Entertainment
10 Ways Missy Elliott Changed the Game

In this Sunday, June 29, 2014, file photo, Missy Elliott performs at the BET Awards at the Nokia Theatre, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)
(Madame Noire) – Today, Missy Elliott, rapper, entertainer, singer, producer, renaissance woman, turns 44. And like most Black girls around the world, Missy is an inspiration to us.
Personally, Supa Dupa Fly was the first time I saw and felt myself represented in Hip Hop. And in addition to her musical genius, she also taught us the invaluable lesson that you can make it all the way to the top and be beloved the world over just by being exactly who you are.
HE-HE-HAW
If you’ve seen Missy Elliott’s “Behind The Music,” you know that she got one of several big breaks when she finally got the chance to work with Puff Daddy. He asked her to be a part of the 1996 remix of Gina Thompson’s song “The Things That You Do.” The song was the one and only time Thompson appeared on the Billboard charts, but Missy’s “He-He-Haw” line seemed to singlehandedly launch her into mainstream consciousness, where she would remain, until today.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of May 28 – June 30, 2025
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May 28 – June 3, 2025

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Activism
Oakland Post: Week of May 21 – 27, 2025
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May 21 – 27, 2025

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Bo Tefu
Gov. Newsom Highlights Record-Breaking Tourism Revenue, Warns of Economic Threats from Federal Policies
“California dominates as a premier destination for travelers throughout the nation and around the globe,” said Newsom. “With diverse landscapes, top-rate attractions, and welcoming communities, California welcomes millions of visitors every year. We also recognize that our state’s progress is threatened by the economic impacts of this federal administration, and are committed to working to protect jobs and ensure all Californians benefit from a thriving tourism industry.”

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media
Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom, along with the nonprofit organization Visit California, announced that tourism spending in California reached a record $157.3 billion in 2024, reinforcing the state’s status as the top travel destination in the United States.
The Governor made the announcement May 5, referencing Visit California’s 2024 Economic Impact Report, which highlights a 3% increase in tourism revenue over the previous year.
According to the report, California’s tourism sector supported 1.2 million jobs, generated $12.6 billion in state and local tax revenues, and created 24,000 new jobs in 2024.
“California dominates as a premier destination for travelers throughout the nation and around the globe,” said Newsom. “With diverse landscapes, top-rate attractions, and welcoming communities, California welcomes millions of visitors every year. We also recognize that our state’s progress is threatened by the economic impacts of this federal administration, and are committed to working to protect jobs and ensure all Californians benefit from a thriving tourism industry.”
Despite the gains in tourism revenue, Visit California’s revised 2025 forecast points to a 1% decline in total visitation and a 9.2% decrease in international travel. The downturn is attributed to federal economic policy and what officials are calling an impending “Trump Slump,” caused by waning global interest in traveling to the United States.
To offset projected losses, the Governor is encouraging Californians to continue traveling within the state and has launched a new campaign aimed at Canadian travelers.
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