INSIDER
โTerrifier 3โ slashes โJokerโ to take No. 1 at the box office, Trump film โThe Apprenticeโ fizzles
Read full article: โTerrifier 3โ slashes โJokerโ to take No. 1 at the box office, Trump film โThe Apprenticeโ fizzlesThe choices on the movie marquee this weekend included Joaquin Phoenix as the Joker, a film about Donald Trump, a โSaturday Night Liveโ origin story and even Pharrell Williams as a Lego.
Next Met Gala chairs: Pharrell Williams, Lewis Hamilton, Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky and LeBron James
Read full article: Next Met Gala chairs: Pharrell Williams, Lewis Hamilton, Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky and LeBron JamesThe theme of the next Met Gala and its celebrity chairs have been announced: Pharrell Williams, Lewis Hamilton, Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky and LeBron James will help the museum celebrate Black style in menswear over the centuries.
In 'Piece by Piece,' Pharrell finds Lego fits his life story
Read full article: In 'Piece by Piece,' Pharrell finds Lego fits his life storyWhen Pharrell Williams and Morgan Neville decided to embark on a movie about Williamsโ life but animated in Lego pieces, they knew there would be culture shocks.
Pharrell as a Lego and Robbie Williams as a chimp? Music biopics get creative
Read full article: Pharrell as a Lego and Robbie Williams as a chimp? Music biopics get creativeMany of the expected conventions of music biopics are present in โPiece by Piece,โ about the producer-turned-pop star Pharrell Williams, and โBetter Man,โ about the British singer Robbie Williams.
Pop group ABBA ask Donald Trump to stop using their songs, but Trump team says they have the OK
Read full article: Pop group ABBA ask Donald Trump to stop using their songs, but Trump team says they have the OKSwedish supergroup ABBA has asked Donald Trump to stop using their music at campaign rallies, but the Republican presidential nomineeโs campaign says it has permission.
Artists who object to Trump using their songs from Celine Dion and Isaac Hayes' estate: How it works
Read full article: Artists who object to Trump using their songs from Celine Dion and Isaac Hayes' estate: How it worksPop powerhouses, American classics, British artists and estates of deceased legends โ many musicians have objected to former president Donald Trump using their songs at campaign events.
Pharrell advocates for reviving arts competitions for 2028 Olympics at Louis Vuitton event
Read full article: Pharrell advocates for reviving arts competitions for 2028 Olympics at Louis Vuitton eventIf given the chance, Pharrell Williams would reintroduce arts competition into the Olympics, reviving a tradition thatโs been missing for nearly 80 years.
Vogue World celebrates French style, Olympics amid razzmatazz, as menswear season wraps up in Paris
Read full article: Vogue World celebrates French style, Olympics amid razzmatazz, as menswear season wraps up in ParisOn International Olympic Day, Vogue World took over the last day of Paris Fashion Weekโs menswear collections with a show-cum-spectacle themed around the Olympics.
Pharrell Williamsโ sophomore collection at Louis Vuitton showcases Americana, Native American spirit
Read full article: Pharrell Williamsโ sophomore collection at Louis Vuitton showcases Americana, Native American spiritAt Paris Fashion Week, Pharrell Williams unveiled his sophomore collection for Louis Vuitton, a stunning fusion of Americana and Native American influences.
Golden Globes fashion: Taylor Swift stuns in shimmery green and Margot Robbie goes full Barbie
Read full article: Golden Globes fashion: Taylor Swift stuns in shimmery green and Margot Robbie goes full BarbieTaylor Swift stunned in liquid acid green as the fashion parade that marks awards season kicked off Sunday in Beverly Hills at the Golden Globes.
Pharrell fuses entertainment and fashion for confident Louis Vuitton menswear debut
Read full article: Pharrell fuses entertainment and fashion for confident Louis Vuitton menswear debutLouis Vuitton has kicked off Paris Fashion Week menโs shows with the much-anticipated debut collection by Pharrell Williams.
Kim Kardashian honored at CFDA awards, calls for inclusivity
Read full article: Kim Kardashian honored at CFDA awards, calls for inclusivityKim Kardashian was honored at Mondayโs annual Council of Fashion Designers of America Fashion Awards for her shapewear line and used the honor to call for designers to be inclusive for all body shapes.
