Issa Rae has never been shy about telling the stories Hollywood once ignored — and now, she’s putting the entire history of Black television under the spotlight.

The Emmy-nominated creator is executive producing “Seen & Heard: The History Of Black Television,” a two-part HBO Original documentary that chronicles the evolution of Black visibility and storytelling on TV. Premiering Sept. 9 and 10, the project traces the ways Black creators have shaped the medium, and how they’ve had to fight to be recognized as more than stereotypes along the way.

In the newly released trailer, Rae sets the tone with a reminder that feels both obvious and overdue: “If you’re telling Black stories, then you need to have Black people create their own.”

That sentiment appears to pulse through every frame of the documentary. Heavy-hitters like Shonda Rhimes, Mara Brock Akil, Cord Jefferson, and Tracee Ellis Ross sit alongside cultural giants like Oprah Winfrey, who reflects on coming of age without seeing herself reflected on screen. “I grew up when there was nobody like me on TV,” she says, as vintage clips of her early career flash across the screen.

But the series doesn’t just spotlight struggle; it celebrates the joy, brilliance, and legacy that Black TV has built over generations. From trailblazers who cracked open Hollywood’s doors to shows like “Moesha” that made Blackness the blueprint, “Seen & Heard” captures the movement, not just the moment. “With Moesha, it was Black people everywhere: hair, makeup, wardrobe. It was Black joy,” one voice reflects.

And that joy is a throughline. Whether it’s the global success of Rhimes’ TV empire, the cultural dominance of “Abbott Elementary,” or the unapologetic creativity of Rae herself in “Insecure,” the documentary cements something we’ve always known: Black storytelling transcends entertainment. 

Directed by Giselle Bailey, who worked on “The Legend of the Underground,” and Phil Bertelsen, who worked on “Who Killed Malcolm X?”, the two-part series pulls back the curtain on how Black TV has challenged norms, created space where there was none, and redefined representation.

Watch “Seen & Heard: The History Of Black Television” on September 9 and 10 on HBO.

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By the end of a conversation with Camilla Araujo, you’re either in tears laughing, reassessing your love life, or messaging your crush something intensely reckless. She’s that kind of destructive inspiration. With her uncompromising honesty and her keen sense of humor, Camilla doesn’t just speak it, she’s already in your DM’s pushing you to keep up.

While chatting with me, Camilla shared one of my favorite celebrity crush admissions in a while, and it perfectly captures why everyone is obsessed with her.

The Crush Heard Round the Timeline

When we asked her for any celebrity crushes, Camilla didn’t blink. “I’ll admit it, Kehlani is definitely a crush of mine,” she smiled at us in a don’t-judge-me-but-judge-me kinda manner.

But the humor is not simply that Camilla is in love with one of the coolest, naturally sexiest musicians on planet earth. It is that she went full-in. “I even once slipped into her DMs and just literally typed, ‘Let’s kiss,’”” she revealed, bursting into laughter.

Stop. No emoji. No sycophantic setup. No “big head” salutation. Just Let’s kiss. That’s it. Get up to it like a 2 a.m. tequila shot.

“I’m playful with it,” she shrugged. “I’m not the kind to sit around wondering what if. If I’m interested in somebody, I’m gonna make my move. Sometimes it pays off, sometimes it doesn’t, but at least I can say I made an effort.”

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After being announced by President Donald Trump as a recipient of this year’s Kennedy Center Honor, Federal Election Commission records show disco legend Gloria Gaynor donated to several MAGA and conservative political campaigns.

The 81-year-old star, whose 1978 hit song “I Will Survive” has been an undisputable LGBTQ+ anthem for decades, was named among five honorees who will receive the prestigious Kennedy Center honor. The honor has been awarded to entertainers of American culture since 1978.

“My hope is that in accepting this honor, I can continue with the inspirational phenomenon that began with ‘I Will Survive,’” said Gaynor, who is a two-time Grammy Award winner from Newark, New Jersey. The Dance Music Hall of Famer added, “Sharing my music and art on a global level to provide encouragement, hope, empowerment, inspiration, understanding, and unity is the core of my purpose.”

According to a report by MeidasTouch, Gaynor, real name Gloria Fowles, has donated nearly $22,000 to right-wing candidates and conservative organizations between 2023 and 2024.

