The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) is holding their annual televised fundraiser with some big stars showing their support. Empire star Jussie Smollett, Estelle, K. Michelle, Yolanda Adams and more will be performing at “UNCF An Evening of Stars” to help make a difference in the lives of Black youth.
“As it always has, UNCF is answering the call to make a difference in the lives of minority youth and the community at large,” said UNCF President and CEO Dr. Michael L. Lomax. “UNCF is redoubling its efforts and joining with other influential voices to ensure ‘Black Lives Matter.’” black-ish star Anthony Anderson will host “UNCF An Evening of Stars,” which will air on BET April 26. [UNCF]
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The ‘Sweet Lady’ singer is back with a brand new double album, Black Rose, filled with sure-to-be classic R&B jams.
Fashionistas rejoice! The godmother of style, June Ambrose, is coming back to TV this July with a new makeover show, Save My Style.
“I’m hosting a new fashion makeover show for a major cable network and I want you to be a part of it,” she said in an announcement on Instagram. “If your clothes are bringing you down and you want to feel more confident, submit yourself or anyone else that needs help, respond with the hashtag: #SaveMyStyle.” Get prepped and primped by June Ambrose? When can we sign up? [Madame Noire]
The most famous college dropout is finally about to get his degree. Kanye West shared in an interview with Clique that he’s about to receive an honorary Ph.D this commencement season. “I was a gifted artist since age 5 and won national competitions and went to art school,” he said. “I’m actually getting an honorary doctorate on May 5 from the Art Institute of Chicago.” Congrats, Dr. Yeezy! [Clique]
Kendrick Lamar’s new album, To Pimp A Butterfly, has only been out for a day and it’s already changing the hip-hop music game. Lamar talked to the New York Times about his hope that his political, Black pride album will uplift other young people growing up in Compton.
“You take a kid out of Compton, and he has to meet these different types of people that are not Black,” he said. “I’m the closest thing to a preacher that they have. My word will never be as strong as God’s word. All I am is just a vessel, doing his work.” [Complex]
Anthony Mackie is the going to play the fastest man alive! Relativity Studios is producing a biopic of Jesse Owens, the iconic African American sprinter who dominated the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. Mackie will play the lead role of Ownes in the film that’s set to be out by the 2016 Summer Olympics, the 80th anniversary of games where Owens won four gold medals. [Deadline]
Accalaimed filmmaker Julie Dash is at it again but she needs your help creating her next powerful feature. Dash recently launched an Indiegogo campaign to seek funding for her new documentary film, Travel Notes of a Geechee Girl, a film that will chronicle the life, work and adventures of writer, performer and culinary anthropologist Vertamae Smart-Grosvenor.
Learn more about the film here.
