Chefs Justin Coleman and Kelvin Alexander of Bake’N Bacon made their return to the Essence Festival of Culture for the second year in a row, representing their Philadelphia-based brand during the Food & Wine segment. Coleman and Alexander launched Bake’N Bacon in 2019 with their first food truck, which has grown into three food trucks, along with a brick-and-mortar restaurant […]
Bessie Coleman’s Story Takes Flight Through Documentary and Book “Queen of the Skies” The family of Bessie Coleman, the first African American and Native American woman to earn an international pilot license, is working to keep her legacy alive through a new book, documentary, and youth aviation program. Gigi Coleman, Bessie […]
The SRG-ILS Group has welcomed rising star Mariah Dawne, aka MARIAH., to its roster. The news follows her latest two engaging singles, “Hold On Me” (Act I & II), which features Grammy winner Raheem DeVaughn. “Pink Lemonade” is set to serve as the artist’s first release under the SRG-ILS Group. The […]
At the 2025 Essence Festival, R&B artist and activist Raheem DeVaughn took a moment to reflect on his legacy and the important work he’s doing to raise awareness about HIV in the Black community with his Gilead partnership. “It’s great to still have my name in the conversation of music, radio, […]
Known for having a defining voice in early 2000s R&B, The SRG-ILS Group has officially announced the signing of multi-award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer Tweet to its roster as she prepares for a major return to the music scene. As a soulful storyteller of the early 2000s, Tweet is recognized as a pioneer […]
NPR’s Tiny Desk concerts have cultivated a loyal fan base, thanks to their diverse range of genres, artistry, cultural depth, and rich musical history. During Essence Festival weekend, Tiny Desk host and producer Bobby Carter reflected on his journey, saying his current role is “beyond anything” he dreamed of as a […]
Filled with fun, purpose, and celebration, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and First Lady Dawn Moore graced the 2025 Essence Festival. The couple participated in the Global Black Economic Forum, joining a distinguished lineup of politicians, public officials, and artists, including Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott. Gov. Moore described Essence Festival weekend as […]
Mariah Carey has returned with her first solo single in five years, releasing “Type Dangerous” on June 6. The track samples the hip-hop classic “Eric B. Is President” by Eric B. & Rakim. “I’m so excited to finally be releasing ‘Type Dangerous’ into the world!” Carey said in a statement. “I’ve […]
Amerie is the latest guest for NPR’s Black Music Month Tiny Desk session. She’s joined by D.C.’s own Go-Go legends, Backyard Band. Returning to Washington, D.C.—the city where her breakout hit “1 Thing” was born—added a full-circle moment to the occasion, especially as the song celebrated its 20th anniversary this year […]
As the summer heat begins to rise in New Orleans, so does the anticipation for one of the most iconic cultural celebrations in America. ESSENCE Communications has just dropped the second wave of performers for the 2025 ESSENCE Festival of Culture® presented by Coca-Cola®. And This year’s theme? Made Like This. […]
After the steamy success of their first collaboration, MARIAH. and Grammy-winning soul singer Raheem DeVaughn are back and they’re turning up the emotional intensity. Their latest single, “Hold On Me” (Act 2), arrives this Friday, May 16, giving fans a fresh and intimate look at the love story they began in […]
AFRO PREAK is back and bigger than ever. As it enters its fourth year, the cultural powerhouse returns to Baltimore with events from May 15–17, aligning with the 150th Preakness Stakes, while bringing a bold celebration of Black culture, community, and economic empowerment. Since launching in 2022 by LaRian Finney and […]
Renowned actor and recording artist Keith D. Robinson will be making waves in daytime television after officially joining the cast of the #1 rated CBS soap opera, Beyond The Gates. Beginning May 15, Robinson steps into the role of Dr. Ted Richardson, a skilled plastic surgeon whose arrival is sure to […]
Hip-hop meets high art this July as rap icon Nas takes the stage with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra for a one-night-only performance that promises to shake the pillars of the classical world. On July 23 at Baltimore’s Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, the legendary emcee will perform his debut album, Illmatic, this […]
“Love Me in the Light” is a film set “against the dystopian backdrop of the Covid-19 lockdown” where its two characters, Zaire (a Black trans woman) and Marcus (a bisexual Black man) “endure workplace woes, family nuances, and loneliness – leading them to connect on a dating app.” I sat with […]
