Lizzo is feeling “Good as Hell” again. This week, the Grammy Award-winning singer took to Instagram to share an update on her mental health and reflect on the journey. 

“I’m the happiest I’ve been in 10 months,” she wrote in the post’s caption. “The strange thing about depression is you don’t know you’re in it until you’re out of it. I’m definitely not all the way as carefree as I used to be. But the dark cloud that followed me every day is finally clearing up.”

Though Lizzo rose to fame encouraging people to love themselves through her music, the singer shocked fans in April when she declared she “quit” on social media. 

“I’m getting tired of putting up with being dragged by everyone in my life and on the Internet,” the statement read. “All I want is to make music and make people happy and help the world be a little better than how I found it. But I’m starting to feel like the world doesn’t want me in it.”

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After fans speculated that her post meant something far more serious than a potential departure from music, Lizzo later clarified the intended meaning on the post. As offering reassurance that she will continue to make music, the “About Damn Time” singer alluded to some of her mental health struggles at the time. 

“When I say I quit, I mean, I quit giving any negative energy attention,” she said, as previously reported by theGrio. “What I’m not gonna quit is the joy of my life, which is making music, which is connecting with people…in no way, shape, or form am I the only person who is experiencing that negative voice that seems to be louder than the positive … I’m going to keep moving forward, I’m going to keep being me.”

In addition to being criticized for her weight, over the past year, Lizzo faced criticism after being accused of sexual harassment in a lawsuit. In August 2023, three of the star’s former dancers accused her of creating a hostile work environment, citing claims of sexual harassment, body shaming and more. Describing the situation as “gut-wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing,” Lizzo denied the accusations. 

Despite the legal challenges, Lizzo’s mental health has progressed, she says, and she’ll be pouring that growth into her new music. 

“My smile reaches my eyes again and that’s a win,” she wrote in her recent Instagram post. “I thought my album was finished.. but I gotta get some of these good vibes off in a banger real quick. Thanks for your patience ❤️.”

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Patti LaBelle is the definition of a legend. Her voice is instantly recognizable and no matter what song she sings, it becomes hers. As if her unmatched music legacy wasn’t enough, she’s also an actress and has a successful food empire. On Thursday, some of the biggest stars in Black Hollywood came together to celebrate the icon’s 80th birthday with a surprise party.

According to People, honorary host Whoopi Goldberg; Gayle King; Gladys Knight; Sherri Shepherd; Debbie Allen; and Tina Knowles were among those at the Glasshouse in New York City for the big event. Ms. Patti was brought to tears by the all love shown to her.

“Everybody in the industry that I know were here, and I had a lot of tears but I had to keep on my lashes, so I couldn’t cry too much,” she said.

As spectacular as LaBelle’s voice is, she’s just as famous for her unforgettable style. Over the years, we’ve seen the “Lady Marmalade” singer go full diva in wild, over the top gowns, glittering animal print pantsuits and drop dead gorgeous classic looks. Her fashion is fantastic, but it’s her wigs that steal the show. Turns out she still has them, revealing, “All those crazy hair styles. I have a room full of hair.”

We really want a tour of Patti LaBelle’s wig room.

It’s impossible to pick a favorite Patti look, but her most iconic might be the “New Attitude” video where she rocks a series of very ‘80s hairpieces. They’re basically sculpted works of art and if you didn’t know this was an ‘80s jam, her hair would definitely give it away.

Then she switched it up and had big soap opera style hair for the “On My Own” video, which makes sense because everything about that song and video scream daytime drama.

Recently, she’s been going with blonde waves and they’re always beautifully perfect. It also feels like they’re keeping her young, but that might just be her optimistic outlook.

“I achieve to be nicer than I was before that, before I turned 80. I want to be nicer in my nineties. I just want to continue to make people feel better,” she said. “And I have the ability to do that, so I hope I’m blessed with a little more love, a lot more love for the world as we need.”

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Webcomics are exploding on the scene and at the forefront of this digital revolution stands the visionary creator Aidyn Arroyal, better known as Snailords! With genre-bending hit comic “Freaking Romance,” a supernatural love story that has captured hearts across dimensions with a staggering 468 million views globally, Arroyal has taken the world of digital storytelling by storm. 

Gaining immense popularity due to its captivating storyline, fascinating characters, and amazing artwork, the webcomic phenomenon is now being adapted into a film through the ultimate dream team partnership of Wattpad WEBTOON Studios and Skybound Entertainment! 

The news has ignited a high level of excitement among fans, and as we eagerly waited for the film adaptation, we had a chance to interview Aidyn Arroyal on his creative process, specifically how he crafts such intricate, captivating worlds and the inspiration behind the creative genius of, “Freaking Romance” and most recent webcomic, Death: Rescheduled. 

What initially drew you to creating web toons? Were there any specific artists or web toons that inspired you?

I grew up reading a lot of manga, those were my favorite pastimes so I wanted to start making stories on my own by myself so I could do for other people what Manga had done for me growing up. I wanted to start writing stories on my own. 

You grew up reading Manga, did you have any artistic role models or inspirations? What Manga did you read? 

I read Case Close, Hunter x Hunter, YuYu Hakusho, Rurouni Kenshin those were my vibe but I do like a lot of the new manga and animes.

Your storytelling has evolved over the years. Are there specific techniques or influences that shaped your growth? Or is just based on your experience? 

I started off writing “Snailogy” which is a slice-of-life webcomic. So I learned how to write meaningful and impactful short stories and I also have experience reading manga. I have severe ADHD so structuring stories was a nightmare for me. I didn’t know how to do it until I met my editor and he gave me some structural tips on how to write stories and then I took his advice. They started branching off from that, watching a bunch of YouTube videos, I started taking Masterclasses on story writing and reading books on story writing. So sometimes you will see me try and test out different things that I learned and find out for myself if they work or not on the Webtoon platform.  

“Freaking Romance” Poster | Photos Courtesy of Wattpad WEBTOON Studios

“Freaking Romance” is beloved by fans and is even being adapted as a movie. Can you share the initial spark of inspiration that led to its creation?

I grew up living in really strange old houses. They were old and made a lot of noise. I was a kid and I believed in ghosts so I always thought my houses were unsafe. That stayed with me. Actually, one of the moments in “Freaking Romance” was inspired by one of the moments I experienced. I was sleeping next to my cousin and when I turned over she was on one side and then when I turned over again she was on the other side of me again. Sometimes my aunt would sleep next to us as well. But when I woke up the next morning and asked aunts if they slept next to us last night, none of them did. So none of them slept there. So I don’t know what I saw. So that moment ended up in Freaking Romance.

How do you approach developing a storyline for your webtoons? Do you start with a specific plot point or theme in mind?

Usually, I would have a concept first. For example, I would think of something like an 18-year-old who has resurrection power and he had to find the body of his dead soulmate so he makes up a serial killer to find her. I start off with a little concept like that then I decide which kinda of character would make this story more interesting and with their specific personality can mess things up even worse and make it fun to follow. It would go from there and then I would start by thinking about how I would begin the series and how would it end and most of the middle part is pretty flexible for me. 

Your webtoons, “Freaking Romance” and “Death: Rescheduled,” explore themes that range from fantasy to mortality and the afterlife. How do you balance those themes and elements in your storytelling?

It depends on what I feel like touching base with at the moment. As I go through life there will be events or experiences going on in the world or I come by an article, a moment happens, something that’s happening will inspire me to think of a story and write a story. Certain themes would resonate with me more due to what I was going through in life at that time as well. Or mental growth at that point. It’s like therapy for me. 

What do you hope readers take away from your works? Is there a particular message, experience, or journey you want them to have? 

Where I write these stories at the very least I just hope they are entertained or amused. For me, I write for a specific fictional person in my head, like a younger person who is very stressed out in life and they are looking for an escape and I want to be that escape for them. 

