By The Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — Marla Gibbs has waited a long time to tell her life story. The Emmy-nominated actor known for her roles on “The Jeffersons” and “227” among others has a deal with Amistad, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers dedicated to Black stories, for a memoir coming out in fall […]
Category: Entertainment
Michael K. Williams’ nephew urges compassion for defendant at sentencing related to actor’s death
By LARRY NEUMEISTER, Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — A 71-year-old man linked to a crew of drug dealers blamed in the fentanyl-laced heroin death of “The Wire” actor Michael K. Williams was sentenced Tuesday to more than two years in prison at a proceeding in which the actor’s nephew recommended compassion for the defendant. Carlos Macci […]
Lake Arbor Jazz Festival returns for thirteenth year
By Aria Brent, AFRO Staff Writer, abrent@afro.com The Prince George’s Cultural Art Foundation (PGCAF) held the 13th annual Lake Arbor Jazz Festival from July 12-16. The multi-day series of events included festivities at multiple venues and a wide range of activities for this year’s attendees. The festival was filled with much more than great jazz […]
Jamie Foxx thanks fans for support in an Instagram message
By Ken Miller. The Associated Press Academy Award winning actor, singer and comedian Jamie Foxx said in an Instagram video that he is recovering from an undisclosed medical condition and thanked well-wishers for their support. “I went to hell and back, and my road to recovery has some potholes as well, but I’m coming back,” […]
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs aspires to create new Black Wall Street through online marketplace
By Jonathan Landrum Jr.AP Entertainment Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs wants to strengthen the Black dollar: The music mogul is spearheading a new online marketplace called Empower Global that will specifically feature Black-owned businesses. “I want to create our own Black Wall Street,” Combs told The Associated Press about his e-commerce platform, […]
Tony Bennett left his heart to generations of music fans
By David Bauder, AP Entertainment Writer NEW YORK (AP) — What do Paul McCartney, Queen Latifah, Lady Gaga and Stevie Wonder have in common? Oh, and Aretha Franklin, k.d. lang, Bono and Billy Joel. Not to mention Carrie Underwood, Judy Garland, John Legend and Placido Domingo. And let’s not forget… Stop. Listing all of the […]
PRESS ROOM: Celebrating excellence in gospel music: winners of the 38th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards revealed, with the Pastor Mike, Jr. sweeping the ceremony with the eight trophies
(Black PR Wire) LAS VEGAS, NV – The highly anticipated 38th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, the “Greatest Night in Gospel Music,” culminated in a spectacular celebration of talent, faith, and inspiration. Hosted by Jonathan McReynolds and Tasha Cobbs Leonard, the 38th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards captivated audiences with powerhouse performances and heartfelt moments […]
Tony Bennett, masterful stylist of American musical standards, dies at 96
BY CHARLES J. GANS NEW YORK (AP) — Tony Bennett, the eminent and timeless stylist whose devotion to classic American songs and knack for creating new standards such as “I Left My Heart In San Francisco” graced a decadeslong career that brought him admirers from Frank Sinatra to Lady Gaga, died Friday. He was 96, just two weeks […]
Michigan jury validates Aretha Franklin’s handwritten note as her final will
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire A Michigan jury has deemed that a handwritten note by Aretha Franklin will serve as the late Queen of Soul’s official last will and testament. The jury rendered its decision after an intense legal battle that pitted family members against one another over the inheritance of the legendary singer’s […]
Hollywood’s actors are joining screenwriters on strike. Here’s why and what happens next
By ANDREW DALTON, AP Entertainment Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) — Hollywood actors are joining screenwriters in the first dual strike from the two unions in more than six decades, with huge consequences for the film and television industry. Here is a look at how it has played out, why it’s happening, and what could come next. WHAT LED TO […]
Howard alumna Nikki Jayy set to perform at Broccoli City Festival
By: Asia Alexander, Special to the AFRO Nikkita Johnson also known as “Nikki Jayy,” is scheduled to perform this weekend at the Broccoli City Festival. As a new Howard alumna from the class of 2023, she is well recognized in the Washington, D.C., New York and metropolitan areas. She is eager to perform on a […]
AFRO inside look: a chat with “Anatomy of Love” creator, Rickey Solomon II
By AFRO Staff The stage play, “Anatomy of Love,” has returned for a third year to the D.C., Maryland and Virginia (DMV) area. The musical, focused on the intricacies of love, life and relationship, is on its final run at the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts this weekend, with one show running July 14 […]

