Rooted in Culture, Built on Community: Inside the HUE Affair 26'
By Jewel Benton & Kelsi Bowen Photo Credit: Shatimah Monaé Brathwaite On Saturday, May 30, 2026, the Hair Unites Everyone (HUE) Affair celebrated its 10th annual event at the Metropolitan Pavilion, drawing beauty enthusiasts, entrepreneurs and industry professionals from across the region . Featuring more than 60 Black-owned and Black-supported beauty brands, the milestone event showcased a vibrant mix of products, services and networking opportunities. With early-bird ticket
Jun 56 min read
Questlove Documentary Celebrates the Enduring Legacy of Earth, Wind & Fire at Tribeca Festival Premiere
By: Bill Allen NEW YORK, June 4, 2026 — For decades, Earth, Wind & Fire has been more than a band. Their music filled dance floors with energy, inspired generations of musicians, and provided the soundtrack to both celebrations and quiet moments of reflection. Founded in 1969 by brothers Maurice White and Verdine White, Earth, Wind & Fire emerged during a transformative period in American history. As Black Americans were forging new cultural identities and advancing civil and
Jun 42 min read
Eddie S. Glaude Jr. Reflects on America’s Identity
By: Bill Allen The American story is often taught as a celebration of freedom, equality and opportunity rooted in the ideals outlined in the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Yet beneath those promises lies a more complicated history shaped by racial inequality and exclusion. Those themes were the focus of a May 27 discussion featuring author and Princeton University professor Eddie S. Glaude Jr. at the Free Library of Philadelphia. The event centered on
May 282 min read
Wisdom from the Desert
By: Bill Allen Growing up is often described as an adventure — a journey filled with discovery, uncertainty, fear, and transformation. It is a process marked by difficult decisions, painful failures, and moments that ultimately shape character and wisdom. Yet for some individuals, that journey carries an even greater weight: growing up in the shadow of a parent whose life was cut short because of their influence, courage, and commitment to truth. That reality is explored with
May 252 min read
May 2026 Met Gala
By: Bill Allen The annual Met Gala fundraiser did not disappoint, this year's theme being "Costume Art". The event was co chaired by Beyonce, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, Anna Wintour amongst others. This year's theme welcomed guests to express their love of fashion by embodying art, and the stars came showcasing their unique style and glam. Held annually to benefit the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute, the gala sets the tone for the institute’s spring exhibitio
May 51 min read
NABJ Region I Conference Focuses on Media’s Future and Equity
By: Akilah Green Photos by: Bill Allen, Perception Media National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) came together on May 1–2 at Temple University in Philadelphia for its Region I Conference, a lead up to its annual convention. Those who attended were journalists, students and media professionals for two days of programming centered on equity, innovation and the evolving media landscape. This year’s gathering included a collaboration with the Young Black Journalists Task
May 52 min read
The Perfect Remedy: H. Doobie Powell Talks Music, Purpose, and What's Next
By: Akilah Green Doobie Powell is stepping into a new season one defined by healing, purpose, evolution and a deeper connection to his audience the artist known for his neo-soul, funk, and gospel roots has a new project. In a recent conversation with AkilahTheGenius, Powell reflected on his musical journey, upcoming projects and the inspiration behind what he calls “The Perfect Remedy.” Known for his dynamic vocals and genre-blending sound, Powell is entering a deeply persona
May 42 min read