How does it feel knowing that “Freaking Romance” is being adapted into a film? Additionally, could you share your level of involvement in the creative process behind the film adaptation? Do you plan on being on set?

At the very start of it all, I was told that they do want me to be involved in the process but we are still in the very early stage of development so I don’t much yet. 

You don’t know much yet but you are open to being fully involved? 

I want to be involved as much as they want me to be. Yeah, I want to be on set to just watch the actors. If they wanted me to help clean the set, I would do that too. 

If you are on set, I hope you so cameo. Would you be open to doing that? 

Yes, That would be fun. I can be the janitor or a plotted plan in the background. 

Death: Rescheduled Poster | Photos Courtesy of Wattpad WEBTOON Studios

On that topic, I really hope Death: Rescheduled becomes an anime. Would you be open to that? 

I would love that. I will be there praying with you to all the gods in the multiverse that happens. 

I would be right there rewatching it over and over.

“Freaking Romance” like many of your works incorporates elements of humor alongside other themes. Is that something that is naturally effortless? Or more something you have to work at? 

I was just born this way. I wasn’t cute in high school so I needed a sense of humor and a personality. My friends helped with develop my sense of humor as well. 

“Freaking Romance” has been completed. Looking back, what lessons did you learn from this project, and did any of the wisdom you learned to get incorporated in Death: Rescheduled?

I learned a lot from making “Freaking Romance. I used to do really elaborate stories and they just didn’t really reinstate well with the audience. I didn’t know why. The Freaking Romance resonate well with the audience. By asking the audience what they liked about it, it seems like readers really appreciate honesty. Even though it is fiction a lot of the feelings and mentions came from actual real-life experiences that I went through. So I repackage into the fantasy version, Readers really appreciate that kind of honesty. They can relate to it. 

Do your characters ever surprise you by taking the story in unexpected directions than what you perhaps initially intended? 

All the time. Like I said I know the beginning and the ending and I would decide what kind of personality would put me in a certain situation. I would have an idea of what kind of situation needs to happen in order to get from point A to point B. Given this character’s personality, say it like a really bratty person who likes to throw a tantrum and doesn’t like challenges, what would they do to get us from point A to point B? Then the fun starts from there for me. They keep me on my toes. 

What are some of the most interesting or memorable fan reactions you’ve received from any of your works?

All the time. Sometimes the audience asks very interesting questions I am like that sounds like another webtoon that should happen. 

What advice would you give to aspiring webtoon creators or anyone who wants to get involved in creating a webtoon? 

Dont try to be a perfectionist like dont try to know how to draw human anatomy perfectly, or know how to write a perfect story, or how to lay out every panel perfectly. You dont need to know all of that before starting a webtoon because starting a webtoon is how you learn. It is better to learn in the field, try things out, see for yourself what works and what doesn’t. It is okay to fail and make a bunch of mistakes because you learn and grow faster that way. Then you’ll be able to make something that is like the best version of yourself. 

Do fans and reader comments and feedback play any role in your creative process?

It depends on where I am in the process. Now before I start a story I would pitch it to my audience first. I would have a concept and I will pitch one line to them. If they like it, I will write a short story. If they like that, I will storyboard the Webtoon version and if they like the Webtoon version then I pitch it to WEBTOON. They are very involved in that part of the pitching process. During the sketches phase when I showed them the storyboard, whenever the audience asked questions, I got to learn what was interesting to them, their likes, and what do wanted to know about the story. I use that to construct the story from then on. Once the series has reached the finalized version, I don’t involve the audience at that point anymore. 

If I do read through comments is more through technical details, it is too confusing, is the story lacking or is it going too fast or too slow? At that point is more for technical details. 

Do have any plans to collaborate with other creators in the future? Perhaps a joint Webtoon.

Definitely in the future but for now I want to be the one who writes the story and works with artists. As for working with other writers or drawing someone else’s story it has to be a story that will really move me. 

Is there anything you want to say to your fans and readers? 

I love you guys and I hope you continue to read my stories. I get embarrassed but thank you, guys! 