Mariah Carey, Neptunes, Lennox in Songwriters Hall of Fame
Read full article: Mariah Carey, Neptunes, Lennox in Songwriters Hall of FameAfter a glittering career stuffed with No. 1 hits โ not to mention a two-year pandemic delay โ Mariah Carey was finally inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame on Thursday, but not before challenging her new fellow members to do better by women.
Celebrities go online to voice support for Ukraine
Read full article: Celebrities go online to voice support for UkraineA group of inter-generational stars from film, TV, sports and music โ including Bruce Springsteen, Hugh Jackman, Elton John and Jon Bon Jovi, Jonas Brothers and Billie Eilish โ have signed up for a social media campaign to show support for Ukraine.
Q&A: Hit-Boy talks Grammy producer nod, rapper aspirations
Read full article: Q&A: Hit-Boy talks Grammy producer nod, rapper aspirationsHit-Boy won top Grammy rap honors with some of hip-hopโs biggest heavyweights, from Jay-Z, Kanye West, known as Ye, to Nas, and now he is ascending into a new musical weight class as a producer.
Dior reimagines feminist fashion in history in Paris show
Read full article: Dior reimagines feminist fashion in history in Paris showDiorโs affirmed feminist designer Maria Grazia Chiuri used the male gaze, as reflected in female oil portraits across the centuries, to make a fashion statement on female empowerment and subjugation.
Grace Kelly's granddaughter appears on horseback for Chanel
Read full article: Grace Kelly's granddaughter appears on horseback for ChanelHuge spinning wheels, โfloatingโ wooden blocks and suspended geometric shapes hovered over a surreal mini gold course Tuesday at Chanelโs remarkable couture show.
Pharrell Williams calls for economic equity during MLK event
Read full article: Pharrell Williams calls for economic equity during MLK eventSinger and music producer Pharrell Williams is challenging corporate America to โdo moreโ by supporting entrepreneurs of color and adopting economic equity measures.
Pharrell to college grads: โWe are the emerging majorityโ
Read full article: Pharrell to college grads: โWe are the emerging majorityโGrammy-winning musician Pharrell Williams told the newest graduates of Norfolk State University to act like โthe emerging majorityโ and help develop the areaโs businesses and culture.
Rosalia, Lizzo, Cardi B wrap up over the top Miami art week
Read full article: Rosalia, Lizzo, Cardi B wrap up over the top Miami art weekThe over-the-top parties and star-studded shows surrounding Miamiโs Art Basel wrapped up this weekend with performances by Rosalia, Lizzo, Cardi B and rocker Lenny Kravitz.
Celebs, fashion, 24k chicken wings at Miami Art Basel
Read full article: Celebs, fashion, 24k chicken wings at Miami Art BaselThe official Art Basel show is back in Miami with all its eccentric glory, a dizzying list of celebrity attendees and dozens of spin-off shows already generating buzz, including a 10-year-old child painter and a $4 million Banksy sale.
Alicia Keys teases new songs at small show ahead of art fair
Read full article: Alicia Keys teases new songs at small show ahead of art fairSinger-songwriter Alicia Keys has teased some of her new material at an intimate performance in Miami where she also guided a few hundred people through a 10-minute meditation.
Designer Christopher John Rogers tops starry CFDA awards
Read full article: Designer Christopher John Rogers tops starry CFDA awardsDesigners Christopher John Rogers, who designed Vice President Kamala Harris' purple inauguration ensemble, and Emily Bode-Aujla have taken top honors at the annual Council of Fashion Designers of America awards.
City seeks festival's return, Pharrell cites 'toxic energy'
Read full article: City seeks festival's return, Pharrell cites 'toxic energy'Virginia Beach leaders want Pharrell Williams to reconsider bringing the Something in the Water festival back next year, but the musician responded that he wishes the city had taken a more proactive stance after a police officer fatally shot his cousin.
Webby Awards go to Fauci, Oprah, DuVernay and Pharrell
Read full article: Webby Awards go to Fauci, Oprah, DuVernay and PharrellDr. Anthony Fauci, Oprah Winfrey, Ava DuVernay, Riz Ahmed, Dua Lipa, Andra Day and Dwayne โThe Rockโ Johnson all won honors Tuesday at the Webby Awards, which recognize the best internet content and creators.
