black creatives

David Lami Friebe Moves From Venice Beach Drums to BET’s ‘Sistas’

Nathan J. Lee, Contributing WriterApril 16, 2025

David Lami Friebe, known to many as just Lami, may be best known today for his recurring role as Trey, the charming delivery man on Tyler Perry’s hit BET series “Sistas,” but his creative roots run far deeper than television. A gifted actor, musician, and storyteller, Friebe’s artistic journey spans continents, cultures, and mediums — from jazz-infused church services to voice acting in genocide memorials to the sun-soaked sidewalks of Venice Beach, where he beat his dream-laced drums and tested his voice with strangers.

Entertainment Music

Javonte Rose, the Multi-Hyphenate, Speaks on Art, Beauty, and Becoming

Nathan J. Lee, Contributing WriterApril 9, 2025

Javonte Rose is a multi-hyphenate artist whose journey from small-town New Hampshire to the entertainment world spans modeling, reality TV, music, and authorship.

Entertainment

Black Women Shine at 2025 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards

Keith L. Underwood, Entertainment Writer March 13, 2025

Cynthia Erivo, Teyana Taylor, Marla Gibbs, and Raamla Mohamed were honored at the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards, with Tyra Banks receiving the inaugural Luminary Spotlight.

Entertainment Exclusive (Entertainment)

Lena Waithe and Raamla Mohamed Lead Powerful Conversation at ESSENCE Hollywood House 2025

Keith L. Underwood, Entertainment WriterMarch 13, 2025

One of the most talked-about moments of the day was the panel “No Small Parts: Elevating Every Audition,” featuring Emmy-nominated writer and producer Raamla Mohamed and Emmy-winning screenwriter Lena Waithe.

Local News

UNLTD Women’s Brunch Celebrates International Women’s Day in Hollywood

Myko Lyric, Contributing Writer March 12, 2025

On March 8, the UNLTD Women’s Brunch gathered women from a plethora of industries to celebrate International Women’s Day through a day of connection, education, and empowerment.

Entertainment Movies TV

Tarra Denise Jackson is Fearless, Focused, and Unstoppable

Nathan J. Lee, Contributing WriterMarch 5, 2025

For Tarra Denise Jackson every performance is an opportunity to dig into uncomfortable truths. “I believe art should always be a protest” she says. “Whether it’s challenging societal failures or resisting personal limitation,” she believes art should agitate. Tarra Denise Jackson is an actor and producer who uses her artistry to challenge fear, push boundaries, and take control of her narrative with her latest film, “The Checklist.”

Entertainment Exclusive (Entertainment)News (Entertainment)

Christen Austin, Storytelling Through Acrylic and Culture

Nathan J. Lee, Contributing WriterDecember 19, 2024

Christen Austin, a premier painter and prominent figure in the Black Los Angeles art scene, is celebrated for her striking acrylic portraits that center on Black culture and identity.

Entertainment Exclusive Exclusive (Entertainment)News News (Entertainment)

How Black Creatives are Redefining Hollywood

Keith L. Underwood, Entertainment WriterNovember 20, 2024

Financial independence is another game-changer. Crowdfunding, grants, and community investments are empowering Black creatives to maintain control over their work while staying true to their vision.

Business Entertainment Local News News (Business)News (Entertainment)

Kelli Scates Opens Space for Black Creatives to Flourish

Simone Grant Contributing WriterMarch 20, 2024

Inglewood native, photographer, videographer, and editor Kelli Scates is the owner of 430 Productions, a full-service commercial, brand photo, and film production studio space located in the DTLA arts district.

Entertainment

BMAC Hosts Grammy Events Highlighting Racial Equality and Justice

Lila Brown, Contributing WriterFebruary 8, 2024

Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) has continued to align with music companies and industry professionals to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion by hosting a slate of event programming during 2024’s Grammy week.

Crenshaw & Around

Getty Trust to Host Free Community Festivals

Sentinel News ServiceMarch 16, 2022

The J. Paul Getty Trust is partnering with community groups across Los Angeles County to launch a ten-part series of free, outdoor community art festivals.