Striking city workers waved signs at traffic near Philadelphia City Hall and formed picket lines outside libraries, city offices and other workplaces as nearly 10,000 blue-collar workers walked off the job Tuesday
Seeking better pay and benefits, District Council 33 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees announced the strike on its Facebook page early Tuesday.
Mayor Cherelle Parker said the city would suspend residential trash collection, close some city pools and shorten recreation center hours, but vowed to keep the city running. Police and firefighters are not on strike, but the DC33 membership includes 911 dispatchers, trash collectors, water department workers and many others.
By midday Tuesday, three librarians in town from Knoxville, Tennessee, for a convention arrived to tour the Free Library of Philadelphia on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, only to find the wrought iron gates closed as workers cheerfully protested outside. They stopped to chat with them and offer their support.
“We’re just out here trying to get fair wages, to try to get a better cost of living, because, as you know, everything in the world right now is going up,” said Dhafir Gerald, 48, a library security guard who said he loves the city because it gave him a second chance after a long-ago incarceration.
“The city has the money to pay us,” said Gerald, who makes about $46,000 a year after six years of service, the first few with the sanitation department. “We are the backbone of the city.”
Parker, a pro-labor Democrat, promised that Fourth of July celebrations in the nation’s birthplace would go on as usual.
“Keep your holiday plans. Don’t leave the city,” she said at a Monday afternoon news conference that followed hours of last-minute negotiations.
In a statement Tuesday, the mayor said the city had “put its best offer on the table.” The city offered raises that amount to 13% over her four-year term, including last year’s 5% bump, and added a fifth step to the pay scale to align with other city unions, she said.
“The City of Philadelphia remains committed to reaching a fair and fiscally responsible contract with our municipal workers who are a part of DC 33,” Parker said. “We are ready, willing and able to resume negotiations with the union at their convenience.”
City officials urged residents to be patient and not hang up should they need to call either 911 or the city’s nonemergency helpline. They said they would open drop-off sites for residential trash.
District Council 33 is the largest of four major unions representing city workers. Union president Greg Boulware did not immediately return a call seeking comment.
Union leaders, in their initial contract proposal, asked for 8% annual raises each year of the three-year contract, along with cost-of-living hikes and bonuses of up to $5,000 for those who worked through the pandemic. The union also asked the city to pay the full cost of employee health care, or $1,700 per person per month.
In November, the city transit system averted a strike when the parties agreed to a one-year contract with 5% raises.
A DC33 trash strike in the summer of 1986 left the city without trash pickup for three weeks, leading trash to pile up on streets, alleyways and drop-off sites.
“Like any workers in this country, I think that they have a right to expect a livable wage, and it’s really nice to see our country’s ability to still have strikes and still have public dissent,” Nick Shuhan, a 34-year-old editor and property manager who lives in Center City, said Tuesday. “So I stand with them.”
Julian McMahon, the Australian actor who captivated audiences with his charisma and intensity in hit TV shows such as Nip/Tuck, Charmed, and FBI: Most Wanted, has passed away at the age of 56 following a private battle with cancer. McMahon passed away peacefully on July 2 in Clearwater, Florida, surrounded by loved ones.
“With an open heart, I wish to share with the world that my beloved husband, Julian McMahon, died peacefully this week after a valiant effort to overcome cancer,” his wife, Kelly McMahon, said in a heartfelt statement to Deadline. “Julian loved life. He loved his family. He loved his friends. He loved his work and his fans. His deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible.”
McMahon is also survived by his daughter, Madison “Maddy” McMahon.
From Political Legacy to Hollywood Spotlight
Born on July 27, 1968, in Sydney, Australia, Julian Dana William McMahon came from a prominent background. His father, Sir William “Billy” McMahon, served as Prime Minister of Australia from 1971 to 1972. Despite political roots, Julian forged a very different path that would take him from the world of modeling and Australian soap operas to international fame.
He began his entertainment career as a model before transitioning into acting with a leading role in the 1989 Australian soap opera The Power and the Passion. He then joined the long-running Home and Away from 1990 to 1991. Hollywood soon came calling, and McMahon made his U.S. debut on NBC’s Another World in 1993.
Breakout Roles and TV Stardom
After cutting his teeth in daytime dramas, McMahon broke into primetime with a regular role on NBC’s Profiler. But it was his darkly seductive performance as Cole Turner in the WB’s hit supernatural series Charmed that began to shape his on-screen legacy.
He became a true television icon with FX’s Nip/Tuck, playing the womanizing and enigmatic plastic surgeon Dr. Christian Troy. The role earned him a Golden Globe nomination and showcased his range from vulnerable to villainous, and everything in between. His co-star Dylan Walsh paid tribute, saying:
“I’m stunned,” Walsh told Deadline. “We rode this wave together and I loved him. My heart goes out to Kelly and Maddy. Jules! I know you’d want me to say something to make you smile, all the inside jokes. All those years you had my back, and my god, we laughed. My heart is with you. Rest in peace.”
