Mass incarceration hits different when you’re reading about what happens behind bars. California prison officials are asking a federal judge to throw out Tory Lanez’s $100 million lawsuit over a brutal stabbing that left him with 16 wounds and two collapsed lungs. The case raises serious questions about prison safety and accountability.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation filed its dismissal motion on July 29, arguing that federal courts cannot hear the claims against the state agency. But here’s where it gets real—mass incarceration isn’t just a statistic. It’s people’s lives on the line.
Lanez was attacked inside California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi on May 12, 2025. According to the lawsuit, inmate Santino Casio approached the rapper with a homemade weapon and stabbed him across his face, head, back and torso. It was vicious.
Lanez was airlifted to a Bakersfield hospital and placed on a ventilator before his condition stabilized. The physical wounds healed, but the mental scars? Those linger.
MIAMI, FLORIDA – JUNE 05: Tory Lanez attends the 1990 Farewell Party on June 05, 2021 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images)
“Truthfully, I’ve done my best to keep my head above water, but mentally, I’ve gone through trauma that I sometimes even struggle with,” he told NBC News. That’s real talk about what survival looks like.
His attorneys claim prison officials knew Casio had a violent history but still allowed the men to be housed together. They also accused guards of responding too slowly during the attack. When you’re reading about radical women of color fighting for justice in the system, you realize men inside need that same fight too.
The lawsuit seeks approximately $1 million for each wound and $10 million for facial scarring. It also alleges staff confiscated handwritten songbooks containing unreleased music. That last part? That’s about stealing someone’s creative voice when they’re already locked away.
Tory Lanez is serving a 10-year sentence for shooting Megan Thee Stallion in 2020. Whether you believe in his innocence or guilt, the conditions he’s experiencing inside demand examination. Prison accountability matters.
dog attack lawsuit updates are hitting different when they involve major celebrity names. Chris Brown is asking a judge to erase a nearly $13 million verdict against him and order a new trial over his former housekeeper’s case.
The singer filed a notice in Los Angeles on Friday declaring that he and his company, Black Pyramid LLC, intend to challenge the judgment entered July 16. Brown’s legal team is serious about this one, and honestly, it shows how complex these civil cases can get. You can learn more about dog attack lawsuit proceedings to understand the stakes better.
A jury found Brown liable after his 200-pound Caucasian shepherd, Hades, attacked Maria Avila while she was taking out trash at his Tarzana, California, home on December 12, 2020. Jurors awarded Avila $12.9 million in damages—a hefty sum that speaks to the severity of the incident.
Avila said the dog mauled her face and arm, leaving injuries that required dozens of stitches and skin grafts. She also claimed she suffered nerve damage that has made working difficult. That’s real trauma, and the jury clearly took her testimony seriously.
Chris Brown attends the Amiri Menswear Fall/Winter 2026-2027 show during Paris Fashion Week on January 22, 2026.
Brown’s attorneys listed several reasons they believe the case should be tried again, including alleged irregularities that prevented a fair trial, jury misconduct, insufficient evidence and what they called an excessive damages award. It’s the typical defense playbook, but the judge will have to decide if any of those arguments hold water.
A hearing on Brown’s planned request is scheduled for September 22. The judge will consider his legal team’s arguments before deciding whether the verdict should stand. It’s a critical moment for both parties involved.
Brown is currently touring with Usher on “The R&B” tour. The hearing is scheduled between the singers’ Las Vegas and Los Angeles concert dates, so Brown will have to juggle his professional commitments while managing this legal battle.
Reality TV Feuds can get messy fast, and Shannon Beador is setting the record straight about some serious accusations. The Real Housewives of Orange County star, 62, recently addressed claims that she mistreated Bravo staffers and fellow personalities. She’s insisting the drama was blown way out of proportion during one of the most challenging seasons of her career.
On the July 23 episode of Jamie Kennedy’s Hate to Break It to Ya podcast, Shannon responded to former producer Patrick McDonald, who accused her of “losing her s–t, yelling, screaming, [and] cussing” at crew members. She explained that Reality TV Feuds during season 18 were particularly rough because she had to film alongside Alexis Bellino during an incredibly difficult time in her life.