While we wait for the film, check out more of Aidyn’s web comic here. To stay updated, follow Snailords’ future projects on Twitter and Instagram.

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Rapper Sean Kingston was arrested in California on fraud charges Thursday, several hours after a SWAT team raided his rented South Florida mansion and carted away a van load of items.

The Broward County Sheriff’s Office said Kingston was arrested without incident on a Florida warrant in the area of Fort Irwin, an Army base in the desert about 150 miles (240 kilometers) northeast of Los Angeles.

Earlier in the day, Broward detectives arrested his 61-year-old mother, Janice Turner, during the raid of the rapper’s 14,000-square foot (1,300-square meter) home in Southwest Ranches, a well-off Fort Lauderdale suburb that is home to many celebrities and professional athletes, including Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Miami Dolphins star Tyreek Hill.

Broward County prosecutors referred all questions to the sheriff’s office, which has has declined to release specific details about charges, citing an ongoing investigation. After the raid, reporters outside the home could see authorities filling a loading van with goods. The mansion was surrounded by expensive sports cars.

“People love negative energy!” Kingston had posted on Instagram earlier Thursday. “I am good, and so is my mother! … My lawyers are handling everything as we speak.” The post was later taken down.

Robert Rosenblatt, an attorney representing the rapper and his mother, said, “we are aware of some of the allegations” being made against the two.

“We look forward to addressing these in court and are confident of a successful resolution for Shawn and his mother,” Rosenblatt said in an email.

Florida Department of Corrections records show Kingston is currently on two years’ probation for trafficking stolen property. Further information on that conviction could not be found. He will be held in California pending extradition to Florida.

According to federal court records, his mother pleaded guilty in 2006 to bank fraud for stealing over $160,000 and served nearly 1.5 years in prison. She was being held at the Broward jail Thursday night on $160,000 bond.

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The Jamaican-American rapper is best known for his 2007 No. 1 single “Beautiful Girls”; another hit, “Take You There”; and his collaboration with Justin Bieber on the song “Eenie Meenie.” In 2011, he suffered near-fatal injuries in a personal watercraft accident. Kingston, whose legal name is Kisean Anderson, hasn’t had a major label release in more than a decade.

An attorney who witnessed his mother’s arrest said the detentions are partly related to a lawsuit he filed against Kingston in February accusing him of defrauding a Florida company that installed in his home a 232-inch (5.8 meter) television — or approximately 17 feet by 9.5 feet (5 meters by 3 meters).

“It is amazing what you can get away with if you are a celebrity,” attorney Dennis Card told The Associated Press. “He creates this larger than life, ‘I am rich’ persona. His mother is a necessary component in this. He presents himself as a family-oriented guy, ‘I’m taking care of my mom,’ but she knows full well what is going on.”

In the lawsuit, Ver Ver Entertainment says Kingston contacted the company in September about purchasing the television, sold under the brand name Colossal TV, and having it installed. The system costs $150,000.

Kingston allegedly told the owners that if they would agree to a lower down payment and give him credit, he and Bieber would do commercials for them.

In November, Kingston paid the company $30,000 and the TV was installed, the lawsuit says. No commercials or further payments were ever made despite numerous promises, it contends.

According to the lawsuit, Kingston no longer has a working relationship with Bieber, who recently dropped his longtime manager. No current contact information for Bieber was available.

“He is 100% not involved in this,” Card said of Bieber. “He had the misfortune of doing some work in the past with Sean, and Sean drops his name like crazy.”

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Amazon MGM Studios has released the official trailer for the highly anticipated documentary I AM: CELINE DION, directed by Academy Award nominee Irene Taylor. The film offers a raw and honest behind-the-scenes look at the iconic superstar’s struggle with a life-altering illness, blending intimate moments with powerful performances.

I AM: CELINE DION is more than just a documentary; it is a heartfelt tribute to Celine Dion’s unwavering spirit and her deep connection with her fans. The film delves into her personal and professional life, shedding light on the challenges she faces and the music that has been a constant source of strength and inspiration.

