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

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

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

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

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

By: Tariq Richardson Photo provided by team Aaron Smith For Aaron Smith, music was never just a hobby; it was a calling that started long before he ever stepped onto a stage. Growing up, Smith found himself drawn not just to sound, but to the machinery behind it. Catalogs filled with instruments, gear, and technology fascinated him. Just steps away from his home sat a small mom-and-pop music shop, a place that would quietly shape his future. “I used to go there every day,” Sm

By: Bill Allen Washington, D.C. — On April 16, 2026, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) hosted its annual Legacy Gala at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C., to celebrate and honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the ongoing fight for justice and equality. The event brought together current CBC members, past and present CBC presidents and board members, and legislative interns. Honorees included Congressman Jim Clyburn of South Carolina’s 6th

By: Bill Allen New York City — The National Action Network convened its 35th annual convention April 8–11 at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, bringing together community leaders, activists, elected officials and media figures from across the country. The annual gathering serves as a forum for education, information-sharing and strategy development aimed at strengthening communities and advancing social justice nationwide. Founded and led by the Rev. Al Sharpton, th

By: Bill Allen Philadelphia — For the past decade, WDAS and iHeartRadio have shined a spotlight on remarkable women through their annual Women of Excellence luncheon — a celebration of leadership, resilience and community impact across Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley. This year’s event continued that tradition, bringing together community leaders, business owners, activists and entertainers for an afternoon of recognition and inspiration. Among the honorees was Joanna Mc

By: NYABJ Staff Ailey II's Xavier Logan in Alvin Ailey's Streams. Photo by Nir Arieli New York City — Ailey II, the acclaimed second company of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, will returned to The Joyce Theater from March 17 to 22 as part of its 2025-26 world tour. Under the direction of Artistic Director Francesca Harper, the company presented eight performances featuring two dynamic programs that highlight both emerging and established choreographers, alongside a classi

By: Bill Allen On March 19, 2026, Amazon Corporation held its 10th annual AWS Imagine Nonprofits Conference at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Baltimore, Maryland. Amazon Web Services Imagine Nonprofits brings together many national companies each year that provide resources or services aimed at benefiting and increasing business and profits, in conjunction with nonprofit representatives. The goal is to network, improve what is working, and potentially make things work better

By: Jewel Benton Photos by: Bill Allen, Perception Media Elevation, community and flair were at the heart of this year’s Harlem Fashion Week as attendees gathered at Aloft Harlem to celebrate the event’s 10th year. Flashy runway presentations, a thoughtful panel and vibrant vendor showcases brought together models, designers, media and guests on Sunday, March 16, from 2 p.m. into the evening. Co-founder and creative director Yvonne Jewnell, a jewelry designer who launched th

By: Tariq Richardson Courtesy of Anthony Boogie Nicholson From church pews in Louisiana to crowds of 80,000 at the Houston Rodeo, musician and entrepreneur Anthony Boogie Nicholson has spent decades carving out a lane entirely his own. The Houston-based bassist opens up about his roots, his relationship with AI, his trucking business, and what he hopes to leave behind when the spotlight eventually fades. Before the big stages and the viral Shannon Sharpe moment, where did it

By Mana Faye photos courtesy: Bill Allen Kephra Burns and Susan Taylor seated at their gala table Credit: Bill Allen Perception Media On Monday night, the National CARES Mentoring Movement hosted its annual For the Love of Our Children Gala, marking the organization’s 20th anniversary and founder Susan L. Taylor’s 80th birthday at the Ziegfeld Ballroom. Angela Yee and Leon Robinson, Credit: Bill Allen Perception Media Hosted by Emmy Award-winning television host Tamron Hall,

By: Bonita Sostre photos courtesy Bill Allen Amazon brought together journalists, influencers, founders and trailblazers for a two day conference to explore the future of work, AI and the intersection of entertainment sports and technology. A few of those who attending including NABJ past and present chapter Presidents, including NYABJ's Bonita Sostre, Phil Lewis among others. Sessions included: Impact Over Optics: How Amazon and AWS Use Innovation and Influence for Good, Wha

By: Stephanie Woods Mckinney Photo Courtesy: Stephanie Woods Mckinney The 92nd Street Y continues to bring new and exciting celebrity guests to its tight-knit community uptown in New York City. The world-class cultural center has outdone itself with meaningful, educational, entertaining, and heartfelt discussions. In January, media mogul, philanthropist, television producer, host, and all-around powerhouse Oprah Winfrey made a special guest appearance with friends. Michael Pr

By: Jewel Benton Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, was one of the coldest evenings of the year so far, but even more memorable was the warmth that permeated the sold-out Jellabiya Iftar: The New York Edition, a celebration of both African excellence and Black excellence. At least 300 attendees, ranging from their twenties and up, gathered in midtown Manhattan from 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at an elegant commercial building. Guests embraced the dress code, donning dazzling fashion from Jellabi

Photos by Bill Allen The show ended, but the love is still very real. Michelle Miller brought her CBS family and friends together to celebrate their work on CBS Saturday Morning. It was a celebration and a final farewell for the team. There was laughter, tears, and a sense of community.

By: Akilah H. Green Courtesy: JRoberts Management New England born soul singer, writer, and producer Charmagne Tripp, self-described as a “New England Negro”—is a 25-year music industry veteran whose career has been rooted in longevity, adaptability, and truth. The oldest of seven and an aunt to more than 40 nieces and nephews, Tripp carries generations of life experience into her music, and it shows deeply on her newest release, Live at Parkville Sounds. The project is intim

By: Bill Allen Harlem, NY — Charlie Lewis Jr. has achieved a milestone many have long anticipated: the publication of his first book, No Apologies. With the help of acclaimed filmmaker and writer Nathan Hale Williams, Lewis has documented the chapters of his life, offering an intimate look at his journey from a young boy in the South to a proud New Yorker and community leader. The book’s title reflects a mixture of conscience, metaphor, and poetic language—qualities shaped by