Gaynor’s donations to Republican campaigns include the National Republican Senatorial Committee ($1,190.53), House Speaker Mike Johnson ($2,160.57), former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy ($356.15), U.S. Senator Josh Hawley ($1,242.28), U.S. Senator Ted Cruz ($476.18), and Trump’s now-Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio ($114.10).

MeidasTouch’s investigation of Gaynor’s campaign donations showed she wasn’t very political until 2016, when she donated $235.00 in support of Ben Carson, who ran for president and later became Trump’s secretary of Housing and Urban Development during his first term. The singer did not donate politically again until 2023.

Gaynor also donated to New Journey PAC, a group that targets Black voters in support of MAGA candidates, including Trump and U.S. Congressman Byron Donalds, who is now running for Florida governor.

MeidasTouch noted that while Gaynor exclusively donated to Republicans, records show she has not directly donated to Trump’s campaigns. However, she did contribute to the campaigns of some of Trump’s opponents in the 2024 election: Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy.

While delivering a speech at the Library of Congress in 2017, Gaynor told an audience, “I’m really not a political person.” However, she added, “It’s a safe bet that a lot needs to change.”

Tatyana Arrington

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Tatyana Arrington is an actress, entertainment reporter, social media influencer, entrepreneur, and co- author. Originally from Queens, New York, Tatyana’s career began as an infant model at Wilhelmina Agency and was featured in campaigns for Spiegel and Toys R Us. Her first professional acting job was in Mirandy and Brother Wind with Acting Up! Since graduating from Georgia Southern University with a Bachelor’s in Communications, she completed an internship with The Atlanta Shakespeare Tavern. Post apprenticeship, she starred in Tavern shows A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Macbeth, As You Like It, and Love’s Labour’s Lost. Tatyana has made television appearances on Homicide Hunter Lt. Joe Kenda and Fatal Attraction. Tatyana’s influencer work began in 2018 and since then she has worked global brands including Reebok, GoDaddy, Fab Fit Fun, Amazon, Tampax, Holiday Inn, Zaful, and Atlantis Bahamas on campaigns in front of the camera. In 2019 she began her journey as a digital host professional and has got to cover press events for Disney, Netflix, BET, Amazon, and Starz. In April 2020, Tatyana re-launched Stix Unlimited, a unisex streetwear clothing line founded by her late brother. Tatyana was named one of the “Resilience Rising” by People Magazine and U.S. Bank in honor of her efforts with STIX. In February 2021, Tatyana teamed up with with her mother, Vanessa and sister, Summer to write “The Adventures of Summer and Winter” inspired by her younger sister and puppy of the same name. The Adventures of Summer and Winter is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart.

Althea Gibson’s legacy is unmistakable at the 2025 US Open.

On Wednesday, August 27, the tribute to the late professional tennis star crescendoed with a stirring performance by Florida A&M University’s famed Marching 100, celebrating their alumna in high-stepping style, the Tallahassee Democrat reported.  

It was one highlight in a two-week celebration of the iconic player who broke barriers 75 years ago as the first Black player in what is now known as the US Open. The tributes have included Gibson’s image displayed throughout the stadium, a special tournament logo marking “75 Years of Breaking Barriers,” and short films about her career narrated by Venus Williams that air between matches. 

“The most important part is that we are celebrating it and recognizing it because Althea accomplished so much,” Williams said, per AP News. “A lot of it has not been given the credit it deserves and the attention and the praise.”

Speaking to the same outlet, fellow tennis champ Billie Jean King added, “Personally, I feel like everybody’s waited too long to really celebrate her.” 

She added, “She was the first, and when you’re the first, you should be celebrated the most.”

Gibson, born to sharecroppers in South Carolina before relocating to Harlem, was more than a champion; she was a trailblazer. After becoming the first Black player to compete in what is now considered the US Open in 1950,  she won 11 Grand Slam titles, including back-to-back victories at Wimbledon and the U.S. Nationals in 1957 and 1958. 

Her victories didn’t stop on the tennis court. Later, she became the first Black competitor on the Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour. Her impact extended beyond sports into music and film, though her story too often slipped from the spotlight.