Produced by Vermilion Films in partnership with Sony Music Vision and Sony Music Entertainment Canada, the documentary is poised to captivate audiences with its emotional depth and candid portrayal of one of the world’s most beloved singers. The production team includes Stacy Lorts, Tom Mackay, Julie Begey Seureau, and Irene Taylor, with executive producers Dave Platel, Denis Savage, Shane Carter, and Krista Wegener.

Irene Taylor, known for her compelling storytelling, brings her signature touch to this project, capturing the essence of Celine Dion’s journey with sensitivity and authenticity. The trailer showcases glimpses of Dion’s life, from backstage moments to poignant interviews, promising an inspirational and moving experience for viewers.

Fans of Celine Dion and lovers of inspirational documentaries can look forward to a profound exploration of resilience and hope when I AM: CELINE DION premieres. The film not only honors Dion’s legacy but also serves as a love letter to her supporters, illustrating the remarkable bond between the artist and her audience.

Stay tuned for more updates on the release date and viewing platforms for I AM: CELINE DION. The official trailer is available below for viewing on Amazon MGM Studios’ platforms.

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Beyoncé is facing a copyright lawsuit over her No. 1 single “Break My Soul.” 

The music icon, her record label, Sony Music, Jay-Z, and other parties are being sued by New Orleans-based group Da Showstoppaz, who alleged that Beyoncé infringed their 2002 song, “Release A Wiggle,” by legally sampling Big Freedia’s 2014 song “Explode” for her single, “Break My Soul,” according to Billboard. 

Big Freedia, whose legal name is Freddie Ross Jr., is also named in the lawsuit, which accuses Freedia of illegally using lyrics from Da Showstoppaz’ song to create “Explode.” The legal action, which focuses on the specific lyric “release yo wiggle” and its variations, was filed by four members of the group — Tessa Avie, Keva Bourgeois, Henri Braggs and Brian Clark — in federal court in the Eastern District of Louisiana on Wednesday, according to USA Today.

“While Mrs. Carter…and others have received many accolades and substantial profits…Da Showstoppaz’s have received nothing—no acknowledgment, no credit, no remuneration of any kind,” the group’s attorneys wrote in a statement, per Billboard.

The group’s legal team claimed that Freedia “never credited Da Showstoppaz as the source” of the phrase that was allegedly used in her song “Explode,” Billboard reported. In the lawsuit, the group said that they first learned about “Explode” after “Break My Soul” became an international success, and contacted Beyoncé and others about the alleged copyright with no response back, per Billboard.

“The infringing phrase ‘release yo’ wiggle’ and several other substantially similar phrases are featured prominently in the song and evenly spread out across ‘Explode’s’ two-minute and forty-seven second runtime,” the lawyers said. “Any reasonable person listening to ‘Release A Wiggle’ and ‘Explode’ would conclude that the songs are substantially similar.”

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“The coined term and phrase ‘release a/yo wiggle’ has now become closely synonymous with Big Freedia, thereby contributing to Big Freedia’s fame,” the legal team added. “However, Big Freedia did not compose or write the phrase, and Big Freedia never credited Da Showstoppaz as the source.”

Beyoncé’s song “Break My Soul” is one of the most popular tracks on her 2022 album “Renaissance.” The dance-pop song became the anthem of the summer in 2022, peaking at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Dance/Electronic Songs charts, according to Billboard. The single was also nominated for Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Dance/Electronic Recording at the 2023 Grammy Awards, winning the latter.

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MGM+’s premium linear channel and streaming service MGM+ revealed a first-look trailer for the eagerly awaited series “Emperor of Ocean Park.” Created by John Wells and Sherman Payne, the series is set to premiere on July 14, with new episodes airing every Sunday until the season finale on September 15th.

