Entertainment
Kerry Washington Honored with Elevate Prize Catalyst Award at Sundance
The Elevate Prize Foundation presented the Elevate Prize Catalyst Award to Emmy Award–winning actor, producer, director, author, and activist Kerry Washington during the Sundance Film Festival today. The honor recognizes Washington's career-long commitment to using storytelling as a powerful force for democracy. For more than a decade, Washington has advanced that mission through Simpson Street Productions, the award-winning company she founded to expand whose stories are seen, heard, and valued on screen with past productions including Hulu's Little Fires Everywhere and HBO's Confirmation.
Vision Films to Release Poignant Family Drama 'Love The Skin You're In' for Black History Month
Vision Films, Inc. ("Vision") has announced the North American Transactional VOD release of the inspirational empowerment drama Love The Skin You're In. From first-time filmmaker Sauda Johnson-McNeal and her production company Ron Ash, LLC in conjunction with award-winning producer Kimberly Ogletree of KARAT Entertainment, the film focuses on self-love and celebrates the strength and unity of Black families. The film is written, produced by, and stars Sauda Johnson-McNeal, directed by Kenn Michael, and produced by Kimberly Ogletree. Brittney Murray is the co-producer, and the executive producers are Obba Babatundé, Ronald Ashford, Phillip Sparks and Sauda Johnson-McNeal. Shot on location in Los Angeles, California, the film features a notable cast of television and film favorites, including the iconic Marla Gibbs, Obba Babatundé, and Wendy Raquel Robinson.
Quince Partners Exclusively with A$AP Rocky on DON'T BE DUMB Vinyl and Limited-Edition Apparel
Quince, the brand redefining modern luxury through uncompromising quality and accessible prices, announces a partnership with multi-hyphenate artist, entrepreneur, actor, and fashion icon A$AP Rocky to celebrate the release of DON'T BE DUMB, the artist's highly anticipated first studio album in over seven years marking a long-awaited return that blends music, fashion and visual storytelling.
BREAKOUT R&B/POP ARTIST GABBY SAMONE RELEASES DEBUT SINGLE "COMPLICATED"
American Idol Season 23 finalist, viral sensation, and rising R&B/Pop artist Gabby Samone released her debut original single "Complicated," available on all digital streaming platforms Friday, Jan. 16, via BMG.
RECORDING ACADEMY® HONORS PRESENTED BY THE BLACK MUSIC COLLECTIVE RETURNS
The Recording Academy®'s Black Music Collective (BMC) will host the fourth annual Recording Academy Honors, celebrating the illustrious careers of music legends Pharrell Williams, Brandy and Kirk Franklin on Thursday, Jan. 29. The GRAMMY® Week event will take place at the Fairmont Century Plaza, just days before Music's Biggest Night®.
A$AP Rocky Partners with Bilt to Drop Exclusive Member Vinyl and Launch "Rent Free" Campaign
Bilt, the rewards program that connects where you live with the places you love, today announced an exclusive collaboration with multi-hyphenated artist, entrepreneur, actor and fashion icon A$AP Rocky to celebrate the release of his long-awaited fourth studio album DON’T BE DUMB arriving January 16. The partnership features a Bilt-exclusive limited edition vinyl designed by Rocky himself, honoring his deep connection to Harlem and New York. The custom vinyl showcases New York-inspired cover art with artistic details that reflect Rocky's roots in the community that shaped him.
Keith Lee Wins Creator of the Year at Inaugural U.S. TikTok Awards
Influencer and food-critic Keith Lee was named Creator of the Year at the first-ever U.S.TikTok Awards, recognizing his impact as one of the platform’s most influential and trusted voices.
USHER and Big Sean Announce $1 Million Entertainment Incubator to Power the Next Generation of Creators with Generous Support from Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and Emory University Goizueta Business
Global entertainment icons and Boys & Girls Clubs alumni USHER and Big Sean have announced a landmark $1 million investment in Detroit youth with the creation of the Detroit Entertainment Innovation Incubator which will be housed inside the new Michigan Central Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan. Along with Usher’s New Look® (UNL) and Sean Anderson Foundation (SAF), additional key education and industry partners include Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and Emory University’s Goizueta Business School. The Entertainment Innovation Incubator will offer a virtual production studio, special effects lab, creators lounge and more.
Assembly Studios partners with Autumn Bailey Entertainment and Braveheart Entertainment
Independent film powerhouses Autumn Bailey Entertainment (ABE) and Ty Walker's Braveheart Entertainment have announced a major production partnership with one of Atlanta's most advanced and expansive film campuses, Assembly Studios, managed by Universal Production Services.
LOUIS CARR APPOINTED PRESIDENT OF BET
Paramount recently announced that Louis Carr has been appointed President of BET, expanding his longstanding leadership at the largest media company dedicated to entertaining, engaging, and empowering the Black community and championing Black culture. Carr assumes leadership of BET from Scott Mills, who earlier today announced his departure after 23 years at the company. Carr will report to George Cheeks, Chair of TV Media at Paramount.
NAACP & BET Announce Date of “57th NAACP Image Awards” Comedian, Actor, and Writer Deon Cole Returns as Host
Recently, NAACP and BET announced the "57th NAACP Image Awards" will air live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on Saturday, February 28, at 8:00 PM ET/PT on BET. Beloved comedian, actor, and multi-NAACP Image Award winner Deon Cole will return as host.
The Apollo x Kwanza Jones Announce "Culture In Motion," a National Roadshow Uniting Communities Through Arts and Empowerment
The Apollo and acclaimed artist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Kwanza Jones announced Culture In Motion™, a new National Roadshow launching January 2026 to expand the Apollo's nearly 100-year legacy into communities across the United States. Designed to strengthen cultural access and community connection, the Roadshow brings Apollo programming, creative engagement, and SUPERCHARGED® by Kwanza Jones empowerment experiences directly to neighborhoods nationwide.
Qatar Airways and Swizz Beatz Launch ‘The Qatar Airways Creative 100’
In a global first, Qatar Airways has announced a ground-breaking cultural partnership with Grammy Award-winning artist, entrepreneur, and international creative force, Swizz Beatz. The collaboration was unveiled at an event at Art Basel Paris 2025, where Qatar Airways, the World’s Best Airline as voted by Skytrax in 2025, also serves as a Premium Partner across all five of Art Basel’s world leading fairs.
Rolling Out Celebrates 25 Years of Culture, Creativity & Community
Rolling Out, America’s leading Black-owned multimedia platform, proudly marks its 25th anniversary by expanding into music with the official launch of Rolling Out Music. This new subsidiary is a forward-thinking record label and creative hub built to amplify the voices of independent artists, curate cultural moments, and deliver authentic Black music experiences that transcend generations and genres.
