Exclusively available on BET+, "The Ms. Pat Show" unveils a heartwarming holiday episode titled "Father Christmas," plunging Pat into a quest to ensure Terry's Christmas is perfect, only to encounter an unexpected twist. As Pat endeavors to unearth Terry's birth father, her pursuit faces an unforeseen hurdle. Undeterred, with Denise by her side, they venture into an unconventional Plan B involving a mall Santa. Helmed by the iconic Debbie Allen, this episode reunites the beloved cast, including Patricia “Ms. Pat” Williams, J. Bernard Calloway, Tami Roman, Theodore Barnes, Briyana Guadalupe, Vince Swann, and Brittany Inge, promising an unforgettable and festive holiday escapade.

On Sunday (November 19), Mariah Carey owned the stage at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards, delivering a show-stopping performance. In a historic moment, she graced the stage with the first-ever awards show performance of her timeless classic, "All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Simultaneously, Mariah is enchanting fans across the country on her "Merry Christmas One and All" tour, bringing joy and cheer to audiences with her iconic holiday hits and soulful renditions.

The award-winning film "Cypher," celebrated at the Tribeca Festival, is set for a limited theater release by Andscape and will hit Hulu screens on Friday, November 24. This gripping documentary unravels the captivating journey of Tierra Whack, a prodigious talent whose ascent began on the streets of Philadelphia. Director Chris Moukarbel takes viewers behind the scenes, chronicling Tierra's meteoric rise as she navigates the intricacies of fame. From concert stages to music video shoots, the documentary provides an intimate look at her journey, featuring praise from luminaries like Erykah Badu and Billie Eilish.

Michael B. Jordan is continuing his role behind the scenes as he takes on the director's chair for “Creed 4.” Irwin Winkler, the producer behind the iconic “Rocky” and “Creed” franchises, recently unveiled plans for the fourth installment, with Jordan at the helm, as reported by Variety. It is Jordan's second directorial venture after his directorial debut with “Creed III.” In the film, Jordan reprised his role as Adonis Creed, the heavyweight champion, in this latest chapter of the beloved "Rocky" spinoff series.

In a significant move for Mississippi's higher education landscape, officials have designated a new president for Jackson State University, the state's largest historically Black institution. According to the Associated Press, the board of trustees for the state Institutions of Higher Learning has bestowed the prestigious title of 13th president upon Marcus L. Thompson, concluding an extensive search process initiated after the resignation of the university's former president, Thomas K. Hudson, on March 31.

Presently holding the role of deputy commissioner and chief administrative officer within the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning public university system, Thompson also has a Ph.D in urban higher education from Jackson State. 

George C. Wolfe's latest project, "Rustin," arrived on Netflix this weekend, introducing an original song by none other than Lenny Kravitz. Titled “Road to Freedom,” this track accompanies the film's credits. The four-time Grammy winner not only lends his vocals to “Road to Freedom” but plays drums, bass, piano, and tambourine throughout the song. The track also includes guest appearances by Grammy winner Trombone Shorty and Kravitz's longtime collaborator and guitarist, Craig Ross.

The biopic on civil rights icon Bayard Rustin portrayed by actor Colman Domingo, has already begun generating Oscar buzz, with speculation that Kravitz's contribution in “Road to Freedom” might earn him a nomination in the Best Original Song category. Listen to the track above!

Happy 40th birthday to Future! 

On November 20, the iconic rapper, born Nayvadius DeMun Cash, celebrated his milestone birthday. His path from Atlanta's underground rap circuit to widespread recognition has been defined by pioneering sounds, passionate lyrics, and a unique musical approach that has reshaped the realm of modern rap. Future's impact on hip-hop culture is undeniable. Click here for a playlist of his greatest hits.

Bresha Webb, known for her role in "Run The World," recently shared on social media—she and her husband, Nick Jones Jr., are expecting their first child together. In an Instagram post exuding excitement, Webb joyfully exclaimed, "Surprise! Surprise! We’re pregnant!! I’m so excited to announce we have a bun in the oven!"

The soon-to-be parents got engaged in the summer of 2023. Their love story peaked when they tied the knot in February in a Beverly Hills ceremony attended by Marlon Wayans, Jamie Foxx, and Loni Love.

Nations across Africa and the Caribbean have joined forces, calling for reparations from European nations. Delegates convened at the Accra Reparations Conference in Ghana on Nov. 16,, and reached a consensus to establish a Global Reparations Fund. This initiative aims to address the historical injustice of Europeans amassing immense wealth through the enslavement of Africans without providing any compensation, acknowledging the enduring repercussions for their descendants.

In a significant move, the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent presented a report to the U.N. General Assembly, highlighting that people of African descent worldwide continue to face "systemic discrimination and racialized attacks." The report emphasized the urgent need for reparations to rectify the deep-seated injustices.

An additional report calculated that Britain's accountability in the slave trade amounts to an estimated £18.6 trillion, equivalent to $23.2 trillion in compensation owed. These calls for reparations underscore a growing global movement seeking acknowledgment and restitution for the historical and ongoing impacts of slavery and colonialism.

Oretha Castle Haley's childhood home in New Orleans, located in the Treme neighborhood, has been granted a place on the National Register of Historic Places, according to the Associated Press. This Craftsman-style residence served as a pivotal hub for Louisiana's civil rights movement in the 1960s and was famously known as the "Castle Family Home" and later, the "Freedom House."

As a central figure in the city's civil rights history, Haley's home acted as a safe haven for participants of the 1961 Freedom Rides. Haley herself actively engaged in protests, sit-ins, and campaigns advocating for racial equality. Her impactful efforts challenged segregation in various facilities and lunch counters across New Orleans while spearheading Black voter registration initiatives throughout Louisiana.

Although she passed away in 1987 from ovarian cancer, her legacy endures, In 1989, the street where her home is located was renamed Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard.