Tag Archives: Health

Tika Sumpter Shares Her IVF and Miscarriage Journey

Tika Sumpter

In a heartfelt appearance on the Tamron Hall Show, actress Tika Sumpter discussed her deeply personal journey. She opened up about her experiences with in vitro fertilization (IVF) and miscarriage. She shared insights into how she navigated these experiences with her daughter, Ella-Loren.​

A Family Conversation

Host Tamron Hall asked how much Ella knew about the IVF process and the miscarriage. Sumpter recounted their candid discussions. “We were like, ‘Mommy and Daddy are trying to get a sibling.’ And she’s like, ‘Okay, can I give you that shot?'” Sumpter shared, highlighting Ella’s eagerness to be involved. She humorously added, “I had to tell Ella to slow down.” Ella was very excited about administering the IVF shot.​

Sharing the Pain and the Hope

Sumpter revealed to Hall, for the first time publicly, that she had experienced a miscarriage during her IVF journey. “I did hold the child, and I miscarried,” she said. “But I’m glad that I can share with others the experience. While it was tough, it was still worth it for me. Ella was there and didn’t know I held the child, but she saw the shots.”​Allure+2Essence+2Essence+2

She emphasized the importance of sharing such experiences to support others. She stated, “I feel like I’m helping somebody else understand the process. Not only the process, but I’ve also been there with you. I am not the first one, and I won’t be the last. But we can share in that.”​

Looking Ahead

Sumpter reflected on her journey. She mentioned that she had earlier decided against attempting IVF again due to the emotional toll. Still, she is now considering it once more. She acknowledged the hope that IVF brings to many. She expressed a wish to be more informed about her health in future attempts. “I think IVF gives so much hope to so many people. I wish I had known more about my health before. I wanted to understand what was missing,” she said.​

Sumpter’s openness aims to shed light on the often private struggles linked to fertility treatments. It also encourages others to share their stories.​

For a more in-depth look at Tika Sumpter’s experience and her thoughts on motherhood and vulnerability, you can watch her interview on the Tamron Hall Show:​

Peacock Celebrates Philly Community with Long Bright River Pre-Launch Event

LONG BRIGHT RIVER — “Philadelphia Cast & Community Conversation” — Pictured: (l-r) Father Michael Duffy, Johanna Berrigan, James Poyser, Sarah Laurel, OT The Real at FringeArts on March 7, 2025 — (Photo by: Lisa Lake/Peacock)

Philadelphia was in the spotlight on Friday, March 7, as Peacock hosted a special pre-launch community event at FringeArts to honor the local residents who played a role in bringing Long Bright River to life. Set against the backdrop of Philly’s Kensington neighborhood, this suspense thriller doesn’t just tell a gripping story—it weaves in the voices, talent, and real-life experiences of the community.

The event was a heartfelt tribute to the actors, musicians, artists, and nonprofit consultants who helped shape the series. With local press and influential community figures in attendance, the evening was a true celebration of Philadelphia’s creative and cultural heartbeat.

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Making of Long Bright River

The night kicked off with a dynamic panel discussion, moderated by Long Bright River star Amanda Seyfried. This session offered attendees an exclusive look at key scenes and behind-the-scenes imagery, highlighting the series’ deep connection to the Kensington community.

The panel featured an impressive lineup of Philly-based contributors, including:

  • James Poyser (The Roots), who co-composed the series’ score, infusing it with the city’s unmistakable sound.
  • Sarah Laurel, founder of Savage Sisters Recovery, who served as a consultant to ensure authenticity in the show’s portrayal of addiction and recovery.
  • Father Michael Duffy, an actor in the series and the Head of St. Francis Inn, a Kensington institution providing food and support to those in need.
  • Johanna Berrigan of the Catholic Worker Free Clinic, whose insights helped shape the show’s narrative.
  • OT The Real, a Philly-based rapper and series actor, who lent his voice and personal experiences to the project.

This conversation underscored Long Bright River’s dedication to reflecting real-life struggles, resilience, and the spirit of the Kensington community.

Spotlight on the Cast and Creators

The second panel, led by WHYY host and anchor Cherri Gregg, brought together the creative forces behind Long Bright River. Cast members Amanda Seyfried, Nicholas Pinnock, John Doman, Ashleigh Cummings, along with executive producer Nikki Toscano and author Liz Moore, delved into the series’ themes and its deeply personal storytelling approach.

From discussing character development to the real-life inspirations behind the show, this conversation gave fans and attendees a deeper appreciation for the show’s emotional depth and gripping narrative.

Don’t Miss the Premiere on Peacock!

With its Philly roots, intense storytelling, and a commitment to authenticity, Long Bright River is set to be one of the most talked-about series of the year. The wait is almost over—the series premieres Thursday, March 13, exclusively on Peacock.

Whether you’re a fan of suspense thrillers, passionate about Philly’s creative scene, or simply love a gripping, character-driven story, Long Bright River is a must-watch. Be sure to tune in and experience this powerful series that shines a light on the city and the people who helped bring it to life!

Premiere Date: March 13, 2025 (Binge) 
Showrunner / Writer / Director (106) / Executive Producer: Nikki Toscano (The Offer, Hunters)    
Writer / Executive Producer: Liz Moore (Long Bright River)   
Star / Executive Producer: Amanda Seyfried (The Dropout)   
Executive Producers: Neal H. Moritz, Pavun Shetty, and Amanda Lewis for Original Film; Amy Pascal for Pascal Pictures; and Russell Rothberg   
Director / Executive Producer (101, 105): Hagar Ben-Asher (Bad Boy, Dead Women Walking)    
Series Regulars: Amanda Seyfried, Nicholas Pinnock, Ashleigh Cummings, Callum Vinson, and John Doman  
Recurring Guest Stars: Dash Mihok, Britne Oldford, Matthew Del Negro, Harriet Sansom Harris, Patch Darragh, and Perry Mattfeld  
Studios: Sony Pictures Television and UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group  
Format: Limited Drama Series / 8 x 60-minute episodes    

ABOUT LONG BRIGHT RIVER

Long Bright River is a suspense thriller series that tells the story of Mickey (Amanda Seyfried), a police officer who patrols a Philadelphia neighborhood hard-hit by the opioid crisis. When a series of murders begins in the neighborhood, Mickey realizes that her personal history might be related to the case.  

