Author: Jessica Swann
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Faith, doubt and survival: how Black Films portray relationships with God
Black actors have long used film to explore faith not as a single belief system, but as a lived experience shaped by survival, injustice and community. On screen, God is not always a comfort. Sometimes He is a guide. Sometimes He is questioned. Sometimes He is simply present in the background of everyday life. Three…
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Go-Go Awards 2025 celebrate 50 years of D.C.’s sound, legacy and next generation
WASHINGTON — The 2025 Go-Go Awards returned this year with a clear message: Washington’s homegrown sound is alive, evolving and still deeply rooted in community. Held at the historic Lincoln Theatre, the annual ceremony honored the artists, bands, and cultural stewards who continue to preserve and advance go-go music — a genre born in the…
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Autumn-Joi Barrett named general manager of WLIT 106 as station marks streaming milestone
WASHINGTON — WLIT 106 Radio has named Autumn-Joi Barrett as its new general manager, a leadership appointment announced as the station celebrates reaching its 1 millionth stream. Barrett brings decades of experience in radio and television, spanning on-air hosting, programming strategy, talent development, and station leadership. Over the years, she has worked in multiple major…
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From Hawkins to Hogwarts to Westeros: why these worlds won’t disappear
Three major franchises have beautifully shaped modern storytelling and continue to captivate people everywhere: Stranger Things, Harry Potter, and Game of Thrones. Even though each belongs to a different time and style, they share themes that resonate with audiences and highlight how fantasy and science fiction continue to inspire our culture today. Worldbuilding uniqueness In…
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Michael B. Jordan: the next Denzel Washington
For more than four decades, Denzel Washington has stood as one of Hollywood’s most respected actors, defined by his commanding presence, emotional precision, and consistent box-office success. Now, a new generation of viewers and industry leaders are looking to Michael B. Jordan as the heir to that legacy, a performer whose talent, discipline and impact…
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Blaxploitation’s complicated legacy in the era of the Diddy documentary
The Diddy documentary didn’t set out to resurrect a debate about 1970s cinema, but it did something even bigger: it reopened a conversation about the cost of visibility in Black entertainment. The film’s exploration of power, persona and exploitation mirrors a struggle that has been around far longer than Bad Boy Records, fame or even…
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The Man Who Made Us Laugh: Remembering Paul Reubens
HBO’s new two-part documentary, airing May 23, reveals the deeply personal and complex life of Paul Reubens—the man behind the bow-tied, bicycle-riding icon, Pee-wee Herman. In Pee-wee as Himself, director Matt Wolf pulls back the curtain on a figure both celebrated and misunderstood. Known for his manic energy, childlike wonder, and the unmistakable gray suit,…
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Maryland Faces $2.7 Billion Budget Deficit, Tax Increases Considered
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Maryland is grappling with a projected $2.7 billion budget shortfall, marking the state’s most severe financial challenge in two decades. Analysts warn that without intervention, the deficit could balloon to nearly $6 billion by fiscal year 2030, raising concerns over potential tax hikes and public service cuts. The deficit primarily arises from…
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BlerdCon Announces Janelle Monáe as Celebrity Guest Following the Passing of Tony Todd
BlerdCon has announced that the multifaceted artist Janelle Monáe will be a featured guest at their upcoming 2025 convention, following the recent passing of esteemed actor Tony Todd. Janelle Monáe, renowned as a singer, songwriter, rapper, and actress, has received ten Grammy Award nominations and accolades, including a Screen Actors Guild Award and a Children’s…
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Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show: A Revolutionary Performance Packed with Symbolism, Rivalries, and Cultural Commentary
Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance at Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2025, was a remarkable experience that went beyond entertainment. It offered profound insights into societal issues, personal conflicts, and the richness of cultural identity. As the first solo rapper to headline the Super Bowl halftime show, Lamar leveraged this incredible platform to share…
