Byron Allen, the founder, chairman and CEO of Allen Media Group, has been named one of six special honorees who will be celebrated at EBONY’s 2026 Power 100 Gala, recognizing his influence in media ownership and business. Allen, whose company is the
Homecoming at an HBCU is more than a weekend — it’s a cultural institution. The bands, the step shows, the tailgates, and the reunion energy make it one of the most anticipated events on any campus calendar. But something is shifting in
The 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture, also known as ESSENCE Fest, was held in New Orleans, LA, this weekend, July 3-5. ESSENCE Fest, which started in 1995 to celebrate ESSENCE Magazine’s 25th anniversary, expanded into the nation’s largest annual African American culture event. The well-known
R&B legend Bobby Brown is bringing star power to an HBCU fundraising event as Southern University prepares for its 4th Annual Southern University Athletics Gala. The Grammy Award-winning R&B legend has been announced as the official headliner for the event, scheduled for
The Gulf Coast Challenge is bringing a New Orleans music legend to one of HBCU football’s biggest weekends. Organizers have announced that rapper Juvenile will headline HBCU Fest as part of the festivities surrounding the annual Gulf Coast Challenge, adding a dose
Division II HBCU conferences CIAA and SIAC have entered July without announced long-term television deals, creating a major media-rights question just weeks before football media day season. The previous rights window with HBCU GO expired on June 30, according to conversations with
Grambling State Essence Fest 2026 is putting HBCU culture in front of one of the largest Black audiences in the country — and the World Famed Tiger Marching Band is leading the way. Coca-Cola announced its full entertainment and cultural programming for
By The Associated Press LOS ANGELES — After watching a 20-minute tribute celebrating her groundbreaking career, Lauryn Hill surprised the BET Awards audience Sunday with an impromptu performance of her 1998 classic “Ex-Factor” after accepting the Living Legend Icon Award before closing the show with
By Adela Suliman Victor Willis, 74, the lead singer of the 1970s disco group Village People, has died, his team said Wednesday. “We are profoundly sad to announce the death of VICTOR WILLIS, lead singer of Village People,” said a statement posted on the
Harold Wheeler spent more than five decades shaping the sound of American entertainment — and it all started on Howard University’s campus. Howard University alumnus Harold Wheeler, the Tony-winning Broadway orchestrator, composer, and longtime musical director of “Dancing With the Stars,” died June
Disney is bringing the spirit and traditions of our HBCUs to Southern California as only the mouse can do. Now through July 19, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure are inviting visitors to “Celebrate Soulfully,” with a variety of activities throughout both parks.