Entertainment

By Johnathan Landrum Jr. AP Entertainment Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) — The BET Awards delivered a night of major star power and poignant moments Monday night, marking the ceremony’s 25th anniversary with a mix of comedy, emotion and calls for justice. The night delivered a stirring mix of purpose and entertainment from Doechii ‘s powerful speech, Jamie Foxx ‘s emotional reflection… Read more: BET Awards bring star power as Doechii, Jamie Foxx, Mariah Carey shine in 25th anniversary show

By: Marissa Valentine “Adolescence,” according to an article by Variety magazine, amassed a whopping 24.3 million viewers just four days after its debut. It held the number one spot for three weeks on Netflix, and by late March collected 96.7 million views, ranking it among Netflix’s all-time most popular TV shows.  It is a film… Read more: “Adolescence”: Unpacking What Films Mirror in Modern Society

By Konner Hines From Beyoncé kicking off her “Cowboy Carter World Tour,” the 2025 Met Gala, and Lady Gaga’s powerful performance in Brazil amid a thwarted bomb plot, May has been filled with headline-making moments across the entertainment world. New Music Releases In new music, Ed Sheeran released his latest single, “Old Phone,” from his… Read more: TCO Entertainment Bi-Monthly News Brief – May 2025

By Ray’Chel Wilson, CFEI What if a horror movie wasn’t just about fangs and fear but about legacy? About the art of saying “no”? About making sure the next generation has more than just survival? That’s the real magic behind “Sinners.” Ryan Coogler’s genre-twisting supernatural tale is set deep in Jim Crow Mississippi. It’s got… Read more: Movie “Sinners” is a Playbook for Black Economic Freedom

By MICHAEL R. SISAK and LARRY NEUMEISTER Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — Soon after viciously attacking his longtime girlfriend Cassie in a hotel hallway, Sean “Diddy” Combs sought out a security guard and predicted accurately that his iconic career would be ruined — his image as the affable, successful “Puff Daddy” destroyed — if video of… Read more: Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs paid to hide Cassie beating video because he feared career ruin, witness says

By Ron Calhoun Art, Identity, and Community Intertwine A powerful and imaginative transformation is taking shape in Cleveland’s AsiaTown. The transformation is anchored in heritage and envisioned for the future, the project redefines what public space can mean for a community.  Leading this creative effort is artist Jordan Wong (WONGFACE), whose work, in collaboration with… Read more: A Bright Future for Cleveland’s AsiaTown

NEW YORK (AP) — The R&B singer Cassie returned to the witness stand Wednesday and continued recounting painful and humiliating details of life with her ex-boyfriend, Sean “Diddy” Combs. Prosecutors allege Combs used his fame and fortune to orchestrate an empire of exploitation, coercing women into abusive sex parties. His lawyers argue that, although he could be violent,… Read more: Cassie’s testimony in the Diddy trial exposes the underbelly of their relationship

By Konner Hines Kanye West, once celebrated as a groundbreaking artist and fashion mogul, now faces significant scrutiny as his controversial statements and actions overshadow his contributions to music and culture. Once hailed as a genius, West has increasingly become a polarizing figure due to his offensive remarks and behaviors in recent years. As his… Read more: From Graduation to Cancellation: Kanye West’s Tumultuous Legacy

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Smokey Robinson’s lawyer said allegations of rape and sexual assault against him in a lawsuit from four former housekeepers are “vile” and “false.” Attorney Christopher Frost said in a statement Wednesday that the evidence “will show that this is simply an ugly method of trying to extract money from an 85-year-old American icon.”… Read more: Smokey Robinson’s lawyer says rape allegations against him are ‘vile’ and ‘false’

By Nickie Antonio Ruby Dee was born in 1922 in Cleveland, Ohio. A famous African American actress during the 1960s, she was also an avid social rights activist for racial equality and equal rights during the Civil Rights Movement. Ruby went to Hunter College and earned a degree in Spanish and French in 1945. After… Read more: Ruby Dee: Actress, Activist, and Voice for Justice

By Lisa O’Brien Editor’s Note: In this article, TCO continues its exploration from the last issue about how Cleveland’s four biggest arts institutions give back to the community. In this issue, we will look at the efforts of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Cleveland Museum of Art. The Rock and Roll… Read more: Cleveland’s Core Four Arts Institutions: How They Reinvest in the City: Part 2

By SUSAN HAIGH and JONATHAN LANDRUM JR. Associated Press An Alabama woman who said she was raped by rappers Jay-Z and Sean “Diddy” Combs when she was 13 withdrew her civil lawsuit against both men on Friday, according to court filings. The unidentified woman in December added Jay-Z, whose legal name is Shawn Carter, to a lawsuit… Read more: Woman withdraws civil lawsuit against Jay-Z, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs alleging she was raped at age 13

By Unity Powell On a gray, rainy day at Cleveland School of the Arts, a choir of teens practiced an upbeat medley of songs accompanied by piano. Dr. David M. Thomas stood, watching his colleague lead the students through the arrangement. While passing through to get to his class, it was obvious that his presence had… Read more: Music, Mentorship, and Legacy: The Journey of Dr. David M. Thomas

by David Woo, The Emancipator  January 9, 2025 For over a century, the work of Langston Hughes has offered a poetic vision arising from his courageous engagement with Black experience and culture. His work spoke in the popular rhythms of the blues and jazz and the unadorned yet lilting everyday vernacular. Charming, handsome, yet sexually… Read more: The early works of Langston Hughes arm us with wisdom, hope, and power to fight for a liberation yet to arrive

By The Associated Press After devastating wildfires tore through Los Angeles, the 97th Academy Awards are going forward. The academy on Tuesday announced that Halle Berry, Penélope Cruz, Elle Fanning, Whoopi Goldberg, Scarlett Johansson, John Lithgow, Amy Poehler, June Squibb and Bowen Yang have been added to the presenting lineup. A previous announcement said last… Read more: Oscar presenters will include Halle Berry and Emma Stone. Here’s what to know about the show