Following Nip/Tuck, McMahon took on the lead role of Jess LaCroix on CBS’ FBI: Most Wanted. He anchored the first three seasons with calm intensity and gravitas, becoming a staple of the franchise.
“What shocking news,” said franchise creator Dick Wolf. “All of us at Wolf Entertainment are deeply saddened by Julian’s passing, and our condolences go out to his entire family.”
From Supervillain to Surfer
He’s widely remembered for playing Marvel’s iconic villain Doctor Doom in Fantastic Four (2005) and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007). Other notable films include Premonition, starring Sandra Bullock; RED;You’re Not You; and Paranoia.
His final feature film role was opposite Nicolas Cage in The Surfer, which premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. Cage shared a touching tribute to McMahon:
“Such deeply saddening news. I spent six weeks working with Julian, and he was the most talented of actors,” Cage told Deadline. “Our scenes together on The Surfer were amongst my favorites I have ever participated in, and Julian is one of my favorite people. He was a kind and intelligent man. My love to his family.”
A Full-Circle Farewell
In what can only be described as a poetic full-circle moment, McMahon’s final role was in Netflix’s The Residence, a murder mystery series in which he portrayed the Prime Minister of Australia, a nod to the very legacy he was born into.
While McMahon kept his cancer battle private, the outpouring of love from fans, peers, and collaborators speaks to the impact he had both on and off screen.
“Julian’s deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible,” his wife Kelly added. “We ask for support during this time to allow our family to grieve in privacy. And we wish for all of those to whom Julian brought joy, to continue to find joy in life.”
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 14: (L-R) Ruth E. Carter, Jack O’Connell, Sev Ohanian, Omar Benson Miller, Wunmi Mosaku, Zinzi Coogler, Ryan Coogler, Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Jayne Lawson, Miles Caton, Li Jun Li, Delroy Lindo, Rebecca Cho, Serena McKinney and Ludwig Goransson attend the european premiere of “Sinners” at Cineworld Leicester Square on April 14, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Adding to the long list of history-making moves from Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners,” the record-breaking film will become the first movie to ever debut using Black American Sign Language (BASL). The historic feat marks a groundbreaking step towards representation across all forms of entertainment.
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Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?
Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?
And for those wondering, “What exactly is Black American Sign Language?” Don’t worry, we got you covered with everything you need to know!
“Sinners” premiered on MAX on July 4 in its original format, as well as BASL, according to a release from Warner Bros. “For the first time, the Black Deaf community will have streaming access to a more immersive experience in their language,” the company announced.
For traditional American Sign Language (ASL) signers, they will also have the chance to follow along and learn something new, the entertainment company said. The movie will be translated by Nakia Smith, “an influential voice in the Black Deaf community, who delivers a powerful interpretation with cultural depth and linguistic richness that aligns with the film’s themes and historical timeline.”
BASL is similar to Ebonics — also known as African American Vernacular English (AAVE) — which describes the unique language Black folks use when speaking with one another. Like most African American distinctions in history, BASL was born out of racial discrimination: Even the deaf community was historically segregated, so Black Americans decided to create their own rendition of the language to serve their own communities.
Black Americans make up about eight percent of the 11 million deaf or hard of hearing people in the country, Census data reports. Carolyn McCaskill, who founded the Center for Black Deaf Studies at Gallaudet University, estimates half of the deaf Black population use BASL, as reported in a 2021 New York Times article.
“Black ASL paints pictures and expresses messages in ways that just bring another layer and another flavor to the whole notion of what Black language is,” Candas Barnes said during a 2020 interview with The Language & Life Project. Over time, BASL has evolved to serve hundreds of thousands of deaf Black Americans in the world.
“Accessibility within streaming is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Our goal at Max is to make these great stories accessible to all audiences in a way that is authentic to the content and the communities we serve,” Naomi Waibel, SVP of Global Product Management at Warner Bros. said. “SINNERS with Black American Sign Language is an example of how culturally nuanced access can enrich the viewing experience for our audiences.”
On July 3, 2019, the first CROWN Act legislation was signed in California to “Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair.” Now, six years later, on National Crown Day, Black women around the country are celebrating the groundbreaking legislation that prohibits discrimination based on hair style and texture.
A new survey from BLK’s #FreeYourCrown campaign shows something many of us have already felt in our souls (and seen in our selfies): the relationship between Black women and our hair is evolving and thriving. According to the findings, 60.9% of Black women say they wear their natural hair all the time, and 79.5% feel very confident doing so in public, even on a first date. No stress, just showing up as we are.
