Carrie Mae Weems. Image: Jared Siskin/Getty Images for Prada
Carrie Mae Weems Wins Hassleblad Prize
Renowned photographer Carrie Mae Weems has been named the winner of the 2023 Hasselblad Prize. This award is considered the highest honor to be given to a living photographer. Weems will receive 2 million Swedish kronor—$189,000 US dollars—and will have an exhibition of her work on display at the Hasselblad center. She is the first Black woman to receive this award in history. She will receive the prize on October 13th of this year in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Ronald Isley Sued Over The Isley Brothers Trademark
Ronald Isley is being sued by his brother Rudolph Isley for The Isley Brothers’ iconic trademark. According to People, Rudolph claims that Ronald illegally acquired the trademark while using his name. He is seeking his “rightful 50% share of all results and proceeds” as a founding member. He stopped performing with the group in 1989 due to a myriad of reasons such as declining health and their co-founding member O’Kelly’s death.
A letter obtained from the lawyers stated, “The owner of a trademark is the person who applies the mark to the services that they perform, and who is actually and actively using the mark in commerce during or near the time of registration,” the letter says. “Our research shows that Rudolph Isley has not used the mark or been part of The Isley Brothers brand since 1986 and has not performed with The Isley Brothers since the death of their brother O’Kelly Isley. Even if Rudolph had applied for a Trademark while he was using the mark in commerce, it would eventually have become abandoned as abandonment of a trademark occurs when the owner ceases from using the mark in commerce for at least three years.”
Ed Cooley Becomes Georgetown’s Next Men’s Basketball Head Coach
Georgetown University has announced that Ed Cooley will be the next head coach of their men’s basketball team. Fans have expressed excitement over Cooley’s hiring. He will replace Patrick Ewing who has overseen the team during their two-year losing streak. “I am excited for the opportunity to lead the men’s basketball program at Georgetown University. I plan on hitting the ground running, getting to work on the court and cultivating relationships in and around the District. Accepting this opportunity with Georgetown is not a decision I took lightly,” said Cooley.
Georgetown president John J. DeGioia said of the appointment, “Ed is a proven leader and an experienced coach, whose values and knowledge of the game will lead our program into this new chapter. His commitment to excellence on and off the court will bring out the best of our basketball program and will give each member of our team the experiences and support they need to thrive.”