Prepare to get knocked out by THE MONSTERS, the West Coast premiere at the La Jolla Playhouse beginning June 2.

For years, LIL has observed her estranged brother from the shadows, studying every punch he throws. BIG, an aging but respected force in the local mixed martial arts circuit, remains unaware that his little sister has been tracking his career from afar — until she unexpectedly appears on his doorstep.

Award-winning playwright and UC San Diego MFA graduate Ngozi Anyanwu writes and stars alongside Sullivan Jones in this warm-hearted, action-charged story that explores the fight to build a life you can be proud of.

This powerful love letter to sibling relationships delivers an emotional knockout.

For tickets visit LaJollaPlayhouse.com.

Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning play Purpose, now on stage at La Jolla Playhouse through June 7, is an emotionally layered family drama filled with humor, tension, and painful truths.

From the moment the curtain rises, the stunning set design immediately pulls audiences into the world of the influential Jasper family — a prominent Black family celebrated for its deep roots in the Civil Rights Movement and Black American politics. The production’s attention to detail creates an intimate atmosphere that feels both grand and deeply personal.

What makes Purpose especially compelling is the strength of the entire ensemble cast. There are no weak links and no single standout performance because every actor brings depth, authenticity, and emotional weight to the stage. Each character leaves a lasting impression.

As the story unfolds, the cracks beneath the family’s polished public image begin to surface. Both sons wrestle with personal issues that threaten to tarnish the family legacy. Yet the play skillfully reveals that the family patriarch — an iconic civil rights figure who harshly judges his sons — is also carrying secrets of his own.

The brilliance of Purpose lies in its exploration of legacy, hypocrisy, family loyalty, and the impossible expectations often placed upon prominent families. At times funny, uncomfortable, and heartbreaking, the play reminds audiences that even those viewed as heroes are still deeply human.

Directed by Delicia Turner Sonnenberg, Purpose is a powerful theatrical experience that sparks conversation long after the final bow.

For tickets visit https: La Jolla Playhouse.

For many families in San Diego, summer traditions often include backyard barbecues, beach days, family reunions — and a trip to the San Diego County Fair.

But this year, fair organizers say the experience will feel even more inclusive and culturally connected, thanks to expanded programming that celebrates Black culture, music, heritage, and community.

Among the biggest additions to this year’s fair is the debut of the fair’s first-ever Juneteenth Festival, a milestone event organizers say reflects the region’s growing diversity and the importance of creating spaces where all communities feel represented.

The Juneteenth celebration joins a lineup that also includes the return of the Gospel Festival and the Black and Brown Festival Showcase on July 5 — events expected to draw families looking for entertainment that reflects the richness of San Diego’s multicultural communities.

“We are a multicultural event,” fair officials said during a recent virtual media briefing, emphasizing the fair’s commitment to creating an experience that is welcoming, inclusive, and family-friendly.

The Black and Brown Festival Showcase is expected to spotlight music, culture, and creative expression from Black and Latino communities, while Gospel Music Day, organizers GOD Radio and MANDATE Records, brings back a tradition many fairgoers have embraced over the years.

For many attendees, however, the fair is also about creating memories across generations.

From live music and cultural festivals to food competitions and free entertainment, organizers say they want families to spend the entire day enjoying the fairgrounds without feeling pressured to overspend.

That focus on affordability comes at an important time as many working families continue navigating higher costs for food, gas, and entertainment.

To help ease the burden, the fair announced several discount programs and family savings options this year, including a Northgate Market promotion offering a family four-pack of tickets plus parking for $86 — a savings organizers say is nearly 30 percent off regular prices.

Fair officials also announced that approximately 30 to 40 food vendors will offer $15 value meals during the fair’s run.

In addition, “Foodie Fridays” will return, allowing guests to purchase select featured food items at half price during designated hours.

“People are cost conscious,” one fair representative said. “The fair is a great way to have a staycation.”

And while the fair is known for its rides and over-the-top food creations, organizers reminded media members that many of the fair’s attractions are included with admission.

Guests can enjoy free live entertainment, cultural exhibits, community showcases, animal attractions, art displays, and family activities throughout the fairgrounds.

“The free entertainment is really endless,” one organizer explained, noting that many visitors may not realize how much is included with the price of admission.

This year’s entertainment lineup also includes nationally known performers and expanded experiences at The Sound, the fairgrounds’ year-round concert venue.

Still, organizers acknowledged that food remains one of the fair’s biggest attractions.

“Food is always in the top reasons people come to the fair,” officials said during the briefing.