In addition to previously announced stars such as Forest Whitaker, Grantham Coleman, Tiffany Mack, and Paulina Lule, the series has added an impressive lineup of new cast members. NAACP Image Award Winner Keith Powers (known for “The Perfect Find,” “The Tomorrow War,” and “The Uglies”), Kelli Simpkins (“American Rust,” “Work in Progress,” “61st Street”), Keith Kupferer (“Ghostlight,” “Windows,” “The Dark Knight”), and Deanna Reed-Foster (“The Shining Girls,” “Vince Staples Show,” “Chicago Fire”) are set to join the first season.

“Emperor of Ocean Park” is an intricate drama set against the backdrop of politics, elite academia, and the scenic beaches of Martha’s Vineyard. The story revolves around Talcott Garland (Grantham Coleman), a distinguished law professor whose life takes a dramatic turn following the mysterious death of his father, Judge Oliver Garland. While his father’s death is initially attributed to a heart attack, Tal’s sister Mariah, a former journalist and conspiracy theorist, suspects foul play, believing their father, a failed Black nominee to the Supreme Court, was murdered.

(L to R) Keith Powers, Kelli Simpkins, Keith Kupferer, and Deanna Reed-Foster

The newly announced cast members will bring a diverse range of characters to life:

• Keith Powers as Lionel ‘Nasty Nel’ Eldridge: An ex-NBA star and dedicated law student, Lionel stands out with his towering presence and age. He seeks mentorship and advice from Tal.






• Kelli Simpkins as Dana Worth: A sharp, witty law professor, Dana is both a colleague and friend to Tal. She eagerly supports him as he delves into the surrounding mystery.






• Keith Kupferer as Mallory ‘Uncle Mal’ Corcoran: A respected lawyer and power broker, Uncle Mal has deep connections with politicians and the elite. He is a long-time ally of the Garland family.






• Deanna Reed-Foster as Sally Garland, aka Cousin Sally: A single woman who lights up any room, Sally battles her own demons of loneliness and depression, compounded by her struggle with alcoholism and her desire for her cousins’ approval.

“Emperor of Ocean Park” is produced by John Wells Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television. Executive producers include John Wells, Erin Jontow, Shukree Tilghman, and Sherman Payne, who also serves as the series’ showrunner.

Watch the “Emperor of Ocean Park” Trailer Below!

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TheGrio was on the ground as the Biden-Harris administration welcomed Kenya President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto to the White House for a series of engagements to celebrate 60 years of bilateral partnership between the two nations.

On Thursday, the White House held an arrival ceremony for President and First Lady Ruto. Hundreds gathered on the South Lawn, adorned with American and Kenyan flags.

In an apparent effort to connect the Black diaspora between African-Americans and Kenyans, the White House invited the Howard University gospel choir to serenade attendees with soulful renditions of the Black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” and other gospel selections.

During his opening remarks, Biden named the United States and Kenya two “proud democracies” committed to leaning on the “power of the people and the strength of our diversity.” The president said that after six decades, the two nations are ready to “write the next chapter and our partnership together” amid modern and historic global challenges and strategic goals related to climate change, economic growth, technological advancement, and more. 

“The past is our proof that we are stronger and the world is safer when Kenya and the United States work together,” the president said.

Here are five reasons why Kenya’s state visit this week is a big deal both domestically and globally. 

Kenya hasn’t had a state visit since 2008

Kenya’s official state visit marks the first such visit in nearly 20 years and is the first African nation to make an official state visit since President Joe Biden entered office. The last time a Kenyan president came to the White House for a state visit was in 2008 under President George W. Bush. 

The White House rolled out the red carpet for Kenya’s president, first lady, and delegation, which will culminate with an elegant candle-lit state dinner Thursday night. TheGrio attended a preview of the dinner with First Lady Jill Biden, who shared the decor and dinner menu for dinner guests. The summer-inspired menu included chilled green tomato soup, lobster, and short ribs on top of kale, corn puree, roasted turnips, sweet potatoes, and squash, and a white chocolate basket with fruits for dessert.  

Kenya visit follows unfulfilled promise from Biden

President Ruto’s state visit invitation came more than a year after President Biden convened 49 African leaders for the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, where he committed to visiting Africa. A U.S. president has not stepped foot in Sub-Saharan Africa since President Barack Obama visited Kenya and Ethiopia in 2015.

