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Authors Raven Leilani, James McBride, and Editor Chris Jackson Win Honors From the Center for Fiction
Toni Morrison would be proud. The Center for Fiction’s Annual Awards Benefit was dedicated to the memory of the Pulitzer Prize-winning writer, who died in August 2019. But the virtual event, emceed by comedian, author and Insecure co-star Yvonne Orji on Thursday night, also subtly celebrated Black voices, lives and creativity, as evidenced by several…
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Proving Black Is Always the New Black, the British Fashion Awards 2020 Celebrated 'Leaders of Change'
Fashion prides itself on being one well-heeled step ahead of the moment, and setting the trends, rather than following them. But the converging moments that comprised 2020 demanded more introspection from the industry that is always looking forward; as an already raging pandemic debilitated economies and discretionary spending worldwide, many hid behind black boxes this…
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For Us, By Us—by Any Means Necessary: Daymond John Tells the Story Behind LL's Legendary Gap 'Coo'
You may have been surprised to find FUBU was suddenly trending today, and maybe even did a little digging (as I did), hoping to discover a new drop or collaboration in the works. (There are, by the way, as the pioneering Black-owned brand co-founded by Shark Tank judge Daymond John is still producing streetwear). But…
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'She's So Real': The Root Presents: It's Lit! and Michaela Angela Davis Discuss The Meaning of Mariah Carey
Fun fact: we highly considered naming this week’s episode of The Root Presents: It’s Lit! “All I Want for Christmas Is [Truth].” After all, our guest this week is veteran fashion stylist, editor, activist, and now author Michaela Angela Davis, who this year helped bring the long-awaited life story of Mariah Carey to the page—and…
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Stamped (For Kids): A New Adaptation of the Bestseller Will Provide 'an Antiracist Building Block for Children'
“Adults struggle to discuss race and racism. But what if we were discussing race since we were kids? What if we were learning about racism since we were kids?” This is the question posed by Ibram X. Kendi, the award-winning author, activist and historian whose many groundbreaking books on race and antiracism in America include…
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Love Looks Better: Alicia Keys' Soulcare Goes Live
Another week, another celeb-fueled beauty line makes its way to the masses, just in time for holiday gift-giving and this time via Grammy-winning natural skincare guru Alicia Keys. Following hot on the heels of the drop of Pharrell Williams’ Humanrace and teasers for JLo’s upcoming line, Keys Soulcare First Ritual launched today, December 3 via…
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This Is Not a Drill: You Can Score Rare Cover Art From HBO's Lovecraft Country
If you’re still rewatching the first (and we hope not the last) season of HBO’s Lovecraft Country and finding new Easter eggs to intrigue and amaze, you’re not alone. The action-packed series spanned genres and eras, expanding our scope of what Black storytelling—and Black heroes—can look like, complete with gorgeous cinematography, costumes, and showstopping special…
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Learn Writing With a Master: Walter Mosley Is Sharing His Creative Process on MasterClass
If you’ve been trying to decipher the mystery behind writing great fiction, let acclaimed mystery writer Walter Mosley be your guide. Actually, Mosley, who this year became the first Black man to receive the National Book Award’s Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters for lifetime achievement in writing has written far more than mysteries…
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Wrapping Paper Roll Call: 'Tis the Season to Upgrade Him
If you’re shopping for a man this holiday season, chances are, you have no idea what he really wants. Whether it’s your dad, brother or significant other, most men are notoriously low-key or cryptic about requesting gifts, which means unless you’ve been quietly collecting clues all year, you may feel a little clueless when it…
