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NBA Star Anthony Davis and Raven Magwood Goodson Team Up to Give Us the Full Court Advantage on Finding Tony

Review – “If I had it my way, I would have been a 20-year major leaguer going to the Hall of Fame. Obviously, my calling was acting,
The post NBA Star Anthony Davis and Raven Magwood Goodson Team Up to Give Us the Full Court Advantage on Finding Tony first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

12 months ago

May 31, 2024

Oakland Post

In his essay “The Decay of Lying,” in 1889, Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde wrote, “Life imitates art far more than art imitates life.” One hundred thirty years later, there has been a notable shift. Art is most definitely imitating life in the independent film Finding Tony. Released on May 10, Finding Tony was the perfect film to review as we close out #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth. The film puts us in the passenger seat of a widowed former basketball player’s journey to find himself by becoming a women’s college basketball coach.

Renowned actor Stephen Bishop embodies the inspiring journey of ex-NBA player Tony Greene, whose story could be ripped from any headline today. Following the tragic loss of his wife in a home invasion, Tony spirals into clinical depression and alcoholism, facing a DUI.

It’s unclear if the release date was strategic. However, the film explores various issues on the road to redemption, including mental health, depression, grief, and alcoholism. We see these issues in sports, entertainment, and everyday life.

Mental health remains profoundly misunderstood by society. People often mistakenly confuse mental health with mental illness. Many automatically assume the presence of some type of psychological disorder when discussing mental health, which can lead to self-harm or harm to others. They tend to overlook the Tony Greenes of the world, who simply succumb to the pressures of grief, depression, and self-medication through alcohol or other vices.

In an exclusive interview, actor Stephen Bishop shared that he didn’t have to “get into character” because he was familiar with some of Tony’s emotions. Bishop recounted his personal experiences with grief, including retiring from baseball, making the decision to coach his child’s team, and experiencing some traumatic events while filming. “I was in the middle of the traumatic experience while we were filming,” he explained. “So, some of the emotions that Tony had to go through were emotions that I was actually going through. This [film] was my therapy.”

Bishop’s testimony highlights the often-overlooked aspect of mental health. We see the behavior, the reliance on useless vices, the DUIs, and the attitudes. What we don’t see are the silent struggles many people have to endure because of trauma. We are only scratching the surface of Tony’s character. The movie is a powerful reminder that mental health encompasses a range of experiences and outcomes, as seen in Destiny. This orphaned basketball powerhouse changes Tony’s trajectory. We learn that empathy and understanding are crucial in addressing these challenges. Bishop says, “Tony gets rescued by these women that he is coaching. He is down as down can be, but through his relationship with these ladies, he is able to find himself again and find his footing to become the man he is supposed to be.”

Bishop’s first leading role without a love interest was a stellar performance. Life doesn’t always look like our dreams. Bishop noted, “If I had it my way, I would have been a 20-year major leaguer going to the Hall of Fame. Obviously, my calling was acting, which afforded me the opportunity to be a coach, philanthropic, and more.” When asked what he wanted people to take away from the film, he said, “There will be things sent to destroy you, but you have the power to not let it happen because your path is the most important.” When you go through things in life, perseverance will get you through. Keep your head down and stay the course. It’s easy to fold up and go in the tank, but God didn’t put you on this earth to do that. You have your singular purpose, and you should stick with that and keep your eyes focused on it.”

Finding Tony was released on May 10 and is available on http://www.findingtonyfilm.com.

The post NBA Star Anthony Davis and Raven Magwood Goodson Team Up to Give Us the Full Court Advantage on Finding Tony first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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Black Feminist Movement Mobilizes in Response to National Threats

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — More than 500 Black feminists will convene in New Orleans from June 5 through 7 for what organizers are calling the largest Black feminist gathering in the United States.

Published

4 hours ago

May 30, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

More than 500 Black feminists will convene in New Orleans from June 5 through 7 for what organizers are calling the largest Black feminist gathering in the United States. The event, led by the organization Black Feminist Future, is headlined by activist and scholar Angela Y. Davis. Paris Hatcher, executive director of Black Feminist Future, joined Black Press USA’s Let It Be Known to outline the mission and urgency behind the gathering, titled “Get Free.” “This is not just a conference to dress up and have a good time,” Hatcher said. “We’re building power to address the conditions that are putting our lives at risk—whether that’s policing, reproductive injustice, or economic inequality.” Hatcher pointed to issues such as rising evictions among Black families, the rollback of bodily autonomy laws, and the high cost of living as key drivers of the event’s agenda. “Our communities are facing premature death,” she said.

Workshops and plenaries will focus on direct action, policy advocacy, and practical organizing skills. Attendees will participate in training sessions that include how to resist evictions, organize around immigration enforcement, and disrupt systemic policies contributing to poverty and incarceration. “This is about fighting back,” Hatcher said. “We’re not conceding anything.” Hatcher addressed the persistent misconceptions about Black feminism, including the idea that it is a movement against men or families. “Black feminism is not a rejection of men,” she said. “It’s a rejection of patriarchy. Black men must be part of this struggle because patriarchy harms them too.” She also responded to claims that organizing around Black women’s issues weakens broader coalitions. “We don’t live single-issue lives,” Hatcher said. “Our blueprint is one that lifts all Black people.”

The conference will not be streamed virtually, but recaps and updates will be posted daily on Black Feminist Future’s YouTube channel and Instagram account. The event includes performances by Tank and the Bangas and honors longtime activists including Billy Avery, Erica Huggins, and Alexis Pauline Gumbs. When asked how Black feminism helps families, Hatcher said the real threat to family stability is systemic oppression. “If we want to talk about strong Black families, we have to talk about mass incarceration, the income gap, and the systems that tear our families apart,” Hatcher said. “Black feminism gives us the tools to build and sustain healthy families—not just survive but thrive.”

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Hoover’s Commutation Divides Chicago as State Sentence Remains

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Hoover was convicted of murder and running a criminal enterprise. Although some supporters describe him as a political prisoner, the legal and public safety concerns associated with his name remain substantial.

Published

1 day ago

May 29, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

The federal sentence for Gangster Disciples founder Larry Hoover has been commuted, but he remains incarcerated under a 200-year state sentence in Illinois. The decision by Donald Trump to reduce Hoover’s federal time has reignited longstanding debates over his legacy and whether rehabilitation or continued punishment is warranted. The commutation drew immediate public attention after music executive Jay Prince and artist Chance the Rapper publicly praised Trump’s decision. “I’m glad that Larry Hoover is home,” said Chance the Rapper. “He was a political prisoner set up by the federal government. He created Chicago Votes, mobilized our people, and was targeted for that.”

But Hoover, the founder of the Gangster Disciples, is not home—not yet. Now in federal custody at the Florence Supermax in Colorado, Hoover was convicted of murder and running a criminal enterprise. Although some supporters describe him as a political prisoner, the legal and public safety concerns associated with his name remain substantial. “There is a divide in the Black community here,” said Chicago journalist Jason Palmer during an appearance on the Let It Be Known morning program. “Some view Hoover as someone who brought structure and leadership. Others remember the violence that came with his organization.” Palmer explained that while Hoover’s gang originally formed for protection, it grew into a criminal network responsible for extensive harm in Chicago. He also noted that Hoover continued to run his organization from state prison using coded messages passed through visitors, prompting his transfer to federal custody.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who is widely considered a potential 2028 presidential contender, has not issued a statement. Palmer suggested that silence is strategic. “Releasing Hoover would create enormous political consequences,” Palmer said. “The governor’s in a difficult spot—he either resists pressure from supporters or risks national backlash if he acts.” According to Palmer, Hoover’s federal commutation does not make him a free man. “The federal sentence may be commuted, but he still has a 200-year state sentence,” he said. “And Illinois officials have already made it clear they don’t want to house him in state facilities again. They prefer he remains in federal custody, just somewhere outside of Colorado.”

Palmer also raised concerns about what Hoover’s case could signal for others. “When R. Kelly was convicted federally, state prosecutors in Illinois and Minnesota dropped their charges. If a president can commute federal sentences based on public pressure or celebrity support, others like R. Kelly or Sean Combs could be next,” Palmer said. “Meanwhile, there are thousands of incarcerated people without fame or access to public platforms who will never get that consideration.” “There are people who are not here today because of the violence connected to these organizations,” Palmer said. “That has to be part of this conversation.”

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WATCH: Five Years After George Floyd: Full Panel Discussion | Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real | Live Podcast Event

Join us as we return to the city where it happened and speak with a voice from the heart of the community – Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO/Publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

Published

2 days ago

May 28, 2025

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https://youtube.com/watch?v=OsNLWTz6jU0&feature=oembed

May 25, 2020. The world stopped and watched as a life was taken.

But what has happened since?

Join us as we return to the city where it happened and speak with a voice from the heart of the community – Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO/Publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

She shares reflections, insights, and the story of a community forever changed. What has a year truly meant, and where do we go from here?

This is more than just a date; it’s a moment in history. See what one leader in the Black press has to say about it.

Recorded live at UROC in Minneapolis, this powerful discussion features:

Panelists: