The celebrity scene is always packed, with stars out in full force. Here’s where they walk the carpet, light up the scene, and keep the energy on an all-time high.

Sir Idris Elba

Windsor Castle

To Sir, with Love. The newly knighted Sir Idris Elba walked with his wife, Sabrina Dhowre Elba, after becoming a Knight Bachelor. The two were on their way to witness services to young people during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on June 2, 2026, in Windsor, England. Knighted for his extensive charitable work, philanthropic efforts with the Elba Hope Foundation, and anti-knife-crime advocacy, Sir Elba is the first Black actor to achieve the honor.

Tinashe

MoMA’s Party In the Garden

Guest DJ Tinashe, along with Rebecca Black, kept the tunes spinning for the twenty-something crowd at The Museum of Modern Art’s annual Party in the Garden, held on June 2 at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden in New York City. New York luminaries had gathered in the museum’s atrium just before to celebrate artists Betye Saar — just shy of her 100th birthday — and Martin Puryear, who have both spent decades exploring the Black experience through visual storytelling. The evening benefited MoMA’s general operating fund, experiential programs and the care, study and exhibition of the museum’s collection.

John Legend

Lincoln Center Summer Gala

John Legend delivered an unforgettable night under the lights twinkling inside David Geffen Hall for the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts 2026 Summer Gala in New York City. The night honored Misty Copeland, who received the inaugural Lincoln Center Luminary Award. Along with his greatest hits like “Ordinary People” and “All of Me” where he encouraged everyone in the auditorium ot be his backup singers.

Regina King

2026 ABFF Festival

It was a busy 24 hours for Regina King. She kicked off her 2026 American Black Film Festival experience by attending the Strung Opening Night screening at New World Center on May 27, in Miami Beach. On May 28, she spoke about bringing authentic health to stories at the “Why Authentic Health Stories Matter on Screen” Filmmakers Breakfast, hosted by Eli Lilly at the W Hotel in Miami, before delighting a standing-room-only audience with “A Conversation With Regina King.” She presented a special behind-the-scenes look at her upcoming mystical odyssey, Children of Blood and Bone, to an elated audience.

Olandria

SI Launch Party

Olandria Carthen looked like a bronze goddess at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Launch party for its 2026 Issue, held on May 14 at Hard Rock Hotel Times Square in New York City. The media personality recently shared that she purchased her first home.

En Vogue

American Idol

This year’s American Idol grand finale was even sweeter with the addition of En Vogue. The ladies took to the stage, dressed by J. Bolin, and gave a rousing performance of their iconic hits, “My Lovin’” and “Free Your Mind.”

Birgundi Baker and Lena Waithe

The Chi Final Season Party

The Chi star Birgundi Baker joined series creator Lena Waithe and other cast members to celebrate the series eighth and final season at a star-studded event inside The Paradise Club at the Times Square Edition in New York City. Guests enjoyed crafted cocktails and bites while Bevy Smith hosted a talk about the series with Waithe. EBONY spotted VIP guests Punkie Johnson, Frozen on Broadway’s original Kristoff, Jelani Alladin, and actor and executive producer Common among the crowd.

Kevin Hart

The Roast of Kevin Hart

You know you’ve made it when you’re being roasted by your peers. That was the case for Kevin Hart, who heard it all at The Roast of Kevin Hart, which broadcast live on Netflix from the Kia Forum in Los Angeles on May 10. Some of the biggest names held Kevin’s feet to the fire, including his repetitive co-star Dwayne Johnson, fellow comedian Kat Williams, Regina Hall, who “channeled” Hart’s late mother, and a bunch of other talents whose jokes will remain… questionable.

Playboi Carti

Rolling Loud Festival

Packed with talent, the Rolling Loud Musical Festival, held in Orlando, Florida, included performances by YoungBoy Never Broke Again, Chief Keef, Don Toliver and Playboi Carti. Marking his record-breaking sixth time headlining the festival, Carti’s setlist included hits from the MUSIC era, Whole Lotta Red, and Die Lit, which he delivered on May 9 at Camping World Stadium.

Teyana Taylor

Dirty Rose Pre-Met Burlesque Experience

Before Met Monday, Teyana Taylor put on a show hosting the third annual The Dirty Rose Pre-Met Burlesque Experience at the Times Square Edition in New York City on May 2. We’d like to reveal everything that happened, but since there was a strict no-camera policy, you just had to be there was the statement of the night.

Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade

UTA Pre-Met Gala Soirée

Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade were #Outside for UTA’s 4th annual Pre-Met Gala Soirée in New York City. Held at Nubeluz by José Andrés at The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad, and in partnership with Google Pixel, the loving couple shared the spotlight with other notable guests Janelle Monáe, Jon Batiste, Law Roach, and more.