Today, her influence is alive in the many Black women who have picked up rackets since her reign. From household names like Williams or Coco Gauff to rising stars like Taylor Townsend and Hailey Baptiste, their presence underscores Gibson’s lasting legacy. 

Below, we break down each Black female player at this year’s US Open, where they stand, what’s next, and why they’re making headlines.

Venus Williams

At 45, many fans were excited to witness Venus return for a record-extending 25th US Open. However, her first-round defeat by Karolína Muchová (6-3, 2-6, 6-1) didn’t dim her moment. The crowd roared simply to see her back after 16 months away. Off the court, the buzz has remained about her fiancé, Andrea Preti, whose enthusiastic cheering turned their love story into a courtside subplot. 

Victoria Mboko

The 19-year-old Canadian phenom came in riding high, fresh off a stunning title in Montréal, where she toppled four Grand Slam champions. New York wasn’t as successful; she bowed out in the first round to Barbora Krejčíková, 6-3, 6-2. Still, Mboko’s fearless style and fast-rising ranking (No. 23) keep her in the conversation as one of the game’s next big names. 

Hailey Baptiste

At age 23 and ranked No. 47, Baptiste is having a breakout moment. She handled her opener against Kateřina Siniaková in straight sets (7-5, 6-3), setting up a blockbuster second-round clash with Naomi Osaka. While Osaka was the victor, Baptiste is playing herself into the spotlight.

Naomi Osaka

Always part tennis star, always part fashion event. Osaka started her campaign playing for Japan strong with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Belgium’s Greet Minnen. But it wasn’t the forehands that dominated headlines; it was her look. The 27-year-old stepped onto the court dressed in a red, crystal-studded skirt set with a matching jacket, Swarovski crystal-studded rose-adorned braids and headphones, and a bejeweled Labubu keychain swinging from her bag. Osaka is back, and she’s sparkling, literally.

Coco Gauff

Gauff, the No. 3 seed fresh off her French Open victory, survived a nervy, first-round clash with Ajla Tomljanović, eventually pulling out a 6-4, 6-7(2), 7-5 win. Next up, the 21-year-old faces Donna Vekić. Already a US Open champion in 2023, she’s here to prove again she can handle the weight of being the face of the tournament.

Taylor Townsend

Ranked world No. 1 in women’s doubles and always a threat in singles, Townsend made noise with a fiery second-round upset of No. 25 seed Jelena Ostapenko. The real fireworks came after, however, when Ostapenko accused the 29-year-old of having “no class and no education.” Then, with a grin while discussing the matter later, she reminded everyone, “The thing I’m most proud of is that I let my racket talk.” She’ll meet No. 5 seed Mirra Andreeva in the third round, with plenty of momentum and a growing new legion of fans.

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Grasp those lightsticks, besties, because MIYEON is now in her main character period. Today, her angelic-voiced queen of (G)I-DLE released her newest solo track “Sky Walking,” and it’s already providing “song of the year” energy. It’s available now on all streaming platforms with a Dolby Atmos version for those who enjoy her voice rattling our souls at a cell level.

This is not a comeback. This is MIYEON announcing to the entire planet: “I am THE singer, the inspiration, the moment.”

A Song That Feels Like Flying

Sky Walking” is the type of song you would run in the streets at midnight for, cry on a rooftop over, and afterwards freak out vogue walking along the crosswalk like you’re in a K-drama montage.

She first teased it during her solo stage on the 2024 I-dol World Tour in Seoul, and fans have been foaming at the mouth for the full version ever since. And oh boy did she deliver.

The song smacks you with a bold bassline, crisp drums, and those glittering 80s-inspired guitars and synths that make you want to throw on shoulder pads and roller skates. But then her voice. MIYEON’s vocals are like a glass of champagne at sunrise, sparkling, refreshing, and just the right amount of intoxicating. Lyrically, she’s basically whispering, “Baby, you’re free. Dream bigger. Fly higher.”

And gag us a little more. MIYEON helped write and compose it. Our main vocalist has stepped fully into her singer-songwriter bag.

From Rookie to Legend

MIYEON was made for this. Born Cho Mi-yeon in 1997, she was still out there studying violin, guitar, and piano when most of us were still learning how a glue stick works. When she joined (G)I-DLE in 2018, it was clear she was the group’s vocal foundation, its solid note which made chaos sparkle.