State police to probe deadly Virginia Beach police shooting
Read full article: State police to probe deadly Virginia Beach police shootingAubrey "Japharii" Jones, left, walks on the sidewalk on Atlantic Ave. Saturday March 27, 2021 in Virginia Beach, Va.. Overnight shootings near the Atlantic oceanfront in Virginia Beach left two people dead and eight wounded in a scene described by authorities on Saturday as very chaotic. Williams, who is also a Virginia Beach native, declined to comment further through a representative. โWe need far better accountability and transparency, and the families of those killed by police, in Virginia Beach and across this country, deserve answers,โ Jones said Sunday. Lynch's shooting was one of three separate shooting incidents that police said occurred within minutes of each other along Virginia Beach's oceanfront. Also killed in a separate shooting nearby that night was Deshayla E. Harris, 28, of Norfolk.
Ariana Grande joining 'The Voice' for season 21 as a coach
Read full article: Ariana Grande joining 'The Voice' for season 21 as a coachFILE - In this Dec. 6, 2018 file photo, Ariana Grande attends the 13th annual Billboard Women in Music event in New York. NBC said Tuesday that Grande will join the Emmy-winning series "The Voice" for its fall 2021 cycle. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)NEW YORK โ โThe Voice" is switching their positions for Ariana Grande: the pop star is taking her seat in the coach's chair later this year. NBC said Tuesday that Grande will join the Emmy-winning series for its fall 2021 cycle. The 20th season of โThe Voice" is currently on air and features those three singers along with Nick Jonas.
Iran cracks down on contentious pop music video with arrests
Read full article: Iran cracks down on contentious pop music video with arrestsThis photo provided by AZ Films shows California based Iranian pop singer Sasy with American adult film actress Alexis Texas in the music video for "Tehran Tokyo." Iranian authorities have arrested multiple music producers connected to the California-based Iranian pop singer, his management company and Iranian media said Thursday, March 11, in Tehrans latest effort to halt what it deems decadent Western behavior. The arrests come as Iranian social media has been awash with criticism of popular underground Iranian singer, โSasy,โ or Sasan Heidari Yafteh's, new music video. Rafahi said the gambling accusations stemmed from a misunderstanding, given that a poker website helped sponsor the music video. __Associated Press writer Amir Vahdat in Tehran, Iran contributed to this report.
New this week: Sia, Clarice Starling and Kristen Wiig
Read full article: New this week: Sia, Clarice Starling and Kristen WiigHereโs a collection curated by The Associated Pressโ entertainment journalists of whatโs arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week. One nominee, โJudas and the Black Messiah," arrives on HBO Max (as well as in theaters) on Friday. Adโ Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo's last writing partnership turned out pretty well. Adโ AP Film Writer Jake CoyleMUSICโ Siaโs Golden Globe-nominated directorial debut, โMusic,โ will be accompanied with a 14-track album. Adโ โSilence of the Lambsโ is three decades in the rearview mirror, but only a year has passed as CBSโ โClariceโ picks up the story of FBI Agent Clarice Starling.
A look at artists who've objected to Trump using their songs
Read full article: A look at artists who've objected to Trump using their songsFILE - Pharrell Williams attends the world premiere of "The Black Godfather," in Los Angeles on June 3, 2019. Dozens of artists have objected to Donald Trump using their music in his two presidential campaigns. Williams sent a cease-and-desist letter after his song Happy" was played at a Trump rally in 2018. He was especially angered that the event was hours after a mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue. (Photo by Mark Von Holden/Invision/AP, File)
A look at artists who've objected to Trump using their songs
Read full article: A look at artists who've objected to Trump using their songsDozens of artists have objected to Donald Trump using their music in his two presidential campaigns. Williams sent a cease-and-desist letter after his song Happy" was played at a Trump rally in 2018. (Photo by Mark Von Holden/Invision/AP, File)From classic American rockers to British artists to the estates of late legends, here's a look at some of the musicians who have objected to Donald Trump using their songs at campaign events. JOHN FOGERTY, PHIL COLLINS, BRUCE SPRINGSTEENSome classic rockers say not only do they oppose Trump using their music, the choice of songs is ironic or downright wrong. Eddy Grant sued Trump in September over the use of his 1980s hit โElectric Avenueโ in a Trump campaign animated video that mocked his opponent Joe Biden.
