In this episode, BHN news anchor, Ken McCoy, reviews IABD National Medal of Arts award recipients, Parkway North alum Jordan Ward's first tour, the late Lance Reddick's film and television career, followed by an exclusive interview with Pet Expo founder and business owner, Maria Lee-Driver.
The News Stories
Source: IABD Receives National Medal Of Arts Award (Garland Journal)
President Joseph R. Biden presented the International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) with the National Medal of Arts, along with 11 other renowned artists and arts organizations. IABD President and CEO Denise Saunders Thompson accepted the award on March 21, 2023, during a ceremony in the East Room of The White House.
Source: Stepping up: Parkway North alum Jordan Ward embarks on first tour as lead man (The St. Louis American)
Jordan Ward has danced for famed entertainers including Prince, Justin Bieber, the Jonas Brothers, and Becky G.
His most recognizable and unforgettable dance moment was his work in Beyoncé’s Coachella performance in 2018. In 2019, Netflix released “Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé,” a documentary detailing the iconic concert and Ward was a force on the stage.
“We have a right to push the boundaries and to fully indulge and invest in our business because that's what we’re here to do. I would just say keep going, don't try to fit any mold, do what you like to do.” - J. Ward
Source: Lance Reddick, ‘The Wire’ and ‘John Wick’ star, dies at 60 (June 7, 1962 – March 17, 2023) (Texas Metro News)
Actor -Fringe, The Wire , John Wick Franchise 1 to 4,Recently Passed away. Lance Reddick (June 7, 1962 – March 17, 2023). Reddick was an American actor, and musician. He was best known for playing Cedric Daniels in The Wire (2002–2008), Phillip Broyles in Fringe (2008–2013), and Chief Irvin Irving in Bosch (2014–2020). In film, he was best known for starring as Charon in the John Wick franchise (2014–2023) and David Gentry in Angel Has Fallen (2019).
Feature Story:
Source: Pet Expo founder Maria Lee-Driver
Accomplished entrepreneur and author of “Detours,” Maria Lee-Driver, creates magic wherever she goes. Her journey into the charmed world of small business began in her late teens and continues to this day. Although there have been detours along the way, they have all led her from a place of inspiration to innovation and immense success.
Maria opened her first business, Re-Ons Designing Impressions Hair Salon at the early age of nineteen. She continued to operate the salon for the next two decades, sharpening her business skills. She created a second business in the same building, where she taught cosmetology and barbering.