All articles tagged with #black culture
The Root honors Black icons who passed away in 2026, from Victor Willis of the Village People to a wide array of musicians, athletes, actors, and civil-rights leaders, celebrating their contributions to culture and their lasting legacies despite their departures.
Serena Williams announced she is returning to pro tennis, taking a doubles wildcard at Queen’s Club in London, a comeback that underscores her record-breaking legacy and ongoing cultural impact—from fashion moments to solidarity with other Black players and a broader relevance beyond the court.
Sinners, a groundbreaking vampire film set in the Jim Crow South with a Black cast and directed by Ryan Coogler, defied industry expectations to become the highest-grossing original film of 2025, sparking cultural discourse and showcasing diverse storytelling in Hollywood.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, beloved for his role as Theo Huxtable on 'The Cosby Show,' passed away unexpectedly at 54 due to an accidental drowning in Costa Rica. Warner was celebrated for his charismatic portrayal of Theo, a character that resonated deeply with audiences and helped reshape perceptions of Black youth on television. His death has left a significant void in entertainment and Black culture, where he was regarded as a cultural icon and a symbol of positive representation. Fans and colleagues remember him as a talented, gentle, and multifaceted individual who made a lasting impact both on and off-screen.
Justin Bieber's album SWAG reflects his ongoing identity crisis, blending pop and '80s R&B influences, addressing his public image, cultural identity, and relationships with Black artists, while revealing his awareness of societal perceptions and his desire for acceptance.
Renowned poet Nikki Giovanni, celebrated for her works that highlighted Black joy and culture, has passed away at the age of 81. Giovanni was a pivotal figure in American literature, known for her powerful and evocative poetry that often addressed themes of race, social justice, and personal empowerment. Her contributions to the literary world and her influence on the civil rights movement have left a lasting legacy.
Renowned poet Nikki Giovanni, celebrated for her work highlighting Black joy and culture, has passed away at the age of 81. Giovanni's influential poetry and writings have left a lasting impact on literature and the celebration of Black identity.
Aldis Hodge discusses his role as Alex Cross in Prime Video's new series "Cross," highlighting the cultural significance of the character and his personal journey as a Black actor in America. Hodge, who has been acting since childhood, sees the role as a chance to showcase his talents and reflect the true potential of Black individuals, often underrepresented in media. The series, which deviates from the original book plots, explores complex themes of justice and identity, resonating with Hodge's own experiences and aspirations.
Beyoncé's new album "Cowboy Carter" draws from the melancholy and theatricality of '70s and '80s country music, featuring a gutbucket sound of live instrumentation and showcasing her vocal flexibility. While some songs feel small for her stature, the album is another tribute to Black culture, sparking conversations about the history of Black country musicians and addressing America's problems.
Revolt CEO Detavio Samuels discusses the company's future after founder Diddy's departure amid allegations of sexual assault, emphasizing the brand's resilience and record-breaking performance in the midst of the controversy. Despite facing challenges in the media landscape, including declining linear TV usage and divestment from Black content, Samuels remains committed to Revolt's mission as a platform for Black culture and urges advertisers to double down on their investment in Black-owned media.
Freaknik, the wild college spring break party in Atlanta during the 1990s, attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors and played a pivotal role in establishing the city as a force in the music industry. The event, chronicled in a new Hulu documentary, started as a small picnic for students from historically Black colleges and universities and grew into a massive gathering that eventually fizzled out due to public safety concerns. Despite its controversial legacy, many attendees look back on Freaknik as a time of freedom and cultural celebration.
Despite not being created for Black fans, the late Akira Toriyama's iconic anime and manga series Dragon Ball has been embraced and reimagined by Black audiences, with its characters and themes resonating deeply within Black American culture. The series' popularity among Black fans can be attributed to its compelling storytelling, influence on pop culture, and themes of perseverance and empowerment that mirror the Black experience. While Toriyama's depictions of Black characters have been criticized for caricatures, the series has been reclaimed and celebrated by Black fans as a shared cultural experience, showcasing the power of making something one's own.
Beyoncé's surprise release of two country music singles and announcement of "Act II" of her "Renaissance" project has caused a stir on the internet, with fans praising her for reclaiming genres rooted in Black culture. The singles feature collaborations with influential Black artists in the country music genre, shedding light on the genre's African American influence. Fans hope this era will inspire people to explore the contributions of Black artists in country music and prompt a shift in how the genre is perceived and represented.
Actress Stacey Dash participated in the No Makeup Challenge, showcasing her bare face on TikTok. While many fans praised her flawless skin, others criticized her lighter complexion, comparing it to her appearance in the movie "Clueless." Some accused Dash of altering her melanated appearance and lacking pride in being a Black woman. Dash has previously addressed rumors about her affiliation with Black culture and responded with a TikTok video asserting her love for being a Black Mexican Christian.
Actress Stacey Dash participated in the No Makeup Challenge on TikTok, showcasing her bare face and receiving compliments on her flawless skin. However, some fans commented on her lighter complexion compared to her appearance in the movie "Clueless," sparking a conversation about her alleged alteration of her melanated appearance. Dash has previously addressed rumors about her lack of pride in being a Black woman and affirmed her identity as a Black Mexican Christian. Despite the debates, fans had mixed reactions to her no makeup look, with some finding her scary yet beautiful, while others drew comparisons to Marjorie Harvey.