acts of compassion to build a better future for themselves, their community and beyond. 

    “It starts with me, and it starts with you,” McEwen Burgess said. 

    McEwen Burgess emphasized the ability that this generation has to create lasting change. 

    “I truly believe that our students are the smartest generation ever because you have grown up with the kind of world, or at least parts of it, that we’re imagining, and you have the tools, resources and imaginations that outstrip and outpace current and former generations. I believe that you have a vision for what’s possible and not only a vision for it but a drive to make things different,” McEwen Burgess said. 

    Gohar, who provided an interfaith invocation for this event, discussed how the principles of Islam align with the King’s activism. 

    “It is told (in Islam) that everyone should be treated with honor and respect, dignity and a loving kindness. The respect in Islam is the responsibility of each individual to treat all creation with respect, honor and dignity,” Gohar said. “I believe that the values and the changes that Dr. Martin Luther King called for are very similar to this call from Islam and Muhammad.”

    Verna Stokes, an Oxonian and volunteer at the Oxford Community Market, left the celebration feeling hopeful. 

    “It’s given us the encouragement to empower ourselves and to move forward and do better,” Stokes said. 

    Sarah Baker, a recent UM graduate who has attended the event every year, identified with the message of legacy leadership. 

    “You normally think that legacy is something that happens when you are long gone, but it is something that you can leave when you are still living life,” Baker said. “You can impact a place while you are here and then leave that legacy behind.”

    During the MLK Day of Service, the volunteers’ work included installing raised beds for a new community garden, socializing rescued animals, cleaning and organizing the UM Career Center closet, writing letters of appreciation to UM Facility Services staff and making teething bracelets to be given to new and expecting mothers. 

    UM students help steam clothes at the Career Closet during the MLK Day of Service on Jan 20, 2024. Photo by Ashton Summers.

    “The event is important to commemorate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King. It’s about coming together as a community,” Director of Community Engagement and Assistant Professor of Practice in Community Engagement Castel Sweet said. “Typically, we probably don’t in our everyday, week-to-week routine come together as a community to celebrate community and unity and do that in service. That’s why it’s good to do it at least once a year. So to be able to do that annually is something that we can look forward to.”

    Approximately 180 volunteers signed up for the event, including UM Coordinator of Communication Access Julie Seawright.

    “Martin Luther King and his wife did so much community activism, and I just chose to honor their service in this way,” Seawright said.

    For Sweet, the MLK Day of Service is more than a day of volunteerism — it is a lifestyle that expands upon the annual memorial holiday.

    “Keep finding ways to be in the community beyond just this year, so, not (just) waiting for January but finding other ways to be in service and work on projects together,” Sweet said.



    On this day, we honor the legacy of The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and his tireless efforts in the fight for civil rights and equality for all. Let us remember his powerful words and unwavering commitment to justice, love, and unity. May we continue to embody his teachings and work towards a more just and equitable society for all. #MLKDay #UMHonorsMLK

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    #Honors #Rev #Martin #Luther #King

  • East Texas honors the Best of Texas: Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Banquet returns


    Star-studded finalists are set to shine at Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award banquet.

    TYLER, Texas — The most prestigious night in East Texas sports is this Wednesday, as the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Banquet takes center stage at the W.T. Brookshire Conference Center. The event, starting at 7 p.m., will celebrate the top talent and crown the 2024 recipient of the award, which honors the nation’s most outstanding offensive college football player with ties to the Lone Star State.

    This year’s finalists are arguably the most talented group in the award’s history, boasting a mix of record-breakers and Heisman finalists who lit up the gridiron this season:

    • Ashton Jeanty (RB, Boise State): Jeanty has picked up several national honors this year, including the Doak Walker Award (top running back) and Maxwell Award (top player in college football), and has been recognized as a first team All-American by 10 different organizations: AFCA, AP, CBS Sports, FWAA, PFF, Sporting News, Sports Illustrated, The Athletic, USA Today and Walter Camp. He was also named the Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year and a unanimous selection for All-Mountain West First Team. Jeanty leads all FBS running backs in rushing attempts (344), yards (2,497) and touchdowns (29) while leading the nation in all-purpose yards (2,613) and total touchdowns (30). He averages over 100 yards per first half and 100 yards per second half, eclipsing the century mark in 17 of the 24 halves he played.

    • Cam Ward (QB, Miami): University of Miami’s Cam Ward put together one of the most dominant seasons in Miami Hurricanes history en route to consensus NCAA All-America honors. Ward, the 2024 Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award winner, became the third Hurricane to garner the country’s oldest and most prestigious quarterback trophy, joining Vinny Testaverde (1986) and Gino Torretta (1992).
      Entering the postseason, the 6-foot-2, 223-pound signal caller leads the nation in passing touchdowns (36) and quarterback rating (88.0), while ranking second in passing yards (4,123), points responsible for (254) and total offense (359.9). Ward set new single-season school records for both passing touchdowns and passing yards, becoming the first Miami player to tally seven straight 300-yard performances. The Hurricanes’ first ever ACC Player of the Year has thrown for at least 300 yards and totaled three touchdowns on 10 occasions.

    • Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado): Shedeur Sanders put together one of the best seasons in CU history, earning the Johnny Unitas Award as the nation’s top quarterback.  He currently owns over 90 school records and entering the Buffs Alamo Bowl appearance against BYU, he has completed 337-of-454 passes for 3,926 yards with 35 touchdowns and eight interceptions for a QB rating of 168.8.  He is the only quarterback in the nation in the top five in yards, touchdowns, efficiency, completion percentage and completions per game.  Leading Colorado to a 9-3 record just two years removed from being 1-11, he has moved into top of the career charts at CU in two seasons, having completed 635-of-884 for 7,156 yards with 62 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, needing just one more touchdown to tie the CU career record.  Including two seasons at Jackson State, he has a streak of 48 straight games throwing a touchdown pass, the longest streak in NCAA Division I history.  He has completed 1,251-of-1,785 career passes for 14,145 yards with 132 touchdowns and 25 interceptions, and he is just one of two quarterbacks in NCAA history with 14,000 yards while completing 70 percent of his career passes.  He was named first-team All-American by CFN, which also named him the national quarterback of the year, and he was named second-team All-American by the Associated Press.  He was the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and earned many weekly awards throughout the season, including being the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Player of the Week twice and being on the honor roll three other times throughout the season.

    • Kevin Jennings (QB, SMU): Jennings has appeared in all 13 games for the Mustangs this season and started in the last 10 … is 9-1 as a starter this season … passed for 3,050 yards and 22 touchdowns … added 379 yards on the ground with five scores … ranks 10th in the nation in yards per pass attempt (8.87) and 13th in passing efficiency (156.9) … boasted the highest passer efficiency rating in conference games only in the ACC at 171.5 … eclipsed 300 yards passing in three games during the year … had three or more touchdowns in four different games … set a new career-high in touchdown passes with three against Florida State (09/28) during SMU’s ACC opener … tallied 322 yards passing with three scores during the win over Stanford (10/19) … tallied 306 yards with two touchdown passes during the Mustangs’ home victory over No. 18 Pitt (11/02) … threw for three scores and racked up 298 yards against Boston College (11/16) … had a career-high 323 passing yards with two scores on the road against Virginia … AWARDS: Preseason:  In-Season: Manning Award Star of Week for Week 6 and Week 13 (Oct. 7, Nov. 25) … Named Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Player of the Week for Week 6 (Oct. 8) … Named to Davey O’Brien Great 8 List for Week 8 and Week 10 (Oct. 21, Nov. 4) … Added to Davey O’Brien Class of 2024 (Oct. 29) … named a semifinalist to Davey O’Brien Award (Nov. 12) … Named Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Honorable Mention (Nov. 19) … Postseason: All-ACC Third Team … DCTF First Team All-Texas … named a finalist for the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award (Dec. 18).

    • Bryson Daily (QB, Army): Daily has had a record-setting season in 2024, breaking numerous of long-standing Army program records. The Abernathy, Texas native has set the single-season record for touchdowns responsible for in a season, rushing touchdowns in a season, and rushing touchdowns in a single game as well as the record for most rushing touchdowns in AAC single-season history. His 29 rushing touchdowns and 1,532 rushing yards and counting were good enough to finish No. 6th in the Heisman Trophy voting, the highest by an Army player since when Pete Dawkins won the award in 1958. Daily’s 29 rushing touchdowns are tied for the most in the country with Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty.

    The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award celebrates more than just on-field accomplishments—it honors perseverance, integrity, and the connection to Texas football. For those unable to attend in person, CBS19 will livestream the ceremony.



    The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Banquet is back and better than ever in East Texas! This prestigious event, which honors the best college football player with ties to the Lone Star State, will once again celebrate the top talent in Texas and pay tribute to the legendary football player, Earl Campbell.

    The banquet, held annually in Tyler, Texas, brings together football fans, players, coaches, and community members to recognize and celebrate the incredible achievements of Texas football stars. This year’s event promises to be a night to remember, with special guests, live entertainment, and of course, the presentation of the coveted Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award.

    This award, named after the Tyler native and Heisman Trophy winner, is given to the top college football player in the nation with ties to Texas. Past winners include standout players such as Patrick Mahomes, Kyler Murray, and Jalen Hurts, all of whom have gone on to have successful careers in the NFL.

    The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Banquet is a must-attend event for any football fan in East Texas. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this special evening as we honor the best of Texas football and celebrate the legacy of Earl Campbell. Get your tickets now and join us in recognizing the outstanding talent that Texas has to offer.

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