Virginia lawmakers vote to make Juneteenth a state holiday
Read full article: Virginia lawmakers vote to make Juneteenth a state holidayJuneteenth has officially become a state holiday after lawmakers unanimously approved legislation during the Virginia General Assembly special session. Juneteenth marks the day news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached Texas, which was the last state to abolish slavery. Ralph Northam signed the legislation on Oct. 13. Northam proposed making Juneteenth a state holiday in June during a press conference that included musician and Virginia native Pharrell Williams. Northam signed an executive order that gave executive branch employees and state colleges the day off.
Glamorous Miami club caught in power struggle over the virus
Read full article: Glamorous Miami club caught in power struggle over the virusLIV owner David Grutman poses for a photograph at the nightclub, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020, in Miami Beach, Fla. LIV, one of Miami's most glamorous, star-studded nightclubs sits empty and quiet these days, a casualty of both the coronavirus outbreak and a power struggle between state and local government over how to contain the scourge. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Glamorous Miami club caught in power struggle over the virus
Read full article: Glamorous Miami club caught in power struggle over the virusThe parties at the club are so legendary they have inspired lyrics from Drake, Kanye West and Rick Ross. Today, LIV sits quiet and empty โ a casualty not just of the coronavirus outbreak but of a power struggle between state and local government over how to contain the scourge. โI cried real tears,โ the 46-year-old Grutman said of his last visit to the shuttered club and nightlife's seemingly bygone era. Grutman has fielded countless calls from DJs begging to be the first when the club reopens. Others have asked to host Zoom parties from LIV, but Grutman just isn't into it.
Jay-Z, Pharrell to release new song about Black ambition
Read full article: Jay-Z, Pharrell to release new song about Black ambitionNEW YORK โ Jay-Z and Pharrell Williams have teamed up to release a new song about Black ambition titled โEntrepreneur." โBlack Twitter, whatโs that? When Jack gets paid, do you?โ raps Jay-Z, referring to Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey. โFor every one Gucci, support two FUBUโs.โOn the track, Williams sings: โIn this position with no choice/The system imprison young Black boys/Distract with white noise." Williams told TIME the song is โabout how tough it is to be an entrepreneur in our country to begin with."
Pharrell, Beastie Boys, RZA, halftime show score Emmy nods
Read full article: Pharrell, Beastie Boys, RZA, halftime show score Emmy nodsSuper Bowl LIV Halftime Show Starring Jennifer Lopez And Shakira picked up four nominations, including outstanding variety special (live). It was not clear if Lopez and Shakira were specifically nominated, though past halftime singers, including Beyonc, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, have earned Emmy nominations as performers. For their work on Watchmen, they scored a second Emmy nomination for outstanding music composition for a limited series, movie or special. They earned nominations as producers for outstanding documentary or nonfiction special and as writers for outstanding writing for a nonfiction program. Jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington, who composed music for the Michelle Obama documentary Becoming, picked up a nomination for outstanding music composition for a documentary series of special.
Jay-Z, other celebs ask feds to probe student's 2010 killing
Read full article: Jay-Z, other celebs ask feds to probe student's 2010 killingHess shot Henry as Henry drove through a parking lot, away from a disturbance that spilled out of a bar in October 2010 in Mount Pleasant, a New York City suburb. Hess has said Henry was trying to run him down and that he fired through the windshield to stop the driver. The Henrys have said Hess jumped front of the car, got onto the hood and shot their son for no good reason. Henry's father said new information that has come out since the criminal case was closed warrants a reexamination of his son's death. As human beings we should all want a standard of justice that is fair and right, Danroy Henry Sr. told The Boston Globe.
Pharrell Williams releases a new song dedicated to frontline workers
Read full article: Pharrell Williams releases a new song dedicated to frontline workersPharrell Williams and record producer Chad Hugo have released a new song honoring the frontline workers in their home state of Virginia. The recording artist released the song โVirginia: A Salute to Frontline Workersโ on his music festivalโs โSomething in the Waterโ Twitter page. "VIRGINIA", written by @pharrell and @chadhugoMade to acknowledge the resilient Virginian frontline workers and to show the possibilities of what happens when we come together. The video shows scenes from Virginia coastline as well as coronavirus testing sites and other frontline workers doing their jobs. Our citizens are resilient and we are forever inspired by the incredible people of Virginia,โ Williams concluded.
