Entertainment

So foundational that only last year Tyler Perry was celebrated for becoming the first Black owner and head of a major studio and even the most successful Black performers have had to make choices regarding whether or not to "grin and bear it" when it comes to portraying racial stereotypes if they want to work. … [Read more...] about Blackface in Hollywood has never been funny. People are just admitting it now

Pushing the initiative, DJ Khaled said, “MAJOR KEY ALERT!’ Checking your voting status and registering to vote is easy and important. I’m partnering with Global Citizen and HeadCount to make sure everyone has a chance to use their voice. I’m looking forward to hosting a virtual meet and greet with the Just Vote campaign to talk with young people who have taken the time to check their voter registration status.” … [Read more...] about Celebrities Offer Personal Performances, Dance Lessons, Virtual Happy Hours in Effort to Mobilize Young Voters

The "Verzuz" series was created by music producers Swizz Beatz and Timbaland to entertain hip-hop and R&B fans stuck indoors during quarantine due to the coronavirus pandemic. The "Brandy vs. Monica" battle on Sept. 1 shattered records on the three-hour Instagram livestream with 6 million views in total across all platforms. Michelle Obama even tuned in. … [Read more...] about Gladys Knight and Patti LaBelle to face off on next ‘Verzuz’ battle

"What, we've all been hit in the face with in the past few months I think had had a very important and profound impact," Pittman said. "I think everyone who cares about society and cares about our neighbors and our fellow humans was looking for what can I do to contribute? And although this was certainly on the path for us, we all feel really good about it as a company." … [Read more...] about Charlamagne Tha God and iHeartMedia launch Black Effect Podcast Network

The wheels already might be in motion: Since the Oscar nominations were announced Jan. 14, a slew of diverse stories and color-blind castings have gained momentum. Newly announced projects include the young Barack Obama movie Barry and Disney’s immigrant story Dr. Q. (Those come on the heels of the record-breaking $17.5 million Sundance deal for Nate Parker’s slave drama The Birth of a Nation). … [Read more...] about Hollywood Scrambles to Up Diversity in Wake of #OscarsSoWhite Controversy