The 44 Percent: WNBA draft, Black dandyism, NAACP lawsuit and more

On Monday, I watched the WNBA draft, beaming with excitement as the next crop of women learned where they’d hone their skills and earn their keep.

I praised the fashion they donned and the poise they had when speaking about how much it meant to them to be drafted. There were incredible stories shared by Kiki Iriafen and Te-Hina Paopao and their journeys and how their attire paid homage to their cultures.

So it begs the question, if the WNBA wants to grow, why didn’t it promote the draft and its red carpet as the premier event it is and elevate these women’s stories. Sure, there were a few social posts, but I saw little TV advertisements compared to that of other sports. And other social media users noted this as well.

And while it drew the second largest viewing audience for a WNBA draft, properly advertising the draft could have increased viewership and further the momentum the league has.

If the goal is to grow the sport, especially one that is dominated by Black women, organizers should take the time to promote it with the respect and care it deserves.

INSIDE THE 305:

This Kendall millennial makes over $3,000 a month playing video games

Natasha Walsh is making some serious bank as a gamer. Minority Business reporter Michael Butler spent the day with the 32-year-old woman who said she hasn’t worked what she considers a normal job in five years. She’s found a group of fellow Black women gamers and has continued to thrive while bringing joy. As she told Butler: “This is my purpose. This is what I’m meant to do. I also just have always had a passion for entertaining people.”

‘Knock Me a Kiss’ at M Ensemble is the embrace we need right now

Celebrating its 54th season, Florida’s oldest Black theater company, M Ensemble, is presenting “Knock Me a Kiss” from playwright Charles Smith. The semi-fictitious play, set during the Harlem Renaissance, sees educator and historian W.E.B. Du Bois play matchmaker for his daughter Yolande and esteemed poet Countee Cullen. But Yolande has other plans, including moving to Baltimore and becoming a teacher. The play will be showing at the Sandrell Rivers Theater 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday through April 27.

OUTSIDE THE 305:

Dandy Land: Celebrating “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”

This week has been a win for Black men in fashion. Oklahoma City point guard Russell Westbrook styled Georgia Amoore for the WNBA draft. Vogue unveiled their covers featuring Met Gala co-chairs, rapper A$AP Rocky, actor Colman Domingo, Formula One racer Lewis Hamilton, and a portrait of the ever peculiar Pharrell Williams. And GQ focused on Black dandyism as told through prolific stylist Law Roach and GQ editorials. The sartorial spread, photographed by Tyler Mitchell, features rising and legendary Black talent in entertainment donning refined and fitted attire.

NAACP sues U.S. Education Department over DEI school funding cuts

As educational institutions face cut backs, the NAACP is suing the Department of Education from “alleged illegal effort to cut off funding to schools that use diversity, equity and inclusion programs, and prevent Black students from receiving equal education opportunities,” Reuters reported.

The group accused the Trump administration of targeting programs that give Black people “equal access to selective education opportunities, and efforts to foster a sense of belonging and address racism.”

HIGH CULTURE:

Ryan Coogler On Why He Pushed Back ‘Black Panther 3’ To Make Vampire Horror Pic ‘Sinners’ With Michael B. Jordan

The first time I fell in love with Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan as a film duo was in 2015 with “Fruitvale Station.” The thought and care given in telling Oscar Grant’s story shined from the screen, sitting with you as the tears shed. Since then, I’ve been on the theatrical ride that they’ve so steadily taken us on. And now, they’ve released their latest: “Sinners,” a horror film set in the Jim Crow South that centers around twin brothers, Smoke and Stack (both played by Jordan).

Where does “The 44 Percent” name come from? Click here to find out how Miami history influenced the newsletter’s title.

Raisa Habersham

Miami Herald

Raisa Habersham is the race and culture reporter for the Miami Herald. She previously covered Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale for the Herald with a focus on housing and affordability. Habersham is a graduate of the University of Georgia. She joined the Herald in 2022.