1. It’s Official: Zoe Saldana Will Play Nina Simone
Nina Simone is finally heading to the big screen, and Zoe Saldana has been cast to play her.

The Hollywood Reporter confirms the Avatar actress will portray the iconic singer in Nina, while David Oyelowo will star as her manager, Clifton Henderson. [MORE]

2. Wanda Sykes to Host Two LGBT Election Specials
Wanda Sykes is throwing her hat into the political humor arena this election season.

Deadline is reporting that the openly gay comedian will host two election specials on Logo, which will be titled NewNowNext Vote With Wanda Sykes. The specials will focus on hot-button issues for gay and lesbian voters. [MORE]

3. Survey Finds a Majority of Blacks Recognize That Pollution Is a Serious Threat
This week, the Public Policy Institute of California released findings of a statewide poll that found the majority of people of color surveyed believe that pollution has a negative impact on their health and their communities. [MORE]

4. This Day in Black History: August 20, 1619
A Dutch ship carrying 20 Africans arrived in Jamestown, Virginia, on Aug. 20, 1619, a voyage that would mark the beginning of slavery in the American colonies. [MORE]

TAGS: Clifton Henderson, David Oyelowo, election, Hollywood Reporter, Jamestown, LGBT, LOGO, NewNowNext, Nina Simone, pollution, Public Policy Institute of California, slavery, Va, vote, Wanda Sykes, Zoe Saldana