A Group of Black Creatives Team Up for Short Film Mechanical Pencil Pt. 2
A collective of Black creatives has returned with part two of their imaginative short film series, Mechanical Pencil. In Mechanical Pencil #2, a student named Hurrikane drifts off in class and dreams up a world where the classroom transforms into a full-on dance floor. The short was led by Amari K. Jones, who created, produced, and co-directed, drawing inspiration from classic films and nostalgic school-day memories.
10-year-old Farmer Kendall Rae Johnson Earns Full Ride Scholarship to HBCU
Four years ago, Kendall Rae Johnson earned the title of Georgia’s youngest certified farmer and has been breaking ground in the agricultural world ever since. Now at 10 years old, her dedication has earned her something even bigger: a full-ride scholarship to college.
The Beloved Classic Hercules Is Returning With a Broadway-Inspired Reimagining From Disney
For many, Disney’s Hercules is more than just a movie, it’s a cultural staple. The 1997 animated film won hearts with its soul-stirring gospel-inspired soundtrack, and chorus of Muses. Now, that beloved story is getting a Broadway-style reimagining aboard Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Destiny.
The Only All-Black Boys Gymnastics Academy in the U.S. Is at Risk of Closing. Here’s How To Help
In Clayton County, Georgia, James Jones saw a gap in the gymnastics world and decided to flip it. In 2019, he founded the James Jones Gymnastics Academy (JJGA) to give Black boys access to affordable gymnastics, something he didn’t have growing up. Since then, over 600 boys have come through his program, many training for free or at low cost.
Busta Rhymes Honored with Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
After three decades of chart-topping hits and electrifying performances, Busta Rhymes has officially received his flowers. On Friday, the hip-hop legend was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, 30 years after the release of his debut album The Coming.
Ryan & Zinzi Coogler Team Up with Traci A. Curry to Tell the Untold Stories of Hurricane Katrina
Nearly 20 years after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, filmmaker Ryan Coogler and his wife and producing partner Zinzi Coogler are helping ensure the stories of those who lived through it aren’t forgotten. The couple executive produced Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time, a new five-part docuseries that premiered July 27 on National Geographic and is now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.
Melissa Jefferson-Wooden Becomes First Woman Since 2003 to Win 100m and 200m at U.S. Nationals
At just 24 years old, Melissa Jefferson-Wooden sprinted her way into history this summer at the U.S. Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon. She won both the 100-meter and 200-meter races, running a personal-best 10.65 seconds in the 100m—the fastest time in the world this year and the fifth-fastest ever—and a personal-best 21.84 seconds in the 200m. By capturing both titles, Jefferson-Wooden became the first woman since 2003 to sweep the sprint double at the national championships, a rare feat that puts her among the elite in American track and field.
Meet the Engineering Student Who Built His Own Electric Bike Out of Wood to Commute to Class
When engineering student Reed Curry needed a way to get to and from school in Florida but didn’t have a car, he built his own solution. Using materials from his local Home Depot, Curry handcrafted an all-electric wooden motorcycle, which he proudly calls the “wooden horse.” Made from cedar 2x4s, the bike has been his daily ride for over a year.
Carol Moseley Braun, the First Black Woman U.S. Senator, Reflects on Her Historic Career in New Memoir
In 1992, Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun made history when she was elected to the U.S. Senate, becoming the first Black woman, and the first woman from Illinois, to ever hold that seat. A trailblazer in every sense, her groundbreaking win marked a major milestone in American politics. Now, the former lawmaker and Chicago native is reflecting on her journey in a new memoir titled Trailblazer: Perseverance in Life and Politics.
Naviyd Raymond, Son of R&B Legend Usher, Makes His Music Debut With New Single
16-year-old Naviyd Raymond, son of R&B legend Usher, is stepping into the music world with the release of his debut single, “Smooth Blues.” Not only did he sing on the track, but he also wrote and produced it himself, taking full creative control from start to finish.