Chaka Khan

Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala

The queens were out for the annual Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala, and Chaka Khan hit the red carpet for the 37th annual fête on May 1, celebrating the 152nd Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Kentucky. She headlined the fundraiser alongside country duo The War and Treaty, hip-hop icon Doug E. Fresh, Southern rap group Nappy Roots, and the incomparable Patti LaBelle. “It’s coming,” Chaka told EBONY of the return of The Queens Tour, which features her, LaBelle, Stephanie Mills, and Gladys Knight in an unforgettable night of legendary women in music. The original February dates, which were rescheduled to this month, kick off again on May 7 in New Orleans.

Jeffery Simmons

Revel at The Races

In the kind of pre-night party that gets everyone hyped for the most exhilarating two minutes in horse racing, Tennessee Titans defensive Jeffery Simmons and his girlfriend, author Bryann Andrea, attended Revel at The Races with D.J. Tiesto at Ice House on May 1 in Louisville. Beats and bourbon were the vibe at a party sponsored by Verizon, Draft Kings, Maker’s Mark bourbon, and more. 

The next day, at the 152 Kentucky Derby at Church Hill Downs, Big Jeff shared why he started his Give ‘Em a Reason Foundation, which supports underserved children and promotes youth sports in Nashville in his home state of Mississippi. “

Kevin Hart

Sports Illustrated x Authentic Brands Group Party

The races have begun! Kevin Hart joined the likes of Serena Williams for Sports Illustrated’s Race Weekend Kickoff at The Surf Club Restaurant on April 30 in Surfside, Florida. The festivities were in honor of the Formula One Race in Miami on May 3.

Tracie Thoms

The Devil Wears Prada 2 Opens

Tracie Thoms has made her Devil Wears Prada experience full-circle, returning as Andy Sachs’ bestie in The Devil Wears Prada 2, which opens May 1. Thoms donned a high-couture plummy liquid latex vinyl dress by designer Christian Siriano, chosen by the actress and her stylist, Lindsay Flores, for the sequel’s World premiere in New York City last month.

Taraji P. Henson

‘Joe Turner’s Come and Gone’ Opening Night

The opening night of Joe Turner’s Come and Gone on April 25 was a who’s who in theater, film, and politics. Stars Taraji P. Henson — starring in her Broadway debut — Cedric the Entertainer, and the rest of the cast hit the carpet before giving a riveting performance of the lauded August Wilson play. The star-studded audience at The Barrymore Theatre in New York City included Misty Copeland, Phylicia Rashad, former First Lady Michelle Obama, Tyler Perry, Denzel Washington, and many more.

After the play’s standing ovation, director Debbie Allen took the stage to express her thanks to Washington, who has committed to bringing all 10 of Wilson’s “Century Plays” to the stage and screen.

The post-party took place at Bryant Park Grill, where the likes of Megan Good, Jonathan Majors and WNBA great Lisa Leslie mingled among the glittery crowd. Jackson Edward Davis, one of the young performers in the production, was told that he had a new fan who wanted to meet him, Ms. Tina Knowles, who had also attended the night’s production.

Ryan Destiny and Normani

SirDavis ‘Lemonade’ Celebration

SirDavis kept things tight on April 22, hosting an intimate cocktail hour and dinner at the Santa Monica Proper Hotel’s Calabra rooftop. Ryan Destiny and Normani were there to toast its “Made for Good Company” summer campaign, a moment deliberately synced with a decade of Beyoncé’s iconic album Lemonade. This was the kind of room where every detail felt considered, and the guest list felt even more so.

Davido

Closing Down Coachella

Davido, the only Afrobeats artist in the lineup this year, closed down the second and final weekend of Coachella 2026 by welcoming viral Jamaican star Shenseea to the stage for a crowd-hyping finale. Performing global hits like “Fall” and “R&B” with Shenseea, Davido got support from fellow Afrobeats artist Tyla, who stopped by the show. He was also joined by his wife, Chioma, and his team, who flew in to be by his side.

Eddie Murphy

Honored with the 51st AFI Life Achievement Award

Eddie Murphy got his flowers as he accepted the 51st AFI Life Achievement Award at The American Film Institute (AFI) on April 18, during a Gala Tribute in Hollywood, California. Surrounded by friends and contemporaries, including Dave Chappelle, Arsenio Hall, Kevin Hart, Nia Long, and more, the Beverly Hills Cop star was recognized for his award-winning career and his significant impact in film. The event, which raised more than $2.5 million for AFI’s nonprofit education programs, will air on Netflix on May 31.

Tina Knowles

Featured in new Kurt Geiger Campaign

It was a pretty pink afternoon at the Kurt Geiger London and Ms. Tina Knowles luncheon on April 17 in Beverly Hills. Knowles has partnered with the accessory brand on its 2026 Mother’s Day campaign, which she starred in and produced. Surrounded by bouquets of pink and red flowers, guests were in rapture as Ms. Knowles shared unreleased excerpts from her best-selling memoir, Matriarch.

