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57th NAACP Image Awards: ‘Sinners’ Dominates With 18 Noms, ‘Bel-Air’ Leads Television Category

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The 2026 NAACP Image Awards have unveiled their nominations, celebrating standout achievements across film, television, music, and culture. This year’s contenders for Entertainer of the Year include Cynthia Erivo, Doechii, Kendrick Lamar, Michael B. Jordan, and Teyana Taylor, reflecting a diverse mix of artistic excellence and cultural impact.

Select category winners will be announced during a two-hour live broadcast on Saturday, February 28, 2026, airing from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. The ceremony begins at 8 PM ET / 8 PM PT and will be shown on BET, with a simultaneous broadcast on CBS. The theme for this year’s celebration, “We See You,” highlights recognition, visibility, and empowerment within the Black community.

In the film categories, Sinners emerges as the clear frontrunner, earning an impressive 18 nominations, while Highest 2 Lowest follows with nine. On the television side, Bel-Air leads the pack with seven nominations. Close behind are Abbott Elementary, Reasonable Doubt, and Ruth & Boaz, each securing six nods, while Forever earns five. Among networks and streamers, Netflix stands out with a commanding total of 47 nominations, underscoring its strong presence this awards season.

Entertainer of the Year

  • Cynthia Erivo
  • Doechii
  • Kendrick Lamar
  • Michael B. Jordan
  • Teyana Taylor

Outstanding Comedy Series

  • Abbott Elementary (ABC)
  • Harlem (Prime Video)
  • Survival of the Thickest (Netflix)
  • The Residence (Netflix)
  • The Upshaws (Netflix)

Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series

  • Cedric The Entertainer – “The Neighborhood” (CBS)
  • David Alan Grier – “St. Denis Medical” (NBC)
  • David Oyelowo – “Government Cheese” (Apple TV)
  • Mike Epps – “The Upshaws” (Netflix)
  • Vince Staples – “The Vince Staples Show” (Netflix)

Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series

  • Ayo Edebiri – “The Bear” (FX/Hulu)
  • Maya Rudolph – “Loot” (Apple TV)
  • Michelle Buteau – “Survival of the Thickest” (Netflix)
  • Quinta Brunson – “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)
  • Uzo Aduba – “The Residence” (Netflix)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

  • Colman Domingo – “The Four Seasons” (Netflix)
  • Giancarlo Esposito – “The Residence” (Netflix)
  • Josh Johnson – “The Daily Show” (Comedy Central)
  • Wendell Pierce – “Elsbeth” (CBS)
  • William Stanford Davis – “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

  • Edwina Finley – “The Residence” (Netflix)
  • Ego Nwodim – “Saturday Night Live” (NBC)
  • Janelle James – “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)
  • Jerrie Johnson – “Harlem” (Prime Video)
  • Wanda Sykes – “The Upshaws” (Netflix)

Outstanding Drama Series

  • Bel-Air (Peacock)
  • Beyond The Gates (CBS)
  • Forever (Netflix)
  • Paradise (Hulu)
  • Reasonable Doubt (Hulu)

Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series

  • Forest Whitaker – “Godfather of Harlem” (MGM+)
  • Jabari Banks – “Bel-Air” (Peacock)
  • Michael Cooper Jr. – “Forever” (Netflix)
  • Morris Chestnut – “Watson” (CBS)
  • Sterling K. Brown – “Paradise” (ABC)

Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series

  • Angela Bassett – “9-1-1” (ABC)
  • Emayatzy Corinealdi – “Reasonable Doubt” (Hulu)
  • Lovie Simone – “Forever” (Netflix)
  • Patina Miller – “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” (STARZ)
  • Queen Latifah – “The Equalizer” (CBS)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

  • Adrian Holmes – “Bel-Air” (Peacock)
  • Ato Essandoh – “The Diplomat” (Netflix)
  • Caleb McLaughlin – “Stranger Things” (Netflix)
  • Jacob Latimore – “The Chi” (Showtime)
  • Wood Harris – “Forever” (Netflix)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

