Here’s all the news you may have missed over the weekend.
– Black Panther has scored the fourth-highest second weekend gross in history after pulling in an estimated $108 million. Its second-weekend numbers makes Black Panther the fifth highest grossing Marvel movie and is likely to pass Captain America: Civil War and Iron Man 3. Overall, the film has made more than $700 million since opening. (CNN Money)
– Laverne Cox debuted her first single and music video over the weekend. “Beat For The Gods” is fun, campy, and a “celebration of queer culture and LGBTQ club culture.” The actress enlisted the help of friends to help bring her passion project to life and pay homage to “the kids who vogue, the kids who drag, the nightclub scene.” (Out)
– Foxy Brown took to Instagram over the weekend to share an open letter in support of Russell Simmons, who has been accused of sexual assault and harassment by multiple women. Brown wrote, “The man I’ve known and loved was nothing more than the respectful, respected, gentleman and GODFATHER OF HIP-HOP we’ve all adored. In staunch support, Praying for you Russ!” (Instagram)
– Who’s been fired from Growing Up Hip Hop: Atlanta?! Bow Wow knows but her’s not telling. The TV personality and rapper recently shared a tweet that sent fans into a frenzy and has everyone looking for clues as to who got the boot. “Fired! One less #GUHHATL cast member we dont have to worry about! Stop acting like a b—h.” (Twitter)
– Illinois State Legislature candidate Burt Minor has lost a few supports in the Republican party after calling fellow Republican candidate for Illinois Attorney General, Erika Harold, a “lesbo” and the n-word. Illinois House leader Peter Breen says Minor confirmed that he used the slurs, but Minor claims he did not use the full on n-word. Minor also says Harold “wanted him to ask the question” about her sexuality and asked that he say the n-word. (Politico)
– California may make it mandatory for high school students to take an ethnic studies course before graduating. Democrat Jose Medina has introduced bill, A.B. 2772, which would go into effect for the 2023-2024 school year if passed. Medina told reporters, “Without knowledge of other cultural experiences and the history of those ethnic and cultural groups, I don’t think you can call yourself an educated person.” (TIME)
– Akon says he could have restored power to Puerto Rico months ago. Paparazzi stopped the singer in LAX, where he scoffed at the fact that the country is still in need after five months. Akon says his organization reached out to help, but the government rejected him. (TMZ)
– Kendrick Lamar reportedly wants a cameo in the Black Panther sequel. Lamar — who curated the film’s soundtrack along with TDE’s Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith — told BBC Radio 1’s Clara Amfo that he would love a cameo in the film’s rumored sequel. (Vibe)