The 2019 ESSENCE Festival® presented by Coca-Cola, the world’s largest cultural, entertainment and empowerment experience and the largest celebration of global Black culture, convenes top world leaders, influencers and creators for its newly reimagined ESSENCE Power Stage. Free and open to the public, the ESSENCE Power Stage will feature conversations and keynote addresses with influencers and artists – plus a culminating all-star Gospel celebration with performances celebrating 25 years of Black women in Gospel music.
April 23, 2019 – Today, theLadyLike Foundation announced their 2019 honorees for the 11th Annual LadyLike Foundation Women of Excellence Luncheon, which will include Carrie O’dell, Jordin Sparks, Marjorie Harvey and Storm Reid. The nonprofit organization, whose mission is to educate, empower and inspire young girls living in underprivileged communities around the Greater Los Angeles area, hosts this annual fundraiser to honor women in the community and in our world who are “Excellent” in their fields of occupation and philanthropy. The Women of Excellence Luncheon will take place onSaturday, May 11that the Beverly Hilton Hotel with Holly Robinson Peete returning as host.
Based on the popular novel by Angela Burt-Murray, GAMES PEOPLE PLAY is a sultry new thriller featuring an ensemble cast of dynamic characters, including a desperate basketball wife trying to protect her family, a tenacious journalist struggling to rebuild a tarnished career, and a scandalous groupie looking to become a star – all who find it’s murder trying to stay on top.
Hustlers, based on a true story and boasting the feature film debut of Cardi B, now has a release date.
Cardi’s co-star Jennifer Lopez made the announcement via an Instagram clip shot from the comfort of an empty Bergdorf’s Monday, noting that she was making the visit while on a break from production.
“Have you ever been in Bergdorf’s at 3 a.m.?” Lopez asked her fans. “This is what it’s like. You can walk everywhere. Look, there’s nobody here. It’s like a fantasy, a dream come true. Just rummaging through all the racks, looking at all the clothes in between takes here on the set of Hustlers. By the way, I have a secret. The release date for Hustlers has just been set for September 13. We’re coming to a theater near you. Look out for all of us!”
The Redemption Project with Van Jones is a new eight-part CNN Original Series, created and executive produced by Jonas Bell Pasht and Jonah Bekhor of Citizen Jones and Academy-Award®-nominated director Jason Cohen. Offering a rare glimpse into the restorative justice process,each episode follows the victim, or surviving family members,
Princess Odette and Her Friends Are Back in the First-Look Trailer forTHE SWAN PRINCESS: KINGDOM OF MUSIC Coming Soon from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
THE POWERFUL NATURI NAUGHTON TELLS HER STORY PLUS GRAMMY-NOMINATED SINGER KENNY LATTIMORE REVEALS ALL ON TV ONE’S POPULAR FRANCHISES UNSUNGAND UNCENSOREDTHIS SUNDAY, APRIL 14UNSUNG Featuring Kenny Lattimore Premieres at 9P/8C;Immediately Followed by Naturi Naughton on UNCENSORED at 10P/9C
As previously announced by the NAACP, some of the biggest names in film, television and music turned out for the 50TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS on Saturday, March 30, which was broadcast live on TV One from The Dolby Theater in Hollywood.
SPRINTER, which will be released on April 24, 2019via GathrÒ Films’ Theatrical-On-Demand.
presents
MENTAL TELEPATHY PICTURES AND OVERBROOK ENTERTAINMENT’S
Written and Directed by Storm Saulter
Executive Produced by Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith
Starring: Dale Elliott, Shantol Jackson, Kadeem Wilson, Dennis Titus, Bryshere Y. Gray
with Lorraine Toussaint and David Alan Grier
Executive produced by Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith, SPRINTER tells the story of Akeem Sharp (Dale Elliott), who is set to be Jamaica’s next big track-and-field sensation. Akeem hopes a rise in the track-and- field world will take him to the U.S. to reunite him with his mother (Lorraine Toussaint, Orange is the New Black), who has supported the family while living as an illegal resident for over a decade. But Akeem’s rising star is weighed down by turmoil at home: a volatile father, and an unruly older brother who insinuates himself into Akeem’s career as a means of escaping – or perhaps enhancing – his scam artist hustle. Not only does Akeem have to prove to himself and to everyone that he can succeed, but also overcome the struggles that may ultimately bring him down. The film also stars Kadeem Wilson (Ghett’ A Life), Dennis Titus (The Mighty Quinn), Shantol Jackson (Yardie), Bryshere Y. Gray (Empire), and David Alan Grier (In Living Color) with songs by Grammy Award winning artist NE-YO and Jamaican dancehall performer Shenseea.
According to details on the Staples Center’s website, there is a limit of four tickets per household, and are limited to California residents. Tickets sales will begin on Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at 10:00 AM via axs.com.
Rap and R&B royalty holds court with the BET premiere of “LADIES NIGHT,” starring SALT-N-PEPA (SNP), DJ SPINDERELLA and SWV. With a legacy spanning over three decades, Salt-N-Pepa has landed their biggest career accomplishment to-date, a Las Vegas residency. While simultaneously preparing for their opportunity of a lifetime, the trio has made the ambitious decision to launch the “Ladies Night” national tour in collaboration with SWV.
