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Buckle up for a chilling ride as BET+ gears up to premiere its latest original movie, “The Deadly Getaway,” directed by Charles Jones, on May 9. The trailer for the suspenseful thriller is already sending shivers down viewers’ spines.

“The Deadly Getaway” is a frightening thriller set during a romantic glamping excursion in the woods. Princess Love Norwood, Jeff Logan, Jason Weaver, Yandy Smith-Harris, and others are among the film’s standout performers.

In the film, Hope’s (Smith-Harris) much-anticipated anniversary trip with her boyfriend, Jacob (Weaver), takes a terrible turn when her obsessive ex-lover, Derrick (Logan), and his girlfriend, Jada (Love Norwood), unexpectedly arrive. As tensions grow and jealousy rises, the romantic trip swiftly devolves into pandemonium.

But the nightmare doesn’t end there. When the owners of the glamping site vanish without a trace, dark secrets begin to unravel. Derrick’s hidden past, including a botched robbery and murder, threatens to destroy everything in its wake. With danger lurking in the shadows, Hope and Jacob find themselves fighting for survival in a deadly game of cat and mouse.

Behind the scenes, “The Deadly Getaway” boasts a talented team of creators, including directors Chad Quinn and Eric Dickens, showrunners Tressa Azarel Smallwood and Donte Lee, and music supervisor Jerry “Juke” Vines. The film is produced by Melissa Llewellyn-Alston, with executive producers Yandy Smith-Harris, Tressa Azarel Smallwood, Donte Lee, and Robin Lyon at the helm.

Co-executive producers Marvin Neil and Lorisa Bates, along with producers Kristin Iris Johnson and Jerry Vines, round out the team responsible for bringing this heart-pounding thriller to life.

Don’t miss the premiere of “The Deadly Getaway” exclusively on BET+ on May 9th.

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In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Howard University and did an interview with Nia Naylor the 2023-2024 Student Government Association president.

The position of SGA president is a highly respected role and there is a special pride that one takes in being elected by their peers to lead. Naylor, who is majoring in Political Science, is from New Castle, Delaware. She is a proud Spring 2022 initiate of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

We interviewed Nia Naylor, and talked to her about her position, goals, future and what it means to hold this type of leadership position in 2023-2024.

Read the full interview below.

What is the biggest thing you’ve learned as an SGA president so far?

Being SGA President has truly taught me about my leadership style and how to be a strong leader while cultivating relationships simultaneously. Going into the position, I thought I was a strong leader who was very business-minded, but I wanted to truly create a family within my administration. During my tenure, there have been many times when I had to put my foot down and step out of the chill, democratic role to ensure everything flowed the way I wanted it to. However, I have been able to build very close relationships with both my cabinet and my staffers, which assist in getting the work done efficiently. Building genuine and authentic relationships has helped my staffers feel more comfortable coming to me with both concerns and ideas on how we can improve. All in all, the biggest lesson my time as President has taught me is how to be a passionate, personable, and democratic leader.

What made you decide to attend Howard University for undergrad?

I decided to attend Howard University during my junior year of high school after spending a weekend visiting my mentor, Paige Harris. During my visit, she graciously allowed me to shadow both her and her line sisters, now my pros, and I had the opportunity to attend classes with them for a few days. Each time I walked into a classroom, I felt nothing but love from both the professors and the students. Whenever I mentioned that I was still in high school, they shared all of the amazing experiences they had at Howard and encouraged me to apply. This experience, coupled with the fact that Washington, DC, is the best place for a political science student, solidified Howard as my top choice.

How has Howard University molded you into the person you are today?

Howard University has molded me in numerous ways, ranging from better grasping who I am as a person and how I present myself, to learning more about what I want to do in life and how I want to impact the world. Howard has given me my best friends, the people who helped shape me and better understand the meaning of love outside of family. It has given me a lifelong sisterhood which has taught me how to be myself even in a professional sense.

The administrators, professors, and staff at Howard have demonstrated the importance of showing up every day, regardless of my emotions, because I serve as an inspiration to those who will follow in my footsteps. Howard has compelled me to mature and equipped me with the strength to face the challenges of the world head-on, confidently asserting my presence and worth in any room I enter. Moreover, it has instilled in me the value of bringing my friends into spaces that I am invited into and forging connections not only for myself but also for others.

