Miles College alumna Alexia Jayy (real name Bri Jackson), a mother of three from Irvington, Alabama, has made history as the first Black woman to win NBC’s “The Voice.” Jayy secured the Season 29 title on April 14, marking a historic moment in the show’s
by Clay Cane In August of 1969, a 36-year-old Nina Simone told a cheering audience at the Harlem Cultural Festival, “Are you ready to listen to all the beautiful Black voices, the beautiful Black feelings, the beautiful Black waves moving in beautiful
By Steve Forrest and Susannah Cullinane Bill Cosby issued a statement in support of his former co-star and longtime friend Phylicia Rashad, who earlier apologized for celebrating Cosby’s release from prison. Cosby, once known as “America’s Dad,” was released on Wednesday after Pennsylvania’s highest
By Lisa Respers France There was backlash over Vanessa Williams performing for Independence Day before it even happened. Williams hosted PBS’ “A Capitol Fourth” on Sunday, and it had been announced that she would sing “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” which has
Review by Brian Lowry A pair of documentaries showcase strong directing debuts by Black filmmakers for the Fourth of July weekend: “Summer of Soul” transforms long-lost video into an intoxicating and layered look back at the Harlem Cultural Festival of 1969; and
by Amir Vera Maggie Montoya used to love Independence Day fireworks. Now, the loud explosions and bangs that come with the American ritual agonize her. The 26-year-old’s views on fireworks changed after she had to hide under a desk while a gunman fired
By Keely Aouga and Laura Ly Actress Phylicia Rashad sent a letter to Howard University students and parents on Friday, offering “[her] most sincere apology” for tweeting in celebration of Bill Cosby’s sexual assault conviction being overturned. “My remarks were in no way
Analysis by Lisa Respers France Depending on you and your life experiences, Bill Cosby is either an abuser or the latest Black man to fall prey to being unjustly accused. In the case of the 83-year-old actor, it is actually dozens of
By John Blake One evening, Robin DiAngelo became a nice racist. DiAngelo, author of “White Fragility,” remembers the precise moment it happened. A friend invited her to join a few friends of hers for dinner. When DiAngelo arrived at the restaurant, she was excited
by Jacqui Palumbo Three years after Barack and Michelle Obama’s official portraits were unveiled at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, the paintings have arrived at the Art Institute of Chicago, where the former President and First Lady had their very first date. On
By Lisa Respers France Michael B. Jordan has issued an apology regarding his new liquor brand following some high-profile complaints. The “Creed” actor recently launched a line of rum called called J’Ouvert, joining the many celebs who have gotten into the spirits industry.
