BALDWIN BITES
2024 STRENGTH OF A WOMAN FESTIVAL: Empowering Unity
The heartbeat of New York City quickened over Mother’s Day Weekend as the Mary J. Blige and Pepsi “Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit”
WATCH: Interview with the Vampire Trailer
AMC Networks released a second riveting trailer for the new season of the critically acclaimed series Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire, premiering May 12,
WATCH: HULU Drops Official Trailer for Onyx Collective’s ‘Queenie’
Queenie Jenkins is a 25-year-old Jamaican British woman living in south London, straddling two cultures and slotting neatly into neither. After a messy breakup with
With ‘Cowboy Carter,’ Black country music fans are front and center, at last
Originally published by The 19th Ten days before the release of her highly anticipated album “Cowboy Carter,” Beyoncé shared on Instagram that the project began
WATCH: Sean ‘Diddy’ Comb’s Home Raided
Per NBC News: Three women and a man have been interviewed by federal officials in Manhattan in relation to allegations of sex trafficking, sexual assault,
WATCH: Don Lemon’s Interview with Elon Musk
The former CNN anchor is back with his new show and his first guest is billionaire Elon Musk. There’s been controversy around this interview. It
LISTEN: Interview with Luce Cannon and Charisse Mills of UrbanFlixTV’s “Baddie and the Beast”
Charisse Mills says that rapper/producer Luce Cannon made her feel safe from the first day he approached her mother and asked to buy her a
Sean “Diddy” Combs Facing $30 Million Suit, Accused of Sexual Harassment by Producer
Sean “Diddy” Combs was sued Monday in federal court by a producer on his most recent album, who accuses the music mogul of sexually harassing,
Black writers share their favorite books to honor Black History Month
Originally published by The 19th This Black History Month, we’re telling the untold stories of women, women of color and LGBTQ+ people. Subscribe to our daily
TRAILER: The American Society of Magical Negroes
Focus Features drops the official trailer for The American Society of Magical Negroes starring Justice Smith, David Alan Grier, An-Li Bogan, Drew Tarver, Michaela Watkins,
Wendy Williams Diagnosed with Dementia and Aphasia
Per a statement released on Thursday, Wendy Williams has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia. After being diagnosed last year, the ailments
EXCLUSIVE: Mo’Nique and Husband Sidney Hicks on Steve Harvey and Audience Discrimination
Mo’Nique and her husbandger (husband/manager) Sidney Hicks once said on their now infamous interview on The Breakfast Club, “We’re going to respect everyone, but we’re
These NBA All-Stars Launched Production Companies and Redefined Success Beyond Basketball
In the realm of lights, camera, and action, NBA stars are not just athletes; they are storytellers and visionaries. Each has launched a production company,
BREAKING: Tory Lanez Has Been Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison
Multimedia Editor Christopher Claxton reports. Canadian rapper Tory Lanez has been handed a 10-year prison sentence for the shooting incident involving Hip-Hop sensation Megan Thee
Roy Woods’ Mixed Emotions and Mental Health Breakthrough
The OVO Sound artist gets candid at an exclusive listening event and interview. Multimedia Editor Christopher Claxton reports.
Nadege Fleurimond On Black Culture in The Culinary Industry
Written by Nyle Paul Over the past 18 years, Nadege Fleurimond has served as a change-maker with her talents as chef, entrepreneur, author, and business
Ashley Antoinette Writes Worlds of Black Excellence
You may not be able to see it, but Ashley Antoinette Coleman’s literary superhero cape is tailored, tiered, and mauve-pink — a color she’s branded on social media. BALDWIN talks to the literary tour de force about, well… everything
Lifestyle Brand in Harlem Revisits Jazz’s Golden Age
Beauty Editor La’Khouri Francis recently sat down with Teri Johnson, owner of the Harlem Candle Company, a luxury lifestyle brand inspired by Jazz and the
PROFILE: Ayoinmotion, ‘Impact Is My Central Goal’
The African artist recently answered a few questions for an exclusive interview with BALDWIN. Special thanks to our editorial assistant Diamond for facilitating the space and creating the opportunity. DeSean Johnson reports
Embrace The Soft Life: 10 Empowering Books for Black Women
Transform your self-care journey with these empowering reads, designed to help Black women embrace the soft life and nurture their well-being. Associate editor Raquelle Querido
The Courage to Compete: Simone Biles Overcomes Adversity and Returns to the Gymnastics Arena
Gymnastics icon Simone Biles is gearing up to make her highly anticipated return to competition, marking her first official event since the unforgettable 2021 Tokyo
Harlem Festival of Culture Shines Bright with the 2nd Annual Black Independence Awards
HFC’s BIA was a night Celebrating Black Excellence, Multimedia Editor Christopher Claxton was on the scene. Amid the joyful celebrations of Juneteenth, the Harlem Festival
REVIEW: Transformers Rise of the Beasts
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts unleashes a new era of autobots, welcoming Black and brown heroes. Multimedia editor Christopher Claxton reports
Iconic singer Tina Turner, Dead at 83
The singer, widely regarded as the Queen of Rock and Roll died in her home in Kusnacht near Zurich, Switzerland. Senior Editor James R. Sanders
Uber Go-Get 2023
Uber Unveils its Game-Changing Innovations, Promising Unforgettable Journeys and Unmatched Convenience. Multimedia Editor Christopher Claxton reports
Harry Belafonte, Dead at 96
Iconic screen actor and civil rights leader Harry Belafonte has passed at the age of 96, his family has confirmed. Senior Editor James R. Sanders reports