Howard has ingrained in me the belief that I am blessed to be a blessing and that I must always strive to show up as my authentic self, without compromise, in every aspect of my life.

What specific initiatives have you headed up this year (or are planning) and how do you think they will improve the school and surrounding community?

Throughout this year, I’ve spearheaded several initiatives aimed at enhancing the school and surrounding community at Howard University. One significant accomplishment was ensuring the completion of the Pride Policy, a vital step in fostering inclusivity and support for LGBTQ+ students on campus. Additionally, adjustments to the Homecoming bill which now ensures the representation of students and and other vital contributors on the planning committee.

Another impactful initiative was the establishment of the AIM Mentorship program, which provided invaluable guidance and support to students navigating their academic and personal journeys. In upcoming programs like Bison Meets World, I aim to foster cross-cultural exchange and understanding between HBCU campuses, enriching the campus experience for students at Howard and surrounding HBCUs.

Furthermore, the opening of the food pantry addressed a critical need within our community, ensuring that students facing food insecurity had access to essential resources. Collaborating with external partners enhanced the effectiveness of this initiative, broadening its reach and impact. The accompanying content surrounding the pantry played a crucial role in destigmatizing food insecurity and encouraging students to utilize this valuable resource without hesitation.

Inclusivity was a key focus of my efforts, exemplified by initiatives such as ensuring the representation of smaller organizations on campus. Notably, the addition of the University Fashion Council to the planning committee for the Homecoming fashion show provided a platform for diverse voices and perspectives, enriching the event and fostering a sense of belonging for fashion design students and other creative students on campus that do not belong to modeling organizations.

By actively engaging with the student body and championing initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, I aimed to empower students to see themselves in leadership positions and effect positive change within the Howard and D.C community. Through these efforts, I believe I have contributed to creating a more vibrant, inclusive, and empowered school community at Howard University

How is your SGA administration/school currently working on attending to the mental health of students?

The well-being of students on colligate campuses has been at the forefront of university administrations now more than ever. Terrifying trends in the various disciplines of counseling services have stretched our counsellors to be more creative in their approach to care. My administration has developed a meaningful relationship with our University Counseling Services in exploring how to best reach students where they are. Hosting workshops that tackle suicide prevention and ideation. Holding events that allow for students to cast words of affirmations to each other during times of peak stress. Placing together a task force to impanel a student run-organization within our counseling services office to address student health and concern. In this administration we believe that access to mental health services is a fundamental right for all students, and not just for those who can afford privatized assistance. Therefore we find it essential to use all resources available to us to help further this university in not only promoting world class care, but delivering it as well.

What does leadership mean to you?

To me, leadership means guiding and inspiring others towards a common goal. A good leader should be able to motivate, communicate effectively, make decisions, and support their team members in achieving success. Leadership involves setting a positive example, being empathetic, and fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment where everyone’s voice is valued. A leader also goes above and beyond to ensure that their constituents/those under them are learning to lead again. An effective leader knows how to follow and listen to wait others need.

We now live in a digital world, what do you think schools need to do to represent themselves online in 2023/2024?

It’s crucial for universities to embrace social media as a valuable tool for connecting with both students and alumni. By doing so transparently, they can alleviate tension and provide greater insight into their operations. Often, incidents on campus are brought to light through social media posts rather than direct communication with administrators. Establishing a team to monitor social media for such incidents and promptly arranging meetings to address concerns and support those involved would be highly beneficial. Following up with a post to communicate actions taken demonstrates care and awareness.

However, schools shouldn’t limit online communication to reactive responses. It’s equally important to inform students and alumni about proactive measures being taken, which often go unnoticed. By keeping the community informed, universities can reduce uncertainty and foster a more positive environment. Utilizing the digital world effectively can mitigate problems and enhance transparency, leading to a smoother experience for all involved.

Why do you think Watch The Yard is important to Black students and college culture?

In today’s day and age, Watch The Yard holds significance similar to shows like A Different World, Martin, and Living Single in terms of representation and amplification of Black Excellence. It serves as a platform where people can instantly witness Black excellence and the remarkable events occurring across the country. Whether it’s Divine Nine organizations establishing chapters abroad, HBCU students initiating substantial volunteer opportunities, or endeavors like a group of Black women at Howard embracing figure skating and establishing a dedicated organization on campus.

