This Week in Good Black News: Solange Heads to USC, Halle Berry Beams with Pride, Jazze Pha Glows Up, Questlove Earns a Peabody, and Megan Thee Stallion Champions Mental Health
Health and wellness was all throughout our community this week.
Solange Knowles just made history as USC Thornton’s first all-school scholar in residence, blending art and education in true Solange fashion. Meanwhile, Halle Berry celebrated her daughter Nahla’s early college acceptance, reminding us that growth and grace run deep in her family. Over in wellness, producer Jazze Pha turned discipline into inspiration, dropping 74 pounds in 80 days on a fruit-and-veggie-only diet, proving transformation starts with commitment.
The cultural wins kept rolling. Questlove added a Peabody Trailblazer Award to his résumé for his work as a cultural historian, honoring his role as a keeper of Black stories. And Megan Thee Stallion continued her mission beyond music, being named Mental Health Champion of the Year by The Trevor Project for her advocacy and transparency.
From Solange reshaping classrooms to Megan reshaping mental health conversations, this week’s highlights were a reminder that Black brilliance shows up everywhere in innovation, in healing, in legacy, and in love.
Solange Named USC Thornton’s First All-School Scholar in Residence
Solange Knowles is taking her artistry straight into academia. In a groundbreaking move, she has been appointed USC Thornton School of Music’s first all-school scholar in residence, embarking on a three-year role where she will teach, curate, and help shape long-term program development.
“My goal is to nurture students’ curiosity … while advancing educational frameworks that reflect the expansiveness of the landscapes … that surround musical expressions,” she said in a statement.
Her signature course, titled Records of Discovery: Methodologies for Music and Cultural Curatorial Practices, is set to launch in Fall 2027. Under the residency, she’ll lead workshops, collaborate with faculty, and help reimagine how music education can intersect with Black cultural heritage and curatorial practice.
Halle Berry Celebrates Daughter Nahla’s Early College Acceptance
Halle Berry is beaming over a major milestone: her daughter, Nahla, has been accepted early into college. “Congratulations to my sweet Angel Nahla for her early college acceptance!” the actress wrote in an Instagram Story. A celebratory cake in the post read, “You did it Nahla!!”
During an appearance on “Jenna & Friends” earlier this summer, Berry gushed over her daughter’s higher education plans. "She's 17. She's going to a college summer program, the college that she's hoping to go to next year," she told Jenna.
Berry continued, “Am I excited for her to start her life and figure out who she's gonna be? Absolutely. I'm dying to see who she's gonna be and what she's gonna do and what she'll discover."
Jazze Pha Sheds 74 Pounds in 80 Days on All-Fruit & Veggie Diet
Producer Jazze Pha is turning heads and waistlines after revealing that he dropped 74 pounds in just 80 days by following a diet of exclusively fruits and vegetables.
His journey, shared across social media, has inspired fans and wellness followers alike to rethink what’s possible with focused discipline and simple ingredients.
He’s been documenting the process, showing before-and-after photos and sharing reflections on how changing his diet changed his energy and outlook. The path hasn’t been easy, he admitted, but the results speak to his resolve.
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Questlove Wins Peabody Award for Cultural Historian Work
Questlove continues to transcend expectations. The legendary drummer, filmmaker, writer, and cultural curator has now been honored with a Peabody Trailblazer Award for his deep work as a cultural historian.
At the award ceremony, "Abbott Elementary” creator Quinta Brunson introduced the veteran by noting how he’s “transcended the role of musician to become a vital cultural archivist.” In his acceptance speech, he reminded creatives: “Right now, joy is an act of rebellion … because it’s cathartic, it’s therapeutic, but it’s necessary.”
Megan Thee Stallion Honored as Mental Health Champion of the Year
Megan Thee Stallion has been named Mental Health Champion of the Year by The Trevor Project, highlighting her transparency and activism around mental health.
"My goal has always been to use my platform to help break stigmas around mental health and provide resources for those seeking safe spaces to have honest and heartfelt conversations," the ‘Hot Girl’ said in a statement.
"Mental health impacts all of us, so it’s important to lead with love and empathy. I’m grateful for organizations like The Trevor Project that are committed to spreading awareness and supporting our LGBTQ+ youth in powerful ways."
