By Maria Sherman, AP Music Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) — Beyoncé is full of surprises — and on March 12, dropped yet another one. Her forthcoming album has a name: “Act II: Cowboy Carter.” The title was revealed on Bey’s official website, along with details on a few limited edition CD, vinyl and box set […]
Category: Entertainment
Gaming Black: A look at African Americans in the card game space
By Megan Sayles, AFRO Business Writer, msayles@afro.com The world of Black-owned tabletop games is not just about providing fun. Black game creators provide a refreshing break from what the mainstream has to offer. They draw on the culture and collective experience of the Black community, whether with conversation starters or trivia competitions. When planning your […]
PRESS ROOM: NAACP and CBS Studios Venture to develop new daytime drama for the CBS Television Network
By Black PR Wire LOS ANGELES – The joint venture between CBS Studios and the NAACP is developing a new daytime drama for the CBS Television Network. The series, titled “THE GATES,” follows the lives of a wealthy Black family in a posh, gated community. Michele Val Jean, who has written more than 2,000 episodes […]
Anne Benna Sims: American Ballet Theatre’s first African-American ballerina
Anne Benna Sims was the first African-American ballerina to sign a contract with the American Ballet Theatre, and she was inspired by the artistry of Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn in “Giselle”.
A purpose fulfilled: Honoring the work of comedian and community activist Pamela “Ms. Maybelle” Leak
By Catherine Pugh Special to the AFRO Pamela Renee Leak, known on stage as comedian Ms. Maybelle, as a philanthropist and a community activist, died February 29, bringing tears to many in Baltimore and beyond. Leak, known as a philanthropist and community activist, died the evening February 29, bringing tears to many in the Baltimore […]
“Six-Triple-Eight: A New Musical,” to honor Black women of WWII’s European Theater
The 6888th Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-female, Black unit to serve in Europe during World War II, is the subject of a play currently being developed for Broadway, which aims to celebrate the courage and resilience of Black women in the face of adversity.
U.S. House passes bill that could ban TikTok
By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer, tmcqueen@afro.com Congress is one step closer to banning or requiring a change in ownership of the popular social media platform, TikTok. The U.S. House of Representatives passed a much anticipated, contentious bill aimed at protecting national security from the dangers of social media. The bill, if passed into law, […]
Empowering creativity: Highlights from the Black Arts District’s annual meeting
By Ericka Alston Buck, Special to the AFRO In a celebration of culture, empowerment and community, the Black Arts District (BAD) recently convened for its annual community meeting at the New Song Community Center in Sandtown. At the heart of their mission lies a commitment to use an anti-displacement framework to empower Black creatives and […]
Celebrating Black excellence at the 96th Oscars: A night of triumph and diversity
By Ericka Alston Buck, Special to the AFRO The 96th Annual Academy Awards will take place on March 10 in Los Angeles at the Dolby Theatre and the film industry’s Black talent will be on full display. In the past year, a host of extraordinary African-American nominees have garnered the spotlight in leading and supporting […]
TikTok provides forum for Black deaf to be heard
Black deaf and hard of hearing individuals have used TikTok to amplify their unique experiences, demonstrating to others that they are not alone and fostering connections within the Black deaf community.
“I AM Story” podcast nominated for NAACP Image Award
By Sabreen Dawud, Special to the AFRO Earlier this year the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) announced their NAACP Image Award nomination for the I AM Story podcast. The podcast has been nominated in the Outstanding Limited Series/Short Form category. Released in April 2023, the I AM Story is centered around […]
Honoring the legacy of griot ‘Grandmother’ Edna Lawrence-Williams: A celebration of storytelling and sound
By Ericka Alston Buck, Special to The AFRO In a vibrant celebration of African-American culture and storytelling, the Waxter Center in Baltimore recently hosted an event to honor griot Edna Lawrence-Williams for her outstanding achievement in the art of storytelling. Affectionately known as Grandmother Edna, Lawrence-Williams was awarded the prestigious Chesapeake Associated Press Broadcasters Association […]

