Entertainment
VIDEO: Tiffany Haddish Teases Possibly Making Black Comedy History at DAYTONA 500
Published
3 years agoon
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (FNN) – Emmy and Grammy award-winning comedic actress Tiffany Haddish, named the Honorary Starter for this year’s DAYTONA 500, spoke with the press before The Great American Race Sunday–or, more accurately, had an impromptu stand-up comedy show in the Media Center.
With the double milestones of this being the 65th DAYTONA 500 and NASCAR’s 75th anniversary, the third occasion, Black History Month, wasn’t lost on Haddish. She asked the press if there had ever been a standup comedy show at Daytona International Speedway before, and one media member said comedian Bill Engvall had done one before, to which she leaned forward, lowered her sunglasses for dramatic effect, and replied, “Has a black woman done one yet?” After a pause waiting for an answer, she replied, “I didn’t think so.” She promised she would talk with Daytona International Speedway president Frank Kelleher to make Black comedy history at the speedway by bringing a standup comedy show during the DAYTONA 500.
When asked about her enthusiasm for racing, she mentioned she was aware of it, but–she leaned in and lowered her shades–“Once I heard that Michael Jordan got into it, I was like, ‘Okay, I might do this.'” She was asked which driver she hopes would win and she answered, “The Black one. I’m rooting for Bubba Wallace.”
FNN News asked Haddish’s thoughts on women in racing, specifically black women in racing. She said she loved the presence of women in racing, naming Danica Patrick, and joked that she’s gotten enough speeding tickets in her own life, so she’s thought about being a driver herself.
FNN News also got an exclusive interview with Haddish after the press conference in which talks a possible Girls Trip sequel, creating that historic DAYTONA 500 standup comedy show, and her new honey business.
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Mellissa Thomas is Editor for Florida National News. | mellissa.thomas@floridanationalnews.com
Entertainment
WATCH: FNN News Podcast en Español, Tuesdays at 6:30pm EST
Published
6 days agoon
January 8, 2026By
Willie DavidCentral Florida News
“Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker” Brings Diversity and Magic to Orlando’s Holiday Stage
Published
2 months agoon
November 6, 2025By
Willie DavidORLANDO, Fla. (FNN ARTS & CULTURE) – Orlando Community Arts, Inc. proudly presents “Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker,” an original adaptation of the classic Nutcracker story written by Beverly Page, published author and executive producer. This vibrant holiday production brings the magic of the season to life while celebrating the cultural diversity that defines Central Florida.
Audiences are invited to join Clare on a magical journey through her enchanting dream, traveling alongside the Chocolate Nutcracker and the Sugar Plum Fairy around the world — from Africa and Asia to the Caribbean, India, and beyond — before reaching the dazzling Kingdom of Toys.
Described as soulful, bold, colorful, exciting, lively, and delightful, “Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker” offers an unforgettable holiday experience for the entire family — filled with music, dance, and cultural storytelling that capture the heart of the season.
About Steglich Ross and Associates
Steglich Ross and Associates, based in Apopka, Florida, are premier experts in crafting and executing large-scale events that elevate brands and inspire audiences. The firm specializes in festival planning, marketing strategy, brand development, and creative web design, offering personalized solutions that help clients connect with their communities in meaningful ways.
Entertainment
Jeffery Lorenzo Williams: Defying Limits and Redefining Possibility
Published
2 months agoon
November 6, 2025ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – When you hear the word “disability,” it’s easy to imagine limits, restrictions, and barriers. But for Jeffery Lorenzo Williams, those words have no place in his vocabulary. Paralyzed at 13, Williams identifies as a person of determination — a term that reflects strength and capability, not limitation. His life has become a masterclass in turning adversity into empowerment, proving that the most powerful movement begins in the mind.
During an exclusive interview with FNN News, Williams reflected on the event that changed his life and the mindset that carried him forward.
“I never focused on what I couldn’t do,” Williams said. “I focused on what I could and I just kept moving forward.”
That perspective has shaped a career defined by reinvention. Today, Williams is an accomplished New York City real estate broker, motivational author, pilot, and footwear designer. Each title tells part of the same story — one of perseverance, creativity, and purpose.
Through his footwear brand JLorenzo’s, Williams designs adaptive sneakers that merge fashion with motivation. His collections feature empowering inscriptions such as “Be somebody nobody thought you could be.” He laughs as he recalls me being his first customer. “Each inscription represents walking not just physically, but walking in purpose,” he said.
His work has not only built a stylish, inclusive brand but has also redefined what representation in fashion can look like. Earlier this year, Williams brought that message to Daniel’s Leather’s Inclusive Fashion Show during New York Fashion Week 2025, joining nearly 40 wheelchair-using models, including Ms. Wheelchair America 2026, Latavia Sturdivant. The event was more than a showcase — it was a celebration of visibility and empowerment. “The energy was incredible,” Williams said. “It wasn’t about being different, it was about being seen.”
Beyond fashion, Williams takes his passion for breaking barriers to the skies. As a licensed pilot, he flies glider planes, something he calls the ultimate expression of freedom.
“Flying gives me freedom,” he said. “It’s proof that even when life grounds you, you can still soar.”
His memoir, “My Feet Are Off the Ground: Turning Tragedy Into Triumph,” chronicles his remarkable journey from paralysis to success. Proceeds from the book fund nursing scholarships, extending his lifelong commitment to giving back. Looking ahead, Williams plans to bring his story to new audiences through a documentary and a stage play, with his son, Jeff Jr., potentially portraying him on screen.
When asked if he would change his past, Williams paused thoughtfully before answering.
“Of course, I’d love to walk,” he said. “But if I hadn’t gone through what I did, I wouldn’t have been able to touch and change lives the way I have. That’s worth more than anything.”
Jeffery Lorenzo Williams doesn’t just live with determination — he embodies it. Through his work, his story, and his example, he continues to challenge the world’s perception of ability. His life is a vivid reminder that real barriers often exist only where others place them, and that courage, when paired with purpose, can truly move mountain.
In a world quick to define people by their obstacles, Jeffery Lorenzo Williams is a compelling reminder that true limitation exists only where we allow it.
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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com