“There’s a producer who worked one season on our show, and it was season 18, which is when I had to film with Alexis Bellino,” Shannon said. “I was very withdrawn then. It was a very difficult season for me.”
When it came to Patrick specifically, Shannon pushed back hard. She claimed she actually treated him well, even hosting what felt like a intimate dinner gathering. “No, mister, I cooked you dinner and sent you home with a to-go pack,” she said. That kind of gesture shows a level of care most reality TV personalities reserve for their inner circle.
Shannon also disputed Southern Charm star Rodrigo Reyes’ claim that she was rude to him at BravoCon. Her daughter Sophie was there too, and Shannon said she didn’t even remember seeing him that night. “I don’t even know who this kid is,” Shannon said at first.
But here’s where things shifted. Shannon later appeared on Watch What Happens Live and decided to extend an olive branch. Sometimes a moment of reflection is more powerful than doubling down on conflict. “I’m sorry, Rodrigo,” she said. “Let’s make up.” That’s the kind of accountability that keeps the peace in these high-pressure entertainment circles.
Nicki Minaj is in the middle of a $275,149 lawsuit, and she’s not backing down. Her legal team is pushing back hard against claims that her six-figure hotel stay was just personal indulgence. They’re calling it what it really was—approved tour business.
In a July 31 filing, Minaj’s attorneys came out swinging, accusing 24/7 Productions of leaning on tired stereotypes to paint her as “a spoiled and entitled rap star receiving unearned personal windfalls.” It’s the kind of sensationalized framing that Nicki Minaj and so many Black women in entertainment face constantly. But her team is making it clear: every single expense was vetted and budgeted beforehand.
The production company submitted hotel receipts showing a seven-night stay in a $9,500-per-night suite at the Langham New York. We’re talking premium accommodations here. Four additional rooms, a $1,939.66 private dinner, deliveries, cash advances, and minibar purchases all got added to the tab, bringing the total to $103,730. Minaj checked in under the name “Tori Spaulding,” according to court records.
Her legal team’s stance is straightforward: every dime was approved in advance and covered by a corporate budget for her December 2023 Jingle Ball performances and the Pink Friday 2 launch. This wasn’t some rogue spending spree—it was business infrastructure.
24/7 Productions claims they dropped more than $255,000 for staffing, security, lighting, sound, and accommodations, then waited two years for reimbursement. But Minaj’s company, Pink Friday Productions LLC, maintains those bills were paid in full. Her attorneys also made a legal point: she can’t be held personally liable for an LLC’s alleged debt. That’s just how corporate structure works.
Minaj previously dismissed the whole case as “an ill-advised attempt to sue a famous deep-pocket.” A judge is scheduled to hear her dismissal request on August 3, and honestly? Her team seems confident they’ll walk away from this one.
Some of the biggest names in music, television, film and sports are celebrating their big 5-0 in 2026, and quite a few of them have us questioning how that’s even possible. From the voices behind songs still in rotation to actors who have been on our screens for decades, this year’s birthday class is stacked.
Black celebrities turning 50 in 2026 are redefining what this milestone looks like. These days, 50 looks a lot different than it used to. These stars have Grammys, Emmys, NBA championships, classic records and unforgettable characters between them, and many are still adding new chapters to their careers.
RIVERDALE, GEORGIA – JULY 21: Rapper Rick Ross attends Rick Ross “Set In Stone” Signing & Release Celebration at DBS Sounds on July 21, 2026 in Riverdale, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage)
The biggest boss officially joined the 50 club this year. Since “Hustlin'” helped turn Rick Ross into one of rap’s most recognizable voices, he’s built a catalog of hits, launched Maybach Music Group and turned his larger-than-life persona into a business empire.
Angela Yee — January 3
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 25: Angela Yee attends Curlfest 2026 at Randall’s Island on July 25, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Joy Malone/Getty Images)
Angela Yee has spent years getting celebrities to tell us their business, and we thank her for it. After more than a decade as a co-host of “The Breakfast Club,” the Brooklyn native stepped out on her own with the nationally syndicated show, “Way Up with Angela Yee.”
