This Week in Good Black News: Rick Ross Opens Dental Practice, Lizzo Cast as Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and Will Smith Gets Street Named in His Honor
This week’s Good Black News is serving boss moves, overdue recognition, and hometown love. Rick Ross is expanding his empire into the dental game with a luxe new smile clinic in Atlanta. Meanwhile, Lizzo just booked her first major film role as Sister Rosetta Tharpe—the Black woman who helped invent rock ’n’ roll—and she’s reclaiming the narrative while doing it. And over in Philly, Will Smith was honored in the most legendary way with his own street and the key to the city—proof that home will always show love when it’s earned. Oh, and he dropped a new album too.
Plus, NBA superstar Stephen Curry and former First Lady Michelle Obama are teaming up for a new sports drink. For the full scoop on these stories and more good Black news, keep scrolling.
Rick Ross opens dental practice in Atlanta
Rick Ross is flossing his way into a new lane—literally. The rapper and business mogul just unveiled his first U.S.-based dental practice in partnership with celebrity cosmetic dentist Dr. Mario Montoya.
“We did it @drmariomontoya!” Ross shared on Instagram. “We began discussing this plan 3 years ago in Cali, Columbia, and now we’ve opened our 1st dentist office in the U.S.!!” Located in Sandy Springs, Georgia, Smiles by Mario Montoya is now open for business, offering porcelain veneers at $1,250 a pop. The MMG label boss encouraged fans to “INVEST in your smile this year,” adding, “COME GET YOUR ‘BILLION DOLLAR SMILE’ in ATLANTA now.”
Dr. Montoya, whose A-list clientele includes T-Pain, French Montana, and more, praised the partnership: “My patient, then my friend, then my partner— incredible how things come together.”
Dwight Howard gets inducted into Orlando Magic Hall Of Fame
NBA legend Dwight Howard is finally home. On March 24, the Orlando Magic officially inducted the 39-year-old center into their Hall of Fame during halftime of their game against the Los Angeles Lakers—fittingly, one of Howard’s former squads.
The emotional tribute comes 21 years after the Magic drafted him No. 1 overall in 2004. “God likes to play baseball,” Howard said through tears during a heartwarming moment. “He had to bring me back home… and He brought me back here, to Orlando. This is my home. It will always forever be my home.”
Nicknamed “Superman” during his eight-season run with the Magic, Howard averaged 18.4 points and 13 rebounds, earned eight All-Star selections, and made Magic history as the franchise’s first unanimous All-NBA First Team pick.
Lizzo set to play Sister Rosetta Tharpe in upcoming biopic
Lizzo is ready to reclaim rock ’n’ roll—on the big screen. Earlier this week, it was confirmed that the Grammy-winning artist had landed her first major film role. The singer-songwriter will portray the legendary Sister Rosetta Tharpe in “Rosetta,” an upcoming biopic from Amazon MGM Studios. “Black people made rock n roll,” Lizzo declared in a powerful Instagram post announcing the news. Just last week, she echoed that sentiment on X, writing, “I’m out here reclaiming rock n roll for US…”
Tharpe, often dubbed the godmother of rock, fused gospel with rhythm, blues, and electric guitar in a way that influenced icons like Elvis Presley and Little Richard. Her legacy has continued to gain long-overdue recognition: she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, and her 1950 recording of “Down by the Riverside” was added to the National Recording Registry.
“Rosetta” marks Lizzo’s first leading role. The film is currently in development.
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Will Smith honored with street dedicated in his name and the key to the city
Will Smith just received the ultimate hometown honor. On Wednesday (March 26), the Oscar-winning actor returned to his roots as Philadelphia renamed the intersection of North 59th Street and Lancaster Avenue—just outside Overbrook High School—‘Will Smith Way.’ He was also presented with the key to the city.
Joined by loved ones, Smith soaked in the celebration, which Philly Mayor Cherelle Parker called a tribute to his “unapologetic” pride in his roots. “He’s used his creative genius as a unifying tool... We thank you for being humble enough of your people and community,” she said. Smith got candid about the city’s role in shaping him, stating, “Nobody gets an easy ride... These streets of Philadelphia taught me that there is nothing wrong with a hard day’s work.”
The celebration came just ahead of the release of Smith’s fifth album, “Based on a True Story,” out now.
Stephen Curry and Michelle Obama team up for a new kind of sports drink
NBA champion Stephen Curry has partnered with former First Lady Michelle Obama’s PLEZi Nutrition to launch PLEZi Hydration, a sports drink aimed at fueling healthy performance without the sugar overload.
“I’m excited to team up with PLEZi… a game-changing hydration beverage,” Curry shared in a statement to SI. “No nonsense, no shortcuts—because the next generation deserves better.”
PLEZi Hydration comes in three flavors: Tropical Punch, Lemon Lime, and Orange Mango Twist. Each 16.9-oz bottle promises zero added sugar, no artificial sweeteners, double the electrolytes, and seven times the potassium compared to leading sports drinks. Priced at $2.29, it’s now available nationwide via Amazon and select California retailers.
