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HBO Max Is Developing a Post-Civil Rights Era Drama Series About Essence Magazine's Origin Story
The essence of Essence Magazine is coming to your television screens! According to Deadline, HBO Max is developing a period drama series based on the launch of Essence Magazine, executive produced by the co-founder of the publication and Chairman-Publisher Emeritus of Essence Communications, Inc. (ECI), Edward Lewis. Shukree Tilghman and Jessica Rambo will co-write the…
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Singer-Songwriter Johnny Nash, Known for Hit 'I Can See Clearly Now,' Dead at 80
Johnny Nash, the singer, songwriter, and producer best known for the legendary hit “I Can See Clearly Now,” has died at the age of 80. Nash’s son, Johnny Nash Jr. confirmed he died of natural causes in his home in Houston on Tuesday. Born John Lester Nash Jr. on August 19, 1940, in Houston’s historic…
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We All Need a Break from 2020 and Facebook Watch Wants Us to Have Peace of Mind With Taraji
Mental health awareness has always been relevant, but of course, 2020 has been something…special, for lack of a better term. Whether it’s entertainment, exercise, food, libations, Mary Jane or sleep (or all of the above), we’ve all found different ways to escape the toils of the world today. Still, it’s important to be in tune…
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Armelia McQueen, Known for Roles in Ghost and Broadway's Ain't Misbehavin', Dies at 68
Veteran actress Armelia McQueen has died at the age of 68, Variety reported. Her cause of death has not yet been confirmed. “You are truly an angel now,” McQueen’s friend Dorian Hannaway wrote on Facebook on Sunday. “My dear friend Armelia crossed over yesterday. She leaves us cherishing her memory as she was one of…
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Phylicia Rashad, Mamoudou Athie and Jay Ellis Relive the Earliest Memories Tucked Away in Their Own Black Box
What is your earliest memory? Directed by Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour Jr. and co-written with Stephen Herman, Black Box follows Nolan Wright (Mamoudou Athie), a single father who loses his wife and memory in a car accident. He attempts to regain the latter via a mysterious and disturbing experimental treatment conducted by neuropsychiatrist Dr. Lillian Brooks (Phylicia…
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Red Table Talk Exclusive Clip: Ice Cube Says Black Folks Are Misled to Believe 'America Is a Household That's Broke'
The Red Table Talk may look a little different this year due to the pandemic, but the content is still as hot as the color of the table. Details of the newest episode via an official press release sent to The Root: “Fed Up and Fired Up: Ice Cube’s Bold Plan for Black America” |…
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There's No Place Like Home to Watch Keke Palmer, Wanda Sykes, Loretta Devine and Jackée Harry in a Live Virtual Table Read of 227
Hey Black Twitter, you’ll be thrilled to know that the “Zoom Where It Happens” series will finally be featuring a Black-led show! Episode 3 of the popular “Zoom Where It Happens” series will be a live table reading of the beloved ‘80s sitcom 227! Actors Keke Palmer, Wanda Sykes, Loretta Devine, LaTanya Richardson-Jackson, and Blair…
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![Thomas Jefferson Byrd, Known for Co-Starring in Several Spike Lee Films, Fatally Shot in Atlanta [Updated]](https://www.theroot.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/zqt7owholruj6k1j7cuj-1024x576.jpg)
Thomas Jefferson Byrd, Known for Co-Starring in Several Spike Lee Films, Fatally Shot in Atlanta [Updated]
We are saddened to report that actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd was shot and killed over the weekend in southwest Atlanta. He was 70 years old. Spike Lee announced the tragic news via his Instagram page on Sunday. “I’m so sad to announce the tragic murder of our beloved brother Thomas Jefferson Byrd last night in…
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Trailer Roundup: October Has Two Full Moons—Someone Summoned The Witches and The Craft
Brandy Norwood once said, “That must be a full moon, felt like one of those nights.” Then October 2020 responded, “Oh bih, you mean TWO full moons.” Girl. The month is already full of chaos and covfefe, so here’s some trailers to tickle your fancy! Before I start, make sure you check out the Sincerely,…
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Warner Bros. Is Producing a Feature Film Based on a Comic Where Only Black Folks Have Superpowers
Shhh, don’t tell Terry Crews, but I think a Black supremacist comic just got acquired by a major movie studio. Seriously, according to Deadline, Warner Bros. will be adapting a feature film based on Black, a comic written and created by Kwanza Osajyefo and Tim Smith 3. Here’s the kicker—the comic is set in “a…