Don Cheadle and Ayo Edebiri

Premiere Night Bows

Stars Ayo Edebiri and Don Cheadle shared proud smiles after their opening night in the revival of Proof. The acclaimed production, now playing at The Booth Theatre in New York City, marks both actors’ Broadway debuts.

Tessa Thompson

‘Fear of 13’ Broadway Opening

Tessa Thompson looked every much the Hollywood starlet on Broadway for the opening night of the new play The Fear of 13 on April 15. Thompsn is making her Broadway debut at The James Earl Jones Theater in New York City, playing a woman who helps the incarcerated.

Inayah finds herself at a pivotal moment with her fourth studio album, Therapy Wasn’t Enough, reflecting a significant shift in both her career and personal life. During our Zoom call, I asked about what’s shifted in her life since releasing Wait, There’s More in 2024, an anthemic ode to reclaiming self-confidence and accepting every part of herself — flaws and all.​

Pausing for a few moments to reflect on what changed, she said, “I evolved in my womanhood. I started digesting and caring to learn what it really means to share your life with somebody. The capacity of that is so heavy. It’s very small things that gave me the bravery to change my mindset and what it’s like to be somebody’s partner. I’m proud of the mindset that I have now versus two years ago.”

​Known for empowering women to break away from toxic relationships with her anti-love anthems, like her Fantasia “When I See You” remake called “For the Streets,” the songstress sings a different tune in Therapy Wasn’t Enough that may take her dedicated fanbase — whom she calls “Inayah-aters” — by surprise, but in a good way.​

In an era where having a boyfriend can feel embarrassing, and marriage is no longer viewed as the ultimate prize, Therapy Wasn’t Enough challenges the notion that love and commitment are no longer worth pursuing —especially in a culture that increasingly treats romantic relationships as more casual than serious. With her latest project, Inayah is aiming to clear up that misconception.

​“People need to know that just because love is beautiful does not mean that it’s without flaw, ” she said. “Whoever said that finding the love of your life was all peaches and roses, it isn’t. If anything, it takes more intention, focus, and love when you know that you have found the one or when the one has found you. As cliché as this phrase is, I stand on it. Anything worth having is truly worth fighting for. People don’t voice the actual fight enough.”​

Throughout the 11-track project, Inayah takes listeners on an emotional rollercoaster that captures the many stages of a relationship.​

“I was in the emotional trenches,” she told EBONY. “Anytime something impacts my life, I always write it down and make a song out of it. This particular journey hurt like hell. But because of where it took me emotionally and mentally, I knew that there was an assignment to talk and write about it and to share. Although it’s my journey, it’s not just for me.”

​From heartache to healing, Therapy Wasn’t Enough explores the nuances and complexities that many couples prefer to keep private. For Inayah, however, exposing that vulnerability is the point. 

By removing the fantasy of love, the singer-songwriter seeks to normalize sharing the difficult moments that come with rebuilding a healthy relationship and emphasizes that therapy alone isn’t enough for a lasting partnership.  

​While anchored in relationships, the album isn’t solely based on her putting the pieces of her love life back together. Known for putting her own signature twist on R&B classics, Inayah’s expected feel-good, catchy bop is highlighted in “Outside.” Sampling Lil Mo’s 2003 single “4Ever” and an interpolation of Usher’s 2001 hit, “You Don’t Have To Call,” she delivers another empowering hot girl anthem just in time for the summer. 

Influenced by the early 2000s music scene, Inayah was intentional with bringing back bridges — an art form that has been lost throughout the evolution of music.​ “I’ve always wanted to do that in my artistry,” she said. “When I got signed, my mindset was younger. I was in the studio having fun, exploring my gift, and doing so many different things with music. This time, I wanted to portray the things that I wanted to make sure people felt.”​

She continued, “The last time I can remember feeling like that is the 90s and early 2000s, when we had bridges and artists outside singing in the rain. I wanted to feel that, and I want the people to feel that. We need it again.”

​Five years in the making, each song is reflective of her past relationships leading up to her current lifetime partner. Her pained vocals on the lead single, “Choose,” invite listeners into the most vulnerable parts of her journey as she finds herself at a crossroads between choosing music or love. 

A moment where Inayah candidly speaks about feeling defeated by the ultimatum; in the same breath, she restores hope by choosing her God-given talent and is rewarded with a partner greater than who she could’ve imagined, as revealed in her outro: “I felt so privileged that God not only confirmed that he’s gifting me a new thing, but he’s also doing a new thing in a man that’s going to be my husband.”​

“We went through some tests to get to where we are,” she said. “We both had to grow through this in order to see that the grass really is greener on the other side of all of those emotions. That new thing was a gift for the both of us.”

A 2027 bride, Inayah, is deep into planning for her destination wedding in Jamaica. As her relationship journey comes full circle in the coming months, she hopes Therapy Wasn’t Enough serves as a reminder that true love requires intentional effort and a willingness to work through challenging seasons rather than being quick to walk away.