Watch The Yard stands as a media space committed to showcasing the achievements and strengths of our institutions. This dedication is immensely important to both Black students and the culture of HBCUs.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

After graduation I plan to stay in DC and work in politics and campaign data analytics.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Nia Naylor for her work as the SGA president of Howard University.

Share this on Facebook and help us highlight Nia Naylor and Howard University.

Photo Credits: @obilohii @marlynachi

Naomi Osaka, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid will lead the selection committee for the 2024 Uninterrupted Film Festival, festival executives announced on Monday.

The tennis phenom and the NBA superstars will select short films to premiere at the Los Angeles-based festival, which focuses on “the intersection of sports culture and filmmaking,” according to Deadline. The films will be selected from an open call for submissions and become “the inaugural class of Uninterrupted Film Festival award recipients,” the outlet reported.

The Uninterrupted Film Festival, which began in 2023, is supported by film producer Jane Rosenthal and Robert De Niro’s Tribeca Enterprises. Uninterrupted, a brand within James and entrepreneur Maverick Carter’s The SpringHill Company, runs the two-day event. 

SpringHill was founded by James and Carter in 2020. 

“Teaming up with LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s The SpringHill Company in the heart of Los Angeles for a film festival is not just about celebrating storytelling, it’s about breaking new ground,” Tribeca Co-Founder and CEO Rosenthal told Deadline. 

“This collaboration is an exciting opportunity for Tribeca to continue to expand its footprint beyond NYC and further establish itself as a platform for award-winning sports filmmaking and programming. In its second year, the Uninterrupted Festival powered by Tribeca Festival will bring together the passion of sports with the artistry of filmmaking to deliver a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience for fans.”

Ricardo Viramontes, general manager of Uninterrupted, added that the brand has “partnered with Tribeca and leading athlete voices in the film industry, all of whom define excellence both on and off the court.”

“These individuals are perfectly suited to help us discover the next generation of storytellers and are united in enhancing storytelling within the athlete and sport landscape,” he said in a press release.

The submission portal begins on Monday, April 29, and will conclude on Friday, May 31. The short films must be “captivating athlete stories” that are “unique, innovative, and inspiring,” according to the selection committee. The submissions must also be 40 minutes or less, produced after January 2022, and can be a narrative story or documentary film. 

The Uninterrupted Film Festival is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, July 9-10 in Los Angeles and will be open to the general public. 

Black men being beaten by police over minuscule things is not a new thing: In January, a Florida Black man was beaten by police over a Banana after he was wrongly accused of stealing it. In July 2023, a New York Black man was fatally shot by police after he was accused of eating fruit from a supermarket without paying for it.

So it would come as no surprise that Corriyon Bray, a 30-year-Black man, was allegedly beaten by police after he didn’t return a pen to a Georgia police officer during a traffic stop, according to WSB-TV.

Though the incident occurred in December 2023, the footage was just released over the weekend and it shows Bray’s entire encounter with authorities that led to him being tased and having one of his legs broken.

More from WSB-TV:

The body camera video shows the officer hand a pen to Bray, who signed the ticket and then drove away with the officer’s pen. That’s when things escalated.

In the video, you can hear the officer demand Bray return his pen. Instead, Bray held the pen out of the window as he pulled away.

As Bray drove away, you can hear one of the officers yelling, “That motherf****r. He stole my f***ing pen!”

The officers followed Bray to his home where they asked for the pen again. One of the officers says, “Give it to me, or I’m going to tase you.”

Bray claimed that he did not have the pen. This resulted in one of the officers tasing Bray while the other attempted to take him into custody, allegedly breaking his leg in the process.

In response to the footage, Greenville Police Chief Wayne Frazier claims that his officers handled the incident perfectly, telling WSB-TV, “If he had complied, none of this would have happened. Our SOP [standard operating procedures] says verbal, hands-on, less lethal, and lethal, and he followed protocol.”

Bray has plans to file a lawsuit against the officers and says that a normal traffic stop should not have ended in his leg being broken over a pen.

In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Southern University at New Orleans and did an interview with Dana Bailey the 2023-2024 Student Government Association president.

The position of SGA president is a highly respected role and there is a special pride that one takes in being elected by their peers to lead. Bailey, who is majoring in Social Work, is from New Orleans.

We interviewed Dana Bailey, and talked to her about her position, goals, future and what it means to hold this type of leadership position in 2023-2024.

Read the full interview below.

What is the biggest thing you’ve learned as an SGA president so far?