Then came KDA. As the voice of Ahri MIYEON took “POP/STARS” to Billboard’s World Digital Songs chart and directly into every gamer’s and TikToker’s bloodstream. That song wasn’t just a hit; it was a cultural reset.

Her solo EP [MY] (2022) proved she could also serve intimacy and elegance, giving us gems like “Drive” (and yes, she snatched a music show trophy for it). Since then, she’s been unstoppable. OSTs collabs with Raiden and Lee Donghae, becoming the longest-running female host of M Countdown and even starring in dramas like Replay The Moment and Delivery. At this point, she’s the definition of booked and busy.

Why Sky Walking Sounds So Iconic

This is not another K-pop drop it’s a flex. “Sky Walking” is MIYEON flaunting all sides of her the classically educated musician the main vocal for her girl group the solo artist the actress the creative. She is mixing her past her present her future into one dazzling sky-high moment.

Hearing this song is like watching her take her rightful spot as one of K-pop’s most multi-faceted and untouchable entities. There is more behind it than music, it’s choreography, it’s freedom, it’s MIYEON saying “I’m not just walking on the sky, babes. I own it.”

Play it on repeat now

If you haven’t already raced to Spotify, Apple Music, or whatever you use, what are you even doing? “Sky Walking” is not a song; it’s a lifestyle. That’s the song you put on when you’re about to create your future. That’s the song you use for every stan edit coming for your entire feed for the next six months.

So let’s all join hands stream responsibly and credit MIYEON for single-handedly keeping alive and kicking the K-pop girl soloist tradition. “Sky Walking” is available now. Play it. Cry it. Dance it. Let it take over your life.

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The country is reeling from yet another mass shooting after the Annunciation Catholic School community in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was horrified by a deadly shooting during a church mass that left two young students dead and 17 others injured.

Political leaders reacted to the deadly shooting, including some who called for stricter gun reform as America approaches nearly 300 mass shootings this year.

President Donald Trump, who asked Americans to join him in “praying for everyone involved,” ordered that flags be lowered to half-staff at the White House, public buildings, and military facilities in honor of the Minneapolis school shooting victims.

In a statement on X, former President Barack Obama wrote, “We can’t allow ourselves to become numb to mass shootings.” Obama called the Minneapolis tragedy “heartbreaking,” adding, “Michelle and I are praying for the parents who have lost a child or will be sitting at their hospital bedside after yet another act of unspeakable, unnecessary violence.”

Obama notably served as president when Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, was struck by a mass shooter, killing 20 children and six adults. It is the deadliest elementary school shooting in U.S. history–a day Obama would later describe as “the single darkest day of my presidency.”

President Obama fought back tears addressing the nation on the day of the Sandy Hook shooting, saying from the White House press briefing room, “As a country, we have been through this too many times…we’re gonna have to come together and take meaningful action to prevent more tragedies like this, regardless of the politics.”

Former Vice President Kamala Harris, who worked alongside President Joe Biden to establish the White House’s first-ever Office of Gun Violence Prevention, also reacted to the Annuciation school shooting.

“The beginning of a new school year should be filled with excitement and anticipation. But today, it was marred by yet another act of senseless gun violence,” Harris said in a statement. “The students, teachers, and community of Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis now share a traumatic experience that has affected far too many Americans.”

Harris said she spoke to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, whom she tapped as her vice presidential running mate in the 2024 presidential election, to “share Doug and my grief for the families impacted and our gratitude for the first responders and law enforcement on the scene.”

Former Vice President Harris oversaw the Biden White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, which was primarily tasked with implementing the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which was the first federal comprehensive gun reform law in 20 years. The law’s investments in community violence intervention were credited for the decline in mass shootings in subsequent years.

However, upon re-entering office, President Trump eliminated the Office of Gun Violence Prevention and slashed $800 million in federal funding for gun violence prevention.

In her statement, Harris called for leaders to take action to prevent the rollback of the progress already made in reducing gun violence in America.

The former presidential candidate added, “[Minneapolis] Mayor Jacob Frey said it clearly: ‘Don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now. These kids were literally praying.’ We know the solutions. Our leaders must have the courage to act to stop these tragedies.”