On Saturday, December 14, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson participated in a Broadway performance of the musical comedy & Juliet. According to reports, Jackson’s role in the production, including two specific scenes, was written specifically for her appearance. The producers of & Juliet actively promoted her involvement, which also included a post-performance discussion with the audience. Justice Jackson, 54, reportedly described the experience as fulfilling her dream of being the first Supreme Court justice to perform on Broadway.
Legal commentator Josh Blackman, writing on The Volokh Conspiracy, raised questions about the implications of her participation. He questioned the value of the gift conferred by the producers, calling it “priceless.” Blackman also speculated whether her involvement in a production featuring “non-binary” characters might have implications for her impartiality in related cases, such as the Skrmetti case argued weeks earlier. He concluded this participation likely does not impact the Harvard Law School graduate’s judicial responsibilities.
Additional concerns, as the first Black woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, revolved around the appropriateness of a sitting justice engaging in such a public spectacle that could be seen as advancing commercial interests. While opinions vary, some critics found the act unseemly, arguing that it might detract from the gravity of her judicial role. Others took a more lighthearted view, noting the justice’s evident enthusiasm and the unique nature of the event.
Olympic gold medalist Lydia Ko joins Hilton Grand Vacations as brand ambassador ahead of LPGA Tour season opener
ORLANDO, Fla. (Dec. 16, 2024) – Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. (NYSE:HGV), the premier vacation ownership and experiences company, announces a star-studded celebrity lineup for the 2025 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions. NBC’s Dylan Dreyer, award-winning actor Don Cheadle, NBA All-Star Blake Griffin, actor and comedian Larry the Cable Guy, actor and television host Alfonso Ribeiro and Pro Football Hall of Famer Charles Woodson are among the sports, entertainment and music stars playing alongside the best LPGA golfers in the world.
HGV is also announcing a new partnership with LPGA Hall of Famer and Olympic gold medalist Lydia Ko, who will serve as one of the company’s 2025 brand ambassadors. Ko, the reigning HGV Tournament of Champions winner, will join the company at exclusive events for HGV members throughout the year, including private dinners, golf clinics, and meet and greets.
“I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know the team at HGV and playing in the tournament for several years,” said Ko. “It’s one of LPGA’s most unique and exciting events, and I’m thrilled to become an official part of the HGV brand ambassadors this year. I’m most looking forward to deepening my relationship with fans in new ways, and I can’t wait to begin that journey with the return of one of my favorite tournaments on the tour.”
The annual HGV Tournament of Champions serves as the LPGA Tour’s season opener and is one of the LPGA’s most-watched events. Beyond the competition on the course, HGV is hosting an exclusive three-night private concert series headlined by a diverse group of music icons, including Luke Bryan, Chicago and more. The HGV Tournament of Champions is a marquee event under HGV’s Ultimate Access platform, which offers members and guests premier vacation experiences designed to resonate with the next generation of travelers.
“We’re proud to partner with the LPGA to highlight the best of women’s golf, and we’re pleased to welcome Lydia to our HGV family,” said Mark Wang, CEO of Hilton Grand Vacations. “By blending world-class golf with live performances from renowned artists and premier hospitality, we hope to create a vibrant atmosphere where sports and entertainment seamlessly come together for an extraordinary experience for our members and guests.”
