Category: Entertainment

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Jay-Z Day and the Erosion of Political Substance

In the hallowed chambers of New York City’s legislative realm, a proposal has surfaced that could forever alter the way we perceive civic celebration. Farah Louis and other council members have proposed legislation to declare December 4 as “Jay-Z Day” in honor of Shawn Carter, the man who would later become a global phenomenon. While the intent is to honor Jay-Z’s cultural contributions, it forces us to confront a disconcerting trend that has seeped into the very fabric of our political landscape—the fervent embrace of celebrity culture.

Entertainment
Stefi Mar

Christmas Morning Blaze Engulfs Beyoncé’s Childhood Home

A Christmas morning fire broke out at the childhood home of global music icon Beyoncé Knowles-Carter. Authorities said the incident happened at around 2 a.m. on Monday at the home in the historic Riverside Terrace neighborhood of Houston.

Entertainment
Stefi Mar

Taraji P. Henson’s Candid Revelation Sparks Industry Support for Equal Pay

In a recent SiriusXM interview with Gayle King, iconic actress Taraji P. Henson bravely addressed the pervasive issue of pay inequality in Hollywood, triggering an outpouring of solidarity from her peers. The 53-year-old star, celebrated for her roles in “Empire” and “The Color Purple,” opened up about the substantial pay gap that Black women face in the entertainment industry.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Sports Illustrated Names Deion Sanders Sportsman of the Year for 2023

After all the controversy that came with his decision to leave an HBCU, Jackson State University, Sanders remains a winner even after a losing season. The Colorado Buffaloes record is 4-8. But the excitement around the Buffaloes, despite the record, led to excitement for all of college football.

Entertainment
Stefi Mar

Emmy-Winning Actor Andre Braugher Dies at 61

Renowned actor Andre Braugher, celebrated for his compelling performances in iconic television series such as “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and “Homicide: Life on the Street,” has died at 61 after a brief illness. His publicist, Jennifer Allen, first confirmed the news to Variety.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

The Forgotten Legacy of The Black Man Who Blazed a Trail for Stephen A. Smith and Others to Make Millions

In the glitzy world of sports talk radio, where mega-contracts make headlines and charismatic hosts dominate the airwaves, there is an unsung pioneer whose name rarely echoes through the halls of fame. As Tom Brady secured an industry-leading $375 million contract with Fox Sports, surpassing his legendary playing career earnings, and Jim Rome and Stephen A. Smith rake in tens of millions annually, there’s rarely a nod to the trailblazer who laid the foundation for this now lucrative profession — Art Rust Jr.


Entertainment
Stefi Mar

T.I. and Tiny Open Affordable Housing Complex in Atlanta

HipHopDx.com said T.I. had been actively involved in community initiatives through his Buy Back the Block initiative, investing over $2.7 million since 2017 to acquire six properties and plots of land in his Center Hill neighborhood.

Entertainment
Stefi Mar

Lenny Kravitz Sets the Record Straight on Black Awards Controversy

In a statement, Kravitz expressed the importance of setting the record straight. “It is important to me to set the record straight on recent media reports based on an interview I did,” Kravitz asserted. “My Black musical heritage means a lot to me, and I owe my success to my supporters who have taken this journey with me over the span of my career.”

Entertainment
Stefi Mar

Judge Awards Aretha Franklin’s Property to Her Sons

A Michigan judge has allocated properties owned by the late legendary soul singer Aretha Franklin to her sons based on a 2014 handwritten will discovered between couch cushions. The decision came after a jury in the Detroit area affirmed the document’s validity four months ago, despite its somewhat messy appearance. The ruling replaces a prior 2010 handwritten will that had surfaced earlier in the estate proceedings.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Richard Roundtree, Trailblazing “Shaft” Actor, Dies at 81

Richard Roundtree, the iconic actor renowned for portraying the suave private detective in the groundbreaking “Shaft” film series, has died at 81. His longtime manager, Patrick McMinn, confirmed that Roundtree succumbed to pancreatic cancer at his residence in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The legendary actor, who also battled and triumphed over breast cancer in 1993, underwent a double mastectomy.

Entertainment
Stefi Mar

NOLA Reggae Fest- Good Vibes in the Crescent City

Tens of thousands of music aficionados descended upon the Birthplace of American music for the launch of New Orleans Music Month. New Orleans Music Month is a city-wide month-long celebration of New Orleans vibrant music ecosystem. While New Orleans is known as the center of music culture, the music industry is also a critical component of the local economy.

Entertainment
Stefi Mar

Hollywood Stars and Executives Unite in Plea for Hostage Release Amid Israel–Hamas Conflict

A coalition of prominent Hollywood figures, including Chris Rock, Diddy, and Tiffany Haddish, have penned an impassioned letter to President Joe Biden, expressing gratitude for his leadership during the Israel-Hamas conflict. The group of Hollywood power players connected to the recently launched website “No Hostage Left Behind” also urged continued attention to the hostages in Gaza in the letter.

Entertainment
Stefi Mar

NOLA Funk Fest-Can’t Get Enough of That Funky Stuff

October is the true first fall month in New Orleans. The cooler weather provides a great opportunity to get outdoors to party with a purpose at various events. A trip to New Orleans isn’t complete without a visit to Musical Legends Park, 311 Bourbon Street.

Arts & Culture
Stefi Mar

Here: Arts & Culture Along the K

Metro art partnered with The Museum of African American Art to showcase Here: Arts & Culture Along the K. This is a multimedia art exhibition showcasing the Metro Art K Line program.

Local
Stefi Mar

And the Beat Goes on at the Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival

The Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) celebrated the 41st anniversary of the Annual Day of the Drum Festival, and the 46th anniversary of the Annual Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival. DCA and the Friends of the Watts Towers Arts Center hosted the multicultural dance and music performance at the Saturday, September 30, for the Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival and Sunday, October 1, for the Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival.

Entertainment
Stefi Mar

2nd Annual Jazz on the Grass: The Second Time Around

he possible threat of rain didn’t put a damper on the large, multi-cultural, diverse crowd in attendance for the 2nd Annual Jazz on the Grass, Saturday, September 30, 2023. Jazz on the Grass was presented by the Compton Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Ain’t no party like a Delta party!