  • Aisha Hinds – “9-1-1” (ABC)
  • Audra McDonald – “The Gilded Age” (HBO Max)
  • Karen Pittman – “Forever” (Netflix)
  • Karen Pittman – “The Morning Show” (Apple TV)
  • Nicole Beharie – “The Morning Show” (Apple TV)

Outstanding Limited Television (Series, Special, or Movie)

  • G20 (Prime Video)
  • Ironheart (Disney+)
  • Ruth & Boaz (Netflix)
  • Straw (Netflix)
  • Washington Black (Hulu)

Outstanding Actor in a Limited Television (Series, Special, or Movie)

  • Brian Tyree Henry – “Dope Thief” (Apple TV)
  • Giancarlo Esposito – “Please Don’t Feed The Children”( Tubi)
  • Idris Elba – “Heads of State” (Prime Video)
  • Taye Diggs – “Terry McMillan Presents: His, Hers & Ours” (Lifetime)
  • Tyler Lepley – “Ruth & Boaz” (Netflix)

Outstanding Actress in a Limited Television (Series, Special, or Movie)

  • Brandy Norwood – “Christmas Everyday” (Lifetime)
  • Dominique Thorne – “Ironheart” (Disney+)
  • Serayah – “Ruth & Boaz” (Netflix)
  • Taraji P. Henson – “Straw” (Netflix)
  • Viola Davis – “G20” (Prime Video)

Outstanding News/Information (Series or Special) 

  • CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip (CNN)
  • Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (PBS)
  • Hurricane Katrina: 20 Years After the Storm With Robin Roberts (ABC)
  • Michelle Obama: The Style, The Power, The Look: A Conversation with Robin Roberts (ABC)
  • The Don Lemon Show (YouTube)

Outstanding Talk Series

  • House Guest (YouTube TV)
  • Sherri (Syndicated)
  • Tamron Hall Show (ABC)
  • The Jennifer Hudson Show (Syndicated)
  • The View (ABC)

Outstanding Reality Program/Reality Competition Services/Game Show

  • Celebrity Family Feud (ABC)
  • Dancing with the Stars (ABC)
  • Full Court Press (ESPN, ESPN+)
  • Love & Marriage: Huntsville (OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network)
  • Ready to Love (OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network)

Outstanding Variety (Series or Special)

  • Tiny Desk Concerts Celebrates Black Music Month 2025 (NPR)
  • HBCU Honors (BET Networks)
  • BET Awards 2025 (BET Networks)
  • Wicked: One Wonderful Night (NBC)
  • Ali Siddiq: My Two Sons (YouTube/Moment PPV)

Outstanding Children’s Program

  • Eyes of Wakanda (Disney+)
  • Gracie’s Corner (YouTube TV)
  • Iyanu (Cartoon Network)
  • Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Disney+)
  • Reading Rainbow (KidZuko)

Outstanding Performance by a Youth (Series, Special, Television Movie or Limited–Series)

  • Amanda Christine – IT: Welcome to Derry (HBO Max)
  • Blake Cameron James – IT: Welcome to Derry (HBO Max)
  • Jeremiah Felder – The Residence (Netflix)
  • Leah Sava Jeffries – Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Disney+)
  • Percy Daggs IV – Paradise (Hulu)

Outstanding Host in a Talk or News/Information (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble

  • Abby Phillip – CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip (CNN)
  • Don Lemon – The Don Lemon Show (YouTube)
  • Henry Louis Gates, Jr. – Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates. Jr. (PBS)
  • Scott Evans – House Guest (YouTube TV)
  • Sherri Shepherd – Sherri (Syndicated)

Outstanding Host in a Reality/Reality Competition, Game Show or Variety (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble 

  • Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough – Dancing with the Stars (ABC)
  • Barbara Corcoran, Lorie Grenier, Robert Herjavec, Daymond John, Daniel Lubetzky, Kevin O’Leary – Shark Tank (ABC)
  • Bozoma St. John and Jimmy Fallon – On Brand with Jimmy Fallon (NBC)
  • Kevin Hart – BET Awards 2025 (BET Networks)
  • Steve Harvey – Celebrity Family Feud (ABC)

