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June 29, 2023 — Day One of the 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by Coca-Cola® kicked off in its forever home of New Orleans. Mayor LaToya Cantrell of New Orleans and ESSENCE Ventures President & CEO Caroline Wanga and the executive leadership team, kicked off this year’s festival with the annual press conference, starting the weekend celebrations with opening remarks highlighting the yearly economic impact of the ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ on the local New Orleans community. Celebrations continued throughout the day with the Global Black Economic Forum™, which featured an invite-only Access and Opportunity Summit at the Four Seasons, where members of The Biden-Harris Administration, including Vice…
On Wednesday, June 28th, Vice President Harris and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff hosted a reception in partnership with GLAAD to celebrate LGBTQ Pride Month and to call leaders in the community to unite in the fight for LGBTQ acceptance and equality. “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 15 Winner and transgender advocate Sasha Colby emceed the program, and other speakers included Second Gentleman Emhoff as well as GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. The program featured a performance from Tony award-winning nonbinary actor Alex Newell who sang Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.” Sam Charney, a young LGBTQ advocate from…
Multiple Grammy® award nominee Keyshia Cole (Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is) will executive produce and make her acting debut, playing herself, in a new Lifetime biopic following her early days in Oakland honing her musical talents to her rise to a multi-platinum selling recording artist and television personality, to her complicated yet warmhearted relationship with her mother Frankie Lons played by Debbi Morgan (All My Children). Premiering Saturday, June 24 as part of Lifetime’s celebration of Black Music Month at 8p/7c, Keyshia Cole: This is My Story is directed by D’Angela Proctor (Line Sisters) and Manu Boyer (Girl in the Basement) and features a new song recorded by…
Today, the Black American Music Association (BAMAssoc) and the Georgia Entertainment Caucus (GEC), collaboratively announced the ceremony and plans for the Black Music Month Class of 2023 Induction. The Black Music Month Induction will recognize and honor trailblazing artists, iconic entertainers, and luminaries who have impacted both Black culture and the community at large. The Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame (BMEWOF) Crown Jewel of Excellence Black Music Month Class of 2023 Induction will be held on October 26th, 2023. The BMEWOF extends special thanks to Charles Woodson’s INTERCEPT WINES for sponsoring their press conference and induction announcement June 12th at MODEx Studios. BMEWOF Founders Catherine Brewton (GEC), Demmette Guidry (BAMAssoc), Erica Thomas (GEC), and Michael T…
(June 15, 2023) – Today, BET announced an unprecedented slate of performers taking the stage at “BET Awards” 2023, airing LIVE on BET on Sunday, June 25, 2023, at 8 PM ET/ PT. Starting from the beginning, Culture’s Biggest Night will be a Non-stop Hip Hop Party celebrating 50 years of the genre throughout the LIVE telecast. From West Coast to East Coast, Trap to Bounce, Afro Beats, and Dance Hall, the culture’s finest are set to deliver a full range of Hip Hop favorites, including 69 Boyz, Big Daddy Kane, Chief Keef, DJ Unk, E-40, Fast Life Yungstaz &…
Catch the excitement of The 8th Annual Black Music Honors, presented by Procter & Gamble, as this spectacular televised special continues to air during Black Music Month and Juneteenth with exciting performances and unforgettable tribute moments including an ode to 50 years of Hip Hop. Thrilling performances from acts like Da Brat, Anthony Hamilton, Tina Campbell, Robin Thicke, Juvenile, Queen Naija, Jacquees, Kenny Lattimore, Lil’ Mo, Sevyn Streeter, Tweet, Elle Varner and more make this year’s show the must-watch event of the year. Upcoming air dates in some major cities celebrating Juneteenth weekend include: Saturday, June 17 Washington, DC WDCW at 6:00 PMBaltimore WNUV CW at 6:00…
Kim and Khloé Kardashian went life-sized when visiting World of Barbie, a one-of-a-kind immersive experience at Santa Monica Place in Santa Monica, California on Monday, June 12. Kim, Khloé, Chicago, True, Dream and Stormi explored the interactive experience where they posed in Barbie’s Fashion Studio, hosted their own show in Barbie’s TV studio, played make believe in Barbie’s Camper Van, “swam” in Barbie’s swimming (ball) pool, and took selfies throughout the entire 20,000 square-foot. Playing the part, Kim and Khloé (and the girls!) dressed head-to- (pointed) toe in Barbie-core pink for the girl’s day! Highlight photos are available HERE provided…
The Stellar Gospel Music Awards, Gospel music’s biggest night, is set to return to Las Vegas for its 38th annual celebration. This year, the event is taking its renowned festivities to new heights with the introduction of the ultimate fan experience, the Stellar+ Experience (Stellar+EXP). Co-founders Rhonda Jackson-Sams and Michele Murphy have curated an unparalleled lineup of activities that will showcase the talents, vision, creativity, and innovation of the Gospel music industry. The Stellar+EXP provides attendees and participants with a completely personalized experience, featuring concerts, discussions, master classes, and much more. As a multi-generational family weekend event, the addition of…
The American Cinematheque announced today that Helen Mirren will be the 37th recipient of the American Cinematheque Award in a tribute being planned for Saturday, November 4, 2023, while Kevin Goetz and Screen Engine will be honored with the 2023 Power of Cinema Award Presented by Hill Valley. The event is an annual fundraiser for the non-profit organization that continues its year-round programming at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica, Los Feliz 3 Theatre in Los Feliz, and Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. American Cinematheque Board Chair Rick Nicita announced the American Cinematheque Award selection by stating: “Helen Mirren has won…
Summer may be still on the way, but Christmas is coming. Today, Swirl Films has announced the casting for “Christmas Ringer,” as part of BET+’s upcoming slate of original, holiday programming. Trenyce Cobbins (Weird: The Al Yankovic Story) and Tyler Lepley (Harlem, P-Valley) lead an all star cast of music superstars including platinum-selling R&B powerhouse Tamika Scott of XSCAPE (SWV & XSCAPE: The Queens of R&B), GRAMMY-winning songstress Chrisette Michele (Miracles Across 125th Street), GRAMMY-nominated singer Kelly Price (American Soul, Saints and Sinners), founding member of 112 and legendary R&B crooner Q. Parker and hit rapper Akbar V (Love &…