Nurse Keisha Opens IV Hydration Therapy Spa ‘D.O.P.E. HEALING’ In Mcdonough Georgia

Keisha Brown Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Grand Opening of D.O.P.E. Healing in Mcdonough, GA

Keisha Brown, serial entreprenuer and owner of IV Hydration Therapy Spa ‘D.O.P.E. (Doing Only Positive Energy) Healing’ relocates business from Decatur, Georgia . The Grand Opening took place April 15th at 600 Westridge Parkway in Mcdonough, Georgia. This facility is a luxury concierge nursing service that offers vitamin treatments, B12 shots, rapid COVID testing, IV Hydration therapy, CPR training, and more.

According to Rollingout.com Brown is an E.R. traveling nurse specializing in pediatric and adult emergency medicine.  It was important to relocate her previous Decatur location closer to her home so she could better serve the community in which she lives. From a young age, Registered Nurse Keisha Brown developed a passion for helping people. During the past two years the need for patient care has skyrocketed and Keisha felt her community required assistance to keep individual’s immune system boosted, so she made it a personal priority to provide a facility in which this could happen.

About Nurse Keisha Brown

Atlanta influencers and Keisha Brown’s immediate family members attended the ribbon-cutting event as well as R&B music artist/producer RL of Next, Red Rush, sports agent and co-founder of ‘Weight No More’ Alexia Adams. reality star, former WNBA, publisher Jamie Foster Brown, Henry County Sheriff Reginald B. Scandrett, and Entertainment Industry Visionary Game Changer,Joseph Nixon Jr.

Ebony Austin CEO & Founder of Nouveau Restaurant Bar & Grill provided the food, music provided by DJ Sings of the infamous Atlanta Mimosa Jam.

US announces first American death of the Corona Virus meanwhile Cruise Ship passengers are in quarantine

Screen Shot 2020-02-08 at 8.20.38 AMMore than 400 Americans passengers are stuck on a cruise ship returning back to the US. The passengers are in quarrentine for 14 days. They are now 8 days in as they are getting swabbed, tested and cleared to return to their families.

“We want off this boat in health and not in dire crisis” says one passengers on the Diamond Princess ship as the cruisine has the passengers quarrentined for 14 days as they clear passengers aboard returning to the US.

Screen Shot 2020-02-08 at 8.23.38 AMThere is a mass order for the masks from hospitals from the US (but wait aren’t these masks massed produced in China? Hmmm The factory workers are working triple shifts because of reduced staffing.

Passengers aboard the boat say they can only go outside in small groups for small amounts of time per day. There are only a few passengers on the ship that have balconies. The other passengers are stuck packed inside the ship with the same air circulating amongst them. Story still developing.

Screen Shot 2020-02-08 at 8.23.18 AMAccording to CNN here is the return below:

Three stuck ships

Thousands of people are trapped on three cruise liners in Asia due to fears surrounding coronavirus among their passengers.

A ship in Japan, the Diamond Princess, and another in Hong Kong, the World Dream, have both been quarantined after it emerged they had hosted infected passengers.
A third ship, the Westerdam, has been turned away from various ports due to fears that there may be coronavirus cases on board. There is no suggestion that any passengers, current or former, have been infected.
Sixty-four passengers from the Diamond Princess have tested positive for the virus and been taken ashore for isolation and treatment, Japanese authorities said. About 2,600 guests and more than 1,000  crew are on board, including hundreds of Americans. They will likely stay in quarantine until February 19.

 

RastAfri Presents Afrolicious Expo in Atlanta

RastAfri Presents the Preeminent Natural Hair Celebration

Screen Shot 2019-09-24 at 2.58.14 PM
Berkeley Park (l-r) Blue, Lyric

The best Natural Hair Celebration in America is hands down the Afrolicious Natural Hair© & Beauty Expo which took place in 6 major cities across the United States this year. This is where 3 things take place; Celebrate, Educate and Demonstrate all things natural hair. Besides all the amazing vendors & live entertainment the most thrilling part of the evening is the braiding competition and the Lil Miss Afrolicious Contest. Continue reading RastAfri Presents Afrolicious Expo in Atlanta

Curly Girl Collective brings out the best hair product sponsors at Curlfest 2019

IMG_0064Nothing comes between a girl and her curls except the best hair products; and Curlfest did not hold back when it came to the special give-aways. The crowd was non stop pouring into Candler Park from the time the doors opened at 11am and people were still lingering around at 7pm when the event ended.

IMG_0083Upon arrival everyone was given a giant Creme of Nature product carrying gift bag and we certainly needed them as the festival did NOT hold back on the freebees. Continue reading Curly Girl Collective brings out the best hair product sponsors at Curlfest 2019

CURL FEST 2019 IN Atlanta the land of Beauty Culture and Melanin

IMG_0113Curl Fest held it’s annual 2019 Curl Fest event in Atlanta, GA at Candler Park.

What an amazing Day it was with nothing but beautiful women all shapes, sizes and colors all confident in their skin. It was an typical hot Atlanta weather but a calm down in temperature from the past 99 degree weather Atlanta had been experiencing for the past week.

Continue reading CURL FEST 2019 IN Atlanta the land of Beauty Culture and Melanin