The biggest thing I learned as SGA President is that nothing happens by mistake, and every lesson is an opportunity for improvement and growth.

What made you decide to attend Southern University at New Orleans for undergrad?

Southern University is not only affordable but also a hidden gem. We are a part of the Southern System, which is the ONLY HBCU system in the nation, and here, I was able to tap into my potential while receiving a quality education at an affordable price.

How has Southern University at New Orleans molded you into the person you are today?

Southern University at New Orleans took a student and molded her into a professional scholar. I have achieved many milestones throughout my matriculation, such as becoming the FIRST HBCU White House Scholar, the FIRST Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) Yard Ambassador and Influencer, and so much more. With SUNO, there would not be a “Madam President.”

What specific initiatives have you headed up this year (or are planning) and how do you think they will improve the school and surrounding community?

We [FORCE Admin] are planning voter drives and workshops that will showcase the importance of voting and voter registration drives, where we are encouraging the community and student body to register to vote and get involved in future elections.

How is your SGA administration/school currently working on attending to the mental health of students?

This year, the “FORCE” Administration, “Focused On Rebuilding the Collegiate Experience,” has spearheaded many initiatives such as SUNO Wellness Day. We, [FORCE Admin], have successfully advocated for additional mental health resources and will open a counseling center in the Summer of 2024. We are working to have university Mental Days where students can have excused days to refocus and recharge.

What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership is about inspiring others and leading by example. It’s about understanding one’s strengths and weaknesses while learning to identify the capabilities of others. Being in leadership teaches you that you must leverage strengths to overcome team challenges and accomplish goals. Leadership requires understanding that a group is more than a sum of individual parts. I learned that a good leader encourages and enables people to reach their full potential while providing support every step of the way. Leadership is the stepping stone to more incredible milestones!

We now live in a digital world, what do you think schools need to do to represent themselves online in 2023/2024?

Social media, especially, is vital in higher education. We now live in a world where what we see influences our daily lives, and perception is critical. Intuitions that utilize the digital field allow themselves to not only brand more but be more accessible to potential students who are in the digital arena. More digital branding means more exposure!

Why do you think Watch The Yard is important to Black students and college culture?

I believe Watch The Yard is essential to Black students and college culture because it exposes the nation to the value of a college education and the history and importance of African American Greek life. This platform effectively utilizes social media to showcase different experiences and opportunities for pursuing post-secondary education, especially in HBCUs. Watch the Yard is steadfast in showcasing Higher Education and collegiate excellence.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to attend grad school at another HBCU, hopefully up North, where it snows! I know I will graduate and walk in the footsteps of excellence, a journey destined for me.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Dana Bailey for her work as the SGA president of Southern University at New Orleans.

Share this on Facebook and help us highlight Dana Bailey and Southern University at New Orleans.

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Disney has given fans a glimpse into the highly anticipated film “Mufasa: The Lion King,” set to hit theaters on December 20. Offering a fresh perspective on the beloved ruler of the Pride Lands, the film promises an exploration of Mufasa’s unlikely rise to power.

Accompanying the announcement is a captivating trailer, poster, and images, all available for download and sharing, teasing audiences with a taste of what’s to come.

One of the most exciting revelations is the lineup of talent behind the scenes. Award-winning songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda takes the reins in crafting the film’s songs, produced alongside Mark Mancina. Additionally, musical contributions from the likes of Beyoncé, Labrinth, and Ilya Salmanzadeh promise to elevate the film’s soundtrack to new heights.

Miranda expressed his gratitude, acknowledging the rich musical legacy of “The Lion King” franchise and expressing pride in contributing to it. He also praised director Barry Jenkins for his collaboration in bringing Mufasa’s story to life.

The narrative of “Mufasa: The Lion King” unfolds as Rafiki recounts the legend of Mufasa to a young lion cub, Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala. Flashbacks reveal Mufasa’s humble beginnings as an orphaned cub, his chance encounter with a fellow lion named Taka, and their journey alongside a diverse group of companions.

The cast boasts a stellar lineup, with Aaron Pierre taking on the titular role of Mufasa, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. portraying Taka. Tiffany Boone, Kagiso Lediga, and Preston Nyman are among the talented actors lending their voices to the ensemble.

Returning favorites such as Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, and Donald Glover reprise their roles as Pumbaa, Timon, and Simba, respectively. Notably, Blue Ivy Carter makes her debut as Kiara, while Beyoncé Knowles-Carter returns as Nala.