“Natural hair has always been a symbol of confidence, individuality, and culture,” said Amber Cooper, Brand Manager at BLK in a press release shared with thGrio. “For so long, Black women were made to feel like they had to change who they were to be accepted. With #FreeYourCrown, we’re not just celebrating natural hair — we’re creating space for Black women to be seen, uplifted, and supported at every stage of their journey.”
We’ve come a long way from hiding our curls under flat irons or sew-ins out of fear of being seen as “unprofessional” or “too much.” But the journey isn’t over. The data also shows that 40% of Black women have still experienced judgment based on their hair. Still, the CROWN Act and the natural hair movement have and continue to push the conversation forward.
To mark the occasion, BLK is encouraging users to update their profile pics across dating apps and social platforms to showcase their natural hair in all its glory. The platform also launched BLK Beauty Community inside the app, a space where Black women can swap hair tips, product recommendations, and stories that feel like your favorite group chat. Plus, five lucky members who share photos of their natural hair in the group will win a $500 credit for a salon visit with a Black stylist of their choice.
So, whether you’re a Black woman who loves to rock her fro, bundles, braids, locs, or anything in between, remember your hair is your crown and don’t let anyone try to make you feel ashamed of it.
The opening ceremony of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 delivered spectacle, pageantry, and the spellbinding vocals of Norwegian pop star Astrid S, who sang Norway’s national anthem in a performance that immediately went viral. While Norway’s national team secured a 2–1 victory over Switzerland to kick off their tournament campaign, it was Astrid’s ethereal rendition of the anthem that truly stole the show.
Across X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, and every social platform in between, fans, both Norwegian and international, collectively lost their minds.
“Mermaids Are Real”: The Internet Falls Under Astrid S’s Spell
Astrid S’s version of the Norwegian national anthem didn’t just make an impression. It ignited a social media lovefest that compared the artist to mythical sirens and heavenly beings.
“I heard this live, and for a brief second, I thought maybe mermaids do exist,” one viewer wrote.
“No way they got a mermaid singing the national anthem,” said another.
From the opening note, Astrid’s rendition was intimate, crystalline, and unexpectedly emotional. Viewers were stunned by the restraint and elegance in her performance, eschewing showy vocal flourishes for a delivery that felt almost sacred. One user summed it up:
“It is quite possibly the most beautiful anthem I have ever heard, or at least the best sung during a soccer match.”
That same sentiment echoed widely across social platforms.
“Anthems have never been sung so beautifully 🥹😭” “Omg Astrid, her voice is so magical ✨️” “The myth of sirens is definitely true 🧎🏽” “Kind of voice described as ‘Melodious’” “Why it sounds so mythical 😭”
One dramatic tweet went viral for saying:
“I WILL SACRIFICE MY LIFE FOR NORWAY WOW. That was beautiful.”
Another compared the emotional impact of her performance to the Homeric epics:
“And this is how Odesus was sent on an odyssey.”
Others took the opportunity to stan the singer, pointing fans toward her broader work.
“If u love her voice here thn listen to her discography. She is amazing and sadly so underrated. Love her.”
The Voice Behind the Viral Moment: Who Is Astrid S?
Astrid Smeplass, professionally known as Astrid S, is not a newcomer to the global music scene. But her performance at the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 might be her most widely seen moment to date.
The Gjøvik-born singer first caught public attention in 2013 after finishing fifth on Pop Idol Norway. But her journey since has been anything but predictable. In the years following, Astrid carved out a unique niche in Scandinavian and global pop music, earning critical acclaim for her haunting vocals, thoughtful songwriting, and bold visual artistry.
With over five billion global streams, Astrid S has proven her staying power. Her debut album Leave It Beautiful and its follow-up Joyride showcased her as a genre-fluid artist with a sharp ear for melodic hooks and emotional nuance. Collaborations with artists like Shawn Mendes, NOTD, and JP Cooper have further broadened her international appeal.
What sets her apart is not just her voice but her full creative vision. Astrid is intimately involved in every element of her music: production, writing, visuals, and performances. That control was palpable in her UEFA performance, which felt less like a traditional anthem and more like an invitation into her ethereal sound world.
A National Anthem Unlike Any Other
National anthems are usually formulaic, booming, operatic, and rigid. Astrid’s approach was the opposite: soft, haunting, and hauntingly sincere. One tweet cut straight to the heart of the debate:
“My two cents only but the national song is more fun to sing like this than while flexing vocal techniques.”
Others riffed on national identity altogether:
“I think everyone should listen to every national anthem, and whichever ones you vibe with, that’s your nationality.”
The moment felt like a cultural shift: a reframing of what national pride can sound like in the hands of a pop visionary. Norway, it seems, didn’t just win the opening match. They won the internet.
Norway Wins the Opener, But Astrid S Wins the Night
On the pitch, Norway took a decisive 2–1 victory over Switzerland in what commentators described as a strong tactical performance. But for millions of fans watching at home, it was Astrid S’s voice that lingered long after the final whistle.
