The Legacy of Black Family Reunions and Why We Must Keep Them Alive
July is Black Family Month, and with it comes one of our most cherished traditions: the family reunion. While it may feel like reunions have slowed in some areas, across the country, many families are still gathering, laughing, dancing, and passing on history—and we need to keep that going.
Cassandra Chase Becomes First Black Woman Elected Mayor of Lakewood, California
In Lakewood, California, Cassandra Chase was officially named mayor during the city council’s annual reorganization meeting. With this appointment, she makes history as the first Black woman ever elected to serve as mayor of the city.
Abby Phillip to Release First Book on Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Historic Political Rise
CNN anchor Abby Phillip is stepping into the literary world with her debut book, a biography of civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson. Titled A Dream Deferred: Jesse Jackson and the Fight for Black Political Power, the book will be published by Flatiron Books (a Macmillan imprint) and is set to hit shelves this October.
Meet the First Black Triplets to Earn Eagle Scout Honors in the U.S.
Three siblings from Brightwaters, Long Island are making history! Helaina, Henri, and Henniyah Rivers, 17-year-old triplets, have officially earned their Eagle Scout status, becoming the first Black triplets in the nation to do so.
84-Year-Old Gospel Legend Queen Esther Marrow Reacts to Her Vocals on Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour
Queen Esther Marrow, the powerhouse soul and gospel vocalist whose career has spanned over six decades, recently experienced a beautiful full-circle moment. The 84-year-old icon was filmed reacting to hearing her own voice sampled during Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour performance.
Keith Lee, Wisdom Kaye & More Black Creators Shine on TIME’s Inaugural TIME100 Creators List
For the first time ever, TIME Magazine has unveiled its TIME100 Creators list for 2025, celebrating the most influential digital voices shaping culture, conversation, and community online today. This inaugural list honors creators across five categories — Titans, Entertainers, Leaders, Phenoms, and Catalysts — recognizing those whose work is leaving an undeniable mark on the world. Among the standout names are several Black creators using their platforms to inform, uplift, and entertain.
Ryan Coogler’s Sinners Makes History as First Film Streamed in Black American Sign Language
The vampire thriller, starring Michael B. Jordan and set in the Jim Crow South, is officially the first film to stream with Black American Sign Language interpretation, Blavity reports. Now available on Max, viewers can watch both the standard version and a special BASL-interpreted version. This historic move marks a major moment for accessibility, representation, and visibility in film.
Morgan State Makes History With First-Ever Emmy Win for Original Documentary
At the 67th National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter Emmy Awards, Morgan State proudly brought home its first-ever individual Emmy Award. The recognition marks a major milestone not just for the university, but for HBCUs as a whole as they continue to build national reputations for producing powerful, culturally-rooted media that uplifts the African American experience.
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.
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.