Directed by Barry Jenkins and blending live-action techniques with cutting-edge CGI, “Mufasa: The Lion King” promises to captivate audiences with its stunning visuals and heartfelt storytelling.

Produced by Adele Romanski and Mark Ceryak, with Peter Tobyansen serving as executive producer, the film is poised to reignite the magic of one of Disney’s most beloved classics.

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UFC fighter Michael Chandler is facing criticism on social media after comments he made about raising his two adopted black sons sparked controversy. Chandler, who is set to headline UFC 303, shared his thoughts on parenting and identity politics during an appearance on The Shawn Ryan Show.

Chandler, known as ‘Iron’ in the octagon, discussed his approach to raising his two adopted sons with his wife. He emphasized the importance of instilling values of character and integrity, regardless of race. “I’m not raising black children, I’m raising children,” Chandler stated. “Whether you are black or you are white, there are certain things about being a man and being a good man when it comes to character and integrity.”

His comments on transcending race and focusing on universal values drew criticism from some quarters of social media. Many users took issue with Chandler’s remarks, arguing that his perspective overlooked the unique challenges black children face in society.

On Twitter, reactions ranged from accusations of racial insensitivity to calls for Chandler to educate himself on the realities of raising black children. Some users argued that dismissing the significance of race in parenting overlooks the importance of cultural identity and the systemic inequalities faced by marginalized communities.

One user tweeted, “As a black person, I can tell you that raising black children requires acknowledging their unique experiences and preparing them to navigate a world that often discriminates against them based on their race. Ignoring race isn’t the answer.”

Another user wrote, “Michael Chandler’s comments reveal a lack of understanding of the complexities of raising black children in a society where racial discrimination persists. It’s not enough to just teach values; we must also equip them to confront and challenge systemic injustices.”

Chandler’s comments sparked a larger discussion on racism, parenting, and prominent individuals’ responsibilities when discussing sensitive matters. While some have praised Chandler’s objectives, others have advocated for a more nuanced approach to recognizing and confronting the reality of racial identity in parenting.

Michael Chandler has yet to reply publicly to the criticism, which is spreading on social media. However, his statements have sparked debate about recognizing and accepting variety in all aspects of life, including family upbringing.

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The Biden administration issued final rules Wednesday to require airlines to automatically issue cash refunds for things like delayed flights and to better disclose fees for baggage or canceling a reservation.

The Transportation Department said airlines will be required to provide automatic cash refunds within a few days for canceled flights and “significant” delays.

Under current regulations, airlines decide how long a delay must last before triggering refunds. The administration is removing that wiggle room by defining a significant delay as lasting at least three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international ones.

Airlines still will be allowed to offer another flight or a travel credit instead, but consumers can reject the offer.

The rule will also apply to refunds of checked-bag fees if the bag isn’t delivered within 12 hours for domestic flights or 15 to 30 hours for international flights. And it will apply to fees for things such as seat selection or an internet connection if the airline fails to provide the service.

Complaints about refunds skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic, as airlines canceled flights and, even when they didn’t, many people didn’t feel safe sharing a plane cabin with other passengers.

Airlines for America, a trade group for large U.S. carriers, noted that refund complaints to the Transportation Department have fallen sharply since mid-2020. A spokesperson for the group said airlines “offer a range of options — including fully refundable fares — to increase accessibility to air travel and to help customers make ticket selections that best fit their needs.”

The group said the 11 largest U.S. airlines issued $43 billion in customer refunds from 2020 through 2023.

The Transportation Department issued a separate rule requiring airlines and ticket agents to disclose upfront what they charge for checked and carry-on bags and canceling or changing a reservation. On airline websites, the fees must be shown the first time customers see a price and schedule.

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The rule will also oblige airlines to tell passengers they have a guaranteed seat they are not required to pay extra for, although it does not bar airlines from charging people to choose specific seats. Many airlines now charge extra for certain spots, including exit-row seats and those near the front of the cabin.

The agency said the rule will save consumers more than $500 million a year.

Airlines for America said its members “offer transparency and vast choice to consumers” from their first search.

The new rules will take effect over the next two years. They are part of a broad administration attack on what President Joe Biden calls “junk fees.” Last week, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced that his department will let state officials in 15 states help enforce federal airline consumer protection laws.

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