By the end of the night, “Astrid S” and “Norwegian anthem” were trending globally, with TikTok edits, reaction videos, and fancams flooding timelines. The UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 is already promising unforgettable moments, and thanks to Astrid S, it started with one that felt almost otherworldly.
Sick and shut in, who? Certainly not Wendy Williams.
The 60-year-old former talk show host was spotted this week at Columbia University looking back in action and better than ever alongside her friend and designer, Mel Maxi.
In a video captured by TMZ, Williams praises Maxi for having designed her stylish monochromatic look that featured black shorts with a white patterned jacket.
“This is amazing, okay. This is totally designed by [Mel Maxi] with the exception of my sneakers,” she told the outlet. “He did this specifically for me… I don’t know if you can see this, but this is really hand-done. That’s what he does for a living. I’ve known him for a very long time. He’s been doing clothing for me for a very long time.”
She went on to explain that Maxi was there to lead a lecture, and she was there in support, dressed in his duds.
The rare sighting arrives after months and months of drama for the TV personality who has been living under a legal guardianship following the diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia and aphasia in 2023. Since at least January, Williams has been attempting to end her guardianship, which her health advocate claims she asked for without realizing how strict it would be.
Her cognitive ability was questioned after Wells Fargo froze her accounts following suspicious activity.
“She wanted to make sure nobody’s in her money, and she would be fine,” Ginalisa Monterroso said. “She kind of felt like, ‘Hey, I have the court. They’re going to assign me a money person. I’m going to be good.’ In no way did she think that her whole life was going to be taken away from her.”
“I am not cognitively impaired. But I feel like I am in prison,” she stressed at the time as she described the memory care facility she claims she was forced to move to.
Since then, and after repeated claims from Williams that she wasn’t cognitively impaired, she was hospitalized and reportedly received a new evaluation. If she wins her freedom, Wendy hopes to stay in New York, return to her talk show, and even get back on the dating scene.
The Statue of Liberty may never have looked more rebellious than it did on the Fourth of July, draped in a Puerto Rican flag, saluted by Bad Bunny, and backed by a faux Donald Trump voice apologizing to immigrants. But for Mia Khalifa, this was more than just provocative imagery. It was proof of what true artistry looks like.
The model and media personality, known for her outspoken political views, took to X (formerly Twitter) to praise Bad Bunny’s latest music video “NUEVAYoL,” a striking, politically charged short film released on U.S. Independence Day. Khalifa used the occasion to issue a broader call to arms for all artists, declaring that art without political or social commentary is nothing more than a “puppet for consumerism.”
“Vibes and a Hook Are Not a Message”
Khalifa’s remarks came in response to a tweet by a user named Penelope, who wrote:
“bad bunny releasing ‘NUEVAYoL’ on US independence day with a PR flag on the statue of liberty highlighting the immigrant community is pure cinema 🤌🏼”
“as an artist, if you’re not using your platform to make political statements, then you’re an unwitting propaganda tool. artists make impact, illicit change, and spread a message. vibes and a hook are not a message, they’re a distraction that helps the regimes.”
Her statement lit up social media, igniting a spirited debate about the role of artists and public figures in times of political turmoil.
“I don’t think celebrities necessarily need to be political activists, but I do appreciate when they give back in some way… Dolly Parton isn’t a big, controversial activist, but she has causes that she believes in and uses her wealth and influence to further those causes. That’s lovely. You don’t need to be a political lightning rod to make a difference in the world.”
“exactly, It’s not just about political activism, an artist should stand for something, ANYTHING. what is art if not commentary on life through different mediums. How can you sing about sex w/o standing for sexual rights. How can you sing about the streets without standing for social changes in affected communities. You’re not an artist if you’re not moved by or stand for something. You’re a mouthpiece and a puppet for consumerism”
Bad Bunny’s Bold Visual Protest
Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, dropped the video for “NUEVAYoL,” a track from his latest album Debí Tirar Más Fotos, on Friday, July 4. Directed by Renell Medrano, the music video is drenched in retro aesthetics but charged with timely political commentary.
The video opens on a nostalgic quinceañera before shifting sharply to scenes of the Puerto Rican superstar saluting from the Statue of Liberty, now draped in a Puerto Rican flag. Moments later, a group of men gather around a boombox playing a fake voice that sounds suspiciously like former President Donald Trump.
“I made a mistake,” the voice says. “I want to apologize to the immigrants in America. I mean the United States. I know America is the whole continent.”
“This country is nothing without the immigrants. This country is nothing without Mexicans, Dominicans, Puerto Ricans, Colombians, Venezuelans, Cubans.”
As soon as the apology finishes, the men casually shut the boombox off and walk away. The closing scenes depict members of the Puerto Rican diaspora in New York, some shots in black and white, culminating in the onscreen message: “juntos somos más fuertes” (together we are stronger).
