Latest news with #Busby
TimesLIVE
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
UJ confers celebrated writer Margaret Busby with honorary doctorate
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has conferred an honorary doctorate on Margaret Busby, recognising her trailblazing role as Africa's first black woman publisher and her decades-long contributions to global literature. UJ is the first university on the continent to bestow this honour on Busby, whose extraordinary career has shaped the landscape of pan-African letters, elevated marginalised voices and archived a wealth of intellectual heritage across Africa and its diaspora. After the ceremony, the Johannesburg Institute for Advanced Study (JIAS), hosted a celebratory lunch in Busby's honour and brought together leading thinkers, creatives, and cultural stewards. Among the guests were JIAS fellow and former South African ambassador to France and the US Barbara Masekela, ambassador Nozipho January-Bardill, writer and activist Elinor Sisulu, Brand Leadership founder Thebe Ikalafeng, acclaimed author Sue Nyathi, poet and short-story writer Makhosazana Xaba, former South African first lady Zanele Dlamini Mbeki, and broadcaster and producer Brenda Sisane and Kgomotso Matsunyane. Speaking at the event, Prof Victoria Collis-Buthelezi, director of JIAS, reflected on Busby's towering legacy. 'I want to humbly say a few words about Dr Busby and what she means to the world of letters,' Collis-Buthelezi began. 'Had Dr Busby only ever published Daughters of Africa, her 1992 collection of some 200 women from across Africa and its diaspora, she would have done more than enough to be recognised as one of the most significant figures in pan-African letters.' An unparalleled chorus of voices from different genres, centuries and regions came together in that historic anthology. Daughters of Africa was woven together in a tapestry of survival, art and intellectual resistance, from the traditional poetry of anonymous African girls celebrating the customs of girlhood to the rebellious poetry of enslaved poet Phillis Wheatley and Sojourner Truth's well-known rhetorical question Ain't I a Woman? In addition, Busby's collection featured the lyrical reflections of Ellen Kuzwayo and Noni Jabavu, the proto-Afrofuturist fiction of Pauline Elizabeth Hopkins, the scathing character-driven stories of Adelaide Casely-Hayford, and the slave narratives of Mary Prince and Harriet Jacobs.
Extra.ie
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Extra.ie
Irish referee throws IRFU's retirement gift in the bin
Chris Busby's career as a high-performance referee for the IRFU has come to an end after his retirement following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season. The Antrim man announced his retirement in January after being subject to public scrutiny from Mack Hansen following Leinster's 20-12 win over Connacht in the URC. Today's top videos STORY CONTINUES BELOW During the match on December 21 2024, there was a decision to not review a suspected head contact from Leinster's Jordie Barrett on Bundee Aki. Hansen was incensed with the decision on the pitch and subsequently aired his grievances in the post-match press conference. 21 December 2024; Referee Chris Busby during the United Rugby Championship match between Leinster and Connacht. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile In a quite surreal rant, Hansen described the refereeing as 'bu*****t' and claimed that decisions never go Connacht's way. On January 9, Hansen was banned for three games for his comments, fined €10,000 and forced to apologise to Busby. It was subsequently reported that Busby was planning to retire from refereeing at the end of the season. He confirmed those reports on January 30 this year. It came as a big shock as Busby was still a young referee and seen as one of the best in Ireland. It was reported that the Hansen incident was not the sole reason for Busby's decision to retire as he felt there was a lack of support from the IRFU for referees. 1 January 2024; Referee Chris Busby during the United Rugby Championship match between Connacht and Munster Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile This has seemingly been confirmed in a LinkedIn post on Tuesday evening. In the post, Busby cites that he never received 'genuine support during the most difficult period of my professional life' and posted an image of a framed photo the IRFU had sent to him as a retirement gift in the bin. 'Today marks the end of my time with the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU),' Busby captioned the post. 'I was given a framed photo as a memento to mark the occasion. 'A gesture, I suppose. But what I really needed — and never received from IRFU leadership — was genuine support during the most difficult period of my professional life. Chris Busby's LinkedIn Post following his retirement from the IRFU 'I'll be sharing more about that in the months ahead. For now, I'm grateful for the people I've met through the game, and looking forward to what's next.' have reached out to the IRFU for comment.
