This Week In Good Black News: Keke Palmer Continues To Slay, Jamie Foxx Working On Luther Vandross Doc And Toni Braxton Is Celebrating
It's been a hot second week of July and so was "This Week in Good Black News." Keke Palmer continues to expand her brand, a Luther Vandross documentary is on the way courtesy of Jamie Foxx and Toni Braxton is celebrating 30 years since her debut album. Check out the absolute best Black news of the week.
Brooklyn Museum To Honor Spike Lee
New York's Brooklyn Museum will celebrate legendary filmmaker and Oscar winner Spike Lee with an exhibit. According to a recent press release, Spike Lee: Creative Sources will include over 300 objects, from costumes to film memorabilia. The exhibit will take place from October 6, 2023 to February 4, 2024. Lee was born in Atlanta but raised in Brooklyn and has often highlighted BKNY in his movies. Click here for more info.
Hill Harper Announces His Run For U.S. Senate
On July 10, actor Hill Harper announced his run for the U.S. Senate in Michigan. Harper, 57, is running against five other Democrats. Democrat Sen. Debbie Stabenow announced in January that she would not be running for re-election in 2024. See his campaign video above.
Naomi Osaka Welcomes Her First Child With Rapper Cordae
On July 10, tennis superstar Naomi Osaka welcomed her first child, a daughter with boyfriend Cordae, according to PEOPLE. Osaka hasn’t made the official announcement on her social media but a source told the outlet that mommy and baby are “doing well.” Congrats to the happy couple!
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Luther Vandross Documentary In The Works
Luther Vandross is one the greatest R&B singers of all time. He passed away in 2005 at 54 years old and now a documentary is in the works. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Jamie Foxx and Sony Music are producing, and award-winning filmmaker Dawn Porter will direct. No word on a release date, but we are eagerly awaiting this one.
Nickelodeon Animation And Lion Forge To Collaborate For Diverse Content
While diversity and inclusion are currently under attack, Nickelodeon Animation and Lion Forge Entertainment are highlighting the importance of representation in a first-look deal, Deadline reports. The companies are joining forces to create diverse content and some of the projects in the works include Born Driven, a story about Wendell Scott, the first Black NASCAR driver and an animated series titled Marley and the Family Band, based on a picture book by Cedella Marley, the daughter of the late Bob Marley.
Keke Palmer Continues To Expand Her Brand
On July 10, Keke Palmer announced a multi-year deal with online eyewear retailer Zenni. Palmer is their newest brand ambassador for their campaign “Find Your Frame of Mind.” In a press release Palmer stated, "Anyone who knows me knows that glasses are a huge part of my day-to-day style – they're the perfect accessory. I love my Zenni glasses and how they allow me to express myself through the different moods that make me who I am. Zenni's mission to provide eyewear for everyone is so important. I hope all of these new collections help people feel confident, cool, creative and ready to express their own personal style – no matter what it is!"
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Fantasia Launches Swimwear Line In Honor Of Her Late Grandmother
Keke Palmer isn’t the only one expanding her brand. Fantasia is launching a swimwear line in honor of her late grandmother Apostle Addie Collins, who passed away in 2015. Fantasia wrote on Instagram, "Do you remember when swimwear was sexy, yet classy? I want to bring that vibe back with an exclusive Nightgowns,swimwear and Beautiful Candle launch coming soon @addiesplacellc! In Honor of my Grandmother." No word on the release date but see the post above.
Toni Braxton Celebrates 30 Years Since Her Debut Album
July 13 marked 30 years since Toni Braxton’s debut album was released. The self-titled R&B classic spawned three top ten Billboard Hot 100 hits, including "Breathe Again,” which was penned by Babyface. The album, which sold over 10 million worldwide, also earned her two Grammys. Toni Braxton was the beginning of an epic career. Braxton wrote on IG, "Today is my baby's birthday! Can y'all believe it's been 30 years?!"
Nelly Gets $50 Million For Half Of His Music Catalog
According to PEOPLE, St. Louis rapper Nelly sold half of his music catalog for $50 million to HarbourView Equity Partners. “Ride Wit Me,” “Dilemma” and “Hot in Herre” are among the tracks bought.
"As artists, we put our heart and soul into each track and there comes a time when you consider preservation of that artistry,” Nelly said in a statement, according to Variety. “My music is my legacy which I want to last beyond me, continuing to make my existing fans happy while reaching new generations and new audiences. I am excited to partner with HarbourView to create opportunities for discovery of my music decades from now."
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Issa Rae Inks Deal With Def Jam
Issa Rae’s Raedio, the audio division of her Hoorae Media company, has reportedly announced a multi-year partnership with Def Jam Recordings. According to Pitchfork, the label will assist in signing, marketing, and distributing artists under Raedio’s umbrella. This will include assistance in publishing, supervision, library, digital content and event deals. The Insecure star and producer launched Raedio in 2019 and signed a deal with Atlantic Records, releasing music by Haitian American singer TeaMarrr and Baby Tate. In January of last year, the label inked a development deal with Audible to create more audio content.