In her essay collection “Wannabe,” Aisha Harris argues that Black critics can both appreciate, and demand more from, shifts in popular culture.
Category: Black People
-
Jessie Maple, Pathbreaking Filmmaker, Is Dead at 86
She was believed to be the first Black woman to produce, write and direct an independent feature film. She also broke ground as a union cinematographer.
-
William E. Spriggs, Economist Who Pushed for Racial Justice, Dies at 68
An educator who served in the Obama administration, he championed workers, especially Black workers, and challenged his profession’s racial assumptions.
-
Cisco Swank Puts His Spin on Jazz-Rap on ‘More Better’
The 23-year-old pianist, drummer and rapper puts a pandemic-era spin on jazz-rap on his debut, “More Better,” and he always keeps the faith.
-
The High Cost of Bad Credit
Desperate to improve their ratings, Americans now spend billions on “credit repair” — but the industry often can’t deliver on its promises.
-
Michelle Ebanks Named President and CEO of the Apollo
Michelle Ebanks, who most recently served as the president of Essence Communications, will assume the role in July.
-
Hardcore Punk Is Looking (and Sounding) Different Now
People of color, women and queer musicians are remaking hardcore’s longstanding image of white, male aggression — and producing some of its most interesting music.
-
Club Ebony, a Historic Blues Venue Tied to B.B. King, Rises Again
The Indianola, Miss., club was part of the chitlin circuit, where Black performers found refuge during the Jim Crow era. After urgent renovations, it will reopen this week.
-
What Carmelo Anthony Meant to New York City
Anthony, a Brooklyn native, rejuvenated a beleaguered Knicks fan base and embraced the city’s culture, on and off the court.
-
A Celebration of Their Love and an Ode to Black Culture
Tristan Thompson and Tyla Wade’s passion for their community was the inspiration for their podcast “Black Love is Resistance” and their wedding celebration that featured mostly Black vendors.
-
Bill Lee, Bassist and Composer of Son Spike Lee’s Films, Dies at 94
He accompanied a wide range of jazz and folk musicians and scored “She’s Gotta Have It,” “School Daze” “Do the Right Thing” and “Mo’ Better Blues.”
-
The First 10 Words of the African American English Dictionary Are In
An exclusive look at a dictionary consisting entirely of words created or reinvented by Black people. (Don’t worry: All three variants of “bussin” are included.)