Celebrity participants competing at the 2025 HGV Tournament of Champions will include:
- “The Bachelor” TV personality Wells Adams
- Pro Football Hall of Famer Marcus Allen
- World Long Drive Champion Maurice Allen
- NBA champion Ray Allen
- Actor and comedian Anthony Anderson
- Actor and comedian Brian Baumgartner
- Award-winning actor Don Cheadle
- Golf Channel & NBC Sports reporterand Miss America 2015, Kira Dixon
- Major League Soccer All-Star Landon Donovan
- NBC News meteorologist Dylan Dreyer
- Olympic tennis medalist Mardy Fish
- Chicago Cubs World Series Champion Dexter Fowler
- “Dancing with the Stars” champion and “The Bachelor” TV personality Joey Graziadei
- NBA All-Star Blake Griffin
- MLB outfielder Aaron Hicks
- “The Bachelor” TV personality Ben Higgins
- Country music singer and songwriter Chris Lane
- Actor and comedian Larry the Cable Guy
- Podcaster and content creator Hally Leadbetter
- Former NBA player Courtney Lee
- Three-time World Series Champion Jon Lester
- Boston Red Sox World Series Champion Derek Lowe
- MLB All-Star, defending tournament champion Jeff McNeil
- Sportscaster and former college football coach Urban Meyer
- Boston Red Sox World Series Champion Kevin Millar
- Former NBA player Chandler Parsons
- NHL All-Star Joe Pavelski
- NHL All-Star Tuukka Rask
- Actor and television host Alfonso Ribeiro
- NHL All-Star Jeremy Roenick
- Super Bowl champion Trevor Siemian
- NBA champion JR Smith
- Atlanta Braves World Series Champion John Smoltz
- AMA Motocross Champion James “Bubba” Stewart
- Major League Soccer All-Star Taylor Twellman
- Pro Football Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher
- World Series Champion Shane Victorino
- Actor and singer Jack Wagner
- Pro Football Hall of Famer Charles Woodson
The HGV Tournament of Champions will be held from Jan. 30 to Feb. 2, 2025, at the prestigious championship golf course at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club in Orlando, with national television coverage airing on NBC and Golf Channel. LPGA Tour champions from the previous two seasons will compete for $2 million in official prize money, while celebrities will play for a separate purse of $500,000.
To learn more and inquire about sponsorship opportunities that provide exclusive access to the tournament and concert series, visit www.HGVLPGA.com.
About Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. (NYSE:HGV) is recognized as a leading global timeshare company and is the exclusive vacation ownership partner of Hilton. With headquarters in Orlando, Florida, Hilton Grand Vacations develops, markets, and operates a system of brand-name, high-quality vacation ownership resorts in select vacation destinations. Hilton Grand Vacations has a reputation for delivering a consistently exceptional standard of service, and unforgettable vacation experiences for guests and approximately 720,000 Club Members. Membership with the Company provides best-in-class programs, exclusive services and maximum flexibility for our Members around the world.
For more information, visit www.corporate.hgv.com. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), Pinterest and YouTube.
About the LPGA
The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) is the world’s premier women’s professional golf organization. Created in 1950 by 13 pioneering female Founders, the LPGA, whose members now represent more than 60 countries, is the longest-standing professional women’s sports organization. Through the LPGA Tour, the Epson Tour, the LPGA Professionals, and a joint venture with the Ladies European Tour, the LPGA provides female professionals the opportunity to pursue their dreams in the game of golf at the highest level. In addition to its professional tours and teaching accreditation programs, the LPGA features a fully integrated Foundation, which provides best-in-class programming for female golfers through its junior golf programming, and its LPGA Amateurs division, which offers its members playing and learning opportunities around the world. LPGA aims to use its unique platform to inspire, transform and advance opportunities for girls and women, on and off the golf course.
Clearview Golf Course, located at 8410 Lincoln Street SE, East Canton, Ohio, holds a significant place in history as the first U.S. golf course designed, built, owned, and operated by an African American. Founded in 1946 by William “Bill” Powell, a World War II veteran, Clearview was created in response to racial discrimination that barred him from other courses. The course officially opened in 1948, welcoming golfers of all races.
Spanning 18 holes and measuring 6,066 yards, Clearview features bentgrass greens and fairways, with a par of 70. Its scorecard highlights a variety of challenges for golfers of all skill levels. The course is recognized as a National Historic Landmark, celebrated not only for its inclusivity but also for its founder’s resilience and vision. Renee Powell, Bill’s daughter and a golf pioneer in her own right as one of the first African American women to compete on the LPGA Tour, now manages the course. Clearview also runs programs promoting diversity in golf and introducing the sport to underserved communities.
However, Clearview is at a crossroads, urgently needing a new irrigation system to continue serving its diverse community of golfers. From youth programs to seniors, military veterans, and individuals with mental and physical challenges, Clearview has long been a place of inclusivity and growth. But, its outdated irrigation system and labor-intensive manual watering process strain both resources and time, jeopardizing its future.