Regina Hall, Issa Rae and Marsai Martin as well as Producer Will Packer and Director Tina Gordon, hit the blue carpet for a star-studded premiere at Regal Atlantic Station in midtown Atlanta. The blue carpet screening was a huge success with many of Atlanta’s biggest stars in entertainment, film and music excited to see LITTLE. The movie hits theaters on April 12th.
Little is an irreverent new comedy about the price of success, the power of sisterhood and having a second chance to grow up — and glow up — right. Will Packer, blockbuster producer of Girls Trip, the Ride Along franchise, Night School, No Good Deed and Think Like a Man, brings an all-new perspective to the body-swap comedy.
The NAACP today announced that globally dominant pop culture icon Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter will receive the prestigious President’s Award during the 50th NAACP Image Awards. The President’s Award is presented in recognition of a special achievement and distinguished public service with previous recipients including Jesse Jackson, Lauryn Hill, Soledad O’Brien, Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice, and Muhammad Ali among others. NAACP President Derrick Johnson will present the award to Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter during a LIVE TV special on TV One onSaturday, March 30, 2019 from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, hosted by Anthony Anderson. Newly announced presenters will include Algee Smith, Cynthia Erivo, Danai Gurira, Issa Rae, Jimmy O. Yang, John Legend, Laura Harrier, Lupita Nyong’o, Marsai Martin, Mike Epps, Regina Hall, Ron Stallworth, Sanaa Lathan, Stephan James, Van Jones, Vin Diesel, Viola Davis,and Winston Duke. They join previously announced presenters Chrissy Metz, Kerry Washington, KiKi Layne, Lena Waithe, Letitia Wright, Malinda Williams, Mike Colter, Roshon Fegan, Thandie Newton, Tika Sumpter, and Trevor Noah.
Universal’s “Us,” the second directorial effort from Jordan Peele, pulled off a stunning debut, generating $70 million from 3,741 North American locations.
Drea Kelly (R. Kelly’s ex-wife), T-Boz, Waka Flocka and Tammy Rivera join the new season of “Growing up Hip Hop: Atlanta,” returning Summer 2019. This Season is All About Truth. Uncovering it. Hiding it. Fighting for it. “Growing Up Hip Hop: Atlanta”is produced for WE tv byEntertainment One (eOne)
The beautiful and talented actress Malinda Williams (Soul Food, Daddy’s Little Girls, Idlewild, First Sunday) is ENGAGED!!! She just got engaged to her new fiancé’ Mr. Tariq M. Walker who popped the Big Question and “SHE SAID YES! or as Malinda will tell you, “WE SAID YES”! Malinda says: “We are engaged and we couldn’t be more happy about spending our lives together. To be honest from the moment we realized we were made for each other, we also recognized the impact we had on one another’s desire to be better individuals, and inspired the best in each other. That is where “we said yes” came in. We said yes to encouraging each other to reach higher and deeper for greater.”
the Cruise 2019 collection references old school shapes and materials inspired by vintage sportswear. Influenced by classic trainers from the ’70s, the Screener sneakers—named for the defensive sports move—feature the Web stripe on the side and vintage Gucci logo, treated for an allover distressed effect.
The Ninth Annual Legendary Awards were held Sunday March 17 at the prestigious Cobb Galleria. This years honorees were Mr. Louis Gossett Jr, Alton Glass, Heath Maven, Michele Piepoli, Mitch Faulkner, Evander Holyfield, Angie Stone, Stokley Williams, and Pastor Marvin Winans. Check out photos below from Kingsmen Media.
Check out the Kingsmen Media exclusive interview with Bishop William Murphy. ´Come On and Take Your Seat´, this one-on-one interview shares the powerful message behind his sixth album, “Settle Here”. The new album “Settle Here” from the Grammy nominated artist is set for release on March 15th!
Noted comedian, actor and REACH Media Syndicated Radio host, DL Hughley is bringing his own brand of comedy and commentary to TV One with his new nighttime talk show THE DL HUGHLEY SHOW, premiering Monday, March 18 at 11/10C PM.
Today, the NAACP announced that Anthony Anderson is set to return as host for the 50th NAACP Image Awards. Anderson is a two-time NAACP Image Awards Winner for his role on blackish, and will be hosting the show for the 6th consecutive year. Winners for the 50th NAACP Image Awards will be revealed during the two-hour LIVE TV special airing on TV One on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 9pm/8c from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
Anderson, is currently the star and Executive Producer of ABC’s multi-award winning sitcom, blackish, a four-time NAACP Image Award Winner for Outstanding Comedy Series, Anderson is also set to star in the upcoming Netflix film Beats.
ThatGirlJayCole accepts the LMAO! Award.Hosts Jess Hilarious and DC Young Fly kick things off. Tammy Rivera and Waka Flocka take the stage.Mike Epps enjoying the show.BluefaceDC YoungflyKatlynMike Epps
The ESSENCE Festival®, the world’s largest entertainment and cultural experience, celebrates its 25th anniversary during Fourth of July weekend in New Orleans and today unveiled part one of its epic 25th anniversary performance line-up. The impressive schedule currently features more than 80 of the most talented and creative artists from across the globe. More acts will be announced in the coming weeks.