Outstanding Guest Performance

  • Brandee Evans – Reasonable Doubt (Hulu)
  • Dave Chappelle – Saturday Night Live (NBC)
  • Janet Hubert – Bel-Air (Peacock)
  • Malcolm-Jamal Warner – Murder in a Small Town (FOX)
  • Morris Chestnut – Reasonable Doubt (Hulu)

Outstanding Animated Series

  • Disney Jr.’s Ariel (Disney Jr.)
  • Gracie’s Corner (YouTube TV)
  • Iyanu (Cartoon Network)
  • Lil Kev (BET+)
  • Weather Hunters (PBS KIDS)

Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Television)

  • Anika Noni Rose – The Mighty Nein (Prime Video)
  • Ayo Edebiri – Big Mouth (Netflix)
  • Cedric the Entertainer – The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder (Disney+)
  • Graceyn Hollingsworth – Gracie’s Corner (YouTube TV)
  • Kyla Pratt – The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder (Disney+)

Outstanding Short Form Series or Special – Reality/Nonfiction/Documentary

  • College Gameday: Michael Vick (ESPN)
  • Glam Through The Ages (KeyTV Network)
  • Noochie’s Live From The Front Porch (YouTube TV)
  • The Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show starring Kendrick Lamar (FOX)
  • The Daily Show: After The Cut (Comedy Central)

Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Television)

  • Chinaka Hodge – Ironheart (Disney+)
  • Daniel Lawrence Taylor – Boarders (Tubi)
  • Haolu Wang – Black Mirror (Netflix)
  • Jas Summers – Stay (Hulu)
  • Tearrance Averelle Chisolm – Demascus (Tubi)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Television (Series, Special, Movie)

  • Glynn Turman – Straw (Netflix)
  • Jay Ellis – All Her Fault (Peacock)
  • Rockmond Dunbar – Straw (Netflix)
  • Sterling K. Brown – Washington Black (Hulu)
  • Ving Rhames – Dope Thief (Apple TV)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Television (Series, Special, or Movie)

  • Angela Bassett – Zero Day (Netflix)
  • Lyric Ross – Ironheart (Disney+)
  • Marsai Martin – G20 (Prime Video)
  • Sherri Shepherd – Straw (Netflix)
  • Teyana Taylor – Straw (Netflix)

Outstanding New Artist

  • Elmiene – Useless Without You (Def Jam Recordings)
  • Lee Vasi – Love Me To Life (Capitol CMG/Leeda Music Group)
  • Madison McFerrin – Scorpio (MadMcFerrin Music LLC)
  • Monaleo – Who Did the Body? (Columbia Records)
  • Ravyn Lenae – Bicycle Race (Atlantic Records)

Outstanding Male Artist

  • Bryson Tiller – Solace & The Vices (RCA Records/TrapSoul)
  • Chris Brown – It Depends feat. Byrson Tiller (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)
  • GIVĒON – Beloved (Epic Records)
  • Kendrick Lamar – luther (pgLang under exclusive license to Interscope Records)
  • Leon Thomas – MUTT Deluxe: Heel (EZMNY Records/Motown Records)

Outstanding Female Artist

  • Alex Isley – Hands (Warner Records)
  • Cardi B – Am I the Drama? (Atlantic Records)
  • Doechii – Anxiety (Top Dawg Entertainment/Capitol Records)
  • SZA – SOS Deluxe: LANA (RCA Records/Top Dawg Entertainment)
  • Teyana Taylor – Escape Room (Def Jam Recordings)

Outstanding Jazz Album

  • For Dinah – Ledisi (Candid Records)
  • We Insist! 2025 – Terri Lyne Carrington & Christie Dashiell (Candid Records)
  • Beneath the Skin – Nnenna Freelon (Origin Records)
  • Live-Action – Nate Smith – Nate Smith (Naive)
  • Griot Songs – Omar Thomas Large Ensemble (Omar Thomas Music)

Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album

  • Jekalyn X The Legends – Jekalyn Carr (Waynorth Music)
  • Live at Maverick City – Maverick City Music (Tribl Records, LLC)
  • Only On The Road (Live) – Tye Tribbett (Freligious Music)
  • Tasha – Tasha Cobbs Leonard (Motown Gospel)
  • The Live Reunion: Washington D.C. – JJ Hairson and Youthful Praise (James Town Music)

Outstanding International Song

  • In Our Sight – Skip Marley (Def Jam Recordings)
  • Is It – Tyla (Epic Records)
  • Love – Burna Boy (Spaceship/Bad Habit/Atlantic Records)
  • With You – Davido feat. Omah Lay (RCA Records/Sony Music UK)
  • You4Me – Tiwa Savage (Everything Savage/EMPIRE)

Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album

  • Anxiety – Doechii (Top Dawg Entertainment/Capitol Records)
  • Boots on the Ground – 803Fresh (Snake Eyez Music Group/APG)
  • Escape Room – Teyana Taylor (Def Jam Recordings)
  • Folded – Kehlani (Atlantic Records)
  • luther – Kendrick Lamar & SZA (pgLang under exclusive license to Interscope Records)

Outstanding Album

  • Am I The Drama? – Cardi B (Atlantic Records)
  • Beloved – GIVĒON (Epic Records)
  • Let God Sort Em Out – Clipse, Pusha T, Malice (Roc Nation Distribution)
  • Mutt Deluxe: Heel – Leon Thomas (EZMNY Records/Motown Records)
  • SOS Deluxe: LANA – SZA (RCA Records/Top Dawg Entertainment)

Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album

  • Godfather of Harlem: Season 4 (Original Series Soundtrack) (Epic Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment)
  • Highest 2 Lowest (Original Soundtrack) (A24)
  • Sinners (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (Proximity Media LLC, under exclusive license to Masterworks, a label of Sony Music Entertainment)
  • The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder: Season 3 (Music from the Series) (Walt Disney Records)
  • Wicked: For Good (The Soundtrack) (Republic Records)

Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song

  • Church – Tasha Cobbs Leonard feat John Legend (Motown Gospel)
  • Constant – Live – Maverick City Music, Jordin Sparks, Chandler Moore, Anthony Gargiula (Tribl Records)
  • Do it Again – Kirk Franklin (Fo Yo Soul Recordings/Tribl Records)
  • Don’t Faint – Jekalyn Carr (Waynorth Music)
  • Jesus I Do – Mariah Carey feat. The Clark Sisters (gamma.)

Outstanding Song – Soul/R&B

  • Folded – Kehlani (Atlantic Records)
  • Burning Blue – Mariah the Scientist (Epic Records)
  • It Depends – Chris Brown feat. Bryson Tiller (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)
  • Yes It Is – Leon Thomas (EZMNY Records/Motown Records)
  • Bed of Roses – Teyana Taylor (Def Jam Recordings)

Outstanding Song – Hip-Hop/Rap Song

  • Anxiety — Doechii (Top Dawg Entertainment/Capitol Records)
  • Chains & Whips – Clipse, Kendrick Lamar, Pharrell Williams, Pusha T, Malice (Roc Nation Distribution)
  • ErrTime – Cardi B (Atlantic Records)
  • Ride (Remix) – Chance the Rapper feat. Do or Die & Twista (CTR LLC)
  • Typa – GloRilla (CMG/Interscope Records)

Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional)

  • 803Fresh feat. Fantasia – Boots on the Ground Remix (Snake Eyez Music Group/Artist Partner Group)
  • Clipse, Kendrick Lamar, Pharrell Williams, Pusha T, Malice – Chains & Whips (Roc Nation Distribution)
  • Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande – For Good (Republic Records)
  • Mariah Carey, The Clark Sisters – Jesus I Do (gamma.)
  • Travis Greene & Andra Day – Let Freedom Ring (Greenelight Music/TRIBL Records)

Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary) 

