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
‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ Stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence Dish on What It Takes to be True Bad Boys

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

All of the Times US Presidents Were Openly Racist Against Black Folks

All of the Times US Presidents Were Openly Racist Against Black Folks

We’re looking at times that United States presidents have been racist towards Black people …
‘In Living Color’: Where Are the Cast Members Now?

‘In Living Color’: Where Are the Cast Members Now?

Thirty-six years later, the Wayans family and the most iconic sketch comedy legends are still remains to be culturally relevant to pop culture today. Here is what the stars are doing now …
Nick Cannon Makes Shocking Claim About Bible’s ‘Tales’ and the Internet Has Some Thoughts

Nick Cannon Makes Shocking Claim About Bible’s ‘Tales’ and the Internet Has Some Thoughts

It’s never a dull day when you have Nick Cannon letting off his latest controversial take. This time it’s about the Bible. Let’s get into it! …
New Development in Influencer Ashlee Jenae's Mysterious Death on Vacation

New Development in Influencer Ashlee Jenae’s Mysterious Death on Vacation

New details have emerged about influencer Ashlee Jenae’s death in Tanzania …
The Untold Story Flau'jae Johnson, The WNBA Star Who Rose From Tragedy to Triumph

The Untold Story Flau’jae Johnson, The WNBA Star Who Rose From Tragedy to Triumph

You might recognize Flau’jae Johnson as a star player for LSU basketball or from “The Rap Game,” but how well do you really know the 8th overall WNBA draft pick? …
You'll Never Guess Who Joe Biden Reportedly Wanted as His Vice President Instead of Kamala Harris

You’ll Never Guess Who Joe Biden Reportedly Wanted as His Vice President Instead of Kamala Harris

Before naming Kamala Harris as his running mate back in 2020, Joe Biden reportedly had another woman in mind …
Why ‘Michael’ Star Jaafar Jackson’s Special Visit to the King of Pop’s Hometown Had Fans in Tears

Why ‘Michael’ Star Jaafar Jackson’s Special Visit to the King of Pop’s Hometown Had Fans in Tears

Jaafar Jackson, who’s set to portray his ‘King of Pop’ uncle in the new Michael Jackson movie, recently visited Gary, IN. And you’ve got to see what happened next! …
Everything You Need to Know About the U.S. Military's Plans to Automatically Enroll Young Men in the Draft This Year

Everything You Need to Know About the U.S. Military’s Plans to Automatically Enroll Young Men in the Draft This Year

Starting this year, the U.S. government is officially flipping the switch on Automatic Draft Registration. Here’s everything you need to know …
Jackie Robinson Broke the Color Line, Professional Baseball Rebuilt It

Jackie Robinson Broke the Color Line, Professional Baseball Rebuilt It

Today, Major League Baseball will celebrate Jackie Robinson Day, but it ignores the system pushing Black players out of the game …
Photo: Getty Images Addis Wechsler Pictures

11 Reasons Love Jones Is a Romance for The Ages

The 1997 romantic comedy still gives fans the feels nearly three decades later, but star Nia Long says the film was a box office flop …
Exclusive: Raphael Warnock Breaks Down the Real Problem with Trump's Version of 'Christianity'

Exclusive: Raphael Warnock Breaks Down the Real Problem with Trump’s Version of ‘Christianity’

“In Donald Trump’s White House, Jesus is a victim of identity theft,” Sen. Raphael Warnock told The Root in an exclusive interview …
Hispanic Woman Now Suing After She Was Denied Benefits Meant for Black Moms in California

Hispanic Woman Now Suing After She Was Denied Benefits Meant for Black Moms in California

A non-Black woman is suing because she wasn’t allowed benefits from a program specifically designed to help Black mothers in California …
All About The Pope's Black, Creole Roots

All About The Pope’s Black, Creole Roots

While President Trump is in a one-sided war of words with the head of the Catholic church, we’re taking a closer look at the Chicago-born pope’s background …
Nia Long’s Brutally Honest Take on Dating After Divorce Has Fans Loving Her Even More

Nia Long’s Brutally Honest Take on Dating After Divorce Has Fans Loving Her Even More

Nia Long is making it clear she’s putting herself first and that she’s only dealing with a certain type of man when it comes to dating. And the internet is loving it! …
Former Michigan Football Coach Sherron Moore Sentenced After Scandal That Rocked the Sport

Former Michigan Football Coach Sherron Moore Sentenced After Scandal That Rocked the Sport

The 40-year-old was sentenced to 18 months’ probation and fined $1,000 on April 14 after being fired for having a relationship with his former staff member …
Black Clergy React to Trump's Photo Portraying Himself as Jesus

Black Clergy React to Trump’s Photo Portraying Himself as Jesus

Following a social media post by the president depicted himself as Jesus, prominent Black faith leaders voice their outrage …
This TikTok Star's Terrifying Health Scare is a Reminder to Take Care of Our Bodies

This TikTok Star’s Terrifying Health Scare is a Reminder to Take Care of Our Bodies

TikTok star PinkyDoll is sharing yet another unfortunate piece of news about her health. But her message is one that younger folks need to hear …
'TODAY Show' Host Sheinelle Jones Cries Tears Of Joy After Surprise Visit From Special Guests

‘TODAY Show’ Host Sheinelle Jones Cries Tears Of Joy After Surprise Visit From Special Guests

Mother’s Day came early for Sheinelle Jones when her book promotion turned into tears of joy …
The Ultimate Guide to Drummer Travis Barker’s Best Hip-Hop Collabs

The Ultimate Guide to Drummer Travis Barker’s Best Hip-Hop Collabs

After the rocker’s surprise performance with Clipse onstage at Coachella, we’re looking at some of his greatest hip-hop collabs of all time! …
Why Phaedra Parks' 'Men Don't Like Smart Women' Myth Is Nonsense

Why Phaedra Parks’ ‘Men Don’t Like Smart Women’ Myth Is Nonsense

The ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ alum is mistaking personal frustration for universal truth …