Oluwamodupe Oloyede Becomes First Woman Head Drum Major at FAMU
There’s a new leader at the helm of Florida A&M University’s legendary Marching “100,” and she’s making history while doing it. Oluwamodupe Oloyede has been named Head Drum Major of the iconic band, becoming the first woman to hold the position in its 115-year history.
Legendary Actor Glynn Turman to Receive Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Glynn Turman, the Emmy Award-winning actor and storyteller whose career has spanned over six decades, is finally getting his flowers in a major way. From making his Broadway debut at just 12 years old in A Raisin in the Sun alongside legends Sidney Poitier and Ruby Dee, to starring in classics like Cooley High, Peyton Place, A Different World, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and most recently Black Cake, Turman’s impact on stage and screen runs deep. And now, he’s is being honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
2025 NHL Draft Makes History with Record Number of Black Players
For the first time ever, more than 20 players of color, including at least 10 Black athletes, had their names called on draft night — marking the most diverse class the league has ever seen, NHL reports. From top picks to late-round gems, Black talent didn’t just show up, they took up space and made sure the world felt it.
Redemption Bank Makes History as First Black-Owned Bank in the Western U.S.
Redemption Holding Co., a Black-led investment group, has officially acquired Holladay Bank & Trust in Utah, a groundbreaking move making them the first Black-led group to own a bank in the region, AP reports. The newly named Redemption Bank is carving out space in an area where Black-owned financial institutions have long been absent.
Los Angeles Sparks Retire Candace Parker’s No. 3 Jersey in Emotional Ceremony
The Los Angeles Sparks made sure to give one of the WNBA’s greatest her well-deserved flowers! During halftime of their game against the Chicago Sky over the weekend, the Sparks officially retired Candace Parker’s No. 3 jersey, cementing her legacy in the rafters, NBC Los Angeles reports. Parker’s jersey now joins those of fellow WNBA legends Lisa Leslie and Penny Toler as the only retired numbers in Sparks history.
25 Years After Girlfriends, the Iconic Cast Reunites for Tracee Ellis Ross’ Pattern Beauty
Back in 2000, Girlfriends premiered on UPN and quickly became a cultural classic. Now, 25 years after the show’s legendary debut, the cast is back together again. Tracee Ellis Ross, Jill Marie Jones, Persia White, and Golden Brooks — better known as Joan, Toni, Lynn, and Maya — reunited not for a reboot (yet!), but for something just as joyful: a nostalgic new commercial for PATTERN Beauty, Tracee’s natural hair care brand.
LeBron James Helps Akron Student Chase NASCAR Dreams
As part of the LeBron James Family Foundation’s I PROMISE program, a student named CeCe was given the opportunity to shadow a real NASCAR pit crew at the Ally 400 in Nashville. It was an unforgettable moment made possible through LeBron’s ongoing commitment to exposing students to new career paths and experiences outside of the classroom.
Tyra Banks Launches Ice Cream Shop in Honor of Her Mother’s Love
The supermodel, entrepreneur, and media mogul has officially launched SMiZE & Dream, an immersive ice cream shop located in Sydney, Australia. But it’s more than an ice cream store. Tyra dedicated the entire experience to her mother, Carolyn London, who’s been by her side from the catwalk to the C-suite.
Community Rallies to Raise Thousands for Tamir Rice’s Legacy on His 23rd Birthday
In honor of what would’ve been Tamir Rice’s 23rd year, his mother, Samaria Rice, launched a 23 for 23 fundraiser, asking supporters to donate $23 in Tamir’s memory. The funds will support the Tamir Rice Afrocentric Cultural Center, a space she purchased in Cleveland to pour resources into the next generation through art, culture, and community programming.
Dominique Thorne Is Leading the Charge in Marvel’s Ironheart
Ironheart, executive produced by Ryan Coogler, officially premiered June 24 on Disney+ and has quickly claimed the title of the #1 show on the platform. The Marvel series centers a young Black woman lead, with actress Dominique Thorne stepping into the spotlight as Riri Williams, and the love for her performance is pouring in.