Amid global crises in Ukraine and Gaza and only months until Election Day, it was unlikely that Biden would be able to travel to Africa before the end of his term. Some saw the Kenya state visit as a constellation for Biden’s unfulfilled promise. On Thursday, the White House announced that if President Biden is reelected in November, he will travel to Africa in February 2025. Such a U.S. visit would signal America’s commitment to expanding its diplomatic relations with the continent.

In the absence of President Biden visiting the continent, Vice President Kamala Harris visited Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia. Other Biden-Harris officials who visited Africa include First Lady Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan.

Biden aims to bolster Africa on the global stage

President Biden has sought to boost Africa’s global standing through the U.S.’ renewed partnership with Kenya and other African nations. In 2022, he called for the African Union to become a permanent member of the G20 group of the world’s largest economies. 

“Africa belongs to the table in every room … where global challenges are being discussed, and in every institution where discussions are taking place,” Biden said at the time. 

On Thursday, during Ruto’s state visit, Biden continued his commitment to centering Africa by announcing that he would designate Kenya as a major non-NATO ally, which would come with some defense trade benefits.

Additionally, the U.S. has invested more than $300 million toward the Kenya-led security mission into Haiti to help quell the violence that has overtaken the Caribbean nation amid political instability and economic turmoil. Though the military mission has been criticized by some Haitian advocates, Pan-African activists have applauded the effort.

Joseph Tolton, an African policy expert and executive director of the advocacy group Interconnected Justice, told theGrio that he appreciates “the Pan-African sensibility” and “the fact that an African nation is going into Haiti to try to stabilize the country and bring peace.”

Kenya embraces U.S. vision of democracy 

As threats to democracy as an institution spread around the world amid government coups, neighboring invasions like in Ukraine, and the rise of authoritarian regimes, President Ruto, during his U.S. trip, reiterated his commitment to protecting democracy globally. 

Tolton, who was present for Ruto’s visit to the Carter Center in Atlanta on Monday, told theGrio that the Kenyan leader’s full-throated commitment to democracy was significant as authoritarianism spreads across the continent amid major conflicts that have resulted in political coups and democratic declines. 

“He knows what’s happening in our body politic and the threat that Trump is, and so for him to be so clear in that regard, I thought was of note that he’s clearly going to align himself with democracy going into our election,” said Tolton. 

In a United States-Kenya Joint Leaders’ statement released on Thursday, both Biden and Ruto said they are committed to “upholding the human rights of all,” including women and marginalized groups, and bolstering the “integrity of democratic institutions.”

Even as an anti-LGBTQ bill moves through Kenya’s Parliament, Tolton expressed optimism that Ruto’s commitment to democracy and upholding human rights gives the U.S. leverage to convince the Kenyan president not to sign such a bill into law. President Biden’s administration has been a vocal opponent of a similar bill in Uganda, which resulted in the African country being sanctioned by the U.S.

“Perhaps the leverage that the United States can help to give him is deepening our economic ties with Kenya because their economy is reeling at the moment,” said Tolton.  

Economic relief and growth for Kenya and Africa

Though Kenya has emerged as a leader in clean energy and digital transformation in AI and beyond, the nation has been economically crippled by crushing debt. In concert with President Ruto’s state visit, President Biden called on creditor nations to lessen the economic load for Kenya and other developing nations. 

The president’s proposals include providing better financing terms and incentivizing private investments. The White House also committed billions of dollars in lending to international financial institutions and called for other nations to do the same. Additionally, Biden’s administration committed to increasing trade and investment with Kenya, which would benefit workers, consumers, and businesses. The two nations said they are working toward finalizing an agreement by the end of 2024. 

Looking toward building Kenya’s economic future, the U.S. is also leading public-private investments in the African nation’s education and health sectors. To learn about the commitments of the U.S.-Kenya partnership, visit the White House’s fact sheet here.

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