Entertainment

LITERARY FORCE AND DISTINGUISHED EDUCATOR DR. DANIEL BLACK NAMED PVAMU 2025-2026 TONI MORRISON WRITER-IN-RESIDENCE

Prairie View A&M University is proud to announce that Dr. Daniel Black, distinguished author, professor, mentor, and leader in African American Studies, has been appointed as the 2025-2026 Toni Morrison Writer-in-Residence. This position, one of PVAMU's signature academic and creative appointments, underscores the institution's deep commitment to literary excellence, social conscience, and community engagement.

Bridging the Parent-Teen Gap: SheKnows Launches How to Raise Adults Series

SheKnows announced the launch of How to Raise Adults, a new content series offering insights from teens on navigating the complex transition from adolescence to adulthood. Covering mental health, financial literacy, technology, relationships, and social trends, the series offers an authentic look into teen perspectives and the issues shaping the next generation. As part of the How to Raise Adults series, SheKnows is proud to partner with BetterHelp to spotlight accessible mental health resources that help teens build lifelong well-being.

Holly Robinson Peete & Rodney Peete to Receive Good Sam Award at Rotary Club of Los Angeles Foundation Luncheon

Holly Robinson Peete, best known for her roles in "21 Jump Street," "Hangin' with Mr. Cooper," and "For Your Love," along with her husband Rodney Peete, a former NFL quarterback, will be honored with the prestigious Good Sam Award by the Rotary Club of Los Angeles Foundation during their annual luncheon on Friday, October 24. The event will take place at the historic Biltmore Hotel and will celebrate the couple's remarkable philanthropy through their HollyRod Foundation.

EAGLES LEGEND BRANDON GRAHAM IS BACK IN THE GAME -- PARTNERING WITH FIRSTRUST BANK TO GIVE LOCAL BUSINESSES THE EDGE

Brandon Graham may have hung up his cleats, but he isn't done making big plays for Philadelphia. The legendary Eagles defensive player and two-time Super Bowl Champion is teaming up with Firstrust Bank, Philadelphia's Hometown Bank® and the Official Bank of the Philadelphia Eagles, this NFL season.

Rock Legend Lenny Kravitz to Headline the 2025 Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival Presented by Baha Mar

Baha Mar, the leading resort destination in the Caribbean, is proud to announce 4-time GRAMMY® Award-winning writer, producer, multi-instrumentalist, around multi-hyphenate icon and proud Bahamian Lenny Kravitz as this year's headline performer for The 2025 Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival. The highly anticipated celebration of world-class culinary talent and Caribbean artistic expression will take place Wednesday, October 22 through Sunday, October 26 at Baha Mar. The festival will feature an impressive roster of world-renowned chefs alongside the celebrated FUZE Caribbean Art Fair.

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.