Entertainment
Documentary Series Drives Change for Global Issues Impacting Humanity
National Geographic has announced that ACTIVATE: THE GLOBAL CITIZEN MOVEMENT, the six-part documentary series from National Geographic and Procter & Gamble, co-produced by Global Citizen and RadicalMedia, will premiere Sept. 5 at 9/8c in the U.S. and will air globally on National Geographic in 172 countries and 43 languages.
Hanna Lee Communications Takes Books from Concept to Publishing, with Built-In Promotion Throughout
Hanna Lee Communications, Inc., an award-winning PR and marketing agency specializing in food, drinks and travel, recently announced Book Incubator Media, a new initiative that identifies authors and compelling subjects to bring new hospitality-focused books to life.
CHICAGO NATIVE SYLEENA JOHNSON HEADLINES 5th ANNUAL BANTU FEST IN CHICAGO
Bantu Incorporated is excited to announce that Syleena Johnson will be the headline act for the 5th Annual ‘Bantu Fest’ taking place July 27th & July 28th, 2019; 10am-10pm; Venue: Midway Plaisance. Bantu Fest is the most anticipated multi-cultural Family Event of the Summer!
eta Creative Arts Foundation announces new Executive Director
eta Creative Arts Foundation, Inc. recently announced Kai EL’ Zabar as the new CEO/Executive Director. EL’ Zabar officially started her tenure at the 48-year old institution on July 15, 2019
The Roots’ ‘The Tipping Point’ To Be Reissued For 15th Anniversary
In honor of its 15th anniversary, The Roots’ legendary sixth album The Tipping Point is available once again via Geffen/Urban Legends. The amalgam of hip-hop, soul and funk, originally released on Geffen Records in 2004, has been reissued as standard black double vinyl as well as on translucent gold limited-edition colored double vinyl, to be released July 12. Order The Tipping Point now at https://urbanlegends.lnk.to/TheTippingPoint
Longest Running Live National July 4th TV Tradition Hosted By John Stamos
This July 4th, A CAPITOL FOURTH continues its 39-year tradition of celebrating our nation’s independence on the West Lawn of the United States Capitol building. Two-time Emmy Award-nominated actor and producer John Stamos (Netflix’s YOU, FULLER HOUSE, ER) returns to host the country’s longest-running live national July 4th TV tradition. A CAPITOL FOURTH’s family-friendly Independence Day celebration will commemorate our country’s 243rd birthday with all-star musical performances, and remains unaffiliated with any other July 4th events around the country, and in other locations in Washington, D.C.
Chicago House Music Lovers Kick-Off Holiday With Annual South Side Pub Crawl
Chicago is a popular destination for summer music events. On Wednesday, July 3rd, thousands of House music lovers will “Get on the Bus” as the organizers House Club Tour, LLC continues the House Club Tour (HCT) Pub Crawl for the fi ft h year. Every year the HCT kicks off the House Music holiday weekend celebrated by music lovers all across the world. Chicago widely recognized as the birthplace of House Music now plays a major role in the current rise of the genre.
Santana’s Thrilling New Album ‘Africa Speaks’ Debuts At #3 On Billboard Top 200
Music legend Carlos Santana’s new album Africa Speaks, out now via Concord Records, has debuted at #3 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart. Santana surpassed the Rolling Stones and, along with Barbara Streisand, is one of only two music acts in Billboard history to score at least one Top Ten album for six consecutive decades from the 1960s on. This is Santana’s third Top Ten release this decade and his highest charting debut since 2005’s All That I Am. Additionally, Africa Speaks debuted #1 on both the Billboard Rock Albums and Billboard Latin Albums charts.
IFBB Bodybuilder Suraqah Shabazz Signs With Mon Ethos Pro
IFBB Pro Bodybuilder, Suraqah Shabazz recently announced his signing with athlete management firm Mon Ethos Pro. Shabazz, a native of Chicago, Illinois and first responder firefighter with the Chicago Fire Department, competed recently at the McClellan Conference Center in McClellan Park, CA (Sacramento) at the 2019 NPC Northern California Championship
Chicago At The Crossroads Premieres at the American Black Film Festival
As Chicago welcomes its history making new mayor, Lori Lightfoot, many residents are hopeful for a brighter future. “I am very optimistic about the new mayor,” begins Community Activist Afrika Porter. “She has talked a lot about reducing violence, putting more education programs in schools, building more schools that fit to the needs of our children in our community…. I think she is going to do exactly what she said she is going to do.”
COMCAST LAUNCHES BLACK MUSIC MONTH COLLECTION ON XFINITY X1
This June, Comcast will celebrate Black Music Month with a one-of-a kind musical showcase on Xfinity X1 spanning genres of music pioneered by African Americans including hip hop, R&B, pop, gospel, and jazz. Available within Xfinity on Demand’s Black Film and TV destination, “A New Era of Sound” features curated music videos, playlists and more from top artists of today with nods to yesterday via X1’s music partners including XITE, Pandora, iHeartRadio, YouTube, and more.
The Jazz Institute of Chicago Celebrates “50 Years of Making Jazz Happen” Featuring Jazz Artists, Music, Dance and Spoken Word Performances, and Exhibits During Free Birthday Bash
The distinct, innovative sound and legacy of jazz music in Chicago takes center stage from June 28 -30 for Chicagoans of all ages to enjoy as the Jazz Institute of Chicago (JIC) and its partners celebrate “50 Years of Making Jazz Happen” during a multi-event, free Birthday Bash weekend at venues in Hyde Park.
Washington Park Serving Up Second Jerk Festival During Caribbean American Heritage Month in June
On June 23rd, 2019 from 10am until 10pm, Jabari C G Productions and Africa International House (Producers of African Festival of the Arts) will serve the 2nd Annual Chicago Jerk Festival promising to turn Washington Park to an exciting melting pot of exotic Jamaican and Caribbean foods and music.
CPL Community Cinema initiative provides opportunity for more city residents to have access to film screenings
The Chicago Public Library recently launched a new citywide program titled Community Cinema. There are 50 library branches participating in this yearlong pilot. This was made possible through the Chicago Public Foundation and with Swank Movie Licensing, which is the largest film licenser and carries all the latest movie releases.