VIDEO: Interview with Cast of HULU’s ‘Wu-Tang American Saga’
Senior Editor James R. Sanders interviews the cast of the hit Hulu show where he talks about protecting Black women, police brutality, and the current state of Hip-Hop
BREAKING: Tory Lanez Found Guilty in Shooting of Megan Thee Stallion
The Canadian rapper has been found guilty on all three counts he’s been charged with involving the shooting of Megan Thee Stallion. Lanez faces 20 years in prison. Senior Editor James R. Sanders reports
WATCH THIS: Prime Video’s ‘Riches’ Tells an Authentic Black Beauty Story
Check out the trailer for Prime Video’s new original ‘Riches’ featuring an all-Black cast deeply rooted in the culture of style and grace. Senior Editor
INTERVIEW: The Bachelorette’s Olu in Conversation w. Janet Igah
The Baldwin’s Music Editor sits with Bachelorette contestant Olumide Onajide to talk about his experience on the show. The two discuss colorism, Nigerian culture, and Olu’s personal style that captivated audiences from the very first episode
RIP: Atlanta Rapper Trouble
The “Ain’t My Fault,” rapper was allegedly shot and killed in his car. Several social media tributes have poured in. Senior Editor James R. Sanders reports
LISTEN TO THIS: Kendrick Lamar Addresses W.E.B. DuBois’ ‘Negro Problem’ With Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers
Kendrick Lamar has uncomfortable and taboo conversations about Black accountability in his fifth studio album, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers — a necessary tour
Rashon Robinson Brings Light via Darkrooms with Silver Spring’s Sip & Develop
A new enterprise has hit Silver Spring, Maryland and caught the attention of tourists and locals with its innovative approach to modern picture-taking. Senior Editor
TRIBUTE: Gospel Superstar Soprano LaShun Pace
Anointed Pace Sister and “I Know I’ve Been Changed” powerhouse singer LaShun Pace has passed at the age of 60 after health complications, her family confirms. Senior Editor James R. Sanders tributes the singer and her legacy.
Sidney Poitier, Pioneering Black Actor, Dead at 94
In ‘Lilies of the Field,’ Sidney Poitier broke boundaries by becoming the first African-American male to win an Academy Award for his role in the iconic film
OpEd: Light-Skinned Karma— How You Get Him, Is How You Lose Him
As the melodrama involving DaniLeigh and DaBaby unfolds on social media, I remember her light-skinned anthem released earlier this year and I can’t help but wonder if this is retribution for the Dominican-rapper who perpetuated colorism in the Black community
LISTEN TO THIS: Lil’ Nas X’s Intimate Debut ‘Montero’
‘He didn’t fall off he just ain’t release his new sh*t.’ Well, the break is over and what we’ve all been waiting for was worth it
AALIYAH: 20 Years After Her Death, The Singer’s Relevance is Stronger than Ever
With her music finally hitting streaming platforms and a complicated legacy amidst the ongoing R. Kelly trial, Aaliyah’s relevance as our Forever Princess still rings
WATCH THIS: Mary J. Blige’s Iconic ‘My Life’ Gets It’s Flowers via Prime Video Doc
Singer Mary J. Blige’s My Life album is the focus of the Vanessa Roth documentary for Amazon Prime on the 25th anniversary of its release
The Soul Of A Man: DMX is Hip Hop’s Guardian Angel
Hip-Hop lost a real one last week with the passing of Earl Simmons, AKA DMX (“Dark Man X”). The Ruff Ryders Rapper passed away at
WATCH THIS: One Night in Miami
On Feb. 25, 1964 at the Convention Hall in Miami Beach, Fla., Cassius Clay beats Sonny Liston to become the heavyweight champion of the world.
WATCH THIS: Amazon Prime’s ‘Sylvie’s Love’ An Authentic Black Love Story
The streaming service delivers an accurate and beautifully written love story where melanin is king Our love stories — complicated, passionate, and filled with optimism
WATCH THIS: ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ Tells the Whole Truth Behind Difficult Blacks in the Industry
The word, difficult has long since been attached to Black female entertainers, along with it, the assumption that they should be “grateful” for the opportunities they have instead of crediting their talent, and God-given abilities. Not Ma Rainey
Last Minute Holiday Finds
Couture Paige’s columnist and Film Editor Paige Wilson brings you some of her favorite Holiday Must-Haves in a fun video; featuring and co-starring her daughter Kayla!
WATCH THIS: HARLEM’S GODFATHER GETS THE REINTRODUCTION HE DESERVES
Epix wins with the Forest Whitaker-produced portrayal of Bumpy Johnson’s rule over the borough’s brownstones and blocks
BIG BLACK BUSINESS: JESS’S SWEET TREATS
How the young entrepreneur took a baking class and used it to pivot into a pastry company that’s profiting, even in the midst of a pandemic
VIDEO: No Limit to Master P’s Seeds of Hope
As BET airs their 5-part docu-series about No Limit Records, new interest in Master P. and his blueprint for Black Ownership in the music industry continue to inspire at a crucial time where the Black dollar is no longer a commodity — it’s a movement. In an interview with Master P. and No Limit artist Mia X, BALDWIN editor James R. Sanders talks Black home-ownership, protecting Black women, fatherhood, and good credit
BET TURNS 40 AND TELEVISES REVOLUTION AT AWARDS
Covid-19, together with every Black life that mattered and was lost in the meantime — provided a platform for BET to remind its larger audience (thanks to Viacom’s merger with CBS) that the revolution would be televised
Noah’s Arc Still Floats After All These Years
After a 12-year hiatus, showrunner Patrik Ian-Polk brought the iconic show back for a reunion with the entire cast picking things up in the middle of a Covid-19 quarantine. Show offers from Gabrielle Union, a surprise baby, and several cameos from the melanated LGBTQ glitterati — and the Gay Black version of ‘Living Single’ didn’t miss a beat