To address this critical need, the Clearview Golf Club Legacy Campaign aims to raise $1,500,000. This funding will ensure the installation of a modern irrigation system, safeguarding the course’s operations and its mission of fostering accessibility and opportunity in golf. Without these upgrades, Clearview risks losing its ability to nurture the game and its inclusive legacy.
Supporters of Clearview are invited to join this effort and help preserve a piece of golf history that has positively impacted countless lives. Donations can be made by mail, phone or online. For those interested in visiting or learning more, the course can be contacted at (330) 488-0404 or through its website, https://www.clearviewgolfclub.com
Upgrades the electric flagship with focused comfort and superior electric technology.
The Mercedes-Benz EQS Sedan sets a new benchmark for electric vehicles, boldly showcasing its luxury and innovation. With its iconic three-pointed star prominently displayed, the EQS exudes sophistication through a refined exterior design. The sleek black panel grille seamlessly integrates with the headlamps, complemented by distinctive chrome slats—a striking hallmark of its style. Inside, the Hyperscreen dominates the progressive cabin, while chrome accents enhance the premium interior.
Passenger comfort is paramount in the EQS. High-end trims offer features like rapid-heating rear seats, neck and shoulder warmers, adjustable seat depth, and plush contrast-stitched comfort pillows. For ultimate relaxation, the front passenger seat folds down to create additional space.
Underneath, the EQS boasts a cutting-edge electric drive system. A new 118 kWh battery delivers extended range, while advanced regenerative braking software enhances energy efficiency. The heat pump system repurposes waste heat to improve climate control and overall range.
Expected at dealerships in late 2024, the 2025 EQS redefines luxury and performance in electric mobility, affirming its status as the EV to beat.
As a part of the 2024 Jim Thorpe Invitational an award has been established to celebrated a person in the community who is furthering the opportunities that minorities have in golf. The award is named after Arthur Johnson, an accomplished golfer in his own right but who helped pave the way for other golfers, like himself, back in the 70’s and 80’s.
“It is very humbling to be able to have this award in my name,” said Johnson. “knowing that Jon Gee, founder of the SL Gee Foundation, is doing the same thing that I did 50-years ago, you know, to support these guys, if they did not have the money to play, I would put the money up, not wanting anything back,” said Johnson.
Champions Tour player Jim Thorpe spoke at the event and said, “Back in the day, there were many golfers like Arthur who were trying to see what we were trying to accomplish. There were golf course that we could not play, there were places that did not let us in because of the color of our skin, but we found a way to perseverance….because of guys like Arthur, we’re trying to make a difference in the lives of the young people today and give you an opportunities that we did not have, said 3-time PGA Tour winner Thorpe.
The inaugural recipient of the award is Jon Gee who is contributing in ways very similar to what Arthur Johnson was doing years ago. View the video below.
(By Virginia Donnelly, Trip Coordinator)
Wake-Robin Golf Club, Inc., (WRGC) the oldest registered African American Women’s golf club in the United States, celebrates 87 years of serving women in golf. This year a special trip to the historic Clearview Golf Course in Canton, Ohio was planned by a group of dedicated members to include myself, Tonia Butler-Kinsey, Robbin Coleman, Lois Hall, Velina Sutton, and Gayle Skeete. The chartered coach bus trip took place September 20 through September 22, 2024.
With a bus load of 31 people, we departed at 5:l0am on Friday, September 20th and arrived at the Clearview Golf Course at 12:30pm. We were met by an additional 30 people (Wake-Robin members and guests from other clubs) who drove on their own. Once there, we were greeted by Dr. Renee Powell who welcomed us to her historic golf course. We all had lunch in the newly built Clearview Museum banquet hall before hitting the course for a round of golf. We played as many holes as possible before it got dark.
On Saturday morning we ate breakfast early and went directly to the golf course. We had a photo session inside the new Clearview Museum with the Chicago Women’s Golf Club, the second oldest African American Women’s Golf Club in America. This was indeed a historic moment and enjoyable fellowship. During the outing it proceeded to rain, which was good for the course that had suffered drought conditions for more than 40 days. In fact, Renee and her brother, Larry, had been manually watering the Greens every evening well into the night. Thanks to their efforts, the greens were in great playing condition.
