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The Wiz is a Joyful, Soulful Homecoming

Published over 1 year ago • 2 min read

The Wiz is a Joyful, Soulful Homecoming

This version, adapted by the brilliant Amber Ruffin, who remembers watching The Wiz for the first time on the “big TV” in her family’s basement, approached this new version with a clear goal: make it current without losing the timeless heart. She trimmed some of the dated 1970s slang, added emotional nuance, and made the story feel fresh. What we get is a version of The Wiz that honors its roots while opening the door for future generations.

The Power of Black Men’s Grooming at the Met Gala

At the Met Gala, fashion is the headline, but for Black men, grooming tells the deeper story of what it means to show up bold, intentional, and seen.

What “James” Taught Me About Fatherhood, Freedom, and Being Seen

James is Everett’s attempt to counter the American literary canon and prevent it from defining Blackness through a white lens. It’s a declaration that our stories, told in our voices, with our complexity, belong at the center, not the margins.

Mocha Man Music Moment

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Madison McFerrin brought her signature vocal looping and soulful presence to NPR’s Tiny Desk, performing alongside a Chicago-based band to preview her upcoming album SCORPIO. Blending humor, family history, and raw talent, McFerrin honored her musical lineage while carving out her own unique space in the industry.

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