on-this-day-in-black-history:-’porgy-and-bess’-opens-on-broadway,-first-black-school-in-new-york-city-and-more

On this day in Black history: ’Porgy and Bess’ opens on Broadway, first Black school in New York City and more

On this day in Black history, February 28: — In 1704, Frenchman Elias Neau established the first school open to Black people in New York City, which originally began as visits to homes of the enslaved community.  — In 1943, renowned musical Porgy and Bess opened on Broadway with Anne Brown and Todd Duncan in starring roles.…

‘as-we-speak:-rap-music’-on-trial-dives-into-decadeslong-history-of-weaponization-of-black-art

‘As We Speak: Rap Music’ on Trial dives into decadeslong history of weaponization of Black art

Paramount+ The new Paramount+ film As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial explores more than just the criminalization of rap lyrics in courtrooms in the United States.  Director J.M. Harper tells ABC Audio that with the documentary, he intended to highlight the decadeslong weaponization of Black art dating back to slavery.  Harper describes a scene in which rapper Kemba, who narrates and interviews prominent rap…

music-producer-accuses-sean-“diddy”-combs-of-sexual-misconduct

Music producer accuses Sean “Diddy” Combs of sexual misconduct

Paras Griffin/Getty Images Sean “Diddy” Combs was hit with another sexual assault lawsuit, filed by a music producer in New York federal court Monday. The 73-page claim, brought forth by Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones, accuses Combs of repeated instances of sexual harassment, including the “unsolicited and unauthorized groping and touching” of his private body parts. It also says Jones was…

jodie-turner-smith-talks-joshua-jackson-divorce,-feeling-“more-powerful”-as-a-mother

Jodie Turner-Smith talks Joshua Jackson divorce, feeling “more powerful” as a mother

Lionel Hahn/Getty Images Jodie Turner-Smith is opening up about her divorce from fellow actor Joshua Jackson. “Sometimes things we really want to work just don’t end up working,” the Star Wars: The Acolyte actress told the U.K.’s The Sunday Times. “And that’s OK.” “The most important thing is that you choose what’s healthiest for you…