Louis Gossett Jr., the groundbreaking actor whose career spanned over five decades and who became the first Black actor to win an Academy Award as Best Supporting Actor for his memorable role in “An Officer and a Gentleman,” has died.
The Broadway community will honor the late Hinton Battle, a three-time Tony Award-winning actor celebrated as one of Broadway’s most versatile and groundbreaking acting, dance, and song figures. Battle died on January 30, 2024, at 67, leaving behind a legacy that has profoundly influenced the theater world.
After years of speculation and decades of frustration for family members, detectives, and fans alike, a federal jury in Brooklyn has finally reached a verdict in the murder trial of hip-hop pioneer Jam Master Jay. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York announced that Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington had been found guilty of the 2002 killing in a New York City recording studio.
How many music stars (45) were in the A&M studio on January 28, 1985, and what was that wattage like the night “We Are the World” was recorded? As one wag put it: “If a bomb lands on this place, John Denver is back on top!”
Any film that begins with an elaborate, broad daylight heist deserves viewers’ attention. It’s what comes between that intro and the film’s adrenalin-pumping final hour that may give Netflix audiences reasons to take a refrigerator break.
The Leimert Park Jazz Festival presents Sunday Jazz at Ora (formerly Hot & Cool Café) 4331 Degnan Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA. 90008. Doors open at 3:30 p.m., Host band performs 4-5:00 p.m. This is followed by an Open Jazz Jam from 5-6 p.m. Admission is $10.
Tyler Perry was planning an $800 million expansion of his studio in Atlanta. Now the plans are on hold. Why? Because a new text-to-video artificial intelligence (AI) model. The new AI model by ChatGTP entitled “Sora” creates video from a text prompt.
Wendy Williams’ team has confirmed that the former daytime talk show host has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). In a press release, aides to Williams said her condition, including aphasia, has impacted her language and communication abilities, while FTD has impacted Williams’s behavior and cognitive functions. Last year, actor Bruce Willis also shared his battle with the same form of dementia.
Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison’s political odyssey mirrors a narrative of triumph over adversity. Raised by his grandparents in Orangeburg, South Carolina, as the son of a single teenage mom, Harrison knows firsthand the struggles of a family forced to choose between basic necessities. His childhood experiences included nights without heat due to power shut offs.
In an exclusive interview with the Black Press of America’s Let It Be Known morning show, Ziggy Marley, the son of reggae legend Bob Marley, opened up about the profound impact of the hit new movie “Bob Marley, One Love.” Beyond its role as a cinematic journey into the iconic musician’s life, the film has emerged as a catalyst for transformative change, touching the lives of individuals and communities in Jamaica and extending its positive influence beyond geographical boundaries.
Maybe it was Usher’s star-studded halftime show that inspired the Kansas City Chiefs and their superstar quarterback Pat Mahomes in the second half to win their third Super Bowl in four years with a thrilling 25-22 OT victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas. Or, perhaps, it was just inevitable that Mahomes, a Black quarterback was inspired by the pregame singing of “Lift Every Voice,” and the bold “End Racism” sign painted at each end zone. Or could it have been a combination of all of the above along with the specter of playing a 49ers team where Colin Kaepernick took a stand for Black Lives Matter that’s cost him a football career?
Cinephiles, artists, and cultural enthusiasts are in for a memorable experience during the 32nd annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival. (PAFF)
The non-profit organization, Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) is thrilled to announce its continued partnership with the global brand IKEA. The two came together to amplify the creative brilliance of Black artists from around the world as they unveil the 3rd installment of “All Artists Have a Seat at the Table” a unique campaign that not only shines a light on fine Black Art but also inspires collaboration in unlikely places while showcasing artists behind the work. The 2024 campaign launched February 8, at 6:00 pm with a red carpet opening and reception at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, 2nd floor, inside the Museum of African American Art. This glamorous event marked the official unveiling of the “All Artists Have a Seat at the Table” furniture presented by IKEA including a panel discussion by some of its featured artists. The annual event boasts an array of art lovers, film enthusiasts, and some of Hollywood’s top A-listers observing the beautiful artwork, and shopping for unique pieces to add to their collections.
The Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC), an advocacy organization founded in 2020 during the height of the pandemic and the surge of systemic racism, arranged a series of thought-provoking events leading up to GRAMMY weekend. These curated events laid the groundwork for essential conversations, aiming to advance equity for Black creatives beyond the typical glitz and glamor associated with one of the music industry’s most notable nights.
This year’s Grammy Awards included powerful performances from the likes of Stevie Wonder, Fantasia, Joni Mitchell and more, and Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter was honored with the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award. Though it was a celebratory, talent-filled celebration, there were behind-the-scenes drama and onstage moments that have people still talking after what is known as “music’s biggest night.”
The Music Center continues its 21st Season of Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center, with a major presentation and dance residency, co-produced by the Pina Bausch Foundation, École des Sables and Sadler’s Wells, of two dance works choreographed by women-Pina Bausch’s The Rite of Spring and Los Angeles premiere of common ground{s}. Germaine Acogny, founder of École des Sables and Malou Airaudo, an original member of Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch, choreographed common ground{s}.
Some voices define an era within the confines of R&B, and Dave Hollister is undoubtedly one of them. Hollister’s soulful voice has left an indelible mark on the music industry, from his roots in the platinum-selling R&B quartet Blackstreet to a flourishing solo career. Hits like “My Favorite Girl” and “One Woman Man” resonate with audiences, making him a timeless figure in music.
Legendary radio and media personality Donnie Simpson signed off, possibly for the last time, on Friday, January 12. The illustrious career that spanned an incredible 55 years ended with a heartfelt message from the iconic DJ himself.
facebooktwitterinstagram Prominent members in attendance included the former child star Actor, Rodney Allen Rippy, Donna Dymally Photographer to the Stars, Hip Hop performer Heaven Ava,
Shortly after actress Taraji P. Henson said the “math ain’t mathing” when raising concerns about equal pay for women in Hollywood, two new reports not only support the star’s claims, but each go a bit further in revealing the overwhelming disparities in film and television.
