This Week in Good Black News: LeVar Burton Tapped as Howard’s Commencement Speaker, Taraji P. Henson Secures Ownership of Namesake Beauty Brand, and Wallo’s Heroic Bridge Rescue Goes Viral
This week’s good Black news is all about impact, ownership, and showing up for others in powerful ways.
First up, “Reading Rainbow” legend LeVar Burton is headed to Howard University as the keynote speaker for the HBCU’s 157th Commencement Ceremony. Meanwhile, Taraji P. Henson reached a significant milestone in her entrepreneurial journey after securing full ownership of her beauty brand, TPH by Taraji.
And later, a viral video of Wallo warmed hearts across social media, reminding viewers of the power of empathy and leading with love. For more on these stories and others, keep reading this week in good Black news.
LeVar Burton tapped as Howard University’s 157th Commencement Speaker
LeVar Burton is heading to the Yard. The beloved host of PBS’s “Reading Rainbow” was announced as the keynote speaker for Howard University’s 157th Commencement Ceremony. The 68-year-old actor will deliver the commencement address and receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the institution.
In a press release, Howard praised Burton as “one of the world’s most prolific and impactful artists,” celebrating his career as an actor, director, producer, author, and podcaster.
Howard’s Class of 2025 is expected to be one of the largest in the historically Black university’s history, with graduates earning bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across 14 schools and colleges.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 10 a.m. on the main campus in Washington, D.C.
LeBron James makes history with his own Ken Doll
LeBron James is officially stepping into the Barbie universe — and making history while he’s at it. The NBA superstar has been named Barbie’s first-ever “Kenbassador,” becoming the latest trailblazer to join the iconic brand in a special partnership with Mattel Inc. and the LeBron James Family Foundation.
The star’s signature doll will sport a custom white and blue varsity jacket stamped with nods to his Akron, Ohio roots, as well as a pair of fresh blue and white Nikes.
“For me, it’s always been about inspiring kids to dream big,” James said in a statement. “Partnering with Barbie to release the LeBron James Kenbassadors doll is such an honor… it’s an opportunity to recognize the powerful impact of role models who instill confidence, inspire dreams, and show kids that they, too, can achieve greatness.”
The collectible LeBron James Kenbassador doll will retail for $75 and will be available on April 14 at retailers and Mattel Creations.
Taraji P. Henson takes full ownership of namesake beauty brand
Taraji P. Henson recently made some major power moves. The Academy-nominated actress and beauty entrepreneur has officially taken full ownership of her hair and scalp care brand, TPH by Taraji, WWD confirmed.
While speaking with the outlet, the “Empire” stare revealed that she bought the brand outright from beauty incubator Maesa for an undisclosed amount.
“Over the past few months, I have been in discussions with my partners at Maesa regarding the future of the TPH by Taraji brand, and am [sic] pleased to say we have reached a mutually beneficial agreement that has afforded me the opportunity to buy back TPH,” the actress shared. The Hollywood veteran launched the TPH in 2020 and has since helped fill a gap in scalp care and natural hair maintenance.
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Wallo Talks A Man Down From Jumping Off Bridge In Viral Video
“Million Dollaz Worth of Game” co-host Wallo is credited with possibly saving a man’s life after he was captured on video talking a man down from jumping off a bridge.
The media personality—born Wallace Peeples—was seen keeping a significant distance while calmly speaking to the unidentified man sitting on the ledge. “Look at Wallo trying to save a man,” the driver could be heard saying in the clip that went viral almost immediately.
Wallo has yet to speak publicly about the moment, but supporters on social media flooded Gillie’s comment section praising Wallo for his selfless act.
Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” debuts with a perfect score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Academy-nominated filmmaker Ryan Coogler might have another classic on his hands.
The West Coast native’s latest project, “Sinners,” is already generating buzz ahead of its wild release on April 18. According to Rotten Tomatoes, the period supernatural action film debuted with a flawless 100% score from critics—a rare feat for any movie, let alone a horror flick.
Written, directed, and produced by Coogler, “Sinners” is set in the 30s South and stars Michael B. Jordan in a dual role. Early reviews have praised the movie’s bold mix of gore, history, and nuance portrayal of Black culture during that era. While the score could shift as more reviews roll in, it’s a stellar star for Coolger’s latest effort.
