Gil Scott-Heron died on May 27, in New York City. He had fallen ill after returning from Europe. It had been earlier confirmed that he was HIV-positive. He had been previously hospitalized for pneumonia as well.

Ahead of the national premiere of his latest project, writer and director Tyler Perry said recently he is weary of deflecting criticism that his work lacks substance and is not an authentic and constructive portrayal of Black Americans.

Comedian and popular radio personality Steve Harvey appears to have the upper hand in a case filed against his ex-wife, as a Texas judge refuted Mary Harvey’s claims of infidelity and abandonment, among a list of other accusations.

In a city where it’s perceived that young people aren’t given an opportunity, Karamu’s Artistic Director Terrance Spivey altered the perception when he selected Cleveland native Leslie Wright, 23, to direct the theatre’s production of “and her hair went with her.”

The experience of watching an elaborate half-time show during a football game at Central State, Wilberforce or any other Historically Black College or University will come to life when “Drumline Live” rolls through Ohio in February.

Capital University in Columbus presented its 20th annual Martin Luther King Day of Learning on Jan. 17. The event featured a keynote address by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author Sonia Nazario, interactive workshops that challenged participants to examine their own prejudices, a jazz luncheon with live performances by local artists, an exhibit of Haitian art and a screening of the documentary “9500 Liberty,” which explores the issue of immigration.

Russell Wendell Simmons was born in Queens, New York on October 4, 1957, the middle of three sons to bless the marriage of Daniel and Evelyn Simmons, a public school administrator and NYC parks administrator, respectively. Russell and Rick Rubin co-founded Def Jam Records, the legendary hip-hop label, in 1984.

The King Arts Complex, 867 Mt. Vernon Ave. in Columbus, will host a tribute to legendary African-American artist Romare Bearden on Saturday, Jan. 29 at 6 p.m. The evening will feature an exhibit of Bearden’s works and will feature a musical performance in the Pythian Theater titled “Jazz on the Avenue: A Melodious Celebration of the Art of Romare Bearden.”