Thursday, July 2 | Volume 40 No.16

• Full-Figured Flings
• The Only Film of Its Kind
• WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER

Hits Tubi, Bringing Authentic Plus-Size Representation to Screens Everywhere

ATLANTA, GA - Full-Figured Flings (FFF), the groundbreaking independent feature film written by Lillie Mae Jones-Perry and directed by D. Dominique Perry and Naomi K. Bonman, is now streaming on Tubi, giving audi- ences a powerful new story that celebrates body diversity, chal- lenges colorism, and centers voic- es that have long been overlooked

Howard Boyd, author of The Un- derlying Current of America: Un- masking the Hidden Forces Shap- ing a Nation, explained that he was inspired to help readers think critically about the social, politi- cal, and spiritual influences affect- ing America today. His goal is to encourage meaningful conversa- tions and informed perspectives. Roshiek McNair, author of Spiri- tually Loved, shared how her per- sonal faith journey inspired her to write a message reminding read- ers that God's love remains con- stant through every season of life. Her heartfelt testimony resonated with many attendees seeking en- couragement and healing.

Chantelle McKenzie, author of Juicy Curls, delighted families by sharing that her book was inspired by the importance of helping chil-

FULL

FIGURED

Flings in film and fashion. Produced in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2024, the film represents more than entertain- ment it is a cultural initiative designed to expand representation and redefine who gets to be seen as worthy, desirable, and complex on screen.

At its core, Full-Figured Flings follows Amber and Lauren, two Black plus-sized models whose

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Meet the Authors Event a Tremendous Success in SB with confidence. Through color- ful storytelling, she encourages young readers to celebrate their curls, uniqueness, and self-worth.

ment from God's Word, shared that dren embrace their natural beauty her book was born from a desire to strengthen and encourage oth- ers through Scripture. She hopes readers will find hope, peace, and daily motivation in God's prom- ises during life's challenges.

Throughout the afternoon, at- tendees enjoyed meeting the au- thors, taking photographs, receiv- ing signed copies, and engaging in meaningful conversations about literacy, faith, perseverance, and self-confidence. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as readers of all ages connected with local authors and celebrated the power of books to educate, in- spire, and transform lives.

Organizers expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attend- ed and supported the event, mak- ing it a memorable celebration of literature and community.

Plans are already underway for the next Meet the Authors event in December 2026, where read- ers can once again meet talented authors, discover new books, and continue celebrating the joy of reading. More details will be an- nounced in the coming months.

friendship is tested after they un- cover the colorist practices of their modeling agency. As they take a stand against division and discrimination, they become sym- bols of empowerment and self- acceptance while navigating un- expected personal challenges that threaten their bond. The film ex- plores themes of friendship, iden- tity, self-love, visibility, and resil- ience subjects rarely centered in mainstream storytelling.

For writer Lillie Mae Jones-Perry, the inspiration behind the project stemmed from years of witness- ing plus-sized women portrayed excluded altogether from mean- through limiting stereotypes or ingful leading roles. The project was born from a desire to show- case full-figured women as mul- tidimensional individuals whose stories deserve the same depth, romance, and prominence often

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The Golden Renaissance

Scholarship Gala vant of the Year, Trailblazer of the Year and Legacy of Impact. The Gala was created by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Phi Upsi- lon Chapter and held in the Grand Parisian Ballroom at the historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riv- erside.

The 2026 Lifetime Achieve- ment Award winners are: Dr. Judy White, Ed.D. ., retired Riv- erside County Superintendent of Schools; Emmett Terrell, retired Deputy Superintendent of Po- mona Unified School District; Dr. Norman Towels, retired Assistant Superintendent of Val Verde Uni- fied School District; and the The 2026 Public Servant of the Year Award winners are Vernon Jackson and Bishop Kelvin Sim- mons for their commitment to civic leadership and community service.

The 2026 Trailblazer of the Year Award winners are Dr. Theresa Price and Dr. Eric Bishop, Ed.D., for their visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to edu- cational excellence and commuafforded to others.

"Purpose over popularity,” said Jones-Perry. “This film was cre- ated with intention. We wanted to tell a story that reflects real people, real bodies, and real ex- periences. Too often, women who don't fit traditional standards are overlooked, minimized, or cast aside. Full-Figured Flings exists to remind audiences that everyone deserves to see themselves as the lead character in their own story."

The release of Full-Figured Flings comes at a time when con- versations about representation continue to grow across the enter- tainment industry. While progress has been made, authentic portray- als of plus-size women, particu- larly Black women of varying shades, shapes, and backgrounds, remain limited.

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nity empowerment.

The 2026 Legacy of Impact Award winners are posthumously awarded to Marion Black, Jr. and Reggie Webb for their enduring contributions to the Inland Empire community. Marion Black's wife, Charlotte, was also recognized with the prestigious Yellow Rose Award for her service, leadership, and dedication to uplifting others. "Collectively, the honorees have dedicated decades to expanding educational access, improving stu- dent outcomes, mentoring future leaders, and creating opportuni- ties for underserved communities throughout Southern California," said Phi Upsilon Chapter Presi- dent Terance Williams Jr.

More than 300 guests attended the sold-out event, arriving in Harlem Renaissance-inspired at- tire that transformed the Grand Parisian Ballroom into a Roaring Twenties scene.

To continue, visit westsidestorynewspaper.com.