Bill Russell: Being criticized by Trump is the 'biggest compliment you can get'

NBA legend and civil rights activist, Bill Russell took to twitter to praise LeBron James, CNN host Don Lemon, Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), John Lewis (D-Ga.), and NFL players. Russell stated that they “must be doing something right.” if Trump is attacking them.

At this time & place for any African American, @KingJames @donlemon @RepMaxineWaters @repjohnlewis & #NFL plyrs to be criticised by @realdonaldtrump means you must be doing something right! As I have said before- Its the biggest compliment you can get. @TwitterSports @MSNBC @CNN

— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) August 5, 2018

'Black Panther' Crosses $700 Million Milestone!

Nearly six months after it first opened in theaters, Ryan Coogler's groundbreaking superhero movie is crossing the $700 million mark in North America, Disney and Marvel announced Saturday.

Only two other films have ever crossed the $700 million threshold: Star Wars: The Force Awakens ($936.7 million) and Avatar ($760.5 million), not adjusted for inflation.

In recent weeks, Disney and Marvel slightly tweaked the film's theater count in order to achieve the feat without an official rerelease. Black Panther's longevity in theaters is unusual in an age when most films are gone within three to four months.

Black Panther — which has grossed north of $1.346 globally — had already broken numerous records. The film is the top earner of the year to date in North America, and the top-grossing superhero pic of all time domestically, not adjusted for inflation.

[SOURCE: THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER]

Illinois celebrates first annual Barack Obama Day

Illinoisans honored former President Obama on Saturday with the first annual “Barack Obama Day.”

The Illinois legislature last year unanimously passed a measure establishing Aug. 4, the former president’s birthday, as a state holiday.

Gov. Bruce Rauner (R) signed the bill into law on Aug. 6, 2017, making this year the first that the holiday is celebrated.

Obama began his political career as a community organizer in Chicago before becoming a state senator and then a U.S. senator from Illinois.

An early version of the bill had pushed for the day to be a legal holiday with paid time off and closed government offices, but the final version made it a commemorative holiday.

[SOURCE: THE HILL]

Orioles' Adam Jones contributes $8.5K to help Mamie Johnson Little League team

When a Washington, D.C., Little League team reached out for help to fund a trip to an upcoming tournament, Baltimore Orioles outfielder Adam Jones was ready with a response -- and a check.

Jones agreed Friday to contribute $8,500 toward bus transportation for the Mamie Johnson Little League team, which will represent the nation's capital in the Mid-Atlantic Regional tournament starting Sunday in Bristol, Connecticut.

"It's a blessing for the kids and the families,'' Keith Barnes, the league president, told ESPN. "For them to experience this opportunity and for him to help us, it just means the world to these kids. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them, so it's a great gesture. And we really appreciate it.''

The Mamie Johnson team is the first predominantly black squad to advance to the Mid-Atlantic Regional -- the final obstacle to a spot in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Of the 12 players on the roster, 11 are African-American.

Jones' representatives at CAA Sports were in contact with Little League officials and finalized the details Friday. Barnes said the team had already received $15,000 in contributions before Jones became involved. Some of the funds were contributed by competing Little Leagues in the area. He said the surplus created by Jones' contribution will go toward enhancing future participation. The Mamie Johnson Little League players come from less-than-affluent circumstances, Barnes said, and the league charges only $20 to players' families as an initiation fee.

Jones, 33, has a long record of community outreach during his tenure with the Orioles. In 2015, he received the Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award from the MLB Players Association, the Brooks Robinson Community Service Award from the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association and the Governor's Service Award from Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan.

[SOURCE: ESPN]

Barack Obama endorses Stacey Abrams for governor of Georgia

President Barack Obama has endorsed Stacey Abrams for governor of Georgia. Read his statement of support below:

“I am so excited to endorse Stacey Abrams for Governor of Georgia. She’s not running a campaign built on division or distraction; she’s running to lead one Georgia where everybody has opportunity, and everybody’s voice is heard. And she’s got the record of building consensus that shows she can deliver – with good jobs, great public education, expanded Medicaid, and secure, affordable health insurance for everyone. In a time when too many folks are focused simply on how to win an election, Stacey’s somebody who cares about something more important: why we should. That’s the kind of politics we should practice. That’s why I’m proud to give Stacey Abrams my support.”

“It is a profound honor to receive President Obama’s endorsement,” said Democratic nominee for governor of Georgia Stacey Abrams. “President Obama’s legacy is marked by integrity, a deep commitment to service, and an ability to find solutions that put the well-being of people first. I am grateful for his support as I continue a campaign for governor grounded in hope, optimism, and a boundless belief that we can do more to make sure every family in Georgia has the opportunity to thrive.”