We were impressed with the dedication and commitment that went into maintaining the golf course. We had 20 members along with our 30 guests that included 23 diaspora female golfers from Winston-Salem and Raleigh N.C., New York City, NY, and Maryland as well as two male golfers who supported our trip. Unfortunately, the Chicago Women’s Golf Club had to leave at 1pm for their scheduled luncheon, therefore, a winner amongst the two historic clubs was not able to be determined.
On Sunday morning we ate breakfast early and 43 of us went to visit the Pro Football Hall Of Fame for an exciting and informative 3-hour tour. Afterwards, we boarded the bus and our cars for the ride back home. Those who rode the bus enjoyed the fun and games conducted by Robbyn, April and Tonia.
The bus arrived safely back to the Maryland State ‘Park and Ride” at approximately 7.35pm. This was indeed an enjoyable trip that allowed several African American women golfers to rally together at the historic Clearview Golf Course. We look forward to another golf fellowship again in Maryland, North Carolina, New York of possibly Chicago soon.
Top golf professionals drawn from across Africa and neighboring countries will storm the highbrow golf section of Ikoyi Club 1938 on Friday, December 20th, for the fifth in the series of the annual Ultimate Golf Challenge.
The 36-hole competition, which is already generating lots of interest within the country and beyond will see big hitters like former Order of Merit winner, Oche Odoh from Abuja, Ikoyi Club-based Monday Eze, Francis Epe, Port Harcourt’s Willy Gift, Lakowe Lakes Golf Club’s Femi Olagbenro, Barry Yaw Dradey from Achimota Golf Club in Ghana, Bashiru Bakare, Kamalu Bako, Emos Korblah, another former Champion, Vincent Torgah and high flying defending champion, Sunday Olapade I’ll all be in a nation for this year’s edition of the mouth-watering encounter.
Also expected on the course is fast rising America-based Tokunbo Pedro. Pedro’s golf prowess is known to all golf aficionados. Having played golf both in China and America, the slightly built Pedro is one golfer to watch out for in this competition.
2025 Ultimate Golf Challenge in powered by Polaris Bank, GAC Motors, Jamz,Casava, Mactay, Megamound and GTI
In his pre-tournament speech, Chairman, Ultimate Golf Challenge Organizing Committee, Akin Semowo, said all necessary arrangements at making sure this year’s competition goes as planned have been put in place, stressing that the tournament which was designed to grow the sport and encourage professional golfers will continue to contribute to the growth of the sports and its players.
“Our dreams and plans have always been to promote professional golf in Nigeria and to also promote the players. And we will continue to do all we can in this direction,” Semowo concluded.
The PGA Tour has announced a significant leadership shift, with a search underway for a new Chief Executive Officer. Commissioner Jay Monahan informed members in a recent memo that this new role aligns with the organization’s strategy to advance performance and growth starting in 2025.
Monahan noted that discussions about leadership surfaced during a series of internal meetings earlier this year, emphasizing the need for “the right leaders in the right roles” to fully seize upcoming opportunities. He added, “Our leadership team’s strength and the contributions of recent external hires have set the stage for us to explore fresh perspectives that can amplify our success.”
This CEO position stems from the establishment of PGA Tour Enterprises and its strategic partnership with the Strategic Sports Group. The new leader will report to both the PGA Tour Policy Board and the PGA Tour Enterprises Board of Directors. Monahan, who will remain actively involved, will join the search committee chaired by Arthur M. Blank, alongside notable members like Tiger Woods, Adam Scott, and Joe Gorder.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the Tour’s future, Monahan stated, “I’ve never been more committed to the future of the PGA Tour… We’ve got a transformative year ahead of us and so much we can accomplish together.”
The December 17 Media Day at Lake Nona Country Club in Orlando, Florida, was a resounding success. Organized and hosted by BZM media representatives Dana Gordon and Liz McCollum, the event gathered an impressive lineup of guests and offered a preview of the much-anticipated LPGA season opener, the Tournament of Champions.