  • Cardi B, Kehlani – Safe (Atlantic Records)
  • Chris Brown feat. Bryson Tiller & Usher – It Depends (Remix) (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)
  • kwn feat. Kehlani – Worst Behavior (RCA Records)
  • FLO – The Mood (Remixes) (Uptown Records/Republic Records)
  • Leon Thomas & Chris Brown – MUTT (Remix) (EZMNY Records/Motown Records)

Outstanding Original Score for Television/Film

  • Boots (Madison Gate Records)
  • Eyes of Wakanda Original Soundtrack (Hollywood Records)
  • Marvel’s Ironheart: Vol. 1 (Original Soundtrack) (Hollywood Records)
  • One of Them Days (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (Madison Gate Records, TriStar Productions)
  • Sinners (Original Motion Picture Score) (Proximity Media LLC, under exclusive license to Sony Classical, a label of Sony Music Entertainment)

Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction

  • Can’t Get Enough – Kennedy Ryan (Forever/Grand Central Publishing/Hachette Book Group)
  • Chronicles of Ori: An African Epic – Harmonia Rosales (W. W. Norton & Company)
  • Death of the Author – Nnedi Okorafor (William Morrow)
  • Happy Land – Dolen Perkins-Valdez (Berkley, Penguin Random House)
  • Harlem Rhapsody – Victoria Christopher Murray (Berkley, Penguin Random House)

Outstanding Literary Work – Non-Fiction 

  • A More Perfect Party: The Night Shirley Chisholm & Diahann Carroll Reshaped Politics – Juanita Tolliver (Legacy Lit/Hachette Book Group)
  • Born in Flames – Bench Ansfield (W. W. Norton & Company)
  • From These Roots – Tamara Lanier (Penguin Random House, Crown)
  • Hidden Hospitality: Untold Stories of Black Hotel, Motel, and Resort Owners from the Pioneer Days to the Civil Rights Era – Calvin Stovall Jr. (Brown Books Publishing Group)
  • I Am Nobody’s Slave – Lee Hawkins (HarperCollins Publishers)

Outstanding Literary Work – Debut Author

  • Anela Malik – American Soul: The Black History of Food in the United States (National Geographic Partners, LLC)
  • Charles B. Fancher – Red Clay (Blackstone Publishing)
  • Dr. Judith Joseph – High Functioning: Overcome Your Hidden Depression and Reclaim Your Joy (Little, Brown Spark)
  • Lorna Lewis – A Sky Full of Love (Lake Union)
  • Zoe B. Wallbrook – History Lessons (Soho Crime)

Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/ Autobiography

  • 107 Days – Kamala Harris (Simon & Schuster)
  • The Look – Michelle Obama (Crown)
  • Toni at Random – Dana A. Williams (Amistad, HarperCollins)
  • Truly – Lionel Richie (HarperOne)
  • Uncommon Favor: Basketball, North Philly, My Mother, and the Life Lessons I Learned from All Three – Dawn Staley (Black Privilege Publishing (Atria Books, Simon & Schuster))

Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional

  • American Soul: The Black History of Food in the United States – Anela Malik (National Geographic Partners, LLC)
  • Braided Heritage: Recipes and Stories on the Origin of American Cuisine – Dr. Jessica Harris (Penguin Random House/Clarkson Potter)
  • We the Pizza: Slangin’ Pies and Savin’ Lives – Muhammad Abdul-Hadi (Penguin Random House/Clarkson Potter)
  • Who Better Than You? – Will Packer (Penguin Random House)
  • Wine Pairing for the People – Cha McCoy (Harvest, an imprint of WilliamMorrow, HarperCollins)

Outstanding Literary Work – Poetry

  • Death of the First Idea – Rickey Laurentiis (Alfred A. Knopf)
  • Florida Water – Aja Monet (Haymarket Books)
  • The Grace of Black Mothers – Martheaus Perkins (Trio House Press)
  • The Intentions of Thunder: New and Selected Poems – Patricia Smith (Scribner)
  • We Look Better Alive – Ali Black (Burnside Review Press)

