100 students among latest graduating class from Disney Dreamers Academy
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — About 100 students from across the country this weekend celebrated being part of the Disney Dreamers Academy with the commencement ceremony of its 15th year. The teens were selected among thousands of applicants to participate in the four-day, once-in-a-lifetime educational mentoring program that takes place annually at Walt Disney World Resort. The program is designed to broaden career awareness and create opportunities for Black students and teens from underrepresented communities across America. READ: Caribe Royale Orlando holding hiring event in preparation for spring breakSee photos in the gallery below:Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 15 Disney Dreamers Academy 100 students among latest graduating class from Disney Dreamers Academy (Walt Disney World)The graduates were treated to an inspirational speech by four-time Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, actress and executive producer Kelly Rowland, musical performances by Mali Music, and Disney Entertainment and a moving ring presentation ceremony to mark the teens’ special achievement. READ: Meet Gino, Animal Kingdom’s most famous resident and face of the Gorilla Species Survival Program“This is among the most rewarding events we host at Walt Disney World,” Tracey D. Powell, Disney Signature Events vice president and Disney Dreamers Academy executive champion, said in a news release.
wftv.comCentral Florida students chosen to attend Disney Dreamers Academy
ORLANDO, Fla. — Some talented Central Florida students have been chosen to attend the Disney Dreamers Academy. Photos: Central Florida students chosen to attend Disney Dreamers AcademyExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 7 Central Florida students chosen to attend Disney Dreamers Academy (March 3, 2022) Grammy Award-Winning Artist Kelly Rowland, Disney Dreamers Academy Executive Champion Tracey D. Powell and Orlando student Roxie Richbourg lead a celebratory parade to kick off the 15th annual Disney Dreamers Academy Thursday, March 3, 2022 at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The Disney Dreamers Academy, taking place March 3-6, 2022 is a mentorship event hosted annually by Walt Disney World Resort that fosters the dreams of Black students and teens from underrepresented communities. ((Gregg Newton, photographer))The academy is a four-day mentoring event created by Disney and hosted at Walt Disney World Resort. READ: The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History wants your Disney World photosClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.
wftv.comFor Kelly Rowland, good things come in threes
FILE - In this Jan. 28, 2019 file photo, Kelly Rowland attends the premiere of "What Men Want" in Los Angeles. Rowland released an EP titled K, featuring six tracks heavily influenced by Afrobeat rhythms. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File)NEW YORK – If good things come in threes, then Kelly Rowland is basking in her current moment of bliss. But Rowland didn’t always possess that “Black Magic” confidence. “And I don’t know a lot of people who get that in this industry.”_____Follow Associated Press entertainment journalist Gary Gerard Hamilton at twitter.com/garyghamilton
AP's song of the year: Keedron Bryant's 'I Just Wanna Live'
This cover image released by Warner Records shows "I Just Wanna Live," by Keedron Bryant. Bryant's song was named one of the top 10 of the year by the Associated Press. Keedron Bryant, “I Just Wanna Live": During times of turmoil and unrest, people respond differently. She asked her son, then 12-year-old Keedron Bryant, to sing the song and the rest is for the history books. The song not only helped Keedron Bryant land a record deal, it helped heal the world at a time when music is a language that unites us all.
Outtakes: Stevie Nicks on Petty, Prince, Beyoncé and Harry
FILE - Harry Styles, right, presents a trophy to Stevie Nicks at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in New York on March 29, 2019. I feel like I know Beyoncé even though I really don’t know her at all. I hope you’re wrong.’ But he’s absolutely right.”_________CALL ME MAYBESpeaking of friends Stevie Nicks have been in touch with — don’t count the members of Fleetwood Mac. I’m really, really good friends with Mick,” she said. That’s really good too because that kind of keeps you in sort of that mindset also,” she said.
Chris Paul, JJ Watt to appear in Amazon's 'Regular Heroes'
LOS ANGELES NFL star J.J. Watt, NBA player Chris Paul and country singer Brad Paisley will appear in an Amazon series that highlights everyday people who are supporting their community during the coronavirus pandemic. Paul will make a guest appearance on the fifth episode of Regular Heroes on Friday. He has been outspoken on social issues and vocal during the pandemic as the president of the NBA players union president. Paisley and Watt are expected to take part in separate episodes the following two weeks of the docuseries. Paisley and his wife opened a free grocery store that has made deliveries to older adults in Nashville during the pandemic.
Social media, music world go dark for Black Out Tuesday
Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Radiohead, Coldplay, Kelly Rowland, Beastie Boys and were among the celebrities to join Black Out Tuesday on social media. !Spotify blacked out the artwork for several of its popular playlists, including RapCaviar and Todays Top Hits, simply writing Black lives matter. as its description. Some on social media questioned if posting black squares would divert attention away from posts about the Black Lives Matter movement. When musician Dillon Francis posted that the hashtag for Black Lives Matter was blank on Instagram because users were posting black squares, rapper Lil Nas X responded with: this is not helping us. But she was heavily criticized, and began to trend on Twitter, for adding white borders around her black squares to match the aesthetic of her Instagram page.