Special attendees included Mark Wang, CEO of Hilton Grand Vacations, and Aaron Stewart, son of the late Payne Stewart, a legendary PGA professional. Ricki Lasky, a key figure in the LPGA leadership team, also participated, adding to the event’s prestige.
Lydia Ko, LPGA superstar, Olympic Gold Medalist at this year’s Paris Games, and a future Hall of Famer, attended in her role as Brand Ambassador for Hilton Grand Vacations. A resident of the exclusive Lake Nona Country Club community, Ko is also the defending champion of the LPGA season opener.
The Tournament of Champions, a fan-favorite event scheduled for January 30 to February 2, blends professional golf with star power. It features Hall of Fame athletes, actors, comedians, celebrities, and musicians, creating a unique and entertaining atmosphere. Held annually in late January, the tournament highlights the best of golf and entertainment, drawing global attention to the prestigious Lake Nona course.
June 7, 1943 – December 9, 2024
Yolande Cornelia “Nikki” Giovanni Jr., one of the world’s most celebrated poets and an iconic voice in African-American literature, passed away on December 9, 2024, in Blacksburg, Virginia, at the age of 81. Born on June 7, 1943, in Knoxville, Tennessee, Giovanni’s prolific career as a poet, writer, activist, and educator spanned decades, shaping cultural discourse and inspiring generations. Her death, in a hospital, was caused by complications of lung cancer, said Virginia C. Fowler, her wife (married in 2016, and both retired in 2022). In addition to Ms. Fowler, Ms. Giovanni is survived by her son, Thomas, and a granddaughter.
Giovanni’s work addressed issues of race, social justice, and cultural identity while also exploring themes of love and family. The Black lesbian icon’s numerous poetry anthologies, recordings, and essays established her as a pioneering literary figure. She achieved a rare feat in the literary world by authoring three New York Times and Los Angeles Times bestsellers—an extraordinary accomplishment for a poet.
Among her many accolades, Giovanni won seven NAACP Image Awards, the Rosa Parks Award, and the Langston Hughes Award for Distinguished Contributions to Arts and Letters. She was nominated for the National Book Award and received 20 honorary doctorates throughout her career.
In addition to her literary achievements, Giovanni was a beloved educator, serving as a University Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech before retiring in 2022. Her passion for teaching matched her dedication to activism and art. Giovanni’s legacy as a poet and cultural icon will endure through her transformative works, which continue to inspire readers worldwide. She will be remembered not only for her words but for her unwavering commitment to justice and human connection.
The Brookwood Golf Course, a sprawling 165-acre property located at 5001 Forest Hill Rd, Jackson, MS 39272, offers lush rolling hills, stunning green landscapes, and serene water features, including a picturesque 7-acre lake. Once a hub of activity and prestige as one of Mississippi’s top golf destinations, this 18-hole course is now being prepared for a new chapter in its history.
Currently owned by New Horizon Ministries Inc., a church-based nonprofit in Jackson, Brookwood has seen a storied past, with four different owners and fluctuating periods of success. The ministry acquired the property seven years ago after it was foreclosed on due to criminal activity by the previous owner. While Brookwood served as an event venue in recent years, the course has been closed for golf for three years. Despite keeping the grass maintained, it remains far from its former glory as a fully operational golf course.
Bishop Ronnie Crudup, Senior Pastor of the New Horizon Church International, is overseeing the sale. He also lives in the area and expressed a heartfelt desire to see Brookwood restored to its rightful place in the community. “This course is the central feature of our neighborhood and has immense potential. We want to see golf return to the area,” he emphasized.
Brookwood is now listed for sale at $2 million, with the hope of finding a buyer who can revive its legacy. “The Brookwood Golf Course could once again become a significant destination for the city of Jackson and the Byram community,” the Bishop added, highlighting the area’s openness to development and the possibility of incentives for the right investor.
With its rich history and potential, the course represents a promising opportunity for a seasoned developer to reinvigorate a cherished local landmark. Interested parties can contact Mr. Alfred Haywood at [email protected] or [email protected] for more information.