On February 7, 2025, at the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago, Complexions Contemporary Ballet took center stage and captivated everyone in attendance with its unique brand of dance. Dwight Rhoden, principal choreographer, blends his Alvin Ailey–informed ballet into something fresh and
On Feb. 2, 2025, Tank and The Bangas won the Grammy Award for “Best Spoken Word Poetry Album.” The win marks the first Grammy Award for this New Orleans-based band. They were nominated many times before, and this time, they
Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Life Is Beautiful, the latest album produced by Alchemist featuring Larry June and 2 Chainz. In most cases, Alchemist can’t lose — he’s on a legendary run, having produced Grammy-nominated albums for
In an illuminating conversation about heart health and racial disparities in healthcare, Dr. Renee Matthews, a distinguished physician and media personality, shares crucial insights during Heart Health Month. With her recent book “Mommy, I Can’t Breathe: The Modern Guide to
On Feb. 4, 2025, Creme of Nature and Keke Palmer celebrated Black hair at The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center in Chicago. The Unstoppable Hair Event honored the evolution of Black hairstyles throughout the years, bringing together many
Black History Month is an opportunity to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future. In Chicago, the public library serves as a hub for learning and community engagement, offering programs that highlight the rich contributions of
Sib’s Breakfast Club is a marketing company that operates Notel Offices, a co-working space that doubles as a networking hub for Black professionals. Each year, a photo is taken to showcase individuals who are impactful in their industries and communities.
In an exclusive rolling out interview, we connect with Lauran A. Smith — visionary behind Chicago Black Restaurant Week (CBRW)—as she celebrates the 10th anniversary of this citywide event. Born in Memphis, to Rev. Dr. and the late Mrs. Ozzie
On Jan. 28, 2025, Meridian Health Plan of Illinois, a subsidiary of Centene Corporation, earmarked more than $500,000 in grants to 11 organizations across the state. This contribution brings the total to more than $1.3 million awarded to 25 organizations.
Chicago rapper Goalden Chyld is also a community activist and continues to spread his message of unity through his music and actions. His latest video for “Happy” shows a group of young Black men from different affiliations marching in solidarity
The Black-owned vendor festival Black on the Block is expanding nationwide through a partnership with Live Nation Urban. Founded by sisters Lanie and Char Edwards in Los Angeles, the festival marketplace celebrates culture and community across seven major cities. “The partnership with Live
Chicago is known as a world-class city. The city is rich with culture exhibited through its food, art and architecture. One of the great things about it for locals and visitors is that you don’t have to go broke to
Rael Jackson, president of Real Men Cook®, sat down with rolling out for an exclusive interview to discuss the upcoming Chili & Chicken Cookoff on Feb. 2, 2025. Jackson is a visionary leader with more than 20 years in brand
Bree Specific is an influential and vibrant voice in Chicago’s music and entertainment industry. Known for her undeniable position as a tastemaker, she reveals in an exclusive interview with rolling out what makes Chicago unique in the music industry, highlights
“Fat Ham,” written by James Ijames and directed by Tyrone Phillips, is a humorous adaptation of the Shakespeare classic “Hamlet.” Ijames’ version is set during a backyard cookout. The backyard, located in North Carolina, serves double duty as a place
The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry launched its Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition on Jan. 20, 2025, running through April 27, 2025. This year’s exhibit shared its launch with family day at the museum. The exhibition, running since 1970,
In an exclusive interview with rolling out on Star Studio Talk, YahZarah shared the powerful story behind her name. Rooted in her lineage, YahZarah honors her grandmothers — two extraordinary women whose lives inspire her daily. Her Ghanaian grandmother, a
Ariane Camille is a licensed professional counselor, emotional wellness coach, and the founder of Emotional Exchange, LLC. With a passion for empowering ambitious, faith-based Black women, Ariane specializes in helping clients navigate mental health challenges, develop emotional intelligence, and build
Kenny Brown is a Mindset Coach, Lead SEL Instructor, and founder of Vibe Tribe University (VTU), a wellness platform for BIPOC students. With three degrees in business and accounting, and over 15 years of leadership experience, Kenny specializes in Social
In the vibrant backdrop of Detroit’s 1980s and ’90s, Shawntà Hooks discovered an unexpected inheritance—her father’s meditation practice, which she later transformed into a powerful movement. An award-winning leadership expert and certified mindfulness facilitator, Hooks has spent over two decades
