A Look Inside Aretha Franklin’s 1990s Detroit Mansion, Companies That Continue To Support DEI, Tom Holland Kicks It With Zendaya’s Family, Black History Month Facts You Didn’t Learn In School And More

The Root shares its best culture stories from the week.

Take a Peek Inside Aretha Franklin’s 1990s Detroit Mansion

Photo: L: Getty Images, R: YouTube

With nearly six decades in the music business, Aretha Franklin was a legendary singer and songwriter known for chart-topping hits like “Respect” and “Chain of Fools.” Franklin grew up singing in her father’s church and went on to become the first female artist inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. – Angela Johnson Read More

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
New York County Ballot Lawsuit Sparks Election Integrity Firestorm on Social Media

A List Of Companies That Continue To Support DEI

Photo: Getty Images Tayfun Coskun

Despite a slew of companies like Walmert, Meta and Amazon rolling back their diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, other companies have remained firm in continuing these vital initiatives. Donald Trump has attacked diversity on both the campaign trail and now during his second presidential term. Even though Trump set on getting rid of inclusive practices, here’s a list of places advocating for marginalized communities to be part of their workforce. – Candace McDuffie Read More

Internet is Loving Tom Holland Kicking it With Zendaya’s Blackity-Black Family!

Photo: Getty Images David M. Benett

Welcome to the family, Tom! Kicking off Black History Month strong, recently engaged couple Zendaya and Tom Holland were spotted in great spirits at one of the actress’ family functions. And in the midst of all the dancing and baby holding, it seems Holland stole the show! – Phenix S Halley Read More

Black History Month Facts You Probably Didn’t Learn in School

Screenshot: Instagram

Since 1976, February has been officially known as Black History Month – a time to remember our struggle and celebrate all the amazing contributions Black people have made to everything from science to sports to the arts. But as conservatives ramp up their efforts to change what is taught in our schools, Black History will likely be one of their prime targets. But that doesn’t mean we can’t continue to educate ourselves and our children on the rich history of Black people around the world. From amazing inventors to awesome athletes, in honor of Black History Month, we’ve rounded up some interesting facts you may not have learned in your history class. – Angela Johnson Read More

What Was Prince’s Net Worth When He Died? You’ll Never Guess…

Photo: Getty Images BERTRAND GUAY

It’s been almost nine years since pop icon Prince died at age 57. And with the Recording Academy honoring the “Diamonds and Pearls” singer with a Lifetime Achievement Award this past Saturday (Feb. 1), it’s time we discuss his legacy, and most interestingly…his net worth. – Phenix S Halley Read More

A Reporter Asked Jalen Hurts’ Advice on How to Be More Handsome. Here’s His Response

Photo: Getty Images Michael DeMocker

It’s no secret that the ladies love Jalen Hurts. Even women who don’t pay close attention to the NFL know who the quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles is. Naturally, that could leave some jealousy from some other guys who wish they received the same kind of attention. – Noah A. McGee Read More

The Wait Is Over! Dress Code, Long List of Stylish Black Celebs To Help Host The Met Gala—Revealed

Photo: Getty Images

For fashion lovers, the Met Gala is one of the most highly-anticipated events of the season. Besides raising money for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, it’s also one of the hottest red carpets around, with stars like Rihanna, Zendaya and Cardi B showing off looks that almost always break the internet. – Angela Johnson Read More

Cardi B Is Not About to Raise Her Children to Fall Into This Common Trap

MIAMI, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 31: Cardi B celebrates New Year’s Eve at E11EVEN Miami on December 31, 2024 in Miami, Florida Photo: Getty Images Jason Koerner

With an impressive list of accomplishments that includes a slew of number-one singles and a Best Rap Album GRAMMY, rapper Cardi B is all about her hustle. But while Cardi, who worked at a deli as a teen to make ends meet, is raising her three children a long way from the Bronx neighborhood she grew up in, the mom of three has no intention of letting her kids fall back on being nepo babies. – Angela Johnson Read More

Presidents Have Rarely Been Pals to Black Folks, But These Got Big Things Done For Us

Photo: Getty Images Photo by Okamoto/PhotoQuest/Getty Images)

Donald Trump is elbowing his way to the table of hate occupied by the likes of Andrew Jackson, Andrew Johnson and Woodrow Wilson, men who used the weight of their presidential office to advance bigotry. – Byron Washington-Douglass Read More

You Thought Egg Prices Would Improve…? Why Trump’s Tariffs Will Hit Black Folks Especially Hard

WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 31: U.S. President Donald Trump signs Interior Secretary Doug Burghum’s commission with Burgum and his wife Kathryn Burgum in the Oval Office on January 31, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump spoke to reporters about tariffs against China, Canada and Mexico and how Burghum will coordinate with the Energy Department and the Environmental Protection Agency. Photo: Getty Images Chip Somodevilla

Folks who voted for President Donald Trump because they thought consumer goods would become less costly, I’m gonna need you to take this L: Making an omelette is not gonna be cheaper anytime soon. – Claretta Bellamy Read More

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

The Most Handsome & Brilliant Black Men From Every Era

The Most Handsome & Brilliant Black Men From Every Era

From Barack Obama to Kendrick Lamar, these talented and attractive men wowed society with both their looks and contributions to the world. Let’s take a look! …
Black Films To Look Forward to in 2026