WATCH: Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam gives June 16 coronavirus update, joined by Pharrell Williams
Read full article: WATCH: Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam gives June 16 coronavirus update, joined by Pharrell WilliamsRalph Northam gave an update on the stateโs response to the coronavirus on Tuesday afternoon. Also on Tuesday, the governor, joined by Grammy-winning musician and Virginia native, Pharrell Williams, announced his plan to make Juneteenth a state holiday in Virginia. As of Tuesday, there are 55,331 coronavirus cases in Virginia, according to the Virginia Department of Health. [Where are Virginiaโs coronavirus cases? The health departmentโs interactive map]The governor is now only be giving coronavirus updates on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Barack Obama will headline televised prime-time commencement
Read full article: Barack Obama will headline televised prime-time commencementNEW YORK โ Former President Barack Obama will deliver a televised prime-time commencement address for the high school Class of 2020 during an hour-long event that will also feature LeBron James, Malala Yousafzai and Ben Platt, among others. Several high school students from Chicago public schools and the Obama Youth Jobs Corps will join, as will the Jonas Brothers, Yara Shahidi, Bad Bunny, Lena Waithe, Pharrell Williams, Megan Rapinoe and H.E.R. The event is titled โGraduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020.โ It's hosted by the education advocacy group XQ Institute, The LeBron James Family Foundation and The Entertainment Industry Foundation. Obama will reflect on the COVID-19 pandemic's disruption of school life, especially for seniors who have missed out on their milestone rites of passage. โWe are grateful to President Obama for giving this gift to our nationโs three million high school seniors as they #GraduateTogether,โ she added.
Gloomy summer looms as pandemic cancels US festivals, trips
Read full article: Gloomy summer looms as pandemic cancels US festivals, tripsOn a typical summer day, the Ship Bottom Brewing beer house on New Jersey's Long Beach Island is packed. Along Virginiaโs coast, a long list of festivals have already been canceled, and the usually bustling Virginia Beach oceanfront sits quiet and empty. โItโs surreal and sobering,โ said Mike Standing, 50, a Virginia Beach restaurateur and hotel owner. Cities and towns across the country also are sorting out what the pandemic will mean for municipal pools, beaches and summer camps. Last year, the summer staple drew nearly 1.4 million visitors for its livestock shows, carnival rides, fried food and big-name concerts.
Tye Tribbett sends positive vibes with song amid virus
Read full article: Tye Tribbett sends positive vibes with song amid virusNEW YORK โ Grammy-winning gospel singer Tye Tribbett has fused Kendrick Lamarโs hit song โAlrightโ into a new tune to send a message to people during the coronavirus pandemic: We are going to be all right. Tribbett released the new song โWe Gonโ Be Alrightโ on Friday. The new track interpolates part of Lamarโs anthemic 2015 song, which was co-produced by Pharrell and won two Grammy Awards. Tribbett, 44, said heโs hoping to offer some light to the world during a time of darkness. Tribbett won the best gospel album and best gospel song Grammys at the 2014 show.
Singer Pharrell is making music on Miami's restaurant scene
Read full article: Singer Pharrell is making music on Miami's restaurant sceneGrammy award winning singer Pharrell, from left, poses with his father Pharaoh Williams and nightlife guru David Grumman at the Swan restaurant in Miami's design district, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020. (AP Photo/Kelli Kennedy)MIAMI, Fla. โ Grammy award-winning singer Pharrell may have been fired from three different McDonald's as a teen, but that didn't stop him from opening what has become one of the hottest restaurants in Miami. Back home, Pharaoh Williams was always in the kitchen and so were his grandmothers. Grutman and Pharrell partnered with Top Chef Europe champion executive chef Jean Imbert for their restaurant, while Pharrell works on the side with a line of food products for his father. But the โHappyโ singer is clear about his role in the restaurant business โ he happily stays out of the kitchen.
