As we reported here, the 2020 Essence Fest – which originally boasted Pop megastars Janet Jackson and Bruno Mars as headliners – was cancelled due to the global health crisis.

However, much like with the BET Awards, the event’s organizers still assembled some of Black music’s best and brightest to carry the show forward virtually.

Creating a cultural event that featured musical performances, entertainment, and empowerment series, this year’s fest featured names like Patti Labelle, Ledisi, India.Arie, PJ Morton, Tamela Mann, The Clark Sisters, Erica Campbell, Kierra Sheard, and many more.

Have you missed any of the action from the last two weekends? No worries; we’ve got you covered.

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Though recent years have seen him lean more to the side of ally on Black issues, CNN anchor Don Lemon is no stranger to criticism for his sometimes controversial commentary on racial politics – often finding his views opposed to that of the Black majority.

For that reason (and a few others), Lemon is back in the hot seat for trying to school actor Terry Crews on the true meaning of Black Lives Matter.  Fans of Crews know he has been under fire in recent weeks for criticizing the movement (as we reported here).

Yet, when the ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ star took to ‘CNN Tonight’ Monday (July 6) to double down on his BLM stance, Lemon used the opportunity to educate him on why it was problematic.  The result?  The two engaged in a heated exchange that led both of them to being roasted on Twitter.

See it inside:

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Donald J. Trump‘s niece Mary Trump has a story to tell.

Full story below…

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As a Memphis native, Pop superstar Justin Timberlake is no stranger to seeing statues constructed in commemoration of Confederate soldiers.

Now, as those very monuments are being pointed to as painful reminders of America’s dark past of slavery and racial inequality, activists the world over are calling for their removal.  On Monday (July 6), Timberlake added his name to the list of people calling for their elimination.

Taking to Instagram, the GRAMMY winner stated:

“There are roughly 1,848 confederate statues of in the U.S.,” Timberlake said. “More than half are in the South, and it’s not acceptable. No one should be protecting the legacies of Confederate leaders and slave owners.”

That’s not all he said. Look inside to read his encouraging commentary:

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Not even a month after scoring their first top 40 hit courtesy of their assistant role on Lady Gaga‘s ‘Sour Candy’ (found aboard her latest chart-topping album, ‘Chromatica’), BLACKPINK circles back to make history as leaders.

It’s pretty clear their legion of dedicated fans are liking their new single, ‘How You Like That,’ as the tune has made a handsome #33 premiere on this week’s Billboard Hot 100.  The debut not only comes as the highest rung reached of their career, but also the highest for any K-Pop girl group to date.  What’s more, the song is the first top 40 entry for any girl group since Fifth Harmony last visited with 2016’s ‘All In My Head.’  

That’s not the only history-making feat accomplished by the ladies this week, however.

Look inside for more and see who joins them in the top 40 on this week’s ‘Chart Check: Hot 100’ edition:

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Nearly four months have passed since Louisville, KY healthcare worker Breonna Taylor was killed by police in a raid-gone-wrong, but – as of time reported – the officers who committed the crime have not been brought to justice.

Despite pressures from celebrities likes Beyoncé, Cardi B, Alicia Keys, Queen Latifah, Kerry Washington, and more using their collective platforms to urge action on the case (as we reported here), law officials in the area have not announced any plan to arrest or charge the culprits.

To keep up the momentum of the calls for justice, basketball superstar Kyrie Irving has teamed with rapper/activist Common for the TV special, ‘#SAYHERNAME: BREONNA TAYLOR.’ 

More inside:

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Kenya Moore is getting her mogul on.

Viewers of the Real Housewives Of Atlanta will note that the star has long touted the length, health, and strength of her tresses.

She’s spun said prowess into what she says is a multi-million dollar business – aptly named Kenya Moore Haircare.

With the US observing #BlackoutTuesday – a day to spotlight and buy from Black-owned businesses – the former Miss USA is seizing the moment to share a brand new commercial for her brand.

Check it out below…

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Cop a gander at KeKe Palmer!

The multi-hyphenate star  – when not stunning audiences via her TV, film, music, or talk show hosting endeavors – is shining her own light on activism, namely causes related to the social injustice for people of color.

A frontrunner among celebrities using their platforms to awaken conversations around Black Lives Matter, the 26-year-old recently took to ‘Cosmopolitan’ to not only serve as its July/August covergirl but also dish on the moves she’s making to make the world a better place.

See highlights from the accompanying photo shoot inside:

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Not even a week after the untimely 2019 passing of Nipsey Hussle, fellow emcee Kodak Black took to Instagram to romantically pursue the late rap star’s girlfriend, Lauren London.

Later apologizing to London for the act after backlash ensued (as we reported here), Black – a year later – is now revisiting the incident to publicly apologize to Hussle.

Taking to Instagram Monday (July 6), the 23-year-old – who is currently serving time at a federal prison in Kentucky for falsifying information on federal forms to purchase firearms – wielded a lengthy statement to display his remorse.

Read it inside:

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Dua Lipa continues to dance her way to chart domination.

Read more below:

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Kylie Jenner may be a polarizing figure in Pop culture, but there’s no denying the commercial clout she carries.

Indeed, whether it’s make-up or clothing: if Kylie rocks it, there are many who will flock to buy it.

As such, when the socialite donned a new dress on her magnetic Instagram, questions begun to fly as to who the designer was.

And while Loud Brnd Studios waved their hand and expressed thanks for the exposure, a Twitter user went viral claiming Jenner was deliberately trying to not shine light on the Black-owned brand.

Well, the mogul has clapped-back.

Her words below…

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Bad Bunny is heating things up with his latest magazine cover.

Full story below:

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