Kandi Burruss — May 17
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 18: Kandi Burruss attends “The Spell Off LIVE!” on August 18, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for EightState Studios)
Calling Kandi Burruss a reality star doesn’t even begin to cover the resume. Before “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” she was giving us vocals with Xscape and writing records like TLC’s “No Scrubs” and Destiny’s Child’s “Bills, Bills, Bills,” continuing to expand her reach into television, theater and business.
Sterling K. Brown — April 5
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 08: Sterling K. Brown accepts the Best Actor award for “Paradise” onstage during the 8th Annual AAFCA TV Honors at City Club LA on August 08, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Sterling K. Brown has spent the last decade reminding Hollywood that a Black leading man can do just about anything. From his Emmy-winning work on “This Is Us” to “Paradise” and his acclaimed performance in “American Fiction,” Brown has built one of the most impressive acting resumes of his generation.
Ja Rule — February 29
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 11: Ja Rule smiles during the 2026 NBA Summer League game on July 11, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Ryan Stetz/NBAE via Getty Images)
If you were outside in the early 2000s, chances are Ja Rule provided the soundtrack to your life. The Queens rapper helped define an era with his raspy delivery and a run of rap-R&B collaborations, becoming one of Murder Inc.’s biggest stars along the way. But if we’re being technical, because leap day birthdays only happen every four years, wouldn’t he technically only be 12 years old?
Bobby Lashley — July 16
TOKYO, JAPAN – JUNE 29: Bobby Lashley enters the ring during the WWE Live Tokyo at Ryogoku Kokugikan on June 29, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)
Fifty years old and still built like that? Bobby Lashley has been a force across professional wrestling and mixed martial arts for decades, collecting major championships during runs with WWE and TNA before bringing that same dominance to AEW.
Mike Colter — August 26
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 19: Mike Colter attends the Bravo Film Festival: Opening Night Screening of “The Secret Agent” at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Ted Mann Theater on October 19, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
Mike Colter made history as the bulletproof hero Luke Cage, but his career goes well beyond Harlem’s favorite superhero. From “The Good Wife” to “Evil,” Colter has quietly built a resume full of characters that prove his range.
Naomie Harris — September 6
LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 25: Naomie Harris attends the unveiling of RH London, The Gallery in Mayfair on June 25, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images for RH)
Naomie Harris enters the 50 club on Sept. 6 with an Oscar nomination and one seriously impressive filmography. She’s gone from surviving the apocalypse in “28 Days Later” to playing Eve Moneypenny in the James Bond franchise. But her performance as Paula in the Oscar-winning “Moonlight” remains one of her most memorable.
Jaleel White — November 27
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 08: Jaleel White attends the 2025 Baby2Baby Gala presented by Paul Mitchell at Pacific Design Center on November 08, 2025 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images)
Did he do that? Jaleel White gave television one of its most recognizable sitcom characters as Steve Urkel on “Family Matters,” turning what was originally a guest role into a pop culture phenomenon that helped define ’90s television.
Tank — January 1
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 15: Singer Tank performs during R&B Live Tour at State Farm Arena on February 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage)
Everybody’s husband in their heads, Tank started 2026 by celebrating his 50th birthday. After decades of making grown folks’ R&B, he’s earned the celebration. From “Maybe I Deserve” and “Please Don’t Go” to “When We,” the singer-songwriter has remained one of the genre’s most dependable voices. Not to mention his run alongside Tyrese and Ginuwine in TGT.
Rashida Jones — February 25
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 10: Rashida Jones, wearing Ralph Lauren, attends the Ralph Lauren Suite during The Championships, Wimbledon at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 10, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage for Ralph Lauren)
Rashida Jones has never been interested in staying in just one lane. The daughter of legendary producer Quincy Jones has made her own mark through memorable roles on “The Office” and “Parks and Recreation” while building an equally impressive career behind the camera as a writer, producer and filmmaker.
Cam’ron — February 4
MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 02: Cam’ron on the grid during the Sprint ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 02, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Sutton – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
From pink fur coats and pink Range Rovers to Dipset, Cam’ron didn’t just make music. He gave hip-hop a flavor that remains instantly recognizable more than two decades later. The Harlem rapper behind “Oh Boy” and “Hey Ma” has since brought that same personality into sports media with his talk show, “It Is What It Is.”
