Entertainment
Chicago Auto Show at McCormick Place Returns
Governor JB Pritzker and Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot recently joined elected officials, tourism backers and labor leaders to announce the return of the annual Chicago Auto Show, a marquee event that draws tourists from around the world. While the Auto Show marks the first large convention to take place since the COVID-19 pandemic began, officials expect to welcome other conventions and tourist events this summer with safety precautions.
Tasha Smith Tapped as Director for Pilot Episode of Upcoming FOX Series "Our Kind of People" From Producers Karin Gist and Lee Daniels
Multihyphenate actress, director, producer and coach, Tasha Smith, has been brought on to direct the pilot and second episode of the upcoming FOX drama, "Our Kind of People," inspired by the book by Laurence Otis Graham and produced by Karin Gist (Star, Mixed-ish) and Lee Daniels (Star, Empire.)
Woman Receives Cicero Speechwriting Award
Norfolk native, Shereese Floyd-Thompson, founder and chief storytelling officer for the Witness My Life Movement, has won a 2021 Cicero Speechwriting Award from Vital Speeches of the Day.
Get Into It With Tami Roman to Premiere On FOX SOUL
Actress, Producer, Television Personality, Comedian, Spokesperson and Seasoned Businesswoman Tami Roman recently premiered her new show, Get Into It With Tami Roman on FOX SOUL.
Terron Brooks Releases New Single “Tomorrow” Available May 7
Terron Brooks, two-time NAACP Award nominated singer-songwriter, actor and writer recently announced the release of his new inspirational single “Tomorrow,” available for download May 7.
Fire in Little Africa Set for May 28
Fire in Little Africa – a groundbreaking album of original material, written and recorded by a collective of Oklahoma hip hop artists to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre – will be released on May 28 by Motown Records/Black Forum in partnership with Tulsa’s Bob Dylan Center® and Woody Guthrie Center®.
Black Female Marketing Strategist Creates a Virtual Concert Experience for Artists with Over 1.5 Million Viewers
Artists looking for a complete virtual experience have a new way to draw in audiences from around the globe with SetApartandChosen.com. The newly improved channel, whose primary focus is allocated to Christian and Gospel artists, aims to provide a virtual experience complete with 1.5 million viewers for artists who have experienced a substantial decline in actual engagement with supporters and fans alike, due to COVID19 and safety precautions.
OWN’S Award-Winning Hit Series ‘Iyanla: Fix My Life’ To Conclude With Its Eighth Season
OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network has announced that after ten years and eight seasons, the award-winning hit “Iyanla: Fix My Life” will have its series finale when all-new episodes premiere Saturday, April 10 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. A two-hour farewell special will air on Saturday, May 22 at 9 p.m. ET/PT showcasing all the memorable moments and never-before-seen footage from the series.
Golden Globe Winner Idris Elba Signs Multi-Book Deal With HarperCollins Children’s Books
Iconic and multi-award-winning actor, musician, filmmaker, and activist Idris Elba has signed a global multi-book deal with HarperCollins to publish a range of children’s books launching in 2022.
Celebrating Women’s History Month
Pandora Rev recently announced that it will celebrate Women’s History Month with a special virtual event, Pandora LIVE Powered By Women, featuring performances by Gwen Stefani and Jazmine Sullivan. Hoda Kotb from SiriusXM’s TODAY Show Radio (ch.108) will host the evening and be joined by the performers as well as special guests Lauren Aliana and Becky G. for a roundtable discussion focused on the themes of the holiday. Pandora LIVE Powered By Women will take place on March 30 at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT, and listeners can RSVP for free at https:// pandoralivepoweredbywomen. splashthat.com/PR
Film Collection Honors Black History Month
Celebrating the talented Black actors and filmmakers in the TV and film world is an easy and enjoyable way to commemorate Black History Month. Among those noted stars is Vivica A. Fox, a leading lady in numerous blockbuster films.
In celebration of Black History Month, Hallmark Mahogany Gives Away One Million Cards
Hallmark Mahogany, the greeting card brand that has honored and celebrated Black culture for more than 30 years, recently announced the launch of a giveaway of one million greeting cards in celebration of Black History Month.
Comcast Launches Black Experience on Xfinity Channel, Endorsed by African American Film Critics Association
Comcast NBCUniversal is excited to announce the launch of Black Experience on Xfinity, a first-of-its kind destination of Black entertainment, movies, TV shows, news, and more. Curated by industry leaders, Black Experience will feature high-quality content from many of Xfinity’s existing network partners, at no additional cost, while investing millions of dollars in fostering and showcasing emerging Black content creators. The channel is the only one of its kind endorsed by African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA), the world's largest group of Black film critics that gives annual awards for excellence in film and television.
Dave Chappelle Tests Positive for COVID; Cancels All Shows
Comedian Dave Chappelle tested positive for the coronavirus just before a recently scheduled comedy show. As a result, Chappelle’s upcoming appearances were canceled, a spokeswoman said.
