The British Academy Film Awards and the BBC issued apologies after a racial slur was broadcast during the Feb. 22 BAFTA ceremony while “Sinners” stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting onstage. The slur was shouted by a Tourette syndrome advocate in attendance, who later said he was “deeply mortified” and stressed that the utterance was an involuntary tic. BAFTA and the BBC acknowledged the harm caused, while advocacy groups emphasized that such vocal tics are not reflective of a person’s beliefs or intentions.
Category: Arts & Culture
Posted inWord In Black
5 books by Black authors to read during Lent
Lent offers a season of reflection, repentance and renewal, and for Black Christians it also carries deep connections to history, resistance and communal faith. Five books by Black authors explore how ancient Lenten practices intersect with liberation theology, embodied dignity and the lived experiences of Black communities.
Posted inArts & Culture
‘Blacktastic!’ virtual festival brings history to life
Arts for Learning Maryland is presenting the sixth annual “Blacktastic! A Virtual Festival of Maryland Black History and Culture” on February 26th, featuring performances, field trips, and interviews with teaching artists, in order to educate youth about Black History Month and its importance.
Posted inArts & Culture
SNF Parkway launches inaugural artist residency, invites Baltimore creatives to apply
SNF-Parkway theatre is inviting Baltimore artists to apply to its inaugural artists residency program. Those selected will have their work presented in the Parkway’s theatre as well as a $6,000 stipend to support their work.
Posted inWord In Black
Racial healing finds new voice in community poets
Poets and poet laureates across the country are using poetry to foster racial healing, helping communities process grief, confront history, and build connection. Creative expression becomes a tool for reflection, storytelling, and reclaiming erased narratives.
Posted inBooks
Dr. Jewell Parker Rhodes, R. Gregory Christie win 2026 Coretta Scott King Book Awards
Dr. Jewell Parker Rhodes and illustrator R. Gregory Christie are the 2026 winners of the Coretta Scott King Book Awards, presented by the American Library Association to honor outstanding African American authors and illustrators of children’s and young adult literature. Arriel Vinson received the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award, while additional Author and Illustrator Honor Books recognized works by Derrick Barnes, Calvin Alexander Ramsey, Marie Arnold, Lamont O’Neal and Alexis Franklin.
Posted inENTERTAINMENT
Review: Bad Bunny brought Puerto Rico’s history and culture to a revolutionary Super Bowl show
Bad Bunny turned the Super Bowl 60 halftime show into a vibrant celebration of Puerto Rican history and resilience, performing entirely in Spanish while weaving symbols of island life, politics and pride into a star-studded spectacle that included Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin.
Posted inBlack History
Black artists as historians: Preserving memory through art
For generations, Black artists have documented Black life, preserving memory and identity where traditional histories have overlooked or erased their stories. From painting and performance to film and public art, their work captures the everyday, the ancestral and the deeply personal— creating a living record of Black history.
Posted inWord In Black
Can Twitch star Kai Cenat inspire Black kids to start reading?
By Alvin BuyinzaWord in Black For the past few years, Kai Cenat has been one of the biggest names on the internet, a Twitch streamer who has evolved from playing video games online into creating outlandish comedy that often goes viral. With more than 20 million followers, Cenat, 24, has rubbed shoulders with fellow internet […]
Posted inENTERTAINMENT
Bad Bunny makes Grammy history as Lamar, SZA and Olivia Dean lead night of milestones
Bad Bunny made history at the 68th Grammy Awards, winning album of the year for “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” the first all-Spanish-language project to earn the top prize, while Kendrick Lamar and SZA captured record of the year for “luther.” Lamar also became the most-awarded rapper in Grammy history with 26 wins, and British singer Olivia Dean was named best new artist as the ceremony highlighted both musical achievement and social commentary.
Posted inMusic
Pharrell calls for empathy from US leaders after being honored at Black Music Collective event
Pharrell Williams was honored with the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award at the Recording Academy’s Black Music Collective event on Jan. 29, 2026, where he called on U.S. leaders to show empathy, grace, and mercy. The evening also celebrated Brandy and Kirk Franklin, featured performances by Justin Timberlake, Tyler, the Creator, John Legend, and Coco Jones, and included a special tribute to Eve for her contributions to The Roots’ hit “You Got Me.”
Posted inArts & Culture
Baltimore August Wilson Celebration continues with ‘Fences’
By Victoria MejicanosAFRO Staff Writervmejicanos@afro.com Chesapeake Shakespeare Company will produce August Wilson’s “Fences” as part of the citywide Baltimore August Wilson Celebration. The production is the sixth of 10 plays in Wilson’s American Century Cycle, being staged as part of the celebration, and will run Feb. 6–March 1. Set in 1950s Pittsburgh, “Fences” centers on […]