David Oyelowo — April 1
David Oyelowo at GEANCO’s Family Reunion Hollywood Gala held at 1 Hotel on December 05, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Earl Gibson III/Deadline via Getty Images)
David Oyelowo’s portrayal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in “Selma” remains one of the defining performances of his career. The British-Nigerian actor, director and producer has earned Golden Globe and Emmy nominations, two NAACP Image Awards and an OBE for his on-screen roles.
Rasheeda — May 25
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 2: Rasheeda attends “The Spell Off LIVE!” Season 1 finale on September 2, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for EightState Studios)
Before reality television fans knew Rasheeda as one of the familiar faces of “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta,” she was putting it down as a Southern rapper. The Atlanta fixture has since turned that visibility into a larger brand across music, fashion, entrepreneurship and television.
Plies — July 1
WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 26: Plies performs onstage at The 2025 Florida Party during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference at Hook x Hall DC on September 26, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
Plies gave the mid-2000s more than a few records that still get an immediate reaction when the beat drops. The Fort Myers rapper broke through with “Shawty” featuring T-Pain before following it with fan favorites like “Bust It Baby Pt. 2,” building a career on a voice and personality nobody could mistake for anyone else’s.
Tim Duncan — April 25
SAN ANTONIO, TX – JUNE 3: Tim Duncan walks through the tunnel after the game against the New York Knicks during Game One of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 2, 2026 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. Copyright 2026 NBAE(Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
They didn’t call him “The Big Fundamental” for nothing. Tim Duncan spent his entire NBA career with the San Antonio Spurs and walked away with five championships, two league MVP awards, three Finals MVP trophies and a place in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Blu Cantrell — March 16
Blu Cantrell during Jay-Z Album Release Party for “Kingdom Come” Hosted by GQ and Rocawear – Red Carpet at Area in Hollywood, California, United States. (Photo by John Shearer/WireImage for GQ Magazine)
More than two decades after it first hit the airwaves, “Hit ‘Em Up Style (Oops!)” can still make an entire room start singing about getting revenge on a cheating man. Blu Cantrell’s signature 2001 hit reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned her a Grammy nomination, while her Sean Paul-assisted “Breathe” gave her another early-2000s R&B staple.
Kevin Garnett — May 19
SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS – AUGUST 15: Kevin Garnett poses for a photo from the Red Carpet prior to the 2026 Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at Symphony Hall on August 15, 2026 in Springfield, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
“Anything is possible!” Kevin Garnett’s legendary celebration after winning the 2008 NBA championship with the Boston Celtics pretty much sums up the intensity he brought to basketball. KG retired as an NBA champion, league MVP, Defensive Player of the Year and 15-time All-Star before taking his rightful place in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
SHAMEA MORTON TACITLY FIRED FROM RHOA SEASON 18!! Production Hit Her With “Extremely Low” Offer Under 50% To Force Her Out… While Kelli Ferrell Is Officially Demoted To “Friend”! (EXCLUSIVE)
Honey, clear off the peach tree and hold onto your drinks, because we got the real inside receipts on the Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 18 casting shakeup—and it is far messier than simple online speculation! This tea involves some serious contract negotiations and what insiders are calling strategic “tactic firings” that have the reality television contracts world talking.
Forget the vague chatter on the internet about Shamea walking away or taking a hiatus. Our high-level production insider has exclusively revealed the exact contract tactics Bravo pulled behind closed doors to refresh the cast before cameras start rolling at the end of August 2026. When you’re dealing with reality television contracts at this level, every number tells a story.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JUNE 6: Porsha Williams, Shamea Morton, Kenya Moore and Cynthia Bailey attend Kenya Moore Hair Spa grand opening at Kenya Moore Hair Spa on June 6, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage)
The “Tactic Firing” Of Shamea Morton: Cut By More Than 50%!
While fans were debating whether Shamea chose to walk away after her explosive fallout with Porsha Williams, we learned that production essentially pushed her out the door without having to officially fire her! It’s a move that’s becoming increasingly common in the entertainment industry—one that feels like corporate strategy masquerading as personal choice.
According to our insider, Bravo hit Shamea with an “extremely low” offer for Season 18—slashing her pay to less than 50% of what she earned last season. In the reality TV world, dropping a full-time cast member’s pay by more than half is the classic, textbook definition of a “tactic firing”—executives know the star will turn down the insulting numbers and walk away on her own, saving the network from public backlash. It’s like offering someone a designer handbags collection at wholesale prices when they’re used to retail—the gap tells you everything you need to know.
