Aug. 28 marked the 60th anniversary of the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Organized by Bayard Rustin and A. Philip Randolph, a quarter of a million people gathered at the Lincoln Memorial to demand an end to racial segregation, discrimination, and economic inequality. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech was delivered against the memorial's backdrop, capturing the march's spirit and its call for racial harmony and justice. The march was a powerful display of unity and a catalyst for change, leading to the eventual passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

On Aug. 26, Rev. Al Sharpton and the National Action Network joined 60 other organizations in a commemorative rally at the site of the original march to continue to call for justice in contemporary matters.

Speaking of Bayard Rustin, the trailer for the highly anticipated biopic on Rustin, starring Colman Domingo, dropped on Aug. 28. Rustin's remarkable contributions to the civil rights movement, despite facing discrimination as an openly gay Black man, are inspiring and deserving of recognition. “Rustin” is directed by George C. Wolfe and includes Chris Rock, Jeffrey Wright, and Audra McDonald. The movie was produced by Barack and Michelle Obama’s production company, Higher Ground. The film will be released in select theaters on November 3, 2023 and premiere worldwide on Netflix on November 17. Domingo is already receiving Oscar buzz.

On Aug. 30, a federal judge ruled in favor of Ruby Freeman and Wandrea ArShaye “Shaye” Moss, the Black mother and her daughter who filed a defamation lawsuit against Rudy Giuliani. They alleged that former president Donald Trump’s attorney ruined their lives after he amplified false claims that they committed fraud as election workers in the 2020 presidential election in Georgia. U.S. District Court Judge Beryl Howell ruled that the former New York City mayor ignored her order to produce documents that Freeman and Moss’ legal team sought in the discovery process.  Howell issued a default judgment against him and ordered him to reimburse Freeman and Moss more than $89,000 in attorneys’ fees. 

On August 30, Naomi Campbell announced she partnered with e-retailer Pretty Little Thing for a collection that promotes body inclusivity. The iconic supermodel joined forces with two Black designers –Victor Anate, who traces his roots back to Nigeria, and Edvin Thompson, a Jamaican-born New Yorker. Campbell told WWD, “I’m looking at myself as a change-maker. As a change-maker, I thought this was something that was a good thing to do. I know that it’s fast fashion, and that people have their criticism. I’m not denying them. But as a change-maker, I felt this was a great way to effect change in the industry in getting my emerging designers recognized and seeing them on a global platform.”  

The collection features a wide range of pieces from sizes 0 to 26 and will drop on September 5 at  www.prettylittlething.us.

Keep on slaying, Naomi!

On Aug. 31, Trinidad and Tobago celebrated 62 years of independence. The day holds profound significance for the people of this twin-island republic as they commemorate when they gained sovereignty from British colonial rule. Remembering the moment when the islands received independence, we looked at the several celebrities who got their start in the one-of-a-kind nation. Click here to see the superstars from Winston Duke to Nicki Minaj who are 'Trini 2 de bone.'

This week, Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union celebrated nine years of marriage! 

The power couple, who met in 2007 and married in 2014, celebrated on social media. Wade posted a photo from their wedding with the caption, “Happy anniversary to my beautiful wife @gabunion #ThaWadeUnion.” 

Union wrote, “My forever MVP. The highest honor is having you by my side. Nine years down and eternity to go.”

They are both a beautiful celebration of Black love and family – congrats on nine years!

August 29 marked what would have been Michael Jackson’s 65th birthday and MJ completely took over social media! 

Decades after his rise to stardom,  Jackson remains an enduring source of inspiration. His work continues influencing artists worldwide, and his commitment to excellence reminds us to chase our dreams.  In honor of MJ's heavenly day, check out his key hip hop moments.

As Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has waged war on all things diversity, an enrichment program for Black male students at Tallahassee Community College, named Black Male Achievers ,was afraid they would be required to change their name or lose funding. However, WFSU reports that the law, which DeSantis signed in May that restricts funding at state institutions for diversity, equity and inclusion, is unlikely to affect the program. The program’s advisor, Bryan Hooper, told WFSU that BMA doesn’t depend on public funds to operate and added, “There have been no talks upstream or downstream about the need or suggestion or requirement to change the name."

Rihanna is an incredible musician and entrepreneur, but she is also a philanthropist. According to Page Six, Rih's team contacted the Always For The People Foundation “and made a huge order” to donate to disabled and homeless vets in Los Angeles, Calif. A source told the outlet that “hundreds of hygiene kits, socks, clothes, sleeping bags, food, 50-plus pairs of shoes, toilet paper, dog food, you name it” were given to vets.

Gotta love, Rih!