Listening to music can be a great way to relieve stress and boost one’s spirit, providing a break from the constant bombardment of negative news and advertisements.
Television
Janet Jackson Documentary Debuts on Lifetime Friday
By Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D, NNPA Newswire Culture and Entertainment Editor 5-4-3-2-1. The countdown has begun to the premiere of the Lifetime/A&E documentary of the life of pop superstar Janet Jackson. In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Janet Jackson’s eponymous first LP Janet Jackson (1982), the four-hour television event will take place over two days. […]
IN MEMORIAM: The Black Press of America Remembers Those We Lost in 2021
NNPA NEWSWIRE — From the stunning death of Supremes co-founder and Black Press friend Mary Wilson to the loss of DMX, Colin Powell, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, 2021 featured some of the saddest and most unexpected farewells.
PRESS ROOM: Hyundai and Culture Brands Launch Their First African American Campaign with a Resounding OKAY HYUNDAI!
NNPA NEWSWIRE — OKAY Hyundai came from the art form of how the African American community acknowledges someone. This form focuses on an approach of less is more, and efficiency is supreme. Oftentimes with just one word, those on the receiving end are seen, praised, and validated. See someone with a nice outfit on? OKAY outfit! See someone driving a vehicle that elevates the entire market? OKAY Hyundai!
Emmys 2021: The Diversity and Inclusion Shuffle
NNPA NEWSWIRE — Debbie Allen became the first Black woman to be presented with a Governor’s award, which is given for outstanding achievement in the arts and sciences. In her speech, Allen discussed the sexism she has faced down during her 40-year career as a dancer, actor, writer, producer and director in Hollywood and her hopes for girls and women globally and in the industry.
IN MEMORIAM: Michael K. Williams, Star of ‘The Wire’ and ‘Lovecraft Country’ Dead at 54
NNPA NEWSWIRE — Williams received three Primetime Emmy awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for his work in Bessie (2015), The Night Of (2016) and When They See Us (2019). The thespian also won a Screen Actors Guild award for Outstanding Ensemble in Television for his role as Chalky White on Boardwalk Empire and most recently won the Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Montrose Freeman in Lovecraft Country.
Digging deeper into Old Joliet Prison’s history
The Old Joliet Prison along Collins Street has an almost ominous presence and the history behind it is likely even more sinister.
More is likely to be revealed now that the City of Joliet has received notice of an award of a $35,000 grant from the National Park Service to prepare a National Register Historic District nomination for the Illinois State Penitentiary – Joliet (later renamed Joliet Correctional Center, commonly known as the “Old Joliet Prison”).
COMMENTARY: Trying to Rewrite the January 6th Coup Attempt
NNPA NEWSWIRE — It is important to note that both Antifa and the Black Lives Matter movement are networks, at best. There is no one organization called “Antifa,” for instance, and there are many organizations that operate under the banner of Black Lives Matter. Therefore, the right-wing assertions of an Antifa and BLM conspiracy would not make sense in the best of all possible worlds. But more importantly, there is no evidence to back up such assertions!
IN MEMORIAM: Keeping the Legacy of Legendary Supremes Star Mary Wilson Alive
NNPA NEWSWIRE — “I was extremely shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of a major member of the Motown family, Mary Wilson of the Supremes,” Motown founder Berry Gordy wrote in a statement emailed to NNPA Newswire shortly after 2 a.m. Tuesday. “The Supremes were always known as the ‘sweethearts of Motown.’ Mary, along with Diana Ross and Florence Ballard, came to Motown in the early 1960s.