Kelli Ferrell Officially Demoted To “Friend”
As for Kelli Ferrell, those rumors about her losing her full-time status are officially FACTS! Our insider confirmed that after a tumultuous freshman run filled with off-screen legal battles and mixed fan reception, production decided not to hand Kelli a full-time peach for Season 18. Instead, Kelli has been officially offered a downgraded “friend of the show” role, leaving it up to her whether she wants to film supporting scenes or exit the franchise altogether.
Kelli Ferrell
Let’s look at this directly like a supportive, grounded peer: Honey, network executives use lowball contract offers all the time when they want to refresh a franchise without taking heat for an outright firing. While it’s tough to see cast members get financial pay cuts after putting their entire personal lives on display for what feels like a sous vide slow-burn experience season after season, Shamea standing her ground and refusing an insulting 50% pay cut shows she knows her worth. That’s the kind of self-respect that belongs in a curated reading list about radical women of color who demand better.
We are keeping our line locked to our Atlanta production source as final contracts are signed, so stay completely locked in for updates, honey! Whether it’s about statement pieces in fashion or statement moves in television, knowing your value is everything.
What do you think about Bravo lowballing Shamea and demoting Kelli? Let’s talk about it in the comments below!
Will Anderson Jr. Brings Fresh Energy to Sports Illustrated
Will Anderson Jr. is gracing the pages of Sports Illustrated, and the moment feels significant. The talented athlete is commanding attention in a way that speaks to evolving representation in major sports media. Styled by the visionary Will Anderson Jr., this feature captures a contemporary take on athletic excellence—one that celebrates style, confidence, and cultural presence alongside performance.
What makes this cover matter is how it positions athletes like Anderson Jr. as multidimensional figures worthy of the full-service treatment. Sports Illustrated isn’t just covering his game; it’s honoring his presence as a cultural moment. The styling elevates the narrative beyond traditional sports photography, creating space for personality and artistry.
For Black readers and BIPOC audiences invested in seeing themselves reflected in premium sports media, this is the kind of visibility that registers. It’s a reminder that excellence deserves to be showcased with intention, style, and the platform of a major publication. Anderson Jr.’s moment here is part of a larger shift toward more inclusive and dynamic representation in how we celebrate athletic achievement.
When it comes to the intimate history of Ms. Lauryn Hill, the public has spent nearly three decades filling in the blanks. Much of that speculation has settled around her relationship with Rohan Marley, the father of five of her children. For years, the narrative painted him as the antagonist who derailed her peace and career. But the legend herself recently stepped directly into the digital arena to correct the record. In a rare and detailed public statement, Lauryn Hill cleared up long-standing rumors, showing that her reality with her ex-partner was far more complex than simple stories of being wronged. If you have been following the saga of Lauryn Hill and Rohan Marley, her latest comments reveal a story of mutual growth and trauma rather than a cartoonish tale of victimization.
The public speculation has always been intense, especially from those who dissect her 1998 masterpiece or her emotional 2001 MTV Unplugged performance. Recently, social media creator Mayowa’s World posted a video asserting that Rohan Marley had destroyed the singer, analyzing her lyrics as self-flagellating and suggesting her deep dive into spirituality was a coping mechanism for an unhappy, uncommitted union. Mayowa highlighted that Rohan never legally married the singer despite having five children together, yet he eventually married Brazilian model Barbara Fialho. For decades, the public relationship between Lauryn Hill and Rohan Marley has been the subject of rumors, but her latest defense of their history shows a level of maturity that transcends internet gossip.
Instead of remaining silent, the Fugees vocalist chose to address the creator directly. In the comment section of the post, she offered a nuanced, self-reflective response. Hill admitted that she could agree with some of the self-deprecation in her past music, but made her stance incredibly clear: she was not done dirty by her partner during their years together. She explained that her internal frustration and disappointment carried multiple layers. Much of the tension came from Rohan’s reluctance to address his own internal trauma in a way that could allow their family unit to grow and stay together.
