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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

1 year 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

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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

6 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.”

Stacy M. Brown

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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: