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Grammy and Emmy award-winning CEO Rikki Hughes takes producing to new heights

ROLLINGOUT — Rikki Hughes is a veteran Emmy- and Grammy Award-winning film producer and entrepreneur. As the founder of Magic Lemonade, a production company specializing in television, film and new media, Hughes has managed to successfully grow her company to sustain offices in Hollywood and Atlanta. Her company has been responsible for producing several memorable television specials and series including Kat Williams: It’s Pimpin’ Pimpin’, BET’s ABFF Honors, HBO’s All Def Comedy series and most recently, Dave Chappelle’s Netflix special Sticks & Stones and Epilogue: The Punchline. In addition, Hughes has also been tapped to serve as executive producer of the 2019 Trumpet Awards hosted by Wanda Sykes, alongside David Hudson.

Published

6 years ago

October 28, 2019

Oakland Post

Rikki Hughes (Courtesy Photo)

By Porsha Monique

Rikki Hughes is a veteran Emmy- and Grammy Award-winning film producer and entrepreneur. As the founder of Magic Lemonade, a production company specializing in television, film and new media, Hughes has managed to successfully grow her company to sustain offices in Hollywood and Atlanta. Her company has been responsible for producing several memorable television specials and series including Kat Williams: It’s Pimpin’ Pimpin’, BET’s ABFF Honors, HBO’s All Def Comedy series and most recently, Dave Chappelle’s Netflix special Sticks & Stones and Epilogue: The Punchline. In addition, Hughes has also been tapped to serve as executive producer of the 2019 Trumpet Awards hosted by Wanda Sykes, alongside David Hudson.

Known as “the woman behind the laughs,” Hughes’ biggest accomplishment included making history last year as the first African American female recipient of an Emmy for “Outstanding Variety Special” for her role as producer of Chappelle’s Equanimity & The Bird Revelation specials, which she also won a Grammy for “Best Comedy Album.”

Rolling out recently spoke with the award-winning producer to find out more about her work with Dave Chappelle, her latest projects and what it takes to be a producer in today’s day and age.

You recently produced Dave Chappelle’s newest Netflix special Sticks and Stones, which was a resounding hit among fans. Do you have a magic formula for how you select new projects?

It’s really what resonates with me. I learned early what my calling was and it’s to get my arms around a voice and protect it. So, whether it’s comedy or music, I know that I’m here to create a safe space for the magic to happen.

In selecting projects, I have to believe in them and it’s not always popular. I mean, when we first started doing Dave’s show, he had been gone for 12 years, so when we got the call saying he was ready to come back, Stan Lathan and myself took the leap of faith because we believed in Dave. There was no deal on the table. We believed in him. We believed in his genius.

How did you decide to work in the comedy arena?

One, it was my entry place. Two, it’s such a relief from the world. I mean, it’s a drug that we can use and abuse as much as possible and it won’t hurt us. I think it’s an important and necessary retreat. I love to be a part of making that happen.

If a person wants to be a producer, what would you recommend?

I think you should always be of service first. If you are truly dedicated to it, do your research. Know the room that you walk into, no matter what it is. Be prepared when you walk into that room.

The second thing is to be ready to learn all you can. Find out what’s needed and identify how can you fill those needs. There’s almost no one who will say that you can’t come work for [them] for free. Decide who you want to emulate your career after or what type of projects you want to be involved in and get next to those people. Be humble. Once you get in, do your best, smile, have a good time, and always feel like everything’s possible.

Let’s talk about your latest projects. How did the vision for The Next Big Thing on BET come about and how were the judges selected?

Tina Davis had an idea for a show and she said “I’m seeing all these kids that come in and one thing that’s missing in the music industry is the development process.” We realized that 24% of the market share was in hip hop, urban music, and R&B. Yet, there was no show that really catered to that. This was how we decided to come up with the show.

We spoke to a lot of people to get the temperament right for our judges. We needed someone who was going to be brutally honest and had the pedigree. That was Dame Dash. No one else is more outspoken and brutally honest.

Zaytoven is definitely the ear to the street and can speak to a lot from R&B. Most people don’t know he’s really a church guy, so he has a strong musical background and not to mention, we know him as being the godfather of trap.

And of course, Tina, she created the show. With her background from Chris Brown to Neo to her current position it at Empire. It just made sense.

Why was it important for you to do this show in particular?

We wanted to make sure that we had something that kids in middle America could watch and understand that it’s more to just having one song that goes viral. There’s a building of a career that comes with it. We treated the show as a bit of a boot camp, so everyone could see it and say, oh, I can’t just put a record out. I need to figure out what’s my team, how am I going to have sound, or how can I perform, and all of those things that come with it.

You also have a new show coming out with viral comedic sensation Emmanuel J. Hudson: “The Mind of an EP”. Tell us more about that.

Emmanuel and Phillip Hudson are brothers that started out years ago. They’ve been on Nick Cannon’s Wild N Out and more. I’ve been managing Emmanuel for about two and a half years. No one can really understand these young Black guys from the inner city of Atlanta, having off-the-style humor that’s smart and quirky. Once again, I wrapped my arms around the creative to say guys, I’m going to create a safe environment for you to create this. I’ll give you the supporting and producing points, but I want your creative to lead. So that’s what it is. They’re poking fun at so much of what happens in our world through their lens. We’re really excited about it.

Where can people keep up with you on social media?

My website is www.magiclemonade.com and they can follow me on FaceBook at Magic Lemonade, and on Instagram at Magic_Lemonade.

This article originally appeared in RollingOut.com.

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Poll Shows Support for Policies That Help Families Afford Child Care

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — New national polling shows persistent voter concern about the affordability and availability of child care for working parents, alongside broad support across key demographic groups for federal child care policies that help families afford care.

Published

3 days ago

March 2, 2026

Oakland Post

By First Five Years Fund

New national polling shows persistent voter concern about the affordability and availability of child care for working parents, alongside broad support across key demographic groups for federal child care policies that help families afford care.

The national survey was conducted by UpOne Insight on behalf of the First Five Years Fund from January 13–18, 2026.

Key findings include:

• Parents need help: 80% of voters say the ability of working parents to find and afford child care is either in a state of crisis or a major problem.

• This is an affordability issue: 82% believe federal child care funding will help lower costs for working families — including 69% of Republicans, 84% of Independents, and 94% of Democrats.

• And there continues to be strong support (62%) for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), a federal program that makes it possible for hundreds of thousands of families to afford safe, quality care for their children while parents work or go to school, including a majority of Republicans, 63% of Independents and 72% of Democrats.

• Support for funding child care programs remains strong: 75% believe child care funding should be increased or kept at current levels — including 75% of Republicans, 85% of Independents, and 97% of Democrats.

• 74% say funding for child care is an important and good use of tax dollars, including a majority of Republicans, three-quarters of Independents, and nine in ten Democrats.

FFYF Executive Director Sarah Rittling said, “Voters across the country are sending a clear message: federal child care and early learning programs work. These investments help parents stay in the workforce, strengthen families, and support healthy child development. They have also long had strong bipartisan support in Congress. At a time when affordability is top of mind for families, continued federal funding is essential to ensure child care remains accessible and within reach.”

First Five Years Fund works to protect, prioritize, and build bipartisan support for quality child care and early learning programs at the federal level. Reliable, affordable, and high-quality early learning and child care can be transformative, not only enhancing a child’s prospects for a brighter future but also bolstering working parents and fostering economic stability nationwide.

We work with Congress and the Administration to identify federal solutions that work for families with young children, as well as states and communities. We work with policymakers to identify ways to increase access to affordable, high-quality child care and early learning programs for children. And we collaborate with advocacy groups to help align best practices with the best possible policies. http://www.ffyf.org

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Trump’s MAGA Allies are Creating Executive Order Plan to Steal the 2026 Midterms

NNPA NEWSWIRE — The document that could lead to an executive order proposes using the claim that China interfered with the 2020 elections as grounds to “declare a national emergency.” The move would be an unprecedented step that would grant Trump new authority over the voting systems in the U.S.

Published

6 days ago

February 27, 2026

Oakland Post

By Lauren Victoria Burke, NNPA Newswire Correspondent

A group of MAGA pro-Trump activists, who say they are working in coordination with the White House, are circulating a 17-page draft executive order that would claim without evidence that China interfered with the 2020 presidential election. Donald Trump lost the 2020 presidential to President Joe Biden by over 7 million votes. Since Trump lost to Biden in 2020, he has repeatedly claimed that the election was “stolen” without evidence. The report of a group of “Trump allies” preparing an executive order to give Trump power over elections was first reported by The Washington Post.

The lies around the right-wing campaign that pushed falsehoods that the 2020 election was stolen was trafficked through right-wing media, particularly Fox News. Fox News was then sued for defamation for the claims by Dominion Voting Systems. Fox lost the case and had to settle for the largest defamation amount on record of $787.5 million in April 2023.

The document that could lead to an executive order proposes using the claim that China interfered with the 2020 elections as grounds to “declare a national emergency.” The move would be an unprecedented step that would grant Trump new authority over the voting systems in the U.S.

The story in The Washington Post arrives as Trump increasingly signals that he may take actions that would alter the result of the 2026 midterms. The Republicans are widely expected to lose as their approval ratings plummet as a result of a failing economy under Trump. Over 50 members of Congress have announced they will retire this year and not return in 2027.

The Trump Department of Justice, which now has a large image of Trump on the side of it, “sued five new states Thursday [Feb. 26, 2026] demanding access to their unredacted voter rolls — escalating a campaign that has been rejected by multiple federal courts and faces resistance from Republican-led states as well,” according to Democracy Docket, a group that works to protect voting rights.

Trump claimed back in late 2020, the last year of his first term, that he had the authority to issue an executive order related to mail-in voting for the 2020 elections — which he would then lose. But the Constitution states that control of elections lies with the states. As the GOP works to place hurdles in front of voting, Democrats worked to make voting easier.

In March 2021, President Biden signed an executive order calling on federal agencies to expand voting access as part of the Biden Administration’s effort “to promote and defend the right to vote for all Americans who are legally entitled to participate in elections.”

Trump’s focus is clearly on altering the November 2026 midterm elections. Trump’s polling numbers and the elections and special elections that have taken place around the U.S. over the last year clearly indicate that Republicans are about to be hit by a blue wave of Democratic victories.

Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent investigative journalist and the founder of Black Virginia News. She is a political analyst who appears on #RolandMartinUnfiltered and hosts the show LAUREN LIVE on YouTube @LaurenVictoriaBurke. She can be contacted at LBurke007@gmail.com and on twitter at @LVBurke

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PRESS ROOM: NBA Hall of Fame Nominee Terry Cummings Joins 100 Black Men of DeKalb County to Launch Victory & Values Initiative

NNPA NEWSWIRE — NBA Hall of Fame nominee and Basketball Legend Terry Cummings was administered the official member’s oath and ceremonially pinned during a special induction ceremony held on Friday, February 20th.

Published

6 days ago

February 27, 2026

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Cummings becomes an honorary member, joining other role model sports stars

NBA Hall of Fame nominee and Basketball Legend Terry Cummings has officially become an honorary member of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County, marking a powerful new chapter for the 100 Black Men and youth development across the region.

Cummings was administered the official member’s oath and ceremonially pinned during a special induction ceremony held on Friday, February 20th. The moment signified more than membership — it marked the launch of the organization’s transformative new platform, the Victory & Values Initiative.

The Victory & Values Initiative is a groundbreaking youth development program designed to empower elementary and middle school students through a dynamic blend of sports, mentorship, and STEM exposure. The initiative focuses on building health, discipline, character, leadership, and access to opportunity — creating pathways for long-term academic and personal success.

“This is about more than sports,” said Cummings during the ceremony. “It’s about using the platform of athletics to teach life lessons, create access, and build the next generation of leaders.”

The induction ceremony also featured notable guests including NASCAR’s newest Star Driver, Lavar Scott and NASCAR Director of Athletic Performance, Phil Horton, who joined Cummings for a powerful Victory & Values Town Hall discussion. The Town Hall was moderated by renowned Sports Emcee John Hollins and focused on leadership, resilience, discipline, and the importance of mentorship in shaping young lives.

A “Day at NASCAR” for 75+ Youth

Cummings wasted no time getting to work. On his first full day as an honorary member, he joined his new brothers of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County to host a “Day at NASCAR,” escorting more than 75 youth to a once-in-a-lifetime experience at EchoPark Motor Speedway (formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway).

The youth participants received behind-the-scenes access including: an exclusive tour of Pit Row, access to the Garage Area and exploration of the interactive Fan Zone.

The experience culminated with a surprise meet-and-greet and Q&A session with NASCAR Superstar Bubba Wallace, who shared insights on perseverance, preparation, and breaking barriers in professional sports.

The day served as a living example of the ‘Victory & Values’ Initiative in action — exposing youth to new industries, expanding their vision for the future, and connecting them directly with high- level mentors and role models.

Building Leaders Through Access and Mentorship

The 100 Black Men of DeKalb County – a chapter of the largest, national mentoring organization in the county – continues to expand its footprint with programs focused on academic excellence, economic empowerment, leadership development, and health & wellness.

The launch of ‘Victory & Values’ represents a strategic expansion of the organization’s impact

intentionally integrating athletics and STEM to engage youth at an early age while reinforcing core principles such as integrity, accountability, teamwork, and perseverance.

“Our mission has always been to mentor the next generation,” said Vaughn Irons, President-Elect of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County. “With Terry Cummings joining the brotherhood, along with partners in NASCAR and professional sports, we are creating unprecedented access and exposure for our youth. Victory & Values is about turning inspiration into structured opportunity.”

By connecting elementary and middle school students to professional athletes, executives, STEM professionals, and community leaders, the initiative aims to:

Increase youth exposure to careers in sports business, engineering, and performance science
Strengthen mentorship pipelines
Promote physical wellness and mental resilience
Build character-driven leadership at an early age

Open Invitation to Youth and Families

All youth are invited to participate in the Victory & Values Initiative, along with the other countless, impactful programs offered by the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County.

Parents and guardians seeking mentorship, leadership development, academic enrichment, and transformative exposure opportunities for their children are encouraged to connect with the organization.

As NBA Legend Terry Cummings’ induction demonstrates, Victory & Values is more than a program — it is a movement designed to build champions in life, not just in sports.

For more information about the Victory & Values Initiative or to enroll a student, contact: 100 Black Men of DeKalb County at Phone at 404.241.1338, info@100bmod.org or Tee Foxx at 404.791.6525,