This perspective shifts the conversation from a simplistic villain-and-victim dynamic to a realistic portrait of two young people trying to heal. Hill noted that neither she nor Rohan entered the partnership as blank slates. Both of us were working through traumatic experiences, she explained, noting that they met while attempting to uplift each other through those heavy burdens. The complexity of their bond cannot be summarized by a simple headline or social media theory. It was a relationship built on shared ambition, deep love, and the complex reality of two young creatives trying to build a family under the watchful eye of the world.
This is not the first time she has defended her former partner. During a birthday tribute to Rohan earlier this year, she openly called him her protector and defender, explicitly stating that he had never cheated on her. By refuting these claims, she is reclaiming her agency. She is telling the public that her decisions, her pain, and her creative journey belong entirely to her, rather than being the collateral damage of a partner’s actions. She rejects the role of the tragic, abandoned muse that the media has tried to assign to her for years.
The singer also offered a broader meditation on legacy and imperfection. She drew a parallel to Bob Marley, noting that while the reggae legend was not a saint, he altered the historical course for millions fighting oppression. She urged observers to distinguish the baby from the dirty bath water, suggesting that birth is messy, but the life it produces is valuable. Her words remind us that art born from personal struggle is no less potent or liberating.
Whether you are listening to her raw, acoustic sets on Apple AirPods Max or studying her catalog as a form of cultural poetry, her message is clear. She is not a victim of her past. She is a woman who navigated a complicated, deeply felt chapter of her life with a man she still respects.
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The highly anticipated Soul Train Awards comeback is officially happening, bringing a refreshing dose of rhythm and heritage back to television screens this fall. After a quiet three-year hiatus that left R&B and soul fans wanting more, BET announced that the celebration is returning on Friday, November 27. In a move that honors the origins of the franchise, the pre-taped ceremony will take place in Chicago, the very city where legendary host Don Cornelius first launched the series over fifty years ago. This return represents more than a calendar booking; it is a homecoming to the birthplace of a national movement that defined generations of dance, style, and sound.
This year, the Soul Train Awards will expand their reach significantly by broadcasting on CBS in prime time for the first time in history. Taped in advance, the event will also air across BET, BET Her, VH1, MTV2, and Logo, ensuring that families gathering over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend have front-row seats. The homecoming is a calculated strategy for a franchise that suspended its productions in 2024 and 2025 while network executives reevaluated how to navigate the changing dynamics of cable and streaming. By positioning the broadcast on a national network like CBS, BET is securing a larger audience footprint while retaining the classic cable viewership that has followed the brand for decades.
BET President Louis Carr, a Chicago native, expressed immense pride in bringing the celebration back to its birthplace. He noted that the return connects the veteran artists who built the genre’s foundation with the modern creators pushing the sound forward. While the network has not yet revealed the host, performers, or specific honorees, the production is in familiar hands. Jesse Collins Entertainment, led by executive producers Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay, will once again oversee the broadcast. By returning to the roots of the program, organizers are looking to recapture the intimate, communal energy that defined the original studio dance lines. It is a deliberate effort to pivot away from oversized, sterile arena settings and lean back into the close-knit, warm feel of a classic television special.
The decision to rest the franchise after the 2023 ceremony, which was hosted by Keke Palmer, was a calculated risk that reflects broader industry challenges. Former BET head Scott Mills previously explained that the brief suspension of both this ceremony and the BET Hip Hop Awards allowed the network to restructure its properties for a modern audience. The upcoming November broadcast will feature a newly designed format. Connie Orlando, BET’s executive vice president of specials, music programming and music strategy, emphasized that the new structure will honor traditional soul music while reinventing the presentation to match contemporary listener habits. Instead of relying solely on standard trophy handoffs, the night aims to blend live-session aesthetics with storytelling elements.
To make this pivot successful, the network secured collaborations with key partners. Spotify signed on as the exclusive music streaming partner, while Toyota returns as the exclusive automotive partner. This collaboration aims to provide artists with deeper connections to audiences beyond the television screen, bridging the gap between broadcast television and streaming playlists. For viewers who have missed the warmth and authentic appreciation of R&B, this scheduled return is a welcome development. The Soul Train Awards comeback serves as a reminder that the heritage of Black music remains a foundational pillar of the broader entertainment industry, offering a space where artistry is prioritized over pure commercial metrics.