This year’s Fairtastic Food Competition will once again challenge vendors to create visually stunning and uniquely San Diego-inspired dishes, with winners selected in categories that celebrate creativity, local culture, and fair-themed storytelling.

Organizers also stressed that safety remains a top priority.

The fairgrounds will continue to utilize security personnel, law enforcement partnerships, weapons detection systems, and onsite safety teams throughout the event.

“It is a fun, safe, and inclusive event,” officials said.

As excitement builds ahead of opening day, fair leaders say they hope this year’s expanded cultural programming will help more families see the fair not just as a summer attraction — but as a celebration of community itself.

The San Diego County Fair opens June 11 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

The GI Film Festival San Diego, which is taking place at the Museum of Photographic Arts at the San Diego Museum of Art, was filled with veterans, community members, and filmgoers eager to hear powerful stories about veterans and their experiences serving our country.

These heartfelt stories evoked a range of emotions — from laughter and tears to moments of inspiration and celebration.

I had the opportunity to attend Thursday night’s showcase, which featured six compelling short films:

The Commitment to Courage follows the story of Ashley Christman, a U.S. Marine and mother of a toddler, who served around the world in hazardous situations while fighting for freedom. In 2021, however, she faced a battle she never expected when she was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumor. This moving film will definitely bring tears, but Ashley’s courage shines through as she leans on the values instilled in her by the Marine Corps to help strengthen her quality of life and persevere through adversity.

Sheepdogs focuses on the remote military town of Twentynine Palms, where artist Ted Meyer helps wounded veterans and active-duty military members transform their physical scars into powerful works of art.

The Gun tells the story of Shaya, a 30-year-old veteran who confronts his fears while attempting to renew his firearms license after experiencing post-trauma from serving in the Israel Defense Forces.

Hope…In the Aftermath of War centers on a daughter confronting her veteran parents as they struggle with trauma, addiction, and a fractured family dynamic — challenges the entire family must learn to survive together.

A Ranger Works Here follows Oskar Zepeda’s journey navigating PTSD after surviving a grenade blast while serving in the Army. Oskar speaks candidly about the anger and emotional outbursts that impacted his family. Through support from the military, his church, family, and friends, he ultimately opens his own barbershop and becomes a source of strength and encouragement within his community.

Following the films, audience members had the opportunity to participate in a special talkback session where they were able to ask questions and hear directly from the filmmakers and featured subjects. Among those on stage were Ashley Christman and Oskar Zepeda, who shared personal insights about their experiences, resilience, and the healing journeys highlighted in their films.

The GI Film Festival San Diego closes on May 8, 2026.

For tickets and additional information, visit GI Film Festival San Diego

By Gwen Pierce, The Chocolate Voice

For many women veterans, service doesn’t end when they leave the military—it simply becomes less visible.

Their sacrifices, leadership, and resilience often go unrecognized in the broader narrative of military history. But for Keshia Javis-Jones, Marine Corps veteran and Advisory Committee Member for the GI Film Festival San Diego, that silence is exactly what she’s working to change.

Through her advocacy and community work, Javis-Jones is helping ensure that the stories of those who served—especially women of color—are not only told, but honored.

Filling the Gaps Left Behind

While conversations around veterans’ services have evolved, Javis-Jones says the reality for many women remains complex.

“One of the biggest gaps is acknowledgment,” she explains. “Not just from the public, but even within organizations that serve veterans.”

That lack of recognition often translates into real-life challenges—particularly when it comes to employment, equitable pay, and access to resources that reflect women’s lived experiences.

For many, the transition to civilian life includes navigating career uncertainty while managing the demands of family life. Javis-Jones notes that a significant number of women veterans are single heads of household, carrying both financial and caregiving responsibilities.

“Childcare alone can be a huge burden,” she says. “And without the right support systems, it makes everything harder.”

A Legacy Long Overdue

Javis-Jones’s work is deeply informed by the legacy of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion—a groundbreaking group of Black women who served during World War II.

Tasked with sorting and delivering a massive backlog of mail to U.S. troops overseas, the battalion played a critical role in maintaining morale during wartime. Yet for decades, their contributions were largely overlooked.

Connecting with members of the battalion and their families left a lasting impression on Javis-Jones.

“Hearing those stories firsthand—it changes you,” she says. “You realize how much was done, and how little was recognized for so long.”

Today, as long-overdue honors like the Congressional Gold Medal bring renewed attention to their service, she sees both progress and responsibility.

“We’re standing on their shoulders,” she says. “And it’s our job to make sure their stories—and others like them—are never forgotten.”

Leadership Rooted in Realness

Javis-Jones’s leadership style was shaped during her time in the Marine Corps, where she often found herself in roles that pushed her beyond her comfort zone.

Instead of striving for perfection, she focused on growth, teamwork, and transparency.

“I never felt like I had to have all the answers,” she says. “It was more important to be honest, to listen, and to move forward together.”

That approach continues to guide her work today—whether she’s leading programs for veterans or mentoring others navigating their own transitions.

“At the end of the day, people just want to know they can trust you,” she adds.

Reclaiming the Narrative Through Film

It was a chance introduction that led Javis-Jones to the GI Film Festival San Diego, but the mission immediately resonated.

Unlike traditional Hollywood portrayals of war, which she feels often miss the mark, the festival centers authentic, lived experiences—stories created by or in close collaboration with veterans themselves.

“I’ve always struggled with how the military is portrayed in mainstream media,” she says. “It’s entertaining, but it’s not always real.”

At the festival, reality takes center stage.

Through documentaries, short films, and panel discussions, veterans are given space to share their truths—on their own terms. For many, it’s a rare opportunity to process, reflect, and connect.

“There are things some veterans may never say out loud,” Javis-Jones explains. “But seeing those stories on screen—it creates a different kind of understanding.”

The Stories We Still Don’t Hear

Even with platforms like the GI Film Festival San Diego, Javis-Jones believes there is still work to be done—especially when it comes to representation.

Women, particularly women of color, remain underrepresented in both military storytelling and public discourse. Many veterans, she notes, choose to distance themselves from their service altogether, sometimes never sharing that part of their lives.

“If we don’t create space for those stories,” she says, “we lose them.”

And with that loss comes a deeper consequence: a disconnect between those who serve and the communities they return to.

Building Bridges, One Story at a Time

For Javis-Jones, the power of storytelling goes beyond awareness—it’s about connection.

Events like the GI Film Festival San Diego bring together veterans and civilians in a shared space, fostering understanding through film, conversation, and community.

“It helps people see the full picture,” she says. “Not just the uniform, not just the war—but the person.”

As she continues her work, Javis-Jones remains grounded in a simple but powerful belief: that every story matters.

And when those stories are told with honesty and care, they don’t just inform—they honor, they heal, and they ensure that those who served are truly seen.

The GI Film Festival San Diego marks 11 years of bringing films for, by, and about the military community to the big screen. This year’s military-themed film festival takes place May 6-8, 2026, at the Museum of Photographic Arts at the San Diego Museum of Art (MOPA @ SDMA) in Balboa Park.

LOS ANGELES, CA— Following the breakout success of its early micro-drama releases, MANSA is accelerating its expansion in vertical storytelling with the release of 10 original micro-drama series rolling out from May through July 2026 on its growing multi-drama platform.

The slate will launch with three original titles premiering next month: Playing the Field, a female-led flag football romance rivalry; Love Contract, a high-stakes contract marriage drama; and Battle for Center Stage, an HBCU dance team romance rivalry.

This announcement builds on the momentum of MANSA’s first wave of vertical series, including The Heiress, The Baller & The Secret Society, and Baselines, which have collectively garnered more than 6.5 million impressions and views across platforms in its first 30 days, reinforcing strong audience demand for short-form, episodic content.

“Vertical storytelling has already shown us what is possible when you meet audiences in the format they are naturally leaning into,” said Nate Parker, Co-Founder and CEO of MANSA. “This slate is about scaling that insight into a repeatable system. We are building a pipeline where we can consistently develop, finance, produce, and distribute micro-drama series within our own ecosystem.”

The summer releases are part of Mansa’s broader 2026 slate of original micro-drama series, the majority of which are being developed, financed, produced, and distributed through its in-house studio, Mansa Studios, with the company planning to license and co-finance approximately 30% of the projects. Following the summer slate, Mansa will aggressively expand its global library through originals, strategic licensing and partnerships, further scaling its offering to serve diverse audiences worldwide.

Designed for speed, scale, and direct audience feedback, Mansa’s micro-drama model allows projects to move from concept to release on accelerated timelines. By integrating development, production, and monetization within a single platform, the company can test and refine content in real time while maintaining a steady release cadence.

“This is about building an engine for storytelling,” said David Oyelowo, Co-Founder of MANSA. “We are creating a system that allows us to develop and release micro-dramas at scale while staying closely connected to our audience.”

The 2026 slate will span a wide range of storytelling styles, from high-energy serialized dramas to cinematic, mobile-first narratives, all rooted in culturally resonant themes designed to connect with global audiences.

The new micro-dramas will be available on the MANSA app, accessible across multiple markets including: the United States, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, and Brazil, as the company continues to expand its international footprint.

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ABOUT MANSA STUDIOS

MANSA Studios is a global media company and studio showcasing diaspora-focused content for a worldwide audience. Co-founded by David Oyelowo and Nate Parker, Mansa develops, produces, and distributes film, television, and short-form content across a growing portfolio of platforms, including its free, ad-supported streaming service and FAST channels. Operating as a full-service studio and distribution company, Mansa supports projects across the entire lifecycle, from development through theatrical, digital, and emerging formats including vertical micro-dramas.

LOS ANGELES, CA — The stars aligned for an unforgettable evening at the Bobbi Kristina Serenity House 5th Annual “Celebration of Serenity” Sneaker Ball Gala, hosted by Emmy Award-winning actor and comedian Anthony Anderson. The star-studded event brought together a powerful mix of entertainment, culture, and purpose in support of the organization’s mission to end domestic violence and uplift survivors.

Celebrities including Lil Rel Howery, Deon Cole, Rocsi Diaz, Dawnn Lewis, Martin Lawrence, Holly Robinson-Peete, Earthquake, and more were in attendance, showing up and showing out in style to celebrate and support the evening’s honorees and the impactful work of the organization.

The evening honored three remarkable women for their contributions to culture, resilience, and community impact. Tina Knowles received the Legacy Impact Award, Tisha Campbell was presented with the Thriver Award, and Deputy Chief Ruby Flores was honored with the Changemaker Award.

The program opened with a powerful prayer led by Rev. Michael Beckwith, setting the tone for an inspiring and purpose-driven night. Guests were also treated to a soulful live performance by Eric Benét, whose vocals brought the room to life.

Founded by Bobby Brown and Alicia Etheridge Brown, Bobbi Kristina Serenity House continues its mission to provide advocacy, education, and critical resources for survivors of domestic violence, including crisis intervention, housing, and counseling services.

The evening served as both a celebration and a call to action, reminding attendees of the importance of community, compassion, and continued support for those in need.

For more information, please visit https://bobbikristinaserenityhouse.org/. 

By Holly Ramer and Tassanee Vejpongsa

HAVERFORD, Pa. — A high school history teacher in Pennsylvania who helps students look inward to find their strengths and outward to find community inside and outside the classroom has been named the 2026 National Teacher of the Year.

Leon Smith, 46, has spent his entire 25-year career at Haverford High School, where he teaches Advanced Placement classes in U.S. history and African American studies. He describes himself as a “warm demander,” someone who sets high expectations while surrounding students with love and support. Often, that means recognizing hidden talents and bringing them to the forefront, he said. 

“An adult can tell you that they see something in you that maybe you didn’t see in yourself,” he said. “I love to do that for students. When I see ambition, when I see talent, I let them know that so that they can hopefully pursue that goal and achieve their dreams.”

Smith starts each class with a community building exercise — recently, he asked his students to talk about a song that made them happy. One shared a track that reminded him of a family vacation. Another recalled music she listened to with friends before they went their separate ways. The exercise helped settle the students before the discussion shifted to a harder question: When, if ever, should the United States enter a war happening far away?

“We want to make sure that our students can think critically, that they have empathy, that they can understand the nuance and complexity that goes into making decisions,” he said. “My hope is that when they leave my classroom, that they can be civically engaged, that they can make sure that they can create a society that they can be proud of.”

Smith also extends his teaching to outside the school, taking students to the state Capitol in Harrisburg each year to engage with policymakers. That won him praise from the organization behind the award, the Council of Chief State School Officers, which also cited his emphasis on the inclusion of multiple perspectives in history.

As the Teacher of the Year, Smith will spend a year promoting the pivotal role educators play in shaping the next generation.

“They’ve moved societies. They have empowered activist movements. They’ve helped people to figure out what they want to do when they group up,” he said. “They’ve had a tremendous impact, and my hope is that people are inspired to join that legacy.”

Ramer and Vejpongsa write for the Associated Press. Ramer reported from Concord, N.H.

On April 15, community members gathered to celebrate The Teralta, a project that reflects both the history and the future of City Heights. What was once the 1948 Superior Furniture Co. building has been thoughtfully transformed into 73 affordable homes for families—while preserving the building’s familiar Art Deco façade that so many neighbors recognize.

For residents of City Heights, this moment is about more than a grand opening. It represents long-awaited investment in families, stability, and the kind of housing that truly meets the needs of the community.

One of the most meaningful aspects of The Teralta is its focus on families of all sizes. In a city where larger affordable units are hard to find, 45 of the 73 apartments include three- and four-bedroom homes—creating space for multigenerational households and giving families room to grow, stay connected, and thrive together.