The Trump Connection: A Not-So-Subtle Rebuke
The timing of Bad Bunny’s release wasn’t random. Just days earlier, on July 1, Donald Trump toured a controversial new I.C.E. detention facility dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz” in the Florida Everglades. An ominous, rapidly constructed compound, the site was designed to hold up to 5,000 detainees, featuring chain-link enclosures and bunk beds, surrounded by natural wildlife.
“You don’t always have land so beautiful and so secure [with] a lot of bodyguards and a lot of cops in the form of alligators that you don’t have to pay them so much,” Trump quipped to reporters.
While many politicians remained silent on the implications of such a facility, Bad Bunny delivered his verdict through art, using satire, symbolism, and spectacle.
A History of Speaking Out
This isn’t Bad Bunny’s first time using his platform for political expression.
Last October, when comedian Tony Hinchcliffe derided Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage” during a Trump rally at Madison Square Garden, Bad Bunny clapped back with an eight-minute visual poem titled “Garbage”. An unreleased video previously shown only at his 2021 concerts in Puerto Rico, the footage praised Puerto Rico’s athletic legends and cultural contributions, describing the island as “the definition of heart and resistance.”
In a January 2025 interview with Rolling Stone, the artist addressed the backlash he sometimes receives for speaking out:
“People are used to artists getting big and mainstream and not expressing themselves about these things, or if they do, talking about it in a super careful way,” he said. “But I’m going to talk, and whoever doesn’t like it doesn’t have to listen to me.”
Art vs. Apathy: Khalifa and Bad Bunny Sound the Alarm
Khalifa’s comments tap into a deeper cultural conversation about celebrity responsibility. While some argue that not every artist should be expected to take political stances, Khalifa and Bad Bunny seem to agree on one central point: silence isn’t neutral. It’s complicit.
In an industry where many stars remain apolitical to protect commercial interests, Bad Bunny’s release and Khalifa’s vocal support feel like a challenge to the status quo. They are demanding that those with influence do more than entertain. They must, as Khalifa put it, stand for something.
As “NUEVAYoL” racks up millions of views and debates rage on social media, one thing is clear: art with a message can’t be ignored. And this message roars louder than fireworks.
It’s been 30 years since the cast of “Waiting To Exhale” stole the hearts of Black women everywhere. Based on Terry McMillan’s bestselling novel, the 1995 classic portrayed the heartbreaks and resilience of four Black women as they navigated love, loss, and sisterhood in . As we celebrate the milestone anniversary, fans can’t help but wonder: where is the cast today?
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Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?
Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?
Let’s journey back to the beginning of this classic movie and see what the actors have been up to since its release.
Angela Bassett – “Bernadine Harris”
Screenshot | YouTube
Angela Bassett’s portrayal of “Bernadine Harris” in “Waiting To Exhale” will remain an iconic and unforgettable role, even after three decades. Bernadine, a devoted wife and mother, selflessly set her career dreams aside to support her husband’s business and raise their children. And what did she get in return? Her husband left her for a white woman. The iconic moment of her setting her ex-husband’s car and clothes on fire was a beautiful symbol of anger, emotional release, and empowerment.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 19: Angela Bassett attends the Harlem Stage 2025 Gala at 10Cubed on May 19, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
Today, Angela Bassett remains active in Hollywood, starring as “Athena Grant-Nash” on the hit show “9-1-1” and appearing in upcoming projects, including Netflix’s “Zero Day” and “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.”
Loretta Devine – “Gloria Matthews”
Screenshot | YouTube
“Gloria Matthews,” portrayed by Loretta Devine, was a beauty salon owner and single mother to a teenage son. As her character evolved, she had to come to terms with her ex-husband revealing he is gay, and later finding love with her neighbor, “Marvin King.”
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – FEBRUARY 21: Loretta Devine attends the 2019 Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards Luncheon at Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel on February 21, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for Essence)
Devine continues to maintain an active profile across film, television, and theater. She recently earned an NAACP Image Award for her role as “Granmuva Ernestine” on the STARZ show “P-Valley.”
Lela Rochon – “Robin Stokes”
Screenshot | YouTube
The beautiful Lela Rochon plays the young, free-spirited “Robin Stokes.” Though the ambitious insurance executive thrived in her professional career, she struggled with toxic relationships, including being the mistress of a married man. She eventually decides to raise her unborn child alone, while she learned to prioritize her happiness.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 08: Lela Rochon attends The Chi Season 7 LA Premiere Event at St. Helen’s House on May 08, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for Paramount)
Lela Rochon returned to her acting and producing after prioritizing motherhood for several years. Currently, she is starring in and producing the new series “The Family Business: New Orleans.”
Whitney Houston – “Savannah Jackson”
Screenshot | YouTube
As the final piece to the sister circle, the film introduced “Savannah Jackson,” portrayed by Whitney Houston. A successful and intelligent television producer in her thirties, Savannah relocated to Phoenix in search of a fresh start and true love. Despite her career confidence, she displayed a relatable vulnerability in relationships. Ultimately, her journey was centered on learning to prioritize her happiness without relying on a man.
LAS VEGAS, NV – SEPTEMBER 15: Singer Whitney Houston is seen performing on stage during the 2004 World Music Awards at the Thomas and Mack Center on September 15, 2004 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)
The world experienced a massive loss in 2012 with the devastating announcement of Whitney Houston’s passing. Although Houston is no longer with us, her influence endures through her timeless music.
Gregory Hines – “Marvin King”
Screenshot | YouTube
Portrayed by Gregory Hines, “Marvin King” was the charming and supportive neighbor who became Gloria’s love interest. After moving across the street, Marvin compassionately guided Gloria as she navigated personal challenges, supporting her growth and self-acceptance.
A headshot of American dancer and actor Gregory Hines (1946 – 2003), circa 1985. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Sadly, Gregory Hines passed away in 2003 due to liver cancer. The legendary tap dancer, actor, and singer’s legacy continues to be celebrated today, particularly in the world of tap dance.
Michael Beach – ” John Harris, Sr.”
Screenshot | YouTube
Portrayed by Michael Beach, “John Harris Sr.” became one of the most disliked husbands on the big screen, serving as the marital opposite of “Bernadine Harris.” His role is the core of Bernadine’s entire storyline, as he chooses to leave his marriage for a white woman, triggering her iconic scene of setting his clothes and car on fire.
Screenshot | YouTube
Michael Beach remains a very busy actor. He recently appeared in Saw X(2023) and the new Netflix series “Dead Boy Detectives.”He also continues his role in the acclaimed Paramount series, “Mayors of Kingstown.”
Wendell Pierce – “Michael Davenport”
Screenshot | YouTube
Wendell Pierce played “Michael Davenport,” a co-worker of Robin Stokes and her one-night stand. His character is notable for hilarious awkwardness during their sexual encounter.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 08: Wendell Pierce speaks onstage at Power Book III: Raising Kanan FYC event at Crosby Street Hotel on May 08, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for STARZ)
Currently, Wendell Pierce stars in the CBS drama “Elsbeth” and is slated to play editor-in-chief Perry White in the upcoming “Superman” movie.
Giancarlo Esposito – “David Matthews”
Giancarlo Esposito played “David Matthews,” who is Gloria’s ex-husband and the father of her son, Tarik. His character was most notable for revealing that he is bisexual and later comes out as gay.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 17: Giancarlo Esposito attends the 7th Annual American Black Film Festival Honors at SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills on February 17, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Legendary actor Leon Robinson plays “Russell,” the long-time married lover of Robin. Their challenging relationship is the central part of Robin’s storyline, as she eventually decides to leave him and raise their child alone.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 10: Leon Robinson attends Neon’s “The Actor” New York premiere at Village East Cinema on March 10, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
The former “Temptations” actor, Leon Robinson, is still busy. He recently appeared on the hit television show “The Chi” and is the lead singer and songwriter for his band, Leon and the Peoples, which has released albums and toured extensively.
Forrest Whitaker
UNDATED FILE PHOTO: Actor Forrest Whitaker. (Photo by Diane Freed)
Forrest Whitaker truly was the mastermind behind the timeless “Waiting To Exhale” movie. Marking his feature film directorial debut, he was responsible for bringing the compelling story of four women to the screen in a brilliant way.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 14: Forest Whitaker attends the Andor Season 2 Special Celebration Launch Event at El Capitan Theatre on April 14, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)
Whitaker continues to showcase his acting skills as he stars as Bumpy Johnson in the acclaimed MGM series, “Godfather of Harlem.”
President Donald Trump took a political victory lap on Independence Day as he officially signed the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act” into law, fulfilling his goal of passing his entire MAGA agenda in one colossal bill, packed with massive tax cuts and increased funding to enforce his aggressive immigration policies.
Just before signing the bill during a Fourth of July picnic at the White House on Friday, Trump praised his achievement of enacting the “largest tax cut in the history of our country.” He proclaimed, “Our country is going to be a rocket ship economically.”
Black leaders are decrying what they call the “Big Ugly Bill,” which makes historic cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and education services — social programs that Black Americans disproportionately rely on — to pay for Trump’s $3.8 trillion tax cuts, which experts warn will overwhelmingly benefit millionaires and billionaires and not everyday Americans.
“Republicans made their priorities clear: greed over good, cruelty over care, and billionaires over Black lives,” said Kristin Powell, executive director at Black to the Future Action Fund. “Make no mistake — this devastating bill is a direct assault on Black communities and the basic rights we fight for 24/7.”
Maya Wiley, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, said the “Big, Beautiful Bill” will devastate American lives, as they will lose access to health care, food assistance, and even mental health support for students.