Krypton, the all-new series from executive producers David S. Goyer (Man of Steel, The Dark Knight Trilogy) and Cameron Welsh (Constantine) tells the origin story of DC’s iconic Superman in a whole new way!
R&B superstar and Grammy Award winning singer Usher has been tapped to headline The 2019 Trifecta Gala, the premiere Derby Eve event of the Kentucky Derby, on Friday, May 3, 2019 at The YUM! Center in downtown Louisville. The Trifecta Gala, recognized by Churchill Downs as an official Kentucky Derby event, is an annual philanthropic celebration presented by former NBA star and Heartland Coca-Cola CEO Junior Bridgeman and his family. Slated to perform during the Gala’s latter portion, Usher, who is known for his distinct style, soulful voice, and electrifying dance moves, will entertain Derby attendees with back up dancers and various songs from his chart-topping hits during the exclusive and special performance. “We are truly excited about partnering with Usher for the 2019 Trifecta Gala,” said event host Eden Bridgeman. “His talents as an international entertainer will bring an unprecedented energy and guaranteed first-class entertainment to our event and to the Kentucky Derby festivities. Having a star like Usher headline our event will be crucial in helping us raise money and awareness around the charities and organizations our family hopes to support.” Sponsored by Coca-Cola and Boeing, The 2019 Trifecta Gala will benefit several charities that have partnered with the Bridgeman Charitable Group for this special occasion, including the V Foundation, The Louisville West End School, and The University of Louisville Autism Center. The fun-filled fete, an official event of the Kentucky Derby Festival, will include a night of food and beverages, a silent auction, and a plethora of who’s who from the worlds of sports and entertainment. Additional celebrity guests for this high-profile event will be announced in the coming weeks, and ticket sales and sponsorship information for ‘The Trifecta’ 2019 Derby Eve Gala are available at www.trifectagala.com.
Law enforcement sources with knowledge of the investigation tell CNN that Chicago Police believe actor Jussie Smollet paid two men to orchestrate an assault on him that he repo
The sources told CNN the two men are now cooperating fully with law enforcement.
Smollett told authorities he was attacked early January 29 by two men who were “yelling out racial and homophobic slurs.” He said one attacker put a rope around his neck and poured an unknown chemical substance on him.
The nominees for the 50th NAACP Image Awards were exclusively announced today at the Television Critics Association’s (TCA) TV One’s joint press conference with Derrick Johnson, President Read More
BET loves Nicki Minaj. We have supported her from the very beginning of her career and will continue to do so moving forward. Nicki has paved the way Read More
After performing her latest single “Money,” rapper Cardi B solidified a breakout year by becoming the first solo woman to win best rap album for her debut “Invasion of Privacy”
NAACP Image ® Award-winning Actress Wendy Raquel Robinson and GRAMMY® Award-nominated R&B singer Tank host the 2019 Bounce Trumpet Awards, an exciting night of inspiration, history and crowd-rousing performances celebrating African-American achievements and contributions.
The NAACP announced today that Congresswoman Maxine Waters will be honored with the prestigious NAACP Chairman’s Award which is bestowed in recognition of individuals who demonstrate exemplary public service and use their distinct platforms to create agents of change. Leon W. Russell, Chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors, will present Congresswoman Maxine Waters with the award at the 50th NAACP Image Awards on March 30, 2019 live at 9pm/8c on TV One.
UNSUNG celebrates the lives of trailblazing musicians whose full stories and journey have yet to be explored. This season promises memorable stories of influential artists including R&B heartthrob Lloyd, 90s songstress Adina Howard, 80s family band The Jets, singer/songwriter Shirley Murdock, house music legend Crystal Waters, crooner Glenn Jones, vocalist Kenny Lattimore and contemporary gospel musician Tasha Cobbs Leonard. Through first-hand accounts, interviews with family and friends, and archival footage, each episode weaves a tale of the highs and lows of a life in the limelight.
Atlanta’s own Legendary NFL all Pro Bowler RoddyWhite., Former NFL Wide Receiver of the Atlanta Falcons; DeShaun Foster; Former NFL Running Back of the Carolina Panthers; Mike Boley., Former NFL Linebacker of the New York Giants; Keary Colbert., Former NFL Wide Receiver of the Carolina Panthers and host of other professional athletes came together to raise money for TACA (Autism) and Epilepsy with a “Super-Bowl-A-Thon” at BowlMor In Atlanta.
Husband and wife Gabe and Adelaide Wilson take their children to their beach house, hoping to spend time with friends. Their serenity soon turns to tension and chaos when a group of “visitors” arrive uninvited.[3]
Travis will join M5 during the halftime show in Atlanta on February 3. It’s arguably the biggest gig in music, with historical performances over the years.
A Stone Cold Christmas, on Sun. Nov. 25 at 9/8c. A Stone Cold Christmas star Demetria McKinney, who plays Tamara Calloway on Saints & Sinners, will host the S&S marathon. Watch a sneak preview here.