Thank goodness there’s plenty to feel good about this week!

Black excellence showed up in sports history, in timeless star power, in box office dominance, and in the everyday victories that remind us joy still deserves its own headline. These are the kinds of stories that cut through the noise and give us something to hold onto: legacy, longevity, achievement, and proof that Black women, Black art, and Black success continue to move the culture forward.

First up, Lisa Leslie is getting a bronze-sized reminder of her impact. The Los Angeles Sparks announced they will honor the Hall of Famer with a statue outside Crypto.com Arena on September 20, 2026, making her only the second WNBA player to receive that kind of tribute. Leslie, a three-time MVP, two-time champion, and four-time Olympic gold medalist, helped redefine what was possible for women in basketball, and the tribute feels like a long-overdue celebration of a true pioneer. 

Next, Marla Gibbs is still giving people life at 94. The beloved “Jeffersons” star shared a gym photo and reminded fans that it is “Never Too Late” to keep moving, keep living, and keep choosing joy. In a moment that feels especially powerful, Gibbs also wrote, “At my age it’s easy to just lay in bed. Then I remember...as long as I’m breathing, I still have a chance to enjoy life.” That is the kind of wisdom only a legend can serve. 

At the box office, “Michael” is continuing to make history. The Michael Jackson biopic has now become the second highest-grossing biographical film of all time, bringing in roughly $577 million worldwide in just three weeks, according to People. For a Black musical biopic to hit at that level is no small thing; it is a reminder of the global reach of Black artistry as well as Black storytelling. Shoutout to Antoine Fuqua, the film’s director. 

And finally, a special shoutout to “Love Island USA” fan-favorite, Olandria Carthen, who just purchased her first home! This major homeownership milestone gives us yet another reason to cheer. Black women claiming space, ownership, and stability is always good news, and this one deserves a round of applause.