New York State now requires all cosmetology students to learn to style textured hair.

New York State Senator introduced Bill S6528A in April 2023 with the primary objective of broadening the curriculum of cosmetology schools so that all students, regardless of their race, have the ability to work with all hair textures. The initiative ensures everyone receives proper attention and expertise in salons. Signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul, the law is set to become fully effective in around six months, providing cosmetology schools in New York State with a window to adjust their courses and overall curriculums to align with the new legislation.

Scheduled for January 14, 2024, the 29th Annual Critics’ Choice Awards will broadcast live on The CW, hosted by comedian Chelsea Handler. The nominations spotlight standout television shows of the year. Apple TV+'s "The Morning Show" dominates the television nominations with six nods, while HBO's "Succession" follows closely with five. Other standout series like ABC's "Abbott Elementary," FX's "The Bear," and Disney+'s "Loki" secured four nominations each. 

Nicole Beharie's stellar performance in "The Morning Show" earned her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, while Karen Pittman, a mainstay since the series' inception, also gained recognition in the same category. Notably, "Abbott Elementary" sees Quinta Brunson, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Janelle James receiving acting nominations alongside a nod for Best Comedy Series.

Congrats to all the nominees!

Jamie Foxx made a triumphant return at the Critics Choice Association's Celebration of Cinema and Television: Honoring Black, Latino, and AAPI Achievements, marking his first public appearance since his hospitalization earlier in the year. Accepting the Vanguard Award for his remarkable performance in "The Burial," Foxx was hailed by his co-star Jurnee Smollett as a true pioneer who shattered barriers and inspired generations of artists. Foxx received a standing ovation, acknowledging the gravity of his journey. Recalling his medical emergency while filming "Back in Action," he expressed a newfound appreciation for life and art.

His family kept the public informed during his recovery, but the Oscar winner has yet to reveal the reason for his health scare. 

See his emotional speech above.

Florida A&M claimed its inaugural SWAC championship with a resounding 35-14 triumph over Prairie View A&M. Despite facing weather delays during the game, the Rattlers, under the leadership of Coach Willie Simmons, sealed their victory in a memorable display of skill and determination. The team's relentless performance, guided by a balanced offense and a formidable defense, showcased their dominance throughout the season, with quarterback Jeremy Moussa's stellar play and Terrell Jennings' standout rushing contributions. 

Looking ahead, FAMU eyes the Celebration Bowl against Howard, poised to clinch the Black national championship, marking the final milestone in their season's remarkable journey under Simmons' guidance.

Over the weekend, Will Smith made waves at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where he revealed tidbits about some of his upcoming projects, notably teasing that a sequel to "I Am Legend," is in the works, as reported by Variety.

Smith also confirmed Michael B. Jordan is part of the project and hinted that the film would embrace the alternate ending from the 2007 movie, which focused on the survival of his character, Dr. Robert Neville.

“We’re really close; the script just came in,” Smith said. “You have to be a real ‘I Am Legend’ buff to know this, but in the first, theatrical version, my character dies, but on the DVD there was an alternate version of the ending where my character lived. We are going with the mythology of the DVD version. I can’t tell you anything more, but Michael B. Jordan is in.”

The original film grossed approximately $585.4 million globally.

This week, SZA received the "Hitmaker of the Year" award from Variety Magazine. She accepted the honor on stage with her goddaughter, Nova

Expressing gratitude to her loved ones, the 34-year-old artist, renowned since her debut album “Ctrl” in 2017, solidified her status as a chart-topper with the release of her highly anticipated sophomore album, “SOS.” Notably, she broke records held by music legends like Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin while also securing the longest-running No. 1 song on the Billboard Top R&B charts. Her accomplishments were further highlighted by earning nine Grammy nominations for next year’s ceremony.

See her speech above.

According to a recent press release, Tyriek White, the author of "We Are a Haunting," published by Astra House, was awarded The Center for Fiction 2023 First Novel Prize, as announced at The Center for Fiction’s Annual Awards Benefit on December 5, 2023.

White received the prestigious award, along with a prize of $15,000. A distinguished panel chose the winning novel, which explores three generations of a working-class family.

Set in 1980s Brooklyn, the narrative unfolds through Key, a doula deeply connected to her East New York community. After her untimely passing, her mother, Audrey, struggles to hold onto their shared public housing apartment, while Key's son, Colly, discovers his inherited ability to commune with the spirit world. 

Congratulations to Terrence J. and Mikalah Sultan! They just took their relationship to the next level.

On December 3, the former "106 & Park" host got down on one knee and proposed to Sultan. The media personality turned actor reposted a photo of him and the model on social media, which appears to be the happy moment after the bride-to-be said yes. La La Anthony commemorated the engagement but posting on her social media, "Congratulations to my brother @terrencej & @mikalahstyles on their engagement. SOOO HAPPY FOR THEM." 

See Sultan showing off her new rock in the post above. 

Vice President Kamala Harris made history by surpassing a nearly two-century-old Senate record, casting her 32nd tie-breaking vote to advance a new federal judge's confirmation in Washington, D.C., the Associated Press reports.

John C. Calhoun held the previous record, which spanned from 1825 to 1832, with 31 tie-breaking votes during his vice presidency.

Harris initially matched Calhoun's record in July, solidifying her influential role in the Senate by confirming President Joe Biden's nominee, Loren AliKhan, as the first South Asian woman judge on the federal district court in Washington.

"Bob Marley: One Love" arrives in theaters on February 14, 2024, a celebration of the life and profound musical legacy of an icon whose messages of love and unity resonated across generations. Collaborating closely with the Marley family, the film features Kingsley Ben-Adir portraying the legendary musician and Lashana Lynch as his wife Rita.

Produced in partnership with Paramount Pictures, Plan B Entertainment, State Street Pictures, and Tuff Gong Pictures, and boasting a stellar executive producer lineup including Brad Pitt and Orly Marley, "Bob Marley: One Love" promises to be a powerful movie. Under the direction of Reinaldo Marcus Green, the film invites audiences to experience the essence of Bob Marley's enduring spirit on the silver screen.

See the latest trailer above, which already has over five million views.