The 42
a day ago
- Sport
- The 42
Chris Busby expresses frustration with IRFU as he retires from refereeing
IRISH RUGBY REFEREE Chris Busby has expressed his frustration with the IRFU after retiring from professional rugby, claiming he didn't receive enough 'genuine support' from the union's leadership during the most difficult period of his career. Busby confirmed in late January his intention to step away from the game at the end of the 2024/25 season. Over a month earlier, on 21 December, the Antrim native had refereed Leinster's 20-12 victory over Connacht at the Aviva Stadium, after which Connacht star Mack Hansen issued a scathing assessment of the officiating, describing some of the calls that went against his side as 'bullshit'. On 9 January, Ireland star Hansen received a three-match suspension for his remarks and was ordered to apologise to Busby, stating publicly that 'my emotions got the better of me' and expressing his regret over 'any distress' that his outburst had caused to Busby and his team of match officials. The URC also ordered Hansen to undertake a course that would help him to better understand the difficulties of being a match official. Advertisement Later on the same day as Hansen was sanctioned, The 42′s Murray Kinsella broke the story that Busby was set to retire from refereeing. It's understood that the Hansen incident and its subsequent fallout was the tipping point rather than the sole cause of the Ulster man's decision, which was multi-factored. Busby confirmed that report on 30 January but made himself available for selection by the URC until the end of the most recent campaign. In a LinkedIn post on Tuesday evening, the retiring Busby criticised the IRFU for what he described as a lack of support from his employers during 'the most difficult period of my professional life'. He did not specify the period in question. Included in the post was a framed photograph placed in a wheelie-bin. Busby said the photograph had been given to him by the IRFU as a keepsake to acknowledge his career. A statement issued by Busby on LinkedIn on Tuesday. 'Today marks the end of my time with the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU),' Busby wrote, tagging the union in the post. 'I was given a framed photo as a memento to mark the occasion. 'A gesture, I suppose. But what I really needed — and never received from IRFU leadership — was genuine support during the most difficult period of my professional life. 'I'll be sharing more about that in the months ahead. For now, I'm grateful for the people I've met through the game — and looking forward to what's next.'
Business Wire
25-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Memphis Powerhouses Wilfred Busby and Tyrone Burroughs to be Honored at St. Jude Spirit of the Dream
MEMPHIS, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The St. Jude Spirit of the Dream Gala presented by W&T Contracting Corporation, today announced that community leaders Wilfred Busby and Tyrone Burroughs will be honored with the Legacy Award and Spirit of the Dream Award at its annual dinner on Saturday, September 20. Now in its 10 th year, the Spirit of the Dream honors individuals whose lives and legacies reflect the founding vision of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital® that no child should die in the dawn of life, regardless of race, background, or financial status. LEGACY AWARD Recognizes a St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or ALSAC team member who demonstrates exemplary commitment to the legacy of St. Jude by encompassing the true spirit of caring for people. Wilfred Busby, Visionary People Leader and Culture Champion: Busby is the Senior Fellow of Employee Experience for ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, where he is leading efforts to establish an Office of Executive Coaching and Leadership Assimilation. He is an expert in employee experience, having overseen teams working on recruitment, workforce planning, employee relations, and internal communications. With over 30 years of leadership experience at major companies including FedEx, ServiceMaster, APL Logistics, and Busby has deep expertise in executive leadership development, operations management, and organizational strategy. Busby received his Level II Certification in Executive Coaching and Leadership and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Management from Crichton College and an Executive MBA from the University of Memphis. He is a graduate of the Leadership Memphis Executive Program, a certified Six Sigma Green Belt, and has mentored students through the Memphis Institute for Leadership Education (MILE) program at the University of Memphis. He led the Young Men's ministry at the Greater Pleasant Hill MB Church, focusing on life skills, job training, and youth development, and served on the Board of Directors for Green Dot Public Schools of Tennessee and the Board of LeMoyne-Owen College. His vision has shaped talent development and organizational culture at ALSAC and beyond. SPIRIT OF THE DREAM Honoring a person or institution embodying the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and its founder, Danny Thomas. Tyrone Burroughs, Visionary Entrepreneur, Transformational Leader, and Philanthropic Trailblazer: Burroughs is the founder, President, and CEO of global consumer products management firm First Choice Sales & Marketing Company. A dynamic entrepreneur and influential philanthropist, Burroughs has built a business empire rooted in innovation, empowerment and community impact. His influence spans industries and institutions from consumer goods to education, banking, and civic leadership. Beyond business, Burroughs is a dedicated civic leader and advocate for educational equity. His philanthropic contributions led to the renaming of the Tyrone Adam Burroughs School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Benedict College, honoring his commitment to