The $71 million development is also an investment in the neighborhood itself. By breathing new life into a historic building and creating space for local-serving businesses, The Teralta contributes to the vibrancy and economic health of City Heights while honoring its past.

Equally important is what happens beyond the front door. Residents will have access to Wakeland’s Resident Services program, which offers youth programs, career development support, and resources designed to uplift the whole family. As Dani Halton, Senior Project Manager, shared,

Local leaders, including San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, joined community advocates to mark the occasion, highlighting the importance of projects like The Teralta in addressing the region’s housing challenges in ways that center people and community.

“Everyone living here has access to indoor and outdoor spaces and can truly thrive and build community within the building—something we hope will expand into the larger community.” These services help ensure that housing is not just affordable—but empowering.

At its heart, The Teralta is about belonging. It’s about creating a place where families can put down roots, where history is honored, and where the future of City Heights is shaped by opportunity, resilience, and care.

Built Through Strong Public-Private Partnerships:

The Teralta was made possible through a collaborative public-private financing structure, with key funding partners, including Price Philanthropies Foundation, the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee, City of San Diego, San Diego Housing Commission, U.S. Bank, and the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, among others.

The development is the third affordable housing community completed by Wakeland Housing and Price Philanthropies Foundation, and reflects a strong partnership in the City Heights community. Wakeland Housing is the largest provider of affordable housing in City Heights, with more than 500 affordable homes across 18 properties, reflecting the nonprofit’s deep roots and ongoing investment in this neighborhood.

About Wakeland Housing

Wakeland Housing transforms lives and communities with high-quality affordable and supportive housing paired with impactful resident services. With more than 9,000 homes across 70 properties, Wakeland creates housing that serves as a foundation for health, stability, and opportunity for low-income families, seniors, veterans, and individuals who have experienced homelessness. Learn more at www.wakelandhdc.com.

About Price Philanthropies Foundation

Price Philanthropies Foundation was founded by retail entrepreneur and philanthropist Sol Price and his wife Helen in 1982. The foundation’s mission is to improve life opportunities for underserved youth and families, and their communities. Its grant making occurs primarily in San Diego County, with a focus on City Heights. For more information visit: https://pricephilanthropies.org/

San Diego, CA (April 22, 2026) — Tickets for Cameron Mackintosh’s new North American production of The Phantom of the Opera are now on sale for its limited engagement at the San Diego Civic Theatre, running September 2–13, 2026. Tickets are available at the San Diego Civic Theatre Box Office and online at BroadwaySD.com. Group orders of 10 or more may be arranged via Groups@BroadwaySD.com.

This revitalized production of The Phantom of the Opera features Maria Björnson’s celebrated original design and was met with critical acclaim when it reopened in London at His Majesty’s Theatre in 2021. The production is directed by Seth Sklar-Heyn, based on the original staging by Harold Prince, with choreography by Gillian Lynne, adapted by Chrissie Cartwright.

The North American tour is produced by Cameron Mackintosh in association with LW Entertainment and NETworks Presentations.

Cast Highlights
Isaiah Bailey stars in the title role, joined by Jordan Lee Gilbert as Christine Daaé and Daniel Lopez as Raoul. The company also features Midori Marsh, William Thomas Evans, Carrington Vilmont, Lisa Vroman, Christopher Bozeka, Melo Ludwig, and Alexa Xioufaridou Moster.

Creative Vision
Producer Cameron Mackintosh describes this production as a “dazzlingly fresh version” of the original, honoring its legacy while introducing subtle updates inspired by its original creative team.

Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber adds, “Love, passion, and live theatre are at the heart of Phantom. I still get goosebumps every time the chandelier comes to life.”

About the Show
Since its debut in 1986, The Phantom of the Opera has been seen by over 160 million people across 52 territories and 21 languages. Featuring iconic songs such as “The Music of the Night,” “All I Ask of You,” and “Masquerade,” the musical tells the story of a mysterious figure haunting the Paris Opera House and his obsession with a young soprano, Christine.

The Broadway production, which opened in 1988, became the longest-running show in Broadway history and won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. After a record-breaking 35-year run, it closed in April 2023.

Production Credits
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber; lyrics by Charles Hart; book by Richard Stilgoe and Andrew Lloyd Webber, based on the novel by Gaston Leroux. Original direction by Harold Prince.

Performance Details
Dates: September 2–13, 2026
Venue: San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Avenue, San Diego, CA
Tickets: On sale now at BroadwaySD.com

For additional information, visit ThePhantomOfTheOpera.com.