#NNPA BlackPress

Wendy Williams’ Brave Revelation: Living with Progressive Aphasia and Frontotemporal Dementia

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Before conquering daytime television, Williams spent 23 years building a devoted fan base on the radio with “The Wendy Williams Experience,” a top-rated daily radio show. Syndicated nationally, it aired on WBLS in New York, captivating an audience of more than 12 million people. In recognition of her contributions, Williams was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in November 2009, a prestigious honor held by only a handful of women.
The post Wendy Williams’ Brave Revelation: Living with Progressive Aphasia and Frontotemporal Dementia first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

9 months ago

February 27, 2024

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

Wendy Williams’ team has confirmed that the former daytime talk show host has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). In a press release, aides to Williams said her condition, including aphasia, has impacted her language and communication abilities, while FTD has impacted Williams’s behavior and cognitive functions. Last year, actor Bruce Willis also shared his battle with the same form of dementia.

Known for hosting “The Wendy Williams Show” from 2008 to 2021, Williams has faced a myriad of health challenges leading to her departure, including Graves’ disease and lymphedema. The show ultimately concluded in June 2022 after several guest hosts took over.

“Over the past few years, questions have been raised at times about Wendy’s ability to process information, and many have speculated about Wendy’s condition, particularly when she began to lose words, act erratically at times, and have difficulty understanding financial transactions,” her team said in the news release.

“The decision to share this news was difficult and made after careful consideration, not only to advocate for understanding and compassion for Wendy but to raise awareness about aphasia and frontotemporal dementia and support the thousands of others facing similar circumstances.”

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce honored Williams in 2019 with the 2,677th Star on the World-Famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, in the Category of Television. Born in Asbury Park, New Jersey, Williams counts as one of the world’s foremost media moguls, philanthropist, entrepreneur, performer, and best-selling author. She became a household name thanks to her nationally syndicated talk show, The Wendy Williams Show.

The show was a powerhouse on daytime television, earning multiple Daytime Emmy nominations and boasting memorabilia in the Smithsonian Museum. Broadcasting in over 50 countries, The Wendy Williams Show consistently drew more than 1.6 million viewers per episode.

At the show’s heart was a diverse mix of interviews with celebrity guests from television, film, music, and sports. Williams and the show have been recognized with Daytime Emmy nominations for “Best Talk Show Host” and “Best Entertainment Talk Show.”

Before conquering daytime television, Williams spent 23 years building a devoted fan base on the radio with “The Wendy Williams Experience,” a top-rated daily radio show. Syndicated nationally, it aired on WBLS in New York, captivating an audience of more than 12 million people. In recognition of her contributions, Williams was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in November 2009, a prestigious honor held by only a handful of women.

Her versatility as a performer extends beyond the airwaves, with TV, Broadway, and film credits to her name. She has graced the screen in various roles, from playing herself on NBC’s 30 Rock to competing on Season 12 of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. Her hosting stint on Game Show Network’s original series Love Triangle, along with featured guest appearances on ABC’s One Life to Live and Lifetime’s “Drop Dead Diva,” showcased her diverse talent. Additionally, Williams took on significant roles in the major motion pictures “Think Like a Man” and “Think Like A Man, Too,” as well as a memorable turn as “Mama Morton” in the Tony-winning revival of the musical “Chicago.”

In 2014 Harper Collins published “Hold Me in Contempt,” Williams’ seventh book and debut romance novel. The book skyrocketed to New York Times Best-Seller status on its first day of release, solidifying her influence across various forms of media.

Adding another feather to her cap, Williams ventured into the world of fashion design, achieving the status of a #1 selling brand with HSN through her Wendy Williams collection.

The announcement about her health arrives just days ahead of the premiere of the two-part documentary, “Where Is Wendy Williams?” airing on Lifetime on February 24 and 25. Williams herself produced the documentary, which candidly examines her experience with Graves’ disease and other topics. Contrary to the portrayal in the film, Wendy’s sister, Wanda Finnie, reassured the public that Williams is now in a much better place emotionally and is in greater shape.

“I spoke with her yesterday, and she is, from what I understand, in a wellness, healing environment,” Finnie stated. “We cannot reach out to her, but she can reach out to us. And she is in a healing place emotionally. She’s not the person that you see in this film.”

The post Wendy Williams’ Brave Revelation: Living with Progressive Aphasia and Frontotemporal Dementia first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Stacy M. Brown

Posts by Stacy M. Brown

Up Next

DOJ Inspector General Exposes Critical Failures in Federal Prisons Leading to Inmate Deaths

Don't Miss

Whoopi Goldberg Pioneering Change with Blkfam, a Groundbreaking, Black-Focused Streaming Platform

Stacy M. Brown

Click to comment

#NNPA BlackPress

OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 9, 2024

Oakland Post

Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

#NNPA BlackPress

Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

BlackPressUSA.com

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org