Black Films To Look Forward to in 2026

From Colman Domingo to Halle Bailey, Black stars are coming in hot with new movies in 2026. Let’s take a look! …
Black Internet Responds to Alex Cross' Romance With a White Woman in the New 'Cross' Season

Black Internet Responds to Alex Cross’ Romance With a White Woman in the New ‘Cross’ Season

Aldis Hodge is back as Detective Alex Cross on Prime Video’s hit show ‘Cross.’ But this new seasons have fans speaking out for a funny yet interesting reason …
Black Woman's Essay on Modern Dating Is Lighting Up The Comments Section

Black Woman’s Essay on Modern Dating Is Lighting Up The Comments Section

A Black woman shared her take on dating Black men in 2026, and people can’t stop talking about it …
Candace Owens Has MAGA <i>Furious</i> After Announcing Series Investigating Charlie Kirk's Widow

Candace Owens Has MAGA Furious After Announcing Series Investigating Charlie Kirk’s Widow

After launching a new series investigating Erika Kirk, Candace Owens is getting dragged by MAGA sick and tired of all of the drama …
A North Carolina 3-Year-Old Was Hot Glued to a Chair. Now, Their Teacher Learns Her Fate

A North Carolina 3-Year-Old Was Hot Glued to a Chair. Now, Their Teacher Learns Her Fate

After a three-year-old at a Charlotte suburb daycare wouldn’t sit still, teacher Lashawna Williams did the unthinkable. Now, she just learned her fate …
This Former Miami Mayor Was a Successful Immigrant -- But the Government Says He Led a Double Life

This Former Miami Mayor Was a Successful Immigrant — But the Government Says He Led a Double Life

All eyes are on one former North Miami mayor after a jaw-dropping federal lawsuit is calling his citizenship and marriage status into question …
Marla Gibbs is Spilling Major Tea in Her New Memoir, Here Are 5 Things You Didn’t Know

Marla Gibbs is Spilling Major Tea in Her New Memoir, Here Are 5 Things You Didn’t Know

At 94 years young, Marla Gibbs is out with a memoir, detailing her unconventional road to stardom. We’re looking at 5 things you didn’t know about the actress …
Are the $2,000 Tariff Refunds Trump Promised <i>Actually</i> Coming?

Are the $2,000 Tariff Refunds Trump Promised Actually Coming?

Pressure is mounting from business owners, working-class Americans and Democrats for Trump to give a full tariff refund as he promised …
Why White Women Are Being Dragged After Trump’s State of the Union Address Over DEI

Why White Women Are Being Dragged After Trump’s State of the Union Address Over DEI

White women who stood to their feet, applauding the “end” of DEI are facing backlash, for good reason …
NFL Star Shares Important, Heartbreaking Message Following Fellow Player's Suicide

NFL Star Shares Important, Heartbreaking Message Following Fellow Player’s Suicide

NFL star A.J. Brown is opening up about mental health and encouraging his fellow football players and fans, by extension, to get the help they need …
Google Sends Out News Alert With N-Word and, Uh, Black Twitter is <i>Through</i>

Google Sends Out News Alert With N-Word and, Uh, Black Twitter is Through

As the internet was still reeling from the N-word incident at the 2026 BAFTAs, Google has now unintentionally added more fuel to the fire! Let’s get into it …
Black Leaders React to Trump's State of the Union

Black Leaders React to Trump’s State of the Union

Hakeem Jeffries, Justin J. Pearson, Scott Colom, Mandela Barnes and more Black leaders had plenty of thoughts after Trump’s State of the Union address …
Justin J. Pearson on What the State of the Union Address Should Really Means for Black Folks

Justin J. Pearson on What the State of the Union Address Should Really Means for Black Folks

Tenn. politician Justin J. Pearson broke down exactly what all Black folks should take away from Trump’s State of the Union address on Feb. 24 …
Why J. Cole's "Everyman" Tour Stunt Is Getting Old

Why J. Cole’s “Everyman” Tour Stunt Is Getting Old

​The superstar rapper has been driving around the country selling CDs out of the trunk of his used Honda Civic …
It's Time For Black People to Consider Wealth Beyond Home Ownership

It’s Time For Black People to Consider Wealth Beyond Home Ownership

Black people have always leaned toward home ownership but the changing housing landscape should have us thinking about other ways to obtaining equity …
Why Black Folks Are <i>Always</i> Expected to Extend Grace When No One Else Will

Why Black Folks Are Always Expected to Extend Grace When No One Else Will

Black folks are being asked to “turn the other cheek” after the BAFTA scandal, but given the deep history of forcing Black people to submit, the wound is still too fresh …
EXCLUSIVE: NAACP President Derrick Johnson Explains His Expectations for State of the Union and What's at Stake for Black Voters

EXCLUSIVE: NAACP President Derrick Johnson Explains His Expectations for State of the Union and What’s at Stake for Black Voters

The Root spoke to NAACP President Derrick Johnson about why he has “no expectations” for Trump’s State of the Union address …
How the Barbz Are Responding to Nicki Minaj Going Full MAGA

How the Barbz Are Responding to Nicki Minaj Going Full MAGA

Following her MAGA events, Nicki Minaj has the Barbz divided with some stuck between sticking beside their Queen or stepping away…for good …
Proof That Jim Crow Era Was Not That Long Ago And Why This is Important to Know

Proof That Jim Crow Era Was Not That Long Ago And Why This is Important to Know

Jim Crow laws were in place not that long ago. Even though many photos from that time are in black and white, the history is far from ancient and the remnants are all around us …