Entertainment
Inaugural HBCU Hoops Invitational Coming to Walt Disney World Resort in December
Several marquee Black college basketball programs are taking part in the first-ever HBCU Hoops Invitational at Walt Disney World Resort this winter. The men's field for the Dec. 4-7 tourney features Florida A&M University, Tuskegee University, Florida Memorial University and Barber-Scotia College, while the women's bracket includes Bethune-Cookman University, Hampton University, Edward Waters University and Cheyney University.
The Burns Brothers Are Building More Than Businesses--They're Bridging the Diaspora
As Nairobi rises to global prominence with major United Nations agencies set to relocate their headquarters to the city, a new era for Africa is unfolding. John and Mike Burns—the visionary entrepreneurs and cultural architects known as The Burns Brothers—are building bridges across continents, advancing a movement of Black leadership that reflects Africa's expanding role on the world stage. From orchestrating historic White House events to launching Africa's first African American-owned private members' club, the brothers are charting an interconnected world where the diaspora thrives. Their expanding ecosystem of businesses now spans continents united by a singular mission: to uplift, connect, and inspire diverse communities through ownership, creativity, and opportunity.
Academy Award Honoree and Multi-Emmy Winner Debbie Allen to Deliver Keynote at CommHIT25 at Kennedy Space Center
Internationally acclaimed actor, director, choreographer, and philanthropist Debbie Allen will deliver the keynote address at CommHIT25, taking place December 4–5, 2025 at CommHIT's headquarters at NASA/Kennedy Space Center. Hosted by CommHIT, the two-day annual event brings together leaders in business, healthcare, and technology to explore the theme "Coopetition: The Art of Competing and Collaborating."
Award-winning actress, producer Marsai Martin to serve as Creative Ambassador for the 2025 HBCU First LOOK Film Festival November 6–8, 2025
The 2025 HBCU First LOOK Film Festival announced that actress/producer and entrepreneur Marsai Martin will be the Creative Ambassador for the third annual film festival. Convening again at Howard University from November 6 – 8, 2025; the HBCU First LOOK Film Festival will continue to provide a platform for young creatives to present their work and learn about the diverse aspects of the business from HBCU alumni and industry allies who support the cultural institutions.
Stellar Award-Nominated Gospel Recording Artist Jordan G. Welch Announces "The Worship Culture Tour," a Two-Day Immersive Worship Experience Visiting Seven Cities
Worship is not limited to the stage; it's carried by the hearts of the people. Stellar Awards–nominated gospel recording artist Jordan G. Welch is redefining the worship experience with The Worship Culture Tour, a transformative two-day gathering that invites participants from all backgrounds to engage in authentic, community-centered worship.
UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP AND THE UCLA HERB ALPERT SCHOOL OF MUSIC ESTABLISH THE BERRY GORDY MUSIC INDUSTRY SCHOLARSHIP TO HONOR THE LEGACY OF A MUSIC PIONEER
Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, announced the establishment of the Berry Gordy Music Industry Scholarship at The Herb Alpert School of Music. In partnership with The UCLA Foundation, UMG has endowed a new scholarship, which will support high-potential students studying in the school's Music Industry Program.
Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Brings $100K Singing Competition to Chicagoland This Summer
Wind Creek Casino & Hotel, located in the Chicago Southland, is calling all vocalists to the stage with Sing Your Way to $100K, a live, multi-phase singing competition offering a $100,000 cash grand prize and more than $165,000 in total cash rewards. Pre-registration is open now, and interested contestants are encouraged to sign up now at singyourwaychicago.com to secure their spot. The competition kicks off this month with in-person and video auditions and culminates in a high-energy finale on Saturday, August 23, 2025.
The IBUKUN Hip Hop Art & Culture Fest Is Coming to Chicago
This summer, Chicago will experience a powerful celebration of culture, creativity, and community healing as the IBUKUN Hip Hop Art & Culture Fest takes over the Zhou B Art Center (1029 W. 35th Street, Chicago) on Saturday, July 26, 2025 from 3:00pm - 8:00pm. The event is hosted by Ibukun Comprehensive Community Services and is more than a cultural event, this all-day festival is also a fundraiser dedicated to supporting mental health services for disadvantaged youth, families, and underserved communities across the city.
ALL ARTS Premieres The Darkroom MCs
ALL ARTS the streaming platform and TV channel dedicated to the arts, will premiere The Darkroom MCs, a five-part documentary series created, directed, produced and co-hosted by photographers Russell Frederick and Anderson Zaca. Episodes will debut Wednesdays through July 16 on the ALL ARTS website, YouTube channel and free streaming app. Broadcast airdates will be announced at a later date.
Brandy & Monica Announce First-Ever Co-Headlining Tour: The Boy Is Mine - Fall 2025
The highly anticipated The Boy Is Mine Tour was officially announced on CBS Mornings by Brandy and Monica. The iconic GRAMMY Award-winning artists will embark on their first-ever co-headlining run this fall. Produced by Black Promoters Collective, the 24-city arena tour kicks off October 16 and travels across the U.S. through December 7. It also marks a historic moment more than 25 years in the making, building on the legacy of their 1998 game-changing duet "The Boy Is Mine," which spent a record-shattering 13 consecutive weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a defining cultural touchstone of late '90s R&B. The song also placed them in an elite group of artists — including Whitney Houston (14 weeks with "I Will Always Love You") and Mariah Carey (16 weeks with "One Sweet Day") — who have commanded the Hot 100's top spot for 13 weeks or more.
BET MEDIA GROUP AND FULWELL ENTERTAINMENT'S SPRINGHILL ANNOUNCE "106 & SPORTS" -- WHERE SPORTS MEETS CULTURE, STYLE AND REAL TALK
BET Media Group, the largest media company dedicated to championing Black culture, and SpringHill, the award-winning studio within Fulwell Entertainment, proudly announce 106 & Sports—a bold new weekly series where the biggest stories in sports meet culture, fashion, and real conversation. Officially unveiled live on stage during the 106 & Park 25thAnniversary celebration during the "BET Awards," the show will be hosted by NFL MVP and media personality Cam Newton and CBS Sports Analyst/Host/Reporter Ashley Nicole Moss.
A Night for Linda Martell: Nashville Event Honors a Country Music Pioneer
On the evening of June 4, Sun Records and the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) came together to celebrate the music and legacy of Linda Martell—on her 84th birthday and in honor of Black Music Month and the 55th anniversary of her groundbreaking album Color Me Country.
Kwanza Jones Introduces Inaugural Innovator Award Honoring Teyana Taylor at Historic Apollo Spring Benefit
At a landmark moment in The Apollo Theater's nearly century-long history, Kwanza Jones, nine-time Billboard-charting music artist, impact investor, and philanthropist, took the stage at the 2025 Apollo Spring Benefit to introduce the first-ever Innovator Award and its honoree, fellow multi-hyphenate Teyana Taylor.
Taraji P. Henson's Seven Daughters Moscato Joins Princess Cruises' Love Lines Premium Liquors Collection
Princess Cruises has announced the addition of Academy Award-nominated actor and entrepreneur Taraji P. Henson's beloved Moscato, Seven Daughters, to its Love Lines Premium Liquors Collection. Known for its vibrant, lightly sweet flavor, Seven Daughters is designed to elevate the onboard beverage experience with its tropical fruit and honeysuckle notes.
