The Week In Good Black News: Beyoncé Releases ‘Cowboy Carter,’ Kevin Hart Receives Mark Twain Prize, and Jhené Aiko Announces ‘The Magic Hour Tour’
1. Beyoncé Releases “act II: Cowboy Carter”
After weeks of anticipation, Beyoncé finally unleashed “act II: Cowboy Carter” upon the masses on Friday, March 29. Along with "Texas Hold ‘Em” and 16 Carriages," the 27-track LP also includes "Spaghetti," "The Linda Martell Show," "Riverdance," "Tyrant," a cover of Dolly Parton's classic song "Jolene”, and a guest appearance from the legendary Willie Nelson.
On IG, “Queen Bey” explained the project's creative process.
“This album has been over five years in the making. It was born out of an experience that I had years ago where I did not feel welcomed…and it was very clear that I wasn’t. But, because of that experience, I did a deeper dive into the history of Country music and studied our rich musical archive,” she wrote. “ It feels good to see how music can unite so many people around the world, while also amplifying the voices of some of the people who have dedicated so much of their lives to educating on our musical history.”
2. Kevin Hart Receives The Mark Twain Prize For American Humor
In comedy, the Mark Twain Prize is one of the highest honors. On Monday (March 25), Kevin Hart became the 25th recipient of the award. In attendance to honor Hart at the Kennedy Center were his former co-stars from “The Real House Husbands of Hollywood,” Robin Thicke, J.B. Smoove, and Nelly, along with Dave Chappelle, Regina Hall, Chelsea Handler, and Jerry Seinfeld, who joked and honored the comedian for his tremendous contributions to comedy.
In his emotional speech, Hart reflected on his comedic journey.
“You can’t buy support. You can’t fake that," Hart said. "It means so much to me to see the people I’d show up for show up for me."
"I fell in love with something I could do for the rest of my life," Hart continued. "I committed to comedy. I fell in love with something I can grab onto. All my eggs are in this basket and oh my God I’m happy with my choice.”
3. Jhené Aiko Announces “The Magic Hour Tour”
Six-time Grammy-nominated R&B star Jhené Aiko has announced that she will be headlining her own tour for the first time in five years.
Promoted by AEG Presents, “The Magic Hour Tour " will feature Coi Leray, Tink, Umi, and Kiana Lede as supporting acts. The highly anticipated tour will make stops at 26 arenas across North America, beginning with the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on June 19 and concluding at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus on August 22.
Tickets for “The Magic Hour Tour” go on sale Friday, March 29 at 10 a.m. local time.
To purchase tickets, go to jheneaiko.com/tour and Ticketmaster.com.
4. 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die' Trailer Released
The wait is almost over!
Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are back to reprise their roles as Detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Barnett for the fourth installment of the “Bad Boys” franchise. Mike and Marcus are stunned when it's revealed that their former Captain had connected to drug kingpins. On a mission to prove that Howard is innocent, the Bad Boys are back to get to the bottom of the conspiracy.
Smith shared his excitement about the release of the film in a post on Instagram/
“We back in this thang!! @BadBoys: Ride or Die in theaters June 7th!! Y’all aren’t ready for this one.” Smith said.
“Ride or Die,” Lawrence added.
5. Bresha Webb Gives Birth To a Baby Girl
Congratulations are in order for Bresha Webb and her husband, Nick Jones Jr., as they welcomed their first child together, Brave.
Jones took to Instagram to share the wonderful news.
“When the pregnancy got hard and veered into complicated territory, you courageously grabbed us by our hearts and led us to your birth,” his post read. “When we were scared, you were brave, living up to your name. Welcome home Brave ❤️ 3•21•24.”
This is Webb’s first child and Jones’ second child. His first, McKenzie,7, is from a previous relationship.
Congratulations again to the beautiful family.
6. Kenny Brooks Named Women’s Basketball Coach at the University of Kentucky
After leading Virginia Tech to four straight NCAA Tournament berths and its first-ever Final Four, Kenny Brooks was named the women's basketball head coaching job at the University of Kentucky.
In a statement, Brooks expressed his gratitude for his new coaching position.
“I am thrilled to be named the head coach of the Kentucky women’s basketball program,” Brooks said. “From the Big Blue Nation and the stunning landscape of the Bluegrass State to the UK Athletics brand and getting to compete in the Southeastern Conference, my family and I are excited about this new chapter in our lives… I don’t plan on wasting any time building a positive atmosphere, a winning environment, and a persistent program that Big Blue Nation can be proud of.”
7. Bishop Hezekiah Walker Announces Affordable Housing Development in East Brooklyn
After more than 30 years of ministry as an artist and pastor, gospel icon Bishop Hezekiah Walker has announced affordable housing development in East Brooklyn.
The HezHouse Apartments will bring 236 affordable housing units to East New York Brooklyn along with “63 studios, 72 one-bedroom units, 73 two-bedroom units, and 28 three-bedroom units.”Additionally, the complex will house 142 supportive units specifically designed for” individuals and families dealing with serious mental disorders or substance use disorders,” with 93 units earmarked as affordable units.
Walker, born and raised in Fort Greene Housing Projects, Brooklyn, shared his excitement about the project in a statement.
"I am grateful that my platform as an artist and pastor has positioned me to fulfill a vision that God gave me many years ago,” Walker said in a statement to BET.com. “I am eternally indebted to the East Brooklyn neighborhood that shaped my life. I am overjoyed about meeting such an important need as housing in a neighborhood that means so much to me. "