CULTURE
CULTURE
Miss USA 2026 Justus Kelley Wins Historic Crown
Justus Kelley makes history at the 75th Miss USA pageant in Miami, becoming the first married mother and oldest contestant to win the crown.
CULTURE
Rihanna Returns to Barbados with Her Children on Rihanna Drive
Rihanna takes her three young children back to her childhood bungalow on Rihanna Drive in Barbados, reflecting on her journey from a simple Westbury upbringing to global stardom.
CULTURE
HBCU Homecomings by the Numbers
It may only be mid-summer, but HBCU homecoming chatter is already taking over the timeline! On July 17, North Carolina A&T officially launched its 100-day countdown to the legendary "Greatest Homecoming on Earth," when a record-breaking 200,000 visitors are expected to flood Greensboro for the university's historic centennial celebration, setting the stage for one of the biggest Black cultural events of the year. From NC A&T's landmark 100th anniversary celebration to massive citywide takeovers at Howard University and Jackson State, HBCU homecomings continue to generate multi-million-dollar footprints, evolving into major corporate marketplaces year after year.
CULTURE
Amber Rose Rejects Traditional Advice on Race for Her Kids
Amber Rose explains why she won't teach her children they must work twice as hard because of their race, sparking a parenting debate.
CULTURE
Amber Rose Rejects Traditional Advice on Race for Her Kids
Amber Rose explains why she won't teach her children they must work twice as hard because of their race, sparking a parenting debate.
CULTURE
South Africa Reclaims Khoi and San Remains: Restorative Justice Win
After decades of being held in European institutions for racist scientific research, dozens of Khoi and San ancestors have finally been returned to South Africa. President Cyril Ramaphosa led the historic reburial, calling it a massive victory for global restorative justice.
CULTURE
Bishop O.C. Allen’s Portrait Unveiled at MLK Chapel
History was made at the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel as Bishop O.C. Allen’s portrait was officially unveiled, honoring the first openly Black gay bishop alongside global legends like Dr. King and Gandhi.
CULTURE
King Charles Faces Backlash Over Caribbean Photo Slavery Controversy
King Charles is facing intense criticism after posing with Caribbean diplomats beneath a portrait of King George IV, a monarch who profited from the transatlantic slave trade.
CULTURE
Teyana Taylor Named First-Ever Chief Curator of Essence Festival 2026
Teyana Taylor has been named the inaugural Chief Curator of the 2026 Essence Festival of Culture, bringing her creative collective The Aunties to shape one of Black culture's most beloved annual events. The festival runs July 3–5 in New Orleans.
CULTURE
Travis Scott and T.I. Urge Supreme Court to Rule That Tying Lyrics to Death Sentences Is Unconstitutional
Travis Scott and a handful of artists are defending a Black Texas man on death row whose rap lyrics were used as evidence during sentencing for a double murder, arguing that using the lyrics to justify capital punishment is unconstitutional. (SCOTUS)
CULTURE
The Lost Story of Upsilon Delta Pi
In 1910 Chicago, nine Black high schoolers formed the Do-Li-So Club, rebranding as Upsilon Delta Pi Sorority by 1911. Facing a public school ban on Greek orgs, they boldly incorporated on Dec. 7, 1911—making them America's first incorporated Black sorority.