“What does it give us instead? More ICE raids on two-year-olds and high school students, on grandparents, and on workers. It gives us poorer schools and richer billionaires,” said Wiley. “It literally uses our tax dollars to drive inequality and the stripping away of civil rights, which this president promises with the stroke of his poisoned pen.”
The civil rights leader said Trump and Republicans can “spin it any way they want, but people will suffer.” She added, “But make no mistake: This big, bad economy-busting bill is a bill that will hurt people in every community, of every race, and in far too many ways.”
Democrats are gearing up to use Trump’s “Big” bill against him and Republicans in upcoming special elections this year and midterms in 2026.
U.S. House of Representatives Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who made history on Thursday with the longest House floor speech after nearly 9 hours of talking about how “ugly” Trump’s bill is, appeared to preview what to expect from Democrats in the coming days, months, and over the next year.
WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 03: U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) walks off the House floor after speaking for 8 hours and 45 minutes as the House debates the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act at the U.S. Capitol on July 03, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
“I know that people are concerned with what’s happening in America, but understand what our journey teaches us is that after Project 2025 comes Project 2026,” said Jeffries.
Project 2025 was a conservative policy manifesto published by Trump allies and administration officials that laid out much of Trump’s legislative agenda since he took office in January. Jeffries signaled that “Project 2026” will be the Democrats’ response to the enactment of Project 2025, emphasizing that voters “will have an opportunity to end this national nightmare.”
“We recognize the villainous budget for what it is, just as we recognize those who support it for the villains they are — so do the American people,” said U.S. Rep. Yvette D. Clarke, D-N.Y., the chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, during a press conference ahead of the bill’s passing on Capitol Hill.
Clarke described the bill as a betrayal and vowed, “We are going to tell the American people exactly who hurt them.”
Democratic strategist Antjuan Seawright told theGrio it is crucial for Democrats to execute “message discipline” as they “educate and update” Americans about the impacts of the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill.”
“The consistency and the continuity of that is not always the case in the Democratic Party,” said Seawright. However, the Democratic insider says his party has a “blank canvas type of moment,” explaining, “We get to control the message, and not we get out-messaged or the other messengers out-message us.”
Seawright said Democrats are working on the “preamble” to Project 2026, telling theGrio, “We’re fertilizing the ground.”
Powell of Black to the Future Action Fund said Republicans are also “counting on this bill becoming signed into law with no consequences,” adding, “We will be their consequence.”
“We still have local and state power, and we can still resist. At Black to the Future Action Fund, we’ll keep fighting to build Black political power and usher in a future where all Black people can thrive,” she said.
“We will not be silent. We will not back down. We will not forget the sources of the scandalous cuts that have helped to stabilize people’s lives in a country becoming too expensive for too many,” said Wiley of The Leadership Conference. “We will make sure our communities are informed, empowered, and energized to keep rising up and marching on for an America that lives up to its ideals over the greed of the powerful few.”
Born in Philadelphia in 1949, Phyllis Hyman was a beautiful singer with a powerful voice that touched the souls of everyone who was lucky enough to hear it. Whether it was one of her ballads like “Somewhere in My Lifetime” or an uptempo track like “You Know How to Love Me,” her voice was undeniably unique and kept audiences wanting more.
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Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?
Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?
But despite her talent and beauty, Hyman dealt with demons that would cut her career short. Hyman died tragically of a drug overdose on June 30, 1995, just six days before her 46th birthday. We’re looking back at the life and career of the soulful diva who left us way too soon.
A Talented Teenager
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Phyllis Linda Hyman was born on July 7, 1949, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The oldest of seven siblings, Hyman’s father, a barber and her mother, a homemaker relocated to Pittsburgh to raise their family when she was young.
Hyman discovered her talent for singing as a teen, joining the chorus in high school and eventually receiving a music scholarship to college. In 1972, she moved to Miami and began earning money by singing popular music and jazz covers in local clubs.
Making the Band
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By the mid 1970s, Hyman was ready to take control of her career and formed her own group, PH Factor. Her former bandmate Hiram Bullock remembers her powerful voice, which helped them find success in New York City club scene.
“I don’t ever recall an audition where we didn’t get the gig,” he said in an interview for ‘Unsung.’ “I never heard anyone sing with such freedom.”
Finding Solo Success
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In 1975, Hyman and her band moved to New York City, and it wasn’t long before she found success in the club scene. There, she met Norman Connors, a jazz and R&B producer who also worked with Jean Carne and Angela Bofill.
“Betcha By Golly Wow”
Hyman worked with Norman Connors to record a version of The Stylistics’ classic “Betcha By Golly Wow,” which would help launch her solo career and land her a deal with Buddah Records.
Phyllis Hyman’s voice wasn’t just heard in night clubs and on the radio. She also sang jingles for popular brands like Sasson Jeans, Clairol and Burger King.
