This week, Good Black News was filled with wins!

History was made at the American Music Awards and an emotional TED talk from an unexpected speaker. Plus a Broadway debut, and a Hollywood heavyweight’s daughters take over the red carpet and leave everyone, including their mom…gagged!

All this juiciness landed this week, and every one of them gave us something worth clocking. Here are four stories that are worth their flowers.

Keke Palmer stays stacking wins! Palmer had her first TED Talk and used the moment to discuss survival mode, burnout, and how growing up in poverty shaped the way she approached ambition. She called it “How I Set Myself Free” and gave viewers an intimate glimpse into her humble beginnings and how she became the breadwinner for her family. She shared, “I wasn’t trying to be exceptional,” she said. “I was trying to be reliable.” By the end of her talk, Palmer reintroduced herself by her full name. “My name is Lauren Keyana Palmer, and I’m the CEO of the Keke Palmer Company,” she said. “My parents showed me how to survive. I showed them how to dream, and my son is showing me how to live.”

Queen Latifah had a week that looked like legacy in motion. She made history hosting the 2026 American Music Awards and had the streets beaming as she made a rare red carpet appearance with her partner Eboni Nichols and their son Rebel in tow (with special guest Kaavia Union-Wade). Queen told People she was “nervous” but “excited,” and said the show belongs to the fans. She also said she will “probably” drop new music this year, after more than 16 years without a solo album, while also lining up a coaching spot on “The Voice” and a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction.

Speaking of the AMAs, Teyana Taylor made the awards show into a family affair, hitting the red carpet with her daughters Junie and Rue Rose and giving us one of the cutest moments of the week. Junie clearly understood the assignment, telling her mom, “Girl, it was more than a 10 out of 10,” after Taylor asked for her fashion verdict. Teyana said her daughters are her toughest style judges, calling them “my two biggest fashion critics,” and added, “I love when they love my outfits.” That mix of style, motherhood, and joy made the moment top-tier feel-good content.

Tracee Ellis Ross is stepping into a new lane with her Broadway debut in “Every Brilliant Thing” on July 7th! She made the announcement in a video posted to Instagram, and she said, “I am so excited, and I am also so nervous, which I think is appropriate,” adding that it’s “a one-person show that is also not a solo show.” The production leans on audience participation, which makes Ross’ move to Broadway feel fresh, fun, and very on-brand for her next chapter.