ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith, a graduate of Winston-Salem University in North Carolina, is creating a new docuseries that will focus heavily on the history and importance of America’s HCBUs. The show is being produced with director Elaine Oliver, the director and
By Diana Dasrath and Phil Helsel Rapper Coolio, known for hits including “Fantastic Voyage” and “Gangsta’s Paradise,” has died at age 59, his manager confirmed Wednesday evening. The news was first reported by TMZ. Coolio, whose real name was Artis Leon Ivey Jr.,
By Tom Williams Michelle Obama plans a six-city tour this fall in support of her new book, “The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times,” beginning mid-November in Washington. D.C. and ending a month later in Los Angeles. “I’m looking forward to making some
By Claretta Bellamy The legendary actress Cicely Tyson was known for her style, grace and compelling presence both on stage and in film. Now, the multi-hyphenate star posthumously has a street renamed after her in the neighborhood she grew up in. On Saturday, the
By Wilson Morales Set in the 19th century and inspired by true events, the newly released feature film “The Woman King” tells the story of the West African kingdom of Dahomey, the horrific effects of the transatlantic slave trade and the Agojie, the
By Claretta Bellamy The theater where James Earl Jones made his Broadway debut in 1958 is now named in his honor. In a dedication ceremony Monday, the Cort Theatre on West 48th Street in Manhattan’s Theater District was officially renamed the James
By Char Adams Sheryl Lee Ralph, Quinta Brunson, Lizzo and Zendaya dominated the 2022 Emmys, making the biggest night in television a historic moment for Black women in TV. Ralph, a Hollywood legend with a career spanning more than 40 years, took home her first Emmy on Monday.
By Claretta Bellamy Civil rights icon Ruby Bridges made history as the first Black student to attend an all-white school in 1960, and now she’s sharing her inspirational story through a new children’s book. “I Am Ruby Bridges” tells the activist’s story
By Raya Rajamani Hip-hop icons including Russell Simmons, Eric B and Grand Wizzard Theodore joined Mayor Eric Adams in the Bronx on Wednesday to celebrate $5.5 million in funding for the future Universal Hip Hop Museum. The museum, which is under construction at the
By Tat Bellamy-Walker The joys and challenges of being a Black transgender man during the 1940s are on full display in the hit queer remake of “A League of Their Own,” which debuted on Amazon this month. Lea Robinson (pronounced Lee), a Black
By Claire Bellamy The singer will compose a commissioned score at the Fall Fashion Gala’s 10th anniversary celebration next month. Singer and songwriter Solange Knowles can soon add ballet composer to her impressive list of accomplishments. The New York City Ballet announced Monday that