“You Know How to Love Me”
In 1978, Arista Records acquired Buddah Records, which began Hyman’s relationship with legendary executive Clive Davis. Davis immediately recognized Hyman’s talent and wanted her to have mainstream success. He paired her with Barry Manilow, who produced and arranged her single “Somewhere in My Lifetime.” She also worked with James Mtume and Reggie Lucas, who wrote her first Top 15 R&B hit, the uptempo track “You Know How to Love Me.”
Finding Love
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While working as an entertainer on a cruise ship back in 1973, Hyman met Larry Alexander, another performer on the ship. The two got close and developed a personal and professional relationship. Alexander became Hyman’s manager and eventually her husband. The two were married from 1977 to 1982. Many who knew Hyman say it was Alexander who introduced her to cocaine to help her deal with the stress of the music business.
A Clash With Clive
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 03: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Clive Davis speaks onstage during the 66th GRAMMY Awards Pre-GRAMMY Gala & GRAMMY Salute to Industry Icons Honoring Jon Platt at The Beverly Hilton on February 03, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Things got tense between Phyllis Hyman and Clive Davis while she was at Arista. Davis had a vision for the soulful singer’s career which involved her becoming a well-known popular music star, but Hyman didn’t like feeling like she wasn’t in control. She also didn’t believe she always had the full support of the label executives, who were also working on developing other Black female artists like Dionne Warwick and Aretha Franklin.
“As an artist who had a sense of herself and what she wanted to be, she felt that he was not seeing her vision for who she was, and he, in turn, was seeing her as someone who had potential, but needed the kind of material that would propel her to another level. And she was resistant to that,” music journalist David Nathan said in an interview for ‘Unsung.’
Starting Over
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Davis and Hyman’s strained relationship hit a new low when in 1984, Arista signed Whitney Houston, and Hyman was dropped from the label. But while things weren’t great for Hyman at the label, she didn’t like the fact that she wasn’t leaving on her own terms, her then-manager, Glenda Gracia told Unsung.
Although her breakup with Arista Records was a low point, it didn’t take long for Hyman to find her way to another label. She signed with Philadelphia International Records in 1986, who picked her up believing she had a classic voice that could record standards.
A Sophisticated Lady
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In 1981, Hyman took her talents to Broadway, where she performed in the show, “Sophisticated Ladies,” which was a tribute to the music of composer Duke Ellington. She stayed with the show for two and a half years and earned a Tony nomination for Best Supportive Actress for her role.
“Living All Alone”
One of Hyman’s first hits with her new record label was the sultry 1986 single, “Living All Alone.” The lyrics of the song, written by Kenneth Gamble, Dexter Wansel and Cynthina Biggs, had parallels to Hyman’s personal life, which is one of the reasons audiences could feel the raw emotion in her voice when she sang.
“Now I live a single life and I find it’s another world I’m not even the same, I’m a different girl Yesterday I was somebody’s baby Now today I’m a woman on my own.” – ‘Living All Alone’ (1986)
Dealing With Depression
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When she wasn’t on stage, Phyllis Hyman battled mental health issues and used alcohol and drugs to deal with her pain. Hyman’s therapist, Dr. Portia Hunt told ‘Unsung’ that after observing her shift between periods of extreme highs and lows over a period of time, she diagnosed her with bipolar disorder.
In 1986, Dr. Hunt convinced Hyman to enter treatment to help her deal with her reliance on alcohol and cocaine. She came out with a new outlook on life, seeing her sobriety as an opportunity to breathe new life into her music career. But her inability to find
“I think if she had been able to maintain some semblance of a normal home life, I think she could have dealt with the pressures of the business a little better,” her sister Jean told Unsung.
A Lonely Life
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Although she had plenty of success and fame, Phyllis Hyman didn’t have much of a personal life. After her divorce from Larry Alexander, she struggled to find luck in love and never married again. Hyman said the demands of her career left her with little time for romance, something, she said made her life very lonely. She continued to struggle with addiction to food, alcohol and cocaine, which lead to a painful cycle of weight gain, depression and financial struggles.
“Being a woman in this industry is very lonely,” she said in an interview. “It’s rare that you have men hanging around backstage and at parties where you might be, the same way you might have women around the men. There is no such thing as a male groupie, at least not one that I would date. That makes it pretty tough.”
On the afternoon of June 30, 1995, Hyman’s assistant found her unconscious in her New York City apartment, just hours before she was scheduled to perform at the Apollo Theater. According to The New York Times, Hyman overdosed on sleeping pills and was pronounced dead at Roosevelt Hospital at 3:50 p.m., less than a week away from her 45th birthday. Investigators found a note Hyman wrote on the scene, which read, ”I’m tired. I’m tired. Those of you that I love know who you are. May God bless you.”
Loved ones gathered to pay tribute to the woman and the artist they loved at a memorial service held at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Manhattan.