The historical significance of Chicago in the development of Black music cannot be overstated. From the blues clubs of the South Side to the house music revolution in the warehouses, the city has always generated a distinct creative force. When Don Cornelius started the program in 1971 as a local afternoon show, he tapped into that raw local energy, transforming it into a syndicated powerhouse that gave Black artists an unmatched promotional platform. Bringing the awards show back to Illinois acknowledges that history. It grounds the modern celebration in a legacy of self-determination and creative independence, reminding contemporary audiences that the music we enjoy today was built on a foundation of community-driven platforms.
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Editor’s Note: As we celebrate the return of heritage music broadcasting, dive deeper into the historical narratives that paved the way with our curated collection of Black literature.
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When my wife and I were preparing to welcome our first son, I scoured the internet for resources that would help me prepare for fatherhood. I searched for guides, classes and communities in Chicago where I could connect with other dads. I did not find what I was looking for.
I knew those resources were missing because I saw what was available to my wife: prenatal and parenting classes, postpartum groups, yoga, walks, coffee meetups and systems designed to check on her mental health.
The primary advice offered to me was simple: Support Mom.
That was—and remains—one of my most important responsibilities. Mothers deserve care, advocacy and support, particularly Black women, who continue to face unacceptable disparities during pregnancy and after childbirth. But I also found myself quietly asking: What about Black fathers?
Daddy Victory Club gathers in Chicago.
Where were the spaces helping fathers prepare emotionally for parenthood? Where could we discuss our fears, learn from one another and build the relationships that seem to develop more naturally among moms? Who was checking on our mental health?
My questions eventually turned into action. I founded Daddy Victory Club, a Chicago-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting Black fathers and families. Since then, we have connected with more than 300 dads through Daddy & Me walks, running and fitness activities, fatherhood conversations and a celebration with the Chicago Bears honoring local Black fathers.
Our Fathers Flow yoga experience was recently featured in HuffPost in an article titled, “These Black Men Are Turning to Yoga to Build Meaningful Connections.” The story captured something I have witnessed repeatedly: Black fathers are looking for spaces where we can be vulnerable, care for ourselves and develop genuine friendships.
We are currently working with a local hospital to develop resources that more intentionally include fathers throughout pregnancy, delivery and the postpartum period. Those resources must begin with supporting the person whose body carries and delivers the baby. But they should also acknowledge the emotional experiences of fathers, including paternal postpartum depression and anxiety.
Black fathers are organizing walks, workouts, support groups, playdates and community events across the country.
Supporting fathers does not diminish the attention mothers deserve. It gives families another supported, informed and emotionally present parent. Daddy Victory Club is not alone in answering this need. In Los Angeles, Hezekiah “Hez” Johnson founded Rolling With Dads, bringing fathers together through movement and community. In Charlotte, my Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity brother Rashamod “Mod” Torrance founded Active Dad to connect Black fathers and challenge outdated perceptions of Black fatherhood.
Different cities. Different programs. The same realization: Black fathers are looking for one another, and when we cannot find the community we need, we build it.
This movement is larger than most people realize. Black fathers are organizing walks, workouts, support groups, playdates and community events across the country. Yet these efforts remain largely invisible to national media and many of the institutions responsible for supporting families.
The familiar caricature of the absent Black father collapses under scrutiny. A national CDC study has long shown Black fathers participating meaningfully in the daily lives of their children, including sharing meals, bathing, dressing, reading and helping with homework. The reality has always been more complicated, and more hopeful, than the stereotype.
I have now been invited into a growing network of fatherhood leaders working together across cities. We are not asking to be applauded simply for parenting our children. We are asking hospitals, schools, funders, policymakers and the media to recognize what is already happening and invest in its growth.
A growing network of Black fatherhood leaders are working together across cities.
I began this journey searching for community. What I found were Black fathers across America building it.
When I first became a father, I wondered: What about us? Now I know the answer—it’s us.
Kouri Marshall is the founder of Daddy Victory Club, a Chicago-based nonprofit creating community, wellness and family-centered experiences for Black fathers and their children. A father of two, Marshall is also a public affairs and government-relations leader whose work spans technology policy, civic engagement and community building.