“You’re in love, and that’s beautiful, but it’s not going to always be beautiful,” she said. “Try therapy, but don’t forget you have to put in the work after you log out of that session. If it’s something that you want for your life and you believe that it adds value to every part of you, then it’s worth fighting for.”

Summer beauty launches are shaping up to be all about color, fragrance and the little luxuries that make everyday routines feel a bit more elevated. From vibrant eyeliners and whipped body creams to hardworking hand treatments and intimate skin scents, brands are leaning into products that deliver both performance and experience. Whether you’re building a maximalist makeup look, layering fragrances from head to toe or finally giving your hands the skincare attention they deserve, these new launches are making a strong case for refreshing your beauty shelf.

Benefit 

Benefit is turning up the volume on its beloved BADgal BANG franchise just in time for summer. The beauty brand is introducing the new BADgal Hypeliner, a richly pigmented matte gel eyeliner that delivers bold color in a single swipe, alongside vibrant new shades of BADgal BANG! Mascara and BADgal Bounce Mascara. Whether you’re headed to a music festival or simply embracing your maximalist beauty era, these sweat-resistant launches are designed to bring the drama from day to night.

Benefit 

Badgal Bang! Bigger, Badder Volumizing Mascara

Price: $29

Shop at Benefit 

Benefit 

Badgal Hypeliner 36-hour* Waterproof Smudge-proof Eyeliner

Price: $26

Shop at Benefit 

Benefit 

Badgal Bounce Fuller, Fluffier Volumizing Mascara

Price: $29

Shop at Benefit 

REMEDY

Hand care has long been beauty’s forgotten category, even though our hands are often one of the first places to reveal signs of aging. That’s exactly what makes REMEDY’s new Hand & Cuticle Firming Whipped Cream feel so timely. Powered by the brand’s Super Stacked™ blend of glycolic and lactic acids, ceramides, squalane and firming Kollaren peptides, the fast-absorbing formula works overtime to smooth texture, support the skin barrier and deliver visible firmness without relying on retinol.

REMEDY

Hand & Cuticle Firming Whipped Cream With Peptides

Price: $18 $15

snif

Snif is giving fragrance lovers another way to wear their favorite scents. The cult-favorite brand has officially entered the body care space with Body Whips, a collection of whipped body creams infused with six of its best-selling fragrances, including the internet-famous 2% milk scent. Packed with skincare-minded ingredients like niacinamide, squalane, caffeine and shea butter, the formulas deliver hydration and a lingering scent trail, making them perfect for anyone fully committed to the art of fragrance layering this summer.

snif

Vanilla Vice Body Whip

Price: $24

Shop at snif

DISCOTHÈQUE

If your fragrance wardrobe has been missing a little mystery, DISCOTHÈQUE’s latest launch may be worth a spritz. The brand’s new pheromone-inspired skin scent, [Next To Me or Nothing], blends notes of cold milk, jasmine nigori, sandalwood, white musk and tonka bean into an intimate fragrance inspired by late-night jazz clubs in Kyoto. Built around Iso E Super, the cult-favorite aroma molecule known for its skin-like warmth and magnetic effect, the scent is designed to feel less like perfume and more like chemistry in a bottle, housed in a limited-edition blue gradient flacon that looks right at home beneath the glow of a disco ball.

DISCOTHÈQUE

Next To Me Or Nothing

Price: $175

When Hurricane Beryl hit two years ago, many things were affected, particularly Grenada’s agricultural landscape. Which is why experiencing their Chocolate Festival for the first time felt like more than just a reason to indulge in their rich cocoa; it was also a chance to get to know such a resilient community. Now, if you’re reading and wondering ‘what does a festival all about chocolate get into?’ don’t worry, we’ve got you.

Grenada, also known as the “Spice Isle,” is vibrant during Spicemas, but it’s much more than that, and I experienced that through the 2026 Chocolate Festival, which is not just a celebration of chocolate but a testament to the community’s spirit and strength. “When people think about chocolate, they think about Europe, and you don’t necessarily think about the Caribbean, so this really is a celebration of agriculture,” said Stacey Liburd, CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority. “It’s an opportunity for us to share, through chocolate, and be able to share culture, the significance of our farmers and what they do in this space.”

As a first-timer, this festival offered me a different view of how people come together, and it wasn’t a bad thing that the backdrop was all chocolate. Seeing how farmers blend chocolate indulgence with education helped visitors like me delve deep into the world of cocoa. I stayed at the True Blue Bay Boutique Resort, which was the official hotel for the festival, and it felt more like a family space rather than a traditional resort, really giving us a true-to-heart experience.

To kick things off, I had what Grenadians would call a “true local experience” at Mt. Parnassus Plantation, where I enjoyed a creative fusion of chocolate, art and cuisine. Hosted by the President of Agro-Tourism Grenada and Mt. Parnassus Plantation, Tricia Simon, we were able to get a look behind the glitz and the glam and see how cocoa is such a vital part of the island. The rich greenery and sustainable practices offered a clearer perspective on how the environment plays a part in everything.

This educational aspect is crucial because it highlights the importance of sustainable practices and the heritage of Grenadian cocoa farming. “We’re very big on health and wellness. It’s important that we stop using all the chemicals,” Simon said while showing us how to make a cocoa scrub.

Engaging with local farmers and those in agro-tourism helps build a deeper connection between visitors and the community, transforming the festival into a platform for cultural exchange and appreciation. She emphasized the need to continue these practices for the next generation. “You have to let your children understand your customs and your culture because it’s important.”

After Hurricane Beryl struck, the agricultural community wanted to ensure that these customs and traditions would continue to be celebrated, because cocoa farms are integral to the island’s economy and cultural identity. However, the recovery process that followed demonstrated the farmers’ resilience and unwavering commitment to cocoa cultivation. The Chocolate Festival continues to symbolize a beacon of hope, revealing how the local community always comes together.

“Any destination that has gone through a hurricane, it really takes a lot to move from what is lost and recognizing what we have, and the fact that life goes on, and so this is just another chapter,” Liburd told EBONY. “the island really has bounced back, and for us to have chocolate festival, and to see not only, you know how our visitors respond, but also our locals, so the significance is for people to see how in Grenada we band together to get back to life.”

Throughout the festival, attendees can enjoy a variety of events, including chocolate tastings, cooking demonstrations, and workshops led by local chocolatiers. Local artisans showcase their skills, often using traditional methods passed down through generations, truly driving home the importance of intergenerational bonding. This fusion of history, culture, and culinary expertise strengthens the bond between the community and its agricultural roots.

Chocolate is not merely a product but a part of the island’s identity. The cultivation and processing of cocoa have shaped the livelihoods of many families, and the festival offers people like me a chance to understand the integral role chocolate plays in local traditions. From desserts that reflect the island’s flavors to skincare that literally brings life to the skin, chocolate is woven into the fabric of Grenadian life.

The resilience displayed during the festival echoes the determination of the farmers who have worked tirelessly to restore their livelihoods. They embody a spirit of innovation, embracing sustainable agricultural practices that not only support the environment but also enhance the quality of their cocoa. This commitment to sustainability is vital as the world faces climate change and agricultural challenges.

Grenada’s Chocolate Festival is much more than a celebration of sweet treats; it is a powerful symbol of a bounce back. It honors the dedication of cocoa farmers and their ability to recover from setbacks while embracing sustainability.

By bringing together visitors and locals, the festival fosters appreciation for Grenadian culture and the importance of supporting local agriculture. As the island continues to navigate the impacts of climate change and economic challenges, events like the Grenada Chocolate Festival play a crucial role in promoting hope, education and unity.

As theater audiences settle into their seats each night to drift into a musical dreamland, Broadway performers are doing the opposite of escaping. They have stepped into roles that demand vulnerability, stamina and, at times, the weight of history itself.

For Nichelle Lewis, Layton Williams and Christiani Pitts, that responsibility comes in different forms: revisiting the racial tensions of turn-of-the-century America, bringing outrageous camp and queer joy to a reimagined Titanic and navigating the complexities of family and love in present-day New York City — while carrying confectionery. Their dedication to their roles has earned each of them their first Tony nominations.

Lewis first captured attention after being discovered on TikTok and cast as Dorothy in The Wiz, making her Broadway debut in 2023. Now, she’s nominated for her portrayal of Sarah in Ragtime, a young woman whose heartbreaking journey leaves a lasting impact on audiences.

With a few Broadway shows banked, Pitts earned her first nomination for Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York). She plays Robin, a fiery New Yorker who connects with a young man visiting from England, and both discover that navigating family conflict is never easy.

Williams, a British transplant, delivers pure theatrical escapism in Titaníque, a wildly inventive musical that retells the Titanic disaster through Celine Dion’s music. Williams earned a first Tony nomination for a larger-than-life turn as the Iceberg, which has become a fan favorite moment.

Ahead of Broadway’s biggest night, EBONY asked these first-time nominees about being recognized by Broadway’s biggest honor, the rituals that prepare them for the stage, and why taking part in Black Broadway means something far greater than just their performances. 

Tony nominee” still doesn’t sound real because…

Nichelle Lewis: Like what? I never really dreamed I’d come this far, but watching fellow people of color win and excel in this industry gave me hope that they’d create space for us to share our stories and creativity. Which in turn gives us the ability to inspire, uplift, and remind others! 

Christiani Pitts: It’s one of the first dreams I’ve ever had that can’t be taken away.

Layton Williams: I feel like I literally just moved to New York!

That moment on stage during the show where I feel I’m really connecting with the audience is…

Lewis: Honestly, the whole show. You can hear the gasps, the sobs, the silence, the joy. You can hear it all, and it feels amazing knowing they are right there with you. 

Pitts: Robin’s first song, “What’ll It Be.” I feel like the audience relates to her uncertainty and starts to root for her.

Williams: When I wink at the person in the front row before opening my legs to reveal my glittered panties as the Iceberg Bitch!

I cannot head out to perform every night until I…

Lewis: Walk my dog if we are being serious. But I also drink hot water and do pushups while I sing to check breath support. 

Pitts: My vocal check-in in the shower. I have to get a read on where my voice is so I know how to proceed for the day. Some days need more steam than others; some days need coconut water rather than tea, etc. 

Williams: Do this interview!

This is what I love about my fellow nominees’ performance… 

Lewis: All our fellow nominees are giving their all every night on stage, eight shows a week. It’s incredible to be doing this alongside some of the most brilliant, kind, hardworking artists.

Pitts: Nichelle’s range of playing Dorothy into Sarah is so graceful and should be studied. She and the rest deserve all the things and more. 

Williams: While I’ve not managed to see everyone yet…André De Shields was so slay in Cats: The Jellicle Ball. Ali Louis Bourzgui in The Lost Boys has such a stunning stage presence. [Everyone nominated] is all too good for my liking, honestly!

How the Black Broadway experience reminds me I’m part of something bigger than myself…

Lewis: Anytime a young person approaches me and says, “You are inspiring me that I can do this too,” that’s it for me. I’ll never forget when I got to do a masterclass earlier this year, and a little girl who was playing Dorothy in her show gave me the longest hug. It just made me want to cry. I do it for all the little ones, to give them space to dream and for their voices and artistry to be shared, seen, and heard as well. 

Pitts: Just recently, I had the pleasure of attending the Black Women on Broadway Awards. It was the greatest event of the season and a clear reminder of our power and responsibility. We have to continue to push our stories forward and make space for all of the black Broadway professionals coming behind us. As Deborah Martin Chase said, “Don’t let the door close behind you, put your foot in it.” 

Williams: That being on Broadway right now while it’s super black and queer is such an honor. 

Watch the 79th Tony Awards live on June 7 on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.

Ciara Miller’s world keeps getting bigger. The Summer House star has officially entered her cowgirl era with the release of Shaboozey’s new video for “Cowgirl,” and she’s swapping Hamptons drama for a dusty stretch of the Wild West.

In the cinematic visual, Miller plays a grieving gunslinger looking for justice five days after the death of Sheriff Lee. Heartbroken? Maybe. Defeated? Not on her watch. She strolls into a saloon and out-drinks, out-shoots and out-toughs every cowboy in sight. It’s a role that’s tailor-made for Miller, and right on time.

For the past few years, Black culture has been reclaiming the American West in plain sight. Beyoncé gave us Cowboy Carter. Shaboozey turned a country anthem into one of the biggest songs in the world. Black rodeos are drawing new attention. Cowboy hats have returned to brunches, concerts and our Instagram feeds. Woven into the fabric of our history, historians estimate that roughly one in four cowboys in the American West was Black after the Civil War. And if Hollywood has yet to tell the story, it’s coming alive again in our music.

If “Cowgirl” has you ready to saddle up, here are five more songs that will bring some confidence and swagger to your weekend playlist.

“Texas Hold ‘Em” — Beyoncé

As soon as Beyoncé saddles onto the screen and pulls a finger gun out of her holster, we knew country music would never be the same. She turned dance floors, cookouts and line-dancing lessons into one communal experience, proving that country music can be both rooted in tradition and completely reimagined.

“Buckle Bunny” — Tanner Adell

Adell makes it very clear this is not the Hamptons, then swings and swaggers into the what it takes to be a “buckle bunny.” It’s not about fitting anyone else’s expectations. She’ll steal your man and the spotlight and leave you hanging in her dust.

“Wildflowers and Wild Horses” — Lainey Wilson

A song for anyone who’s been underestimated, Wilson delivers an anthem that celebrates resilience and independence. And just like a stallion running free, that kind of empowerment can’t be taught.

“American Dream” — Willie Jones

Released after the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, Jones blends country, soul and hip-hop influences to remind us that the Black experience has always been a different kind of American dream.

“Black Like Me” — Mickey Guyton

When you think about defining country songs of the past decade, this one by Guyton immediately comes to mind. Stripped down, the powerful ballad does all the work as she sings about identity and belonging, sparking real conversations about who gets to be seen as part of country music’s fabric.

“Somebody’s Gotta Do It” — Tony Evans Jr.

Bringing a mix of neo-traditional and 2000s mainstream vibe, Evans Jr.’s baritone twang on a song about stepping up to the plate after her man did her wrong is exactly the kind of energy Miller deserves right now.

Hegseth Blocks Navy Admiral Promotions As Trump Administration Intensifies Anti-DEI Push

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has blocked the promotions of several Black and woman Navy officers selected to become one-star admirals, an unusual intervention in the military promotion process that has drawn scrutiny from defense officials and lawmakers. Sources say that the officers had already been chosen by a board of senior Navy admirals before Hegseth halted their advancement.

The Bigger Picture: The move follows similar actions involving Army promotions earlier this year. Reports indicate that some of the officers affected by previous promotion decisions were women and Black service members, prompting concerns from critics about whether race, gender or perceived ties to diversity initiatives played a role. Pentagon officials have denied allegations of bias and maintain that promotions are based on merit. The promotion blocks are part of broader efforts by Trump administration officials to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across the federal government and military.

South Carolina Jury Acquits Store Owner in Killing of Black Teen

A South Carolina jury found convenience store owner Chikei Rick Chow not guilty of murder Monday in the 2023 shooting death of 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton, a Black teenager. Chow, 61, admitted he shot Carmack-Belton in the back after chasing him from his Columbia store but argued he acted to protect his son. Prosecutors said Chow wrongly believed the teen had stolen four bottles of water and pursued him more than 130 yards before opening fire. They argued Carmack-Belton never threatened anyone and that a pistol he carried fell during the chase. Defense attorneys contended the teen pointed the weapon at Chow’s son, prompting the shooting. 

The Impact: In the aftermath of the acquittal, critics questioned whether the justice system adequately valued the life of a Black teenager, echoing concerns raised by Carmack-Belton’s family and supporters. The case renewed scrutiny of racial disparities in high-profile criminal cases and reignited debate over self-defense claims. Protests and vigils were held in Columbia following the verdict, with demonstrators demanding accountability and justice for Carmack-Belton.

Supreme Court Allows Alabama to Use GOP-Favored Congressional Map

The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed Alabama to use a congressional map favoring Republicans in this year’s elections, blocking a lower court ruling that found the plan intentionally discriminated against Black voters. In a 6-3 decision, the justices granted Alabama’s emergency request to reinstate a map adopted in 2023 that includes only one majority-Black congressional district among the state’s seven districts. A three-judge federal panel previously ruled that the map was tainted by intentional racial discrimination and ordered Alabama to maintain a second district where Black voters could elect their preferred candidate. The court’s three liberal justices dissented. 

Why It Matters: The ruling comes amid a broader national battle over congressional redistricting ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Alabama officials argued that changing district lines so close to the election would create confusion and disrupt election administration. Republican Gov. Kay Ivey welcomed the decision, while civil rights groups condemned it as a setback for Black voting representation.

Missouri Lawmakers Weigh Funding Cuts to State’s Only Public HBCU

Missouri lawmakers are considering a funding proposal that would reduce state support for the University of Missouri’s Historically Black Land-Grant Institution, Lincoln University, according to reports. The proposal would alter funding levels as lawmakers finalize the state budget, drawing concern from advocates who argue that cuts could disproportionately affect students at Missouri’s only public historically Black college and university. Supporters of Lincoln University have urged lawmakers to maintain funding, citing the institution’s role in expanding access to higher education and workforce development across the state. The budget process remains ongoing, and final funding decisions have not been finalized. Reduced state funding could affect student services, academic programs and campus resources if enacted. Students who rely on institutional support may face fewer opportunities or increased financial pressures. Sources: Missouri Independent; Missouri state budget documents. 

Clarence B. Jones, Key Adviser to Martin Luther King Jr., Dies at 95

Clarence B. Jones, the attorney, speechwriter and close adviser to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who helped craft the iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, has died at age 95. Jones died May 22 at a senior living community in Cupertino, California, according to a statement released by his family. Jones served as King’s personal attorney and trusted confidant from 1960 until King’s assassination in 1968. He played a key role in several pivotal moments of the civil rights movement, including helping draft King’s 1967 “Beyond Vietnam” speech and smuggling pages of the “Letter from Birmingham Jail” out of the prison where King was detained.

We Remember: Jones’ influence on the civil rights movement extended far beyond speechwriting. After King’s death, Jones built careers in finance and academia, becoming the first Black allied member of the New York Stock Exchange and later teaching at Stanford University and the University of San Francisco. In 2024, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. Historians credit his work behind the scenes with helping preserve and amplify messages that remain central to the fight for racial justice and equality today. 

For generations, Black-owned media have documented our stories when few others would. But as layoffs sweep through newsrooms, advertising dollars shrink, and anti-DEI sentiment reshapes corporate priorities, many of those institutions are fighting for survival. Brands are having to significantly decrease their workforce. Journalists are being laid off in droves and increasingly pushed toward becoming personal brands on social media when many simply want to focus on reporting the news.

Among the most pertinent obstacles hindering Black media are investment scarcity and the rapidly evolving technological landscape. This has left media companies more vulnerable than usual. In part, this is due to the anti-DEI regime we’re facing as a community, which is yet another hurdle to equity. Without essential resources like funding, the industry as a whole faces potential erasure, which is already creating gaps in representation, employment, and access to reliable information in real time. What’s most disappointingly familiar in all of this is that we have always been expected to do more with less.

Still, founders Rhonesha Byng and Dévon Johnson have stepped up to help fill in the gaps through their Black-Owned Media Equity and Sustainability Institute (BOMESI). Together, Byng and Johnson have created unique opportunities with their accelerator program to increase the number of diverse and Black-owned media companies while ensuring each is positioned to operate sustainably.

As industry veterans, their combined experience allows them to pass along practical knowledge while building a community designed to support founders and media companies alike. One of the ways they’re providing access to resources made to support media companies and those working within the industry is through the annual BOMESI Summit. This year’s theme is Mobilizing Culture: The 5.3 Trillion Opportunity For Media & Brands and it’s happening June 3 through June 6 in Detroit, MI. The theme references the growing economic influence of multicultural consumers and the opportunity Black-owned media companies have to help brands reach those audiences authentically.

Beyond the in-person summit, BOMESI offers accessibility in the form of their accelerator program and the next cohort opens in June. “The accelerator program is the opportunity to really go deep, it’s a white glove experience of how to level up the advertising in the business side of your media company,” Byng told EBONY. “It’s about three months of training and mentorship in addition to having your cohort support you through the journey.”

What makes BOMESI’s approach especially impactful is the emphasis on sustainability beyond a singular event or short-term visibility. “We wanted to make sure the output of our accelerator was a little different,” Johnson said. “So, throughout the year we have webinars and training. We facilitate meetings and partnerships where there’s opportunities for deal flow. We actually have them make money in partnership.”

The organization itself was built with intentionality from the very beginning. “BOMESI as a brand started off as a nonprofit to support the ecosystem of Black owned media,” Johnson said. “We started with a small list of Black-owned sites that grew to 350 plus outlets.”

As Black media companies continue navigating an industry that often excludes them from the very conversations they help shape, BOMESI is creating something many founders and journalists have long needed: community, transparency, and access. “We create accountability through community conversation and transparency,” Byng said. At its core, BOMESI is about ensuring Black-owned media companies are not only seen, but sustained.

Dads come in all shapes, sizes and vibes. But this Father’s Day, we’re talking about a very specific kind of father. You know the one. He’s the dad who somehow knows everyone at the neighborhood block party. The one posted next to the grill with a signature fragrance on, designer shades shielding his eyes from the sun and a fresh pair of sneakers that somehow never touch a speck of dirt. He’ll spend Saturday debating whether The Wire is better than Snowfall, Sunday taking the family to brunch and Monday leading a meeting at work without changing a thing about who he is. Style isn’t something he puts on. It’s part of his personality.

That’s why shopping for him requires a little more thought than another “World’s Best Dad” mug. A great Father’s Day gift should fit seamlessly into the life he’s already living. Maybe that’s a pair of light-wash denim jeans that feel modern without trying too hard. Maybe it’s a chunky black Coach loafer that can carry him from the office straight to date night. Or perhaps it’s a pair of oversized tortoiseshell sunglasses from 12pm Studios that instantly make him look like the coolest man at the cookout before he even says a word.

For the dad who still appreciates a little sportswear nostalgia, a retro-inspired track jacket from Purple Label feels right on time. It’s the kind of piece that looks equally at home courtside, running errands in Brooklyn or grabbing an espresso before work. Pair it with a classic rugby shirt from K.ngsley and suddenly he’s giving “former college athlete who now owns property” energy. Add a pair of neutral New Balance sneakers and you’ve got a uniform that balances comfort and style without sacrificing either.

Then there’s the dad who isn’t afraid of color. A soft pink cable-knit sweater vest from Rowing Blazers may not have been in his rotation twenty years ago, but today’s stylish fathers understand that confidence is the best accessory in the closet. The same goes for fragrance. A bottle of Rabanne Million Gold isn’t just something that smells good. It’s the final exclamation point on an outfit. The thing people remember after he’s left the room.

Today’s dads aren’t dressing for one version of themselves. They’re dressing for all of them. The provider. The friend. The partner. The mentor. The guy holding court at the family reunion and the one quietly picking up the dinner bill before anyone notices. These gifts meet him where he is and elevate what’s already there. And when he shows up looking like the freshest man at the Juneteenth festival, family cookout or rooftop happy hour this summer, don’t be surprised if he reminds everyone exactly who bought it for him.

Purple Jeans

Wordmark Track Jacket

Price: $425

Shop at Purple Jeans

Agolde

Fusion Jean

Price: $238

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Rabanne

Million Gold

Price: $114

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New Balance

9060 Sneakers

Price: $160

Shop at New Balance

12pm Studios

Aspen – Mocha

Price: $155

Shop at 12pm Studios

Primark

Classic Suit Jacket

Price: $50

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Primark

Classic Suit Pants

Price: $30

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K.ngsley

Navy/Ecru Striped “Pegasus” Polo

Price: $250

Shop at K.ngsley

Banana Republic

Archive Reissue Pleated Fishing Short

Price: $100

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Rowing Blazers

Acid Washed Cotton Cableknit Sweater Vest Pink

Price: $148 $74

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Coach

Platform Loafer

Price: $225

Shop at Coach