The most VIP Super Bowl weekend costs $1.5M, includes butler
Read full article: The most VIP Super Bowl weekend costs $1.5M, includes butler(AP Photo/Chris Carlson)MIAMI, Fla. โ Private jet service, a personal butler, or how about a meal with former Patriots star Rob Gronkowski to top off Super Bowl weekend? One package includes a 4-day cruise around the Caribbean on a private yacht after the game for $720,000. On Location Experiences' Sam Soni says their top Super Bowl package last year in Atlanta went for $17,500. Tables at LIV nightclub are booking for $20,000 during Super Bowl weekend โ up from their usual cost of $5,000. Grutman said his steakhouse has more than tripled its order for steaks to 1,000 for Super Bowl week, along with crates of caviar.
Chanel delves into founder's orphanage past in couture show
Read full article: Chanel delves into founder's orphanage past in couture showHere are some highlights from the second day of Paris Fashion Week haute couture shows for spring-summer 2020. CHANEL DELVES INTO FOUNDER'S ORPHANAGE CHILDHOODChanel, Viard discovered, had been profoundly inspired in all her designs by the ancient Cistercian Abbey of Aubazine, in the French region of Corrรจze โ with its flowers, uniforms and stained-glass artistry. A take on a convent schoolgirl uniform opened the show as a signature Chanel tweed skirt-suit. ALEXIS MABILLE โTEESESโ HIS GUESTSBurlesque superstar Dita Von Teese opened the show for Alexis Mabille in a black tuxedo with sensual decollete that dripped down the leg with brooding black sequins. The signature tuxedo led to a terracotta obi belt on hot pink loose pants and a V-neck tuxedo in imperial blue.
Sneakers star at glamorous parties around Art Basel Miami
Read full article: Sneakers star at glamorous parties around Art Basel MiamiIn this Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019, photo, a model walks the runway wearing the Christian Dior pre-fall 2020 men's fashion collection shoe Air Dior during Miami Art Week on, in Miami. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)MIAMI, FL โ Fashion has always played a starring role at the glamorous weeklong parties surrounding Art Basel Miami. This year itโs all about the kicks as several major brands including Dior, Adidas and Nike drop limited edition sneakers that had fans camping out overnight. Earlier in the week, he was the hype man for the highly anticipated Christian Dior Air Jordan 1 sneaker. Not to be left out, Louis Vuitton unveiled itโs first sneaker trunk Tuesday night at a Miami store.
Sneakers star at glamorous parties around Art Basel Miami
Read full article: Sneakers star at glamorous parties around Art Basel MiamiFashion has always played a starring role at the glamorous weeklong parties surrounding Art Basel Miami. This year itโs all about the kicks as several major brands including Dior, Adidas and Nike drop limited edition sneakers that had fans camping out overnight. Earlier in the week, he was the hype man for the highly anticipated Christian Dior Air Jordan 1 sneaker. The white and grey sneaker includes hand-painted edges, transparent soles with both Air Dior wings and the trademark swoop done in the signature grey Dior jacquard pattern outlined in black. Not to be left out, Louis Vuitton unveiled itโs first sneaker trunk Tuesday night at a Miami store.
Global Citizen Festival announces iconic lineup
Read full article: Global Citizen Festival announces iconic lineupThe headliners for this year's Global Citizen Festival, which will be held Sept. 28 in Central Park, pack a big punch. Queen, still riding its "Bohemian Rhapsody" publicity bump, will perform, with Adam Lambert on vocals. and Carole King will also headline the event, which highlights Global Citizen's mission of ending poverty. "Where you live shouldn't determine whether you live," Pharrell tweeted on Tuesday, talking about his partnership with the Global Citizen cause. "Global citizens" earn their way into the audience by taking actions like signing petitions, tweeting about issues or calling their senators.
Pharrell Williams offers internships to 114 Harlem high school grads
Read full article: Pharrell Williams offers internships to 114 Harlem high school grads(CNN) - The promise Pharrell Williams made to a group of more than 100 graduating high school seniors in Harlem has changed Brionna Pope's life as she heads to college. All 114 graduates have been accepted to college, Harlem Children's Zone CEO Anne Williams-Isom said. Pope, with a phone in hand recording Williams' speech, couldn't believe it at first. "I currently have a struggling single mother who is trying to pay for my student loans for Syracuse." Recent Federal Reserve data shows Americans owe $1.5 trillion in student loans -- and African-American students are more likely to take out federal student loans, according to the Center for American Progress.