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James Earl Jones, acclaimed actor and voice of Darth Vader, dies at 93
James Earl Jones, who overcame racial prejudice and a severe stutter to become a celebrated icon of stage and screen has died. He was 93.

Associated Press
Sep 10, 20245 min read


The Enduring Legacy of a Musical Beacon: Remembering David Sanborn
David Sanborn, whose mesmerizing alto saxophone melodies captivated audiences for nearly six decades, passed away on Sunday at the age of 78
Jay Murdock
May 14, 20242 min read


Grand reopening of Madam Walker Legacy Center, Babyface inducted into Walk of Fame
Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds recalled memories of driving past the Madam Walker Legacy Center while growing up. By ABRIANA HERRON | The...

Indianapolis Recorder
Jun 20, 20222 min read


The Jazz Age Origins Of “Naptown”
Indianapolis’ often-misunderstood nickname has a long, rich history. By Ben Price | Indianapolis Monthly | August 2, 2021 Indianapolis’...
Jay Murdock
May 16, 20222 min read


Sidney Poitier: a natural film star who quietly pioneered a revolution
Poitier, who has died aged 94, came to fame via a trio of movie roles defined by race and racial difference By Peter Bradshaw | The...

The Guardian
Jan 8, 20224 min read


A poet and a protester, Gil Scott-Heron captured his time — and ours
One of the premier voices of the Black Power movement is being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame By David Dennis, Jr. | The...

The Undefeated
Nov 13, 20216 min read


Ground Breaking Filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles Dies At 89
By Fisher Jack | Eurweb | September 22, 2021 Sadly, we must report the passing of Melvin Van Peebles, a legendary and groundbreaking...

Eurweb
Sep 24, 20212 min read


How LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s SpringHill Company became the envy of Hollywood
The duo’s startup has become a media and branding juggernaut that empowers communities and is built for the future. By Jeff Beer and...
Jay Murdock
Mar 9, 202114 min read


Mary Wilson, Co-Founder of Supremes, Dead at 76
Motown legend appeared on all 12 of group’s Number One hits, including “Where Did Our Love Go,” “Baby Love,” “Come See About Me,” and...
Jay Murdock
Feb 9, 20212 min read


Little Richard, Founding Father of Rock Who Broke Musical Barriers, Dead at 87
Pianist-singer behind “Tutti Frutti,” “Good Golly Miss Molly” and “Long Tall Sally” set the template that a generation of musicians would...
Jay Murdock
May 9, 20207 min read


Bill Withers, Hall of Fame Soul Singer, Dead at 81
Mellifluous vocalist behind “Lean on Me,” “Lovely Day” and “Ain’t No Sunshine” succumbs to heart complications By Andy Greene |...
Jay Murdock
Apr 3, 20206 min read


Curtis Mayfield: where to start in his back catalogue
In Listener’s Digest, our writers help you explore the work of great musicians. Next up: influential funk and soul singer-songwriter...
Jay Murdock
Mar 30, 20206 min read


‘The Walking Dead’ Star Danai Gurira Inks Overall Deal With ABC Studios
From Zimbabwe to Wakanda to Broadway, there is no one like Danai Gurira By Denise Petski | Deadline | February 20, 2020 Black Panther and...
Jay Murdock
Feb 22, 20202 min read


Netflix’s harrowing Central Park Five demands a new fight against racism
Ave DuVernay’s compelling Netflix mini-series When They See Us is a reminder that we need to change how the system works By Rashad...
Jay Murdock
Jun 3, 20194 min read


John Singleton: maverick director with a radical edge
Boyz N the Hood sent audiences reeling and marked the start of an uneven career for a writer-director whose films were rooted in lived...
Jay Murdock
Apr 30, 20193 min read


McCoy Tyner, Charles McPherson Feted at Jazz at Lincoln Center Performance
A tribute concert honoring the two jazz giants at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rose Theater By Suzanne Lorge | Down Beat Magazine | April...
Jay Murdock
Apr 13, 20194 min read


Nipsey Hussle’s death laid bare the truth about gun violence
Black and brown families carry a disproportionate share of our nation’s gun-inflicted pain. Police and policing alone is ineffective and...
Jay Murdock
Apr 12, 20194 min read


Aretha Franklin, ‘the queen of soul’, dies aged 76
Regarded as one of the greatest singers of all time, Aretha Franklin has died of advanced pancreatic cancer By Laura Snapes | The...
Jay Murdock
Aug 16, 20184 min read


The Last Poets: the hip-hop forefathers who gave black America its voice
It is half a century since the Last Poets stood in Harlem, uttered their first words in public, and created the blueprint for hip-hop. At...
Jay Murdock
May 18, 20188 min read


The rise of Donald Glover: how he captured America
The award-winning writer, actor, singer and rapper has dominated the internet with his provocative, politically charged hit This is...
Jay Murdock
May 12, 20187 min read
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