Before Hollywood stardom and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff were young talents building a name in West Philadelphia. Their early journey is now inspiring a scripted television series titled “215.” Smith’s Westbrook Studios is developing the project with Canada’s Malar Group as part of a new partnership to finance…
Michael Jordan is honoring his mother, Deloris P. Jordan, with a historic $10 million gift to his alma mater, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The six-time NBA champion and former Tar Heels star announced the donation Monday, October 5, to UNC’s School of Social Work. It is the school’s largest single gift…
The Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated actor and comedian will lead BET’s celebration of Black music and culture as the awards show returns after a three-year hiatus. Anthony Anderson will host the 2026 Soul Train Awards, returning to BET after a three-year hiatus. BET announced the news on October 1, confirming that the Emmy- and Golden…
Eddie Murphy is heading back to television! The legendary comedian and actor has signed on to star in The Chairman, a new scripted comedy series in development at Peacock. The project marks Murphy’s first leading role in a scripted television series in decades, bringing one of Hollywood’s most recognizable comedic talents back to the small…
Class is officially back in session! Netflix is bringing viewers back to Hillman College after renewing its hit sequel series A Different World for a second season. The announcement, made on October 2, 2026, comes just days after the series premiered on September 24, reintroducing audiences to the beloved fictional historically Black college and a…
Nas is part of the principal creative team behind the upcoming **Broadway-bound musical adaptation of **Beat Street, the groundbreaking 1984 film about the early days of hip-hop culture in New York City. The Grammy-winning rapper is creating new musical material and expanding the original film’s soundtrack for the stage adaptation. The production’s additional creative team…
Mekhi Phifer is heading to outer space in the upcoming independent sci-fi film Moon People, which brings together an ensemble cast for a dangerous mission to the Moon. Directed by Stanley Yung and written by Niko Foster, Moon People follows a team of astronauts who travel to the Moon to confirm the discovery of water. What begins as a scientific mission soon…
Kerry Washington has been named Ambassador of the 31st annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF), which will make its Los Angeles debut May 20–23, 2027. The Emmy-winning actress, producer and director will help advance ABFF’s mission of championing Black storytellers and creating new opportunities for emerging film and television talent. Washington’s appointment comes as ABFF…
Dennis Haskins, the actor beloved by generations of television viewers for his role as Principal Richard Belding on the classic teen sitcom Saved by the Bell, has died at the age of 75. Haskins’ death was confirmed by his longtime agent and friend, Jay Schachter, who described the actor as a wonderful person who deeply loved…
Hip-hop legends OutKast are taking a stage-name dispute to federal court. High Schoolers LLC, the company controlled by André 3000 and Big Boi, has filed a lawsuit against Oakland rapper and producer Silas Wilson, who performs under the name Ovrkast. The complaint accuses Wilson of trademark infringement, unfair competition, trademark dilution and breach of contract. It was filed September 16 in…
