By Erik Pedersen,www.deadline.comMelvin Van Peebles, an actor, writer, director, producer and icon of Black cinema whose films include Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song and Watermelon Man, died Tuesday night at his Manhattan home. He was 89.His death was confirmed by his son, Mario Van Peebles, who said in a statement: “Dad knew that Black images matter. If a picture is worth […]readmore
One of the greatest Brooklyn-based mural-memorials to Black leadership in the arts, sciences and politics has been kept under wraps, viewed by hundreds of thousands over a period of years, it has been hidden from public view since 2015. Akwesi M Asante is concerned about it, and he is becoming the voice for families and residents […]readmore
Patsy Grant (seen performing top, cernter) was in full swing at Jazz966 AT THE PLAZA’s closing outdoor, open-air concert, August 12 evening. Held on site at Jitu Weusi Plaza (aka Putnam Triangle), it across the street from Jazz966’s homebase. Grant performed from her extensive repertoire before a packed “house” of some 150 jazz afficionados and […]readmore
By Lisa Durden When I’m not able to attend red carpet screenings, everyone who knows me, knows that I always go to see films opening night. Not just because I’m a journalist, but because I like to be in the know!! I also love the energy and excitement that comes with it!! But more importantly, I […]readmore
by Lynda HamiltonOn Saturday, July 31st at 12:00 pm an Event was held to Announce a $1 Million Gift from NYS Assembly to the Cultural Museum of African Art (CMAA). This event took place at the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Center (BSRC) in Brooklyn which will serve as the new home of CMAA. Nearly 70 people […]readmore
Formal announcement of the NYS Assembly’s grant of $1,000,000 to The Cultural Museum of African Art (CMAA) will take place at CMAA’s new home – the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation (BSRC) at Restoration Plaza. This gift was made possible through the leadershipof NYS Assemblymember, Stefani Zinerman, and NYS Assembly Speaker, Carl Heastie. The event will […]readmore
The Board of Directors of Hi-ARTS — an urban arts incubator that provides a safe space for artists to develop their work and currently celebrating its 20th anniversary — announced this week the appointment of Aaron L. McKinney as executive director. McKinney is the organization’s third executive director, and brings more than two decades of […]readmore
by Maitefa AngazaAll Photos by Lem PeterkinThe 50th Anniversary International African Arts Festival (IAAF) was a balm for the Black soul. Although reference was made to the trying and tragic times we’ve survived since last we gathered, the warmth, creativity and beauty of the people was healing and enlivening. And despite a relatively light turnout […]readmore