empowering future generations of business leaders. He serves on numerous influential boards, including the St. Jude Memphis African American Engagement Council, the Memphis NAACP Branch Board of Directors, the Greater Memphis Chamber – Chairman's Circle, and the Board of Directors of the Federal Reserve Bank – Memphis Branch. He was a 2021 inductee in The Society of Entrepreneurs. Burroughs is widely celebrated for his ability to drive breakthrough results, foster inclusive economic opportunities, and inspire transformative changes across sectors. Guests will enjoy a special live performance by 10-time Grammy award-winning vocal group Take 6, along with a culinary experience curated by acclaimed Memphis-based chef Phillip Dewayne. Held during Sickle Cell Awareness Month and Children's Cancer Awareness Month, the gala will also spotlight pioneering research and treatment by St. Jude for sickle cell disease, a condition that disproportionately affects African Americans. Over the past decade, the St. Jude Spirit of the Dream Gala has honored Memphis luminaries such as artist Derek Fordjour, NBA coach Lionel Hollins, civic leader A.C. Wharton Jr., entrepreneur Carolyn Chism Hardy, and artist Peter Woods, each recognized for their contributions to equity, culture, and progress. Proceeds help ensure that families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food — so they can focus on helping their child live. To purchase tickets, become a sponsor, or learn more, visit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital ® St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Its purpose is clear: Finding cures. Saving children. ® It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. When St. Jude opened in 1962, childhood cancer was largely considered incurable. Since then, St. Jude has helped push the overall survival rate from 20% to more than 80%, and it won't stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude shares the breakthroughs it makes to help doctors and researchers at local hospitals and cancer centers around the world improve the quality of treatment and care for even more children. Because of generous donors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food, so they can focus on helping their child live. Visit St. Jude Inspire to discover powerful St. Jude stories of hope, strength, love and kindness. Support the St. Jude mission by donating at liking St. Jude on Facebook, following St. Jude on X, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok, and subscribing to its YouTube channel.
Web Release
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Web Release
Film Volt Group To Champions Human-Centric Storytelling at TIFF 2025 with Bold Slate of Projects
UK-Canadian production and distribution company Film Volt Group is making headlines with a powerful new slate of content that places authentic storytelling at the heart of its mission. Led by CEO and Founder Mark Busby, Film Volt Group is showcasing a collection of bold, socially resonant titles including the highly anticipated feature film Daring Greatly and the ground-breaking documentary series Beyond Bionics. These projects signal a return to purposeful filmmaking in an industry increasingly dominated by algorithms and spectacle. 'We've spent the past 18 months developing stories that matter stories that don't just entertain, but resonate,' said Busby. 'Audiences are hungry for truth, for human connection, and for stories that reflect the world around them. That's what we're bringing to Tiff in September.' Daring Greatly: A True Crime Drama That Dares to Go Deeper At the centre of the Cannes slate is Daring Greatly, a true-crime psychological thriller based on real events in Toronto's LGBTQ+ community. Written by British screenwriter Julie Ann White, the film is a gripping, emotional journey that exposes institutional failures while celebrating resilience and the fight for justice. Set for full pre-production later this year, Daring Greatly is part of Film Volt Group's UK-Canada co-production initiative and has already drawn early interest from distributors in North America and Europe. Casting announcements are expected in the coming months, with a launch event planned for TIFF 2025. Beyond Bionics: A Global Documentary with a Human Pulse Film Volt Group is also unveiling Beyond Bionics, an international documentary series exploring the use of prosthetics in war zones and under-resourced communities. With filming taking place in Ukraine, Canada, and parts of Asia, the project is being produced in collaboration with medical NGOs and military veteran organizations. Through personal stories of trauma, recovery, and innovation, Beyond Bionics offers a visceral look at how technology and humanity intersect and how resilience transcends borders. A Mission-Driven Slate Backed by Data All Film Volt Group titles are evaluated using its proprietary Sabre Analytics™ system a forecasting and data modelling tool that assesses audience trends, emotional engagement, and market alignment. Early data shows that purpose-driven films and series with social impact themes have experienced a 42% spike in engagement across AVOD and SVOD platforms over the past year. This data-led strategy is already proving effective, with several Film Volt titles securing international broadcast discussions ahead of TIFF 2025. Partnerships, Platforms, and Global Growth Film Volt Group is actively pursuing co-production, distribution, and financing partnerships for its 2025–2026 slate across the UK, Canada, Australia, the U.S., and beyond. With the launch of new operations in Toronto and a planned studio division in Australia (2025/26), the company is scaling up to meet global demand for meaningful, diverse storytelling. We're building bridges not just between countries, but between creators and audiences,' said Busby. 'From neurodivergent filmmakers to veterans-turned-creatives, our slate reflects the world as it really is.'