Outstanding Literary Work – Children

  • Black Boy, Rise – Brynne Barnes (Chronicle Books)
  • Black Diamond Kings: Heroes of Negro League Baseball – Charles R. Smith Jr. (Candlewick Press)
  • My Quiet Place – Monica Mikai (Chronicle Books )
  • The History of We – Nikkolas Smith (Penguin Young Readers)
  • Yvonne Clark and Her Engineering Spark – Allen R. Wells; Illustrated by DeAndra Hodge (Farrar Straus Giroux Books for Young Readers/Macmillan)

Outstanding Literary Work – Youth/Teens

  • (S)Kin – Ibi Zoboi (HarperCollins/Versify)
  • Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Book of Anansi – Angie Thomas (HarperCollins/Clarion Books)
  • The Scammer – Tiffany D. Jackson (HarperCollins – Quill Tree Books)
  • The Story of My Anger – Jasminne Mendez (Penguin Young Readers)
  • Through Our Teeth – Pamela N. Harris (HarperCollins/Quill Tree Books)

Outstanding Literary Work – Graphic Novel 

  • Creaky Acres: A Graphic Novel – Calista Bril (Penguin Young Readers)
  • Defiant: The Story of Robert Smalls – Rob Edwards (Stranger Comics)
  • One Crazy Summer: The Graphic Novel – Rita William-Garcia (HarperCollins/Quill Tree Books)
  • Parable of the Talents A Graphic Novel Adaptation – Octavia E. Butler, adapted by Damien Duffy, Illustrated by John Jennings and David Brame (Abrams ComicArts)
  • They Choose Violence – Sheldon Allen (AWA Studios)

Outstanding Literary Work – Journalism  

  • As Black New Yorkers Move Out, N.Y.C. Politics May Be Reshaped – Maya King (Newspaper)
  • Audra McDonald Took The Stage and Rewrote The Rules – Adam Davenport (Online)
  • Black joy and boots: How line dancing is fanning cultural connection – Lisa Respers France (News Service)
  • HBCUs Reel as Trump Cuts Black-Focused Grants: ‘This Is Our Existence’ – Jasper Smith (Online)
  • On Borrowed Time – Anissa Durham (Online)

Outstanding Motion Picture

  • Highest 2 Lowest (A24)
  • One of Them Days (Sony Pictures Releasing)
  • Sarah’s Oil (Amazon MGM Studios)
  • Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)
  • Wicked: For Good (Universal Pictures)

Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture

  • André Holland – Love, Brooklyn (Greenwich Entertainment)
  • Denzel Washington – Highest 2 Lowest (A24)
  • Michael B. Jordan – Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)
  • Nnamdi Asomugha – The Knife (Relatively Media)
  • Tyriq Withers – HIM (Monkeypaw Productions)

Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture

  • Cynthia Erivo – Wicked: For Good (Universal Pictures)
  • Danielle Deadwyler – 40 Acres (Magnolia Pictures)
  • Keke Palmer – One Of Them Days (Sony Pictures Releasing)
  • Kerry Washington – Shadow Force (Lionsgate)
  • Tessa Thompson – Hedda (Amazon MGM Studios)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture

  • A$AP Rocky – Highest 2 Lowest (A24)
  • Damson Idris – F1 (Apple Original Films)
  • Delroy Lindo – Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)
  • Jeffrey Wright – Highest 2 Lowest (A24)
  • Miles Caton – Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture

  • Janelle James – One Of Them Days (Sony)
  • Jayme Lawson – Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)
  • Regina Hall – One Battle After Another (Warner Bros. Pictures)
  • Teyana Taylor – One Battle After Another (Warner Bros. Pictures)
  • Wunmi Mosaku – Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures )

Outstanding Independent Motion Picture

  • 40 Acres (Magnolia Pictures)
  • Love, Brooklyn (Greenwich Entertainment)
  • Magazine Dreams (Briarcliff Entertainment)
  • Opus (A24)
  • Unexpected Christmas (3 Diamonds Entertainment)

Outstanding International Motion Picture

  • 40 Acres (Magnolia Pictures)
  • My Father’s Shadow (MUBI)
  • Souleymane’s Story (Kino Lorber)
  • The Fisherman (Luu Vision Media)
  • The Secret Agent (NEON)

Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture

  • A$AP Rocky – Highest 2 Lowest (A24)
  • Chase Infiniti – One Battle After Another (Warner Bros. Pictures)
  • Miles Caton – Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)
  • Tabitha Brown – Unexpected Christmas (3 Diamonds Films)
  • Tyriq Withers – HIM (Monkeypaw Productions)

Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture

  • Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack O’Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Miller, Buddy Guy, Delroy Lindo, Peter Dreimanis, Lola Kirke, Li Jun Li, Saul Williams, Yao – “Sinners” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
  • Keke Palmer, SZA, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Lil Rel Howery, Katt Williams – “One Of Them Days” (Sony Pictures Releasing)
  • Jonathan Bailey, Marissa Bode, Coleman Domingo, Cynthia Erivo, Jeff Goldblum, Ariana Grande, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Michelle Yeoh – “Wicked: For Good” (Universal Pictures)
  • Denzel Washington, Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, A$AP Rocky – “Highest 2 Lowest” (A24)
  • Idris Elba, Rebecca Ferguson, Gabriel Basso, Jared Harris, Tracy Letts, Anthony Ramos, Moses Ingram, Jonah Hauer-King, Greta Lee, Jason Clarke – “A House of Dynamite” (Netflix)

Outstanding Animated Motion Picture

  • Elio (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
  • KPop Demon Hunters (Netflix)
  • Sneaks (Briarcliff Entertainment)
  • The Bad Guys 2 (DreamWorks Animation)
  • Zootopia 2 (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance – Motion Picture

  • Anthony Mackie – Sneaks (Briarcliff Entertainment)
  • Craig Robinson – The Bad Guys 2 (DreamWorks Animation)
  • Danielle Brooks – The Bad Guys 2 (DreamWorks Animation)
  • Lil Rel Howery – Dog Man (DreamWorks Animation)
  • Quinta Brunson – Zootopia 2 (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

Outstanding Short Form (Live Action)

  • ADO (Baylor University)
  • Before You Let Go (Find Your People Program)
  • Best Eyes (American Film Institute Conservatory)
  • Ella (Netflix)
  • Food for the Soul (P.A. Works)

Outstanding Short Form (Animated)

  • ASALI: Power of The Pollinators (Upenndo! Productions)
  • Black Man, Black Man (Chainwheel Productions)
  • Captain Zero: Into the Abyss Part II (Cutting Edge Animation)
  • Jazzy Bells (Deep C Digital)
  • Wednesdays with Gramps (DreamWorks Animation)

Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Motion Picture)

  • Cassandra Mann – Unexpected Christmas (3 Diamonds Entertainment LLC)
  • Contessa Gayles – Songs from the Hole (Netflix)
  • Nnamdi Asomugha – The Knife (Relativity Media)
  • R.T. Thorne – 40 Acres (Magnolia Pictures)
  • Rachael Abigail Holder – Love, Brooklyn (Greenwich Entertainment)

Outstanding Performance by a Youth in a Motion Picture

  • Amari Price – The Knife (Relativity Media)
  • Estella K. Kahiha – The Woman in the Yard (Athena Studios)
  • Jahleel Kamara – Shadow Force (Lionsgate)
  • Naya Desir-Johnson – Sarah’s Oil (Amazon MGM Studios)
  • Peyton Jackson – The Woman in the Yard (Universal Pictures)

Outstanding Cinematography in a Motion Picture 

  • Autumn Durald Arkapaw, ASC – Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)
  • Kira Kelly – HIM (Universal Pictures)
  • Martim Vian – Love, Brooklyn (Greenwich)
  • Sean Bobbitt – Hedda (Amazon MGM Studios)
  • Shabier Kirchner – Materialists (A24)

Outstanding Documentary (Film)

  • Being Eddie (Netflix)
  • Fatherless No More (First Gen Films)
  • Left Behind (Corso Films)
  • The Perfect Neighbor (Netflix)
  • Who in the Hell is Regina Jones? (Weigel Productions)

Outstanding Documentary (Television)

  • A Star Without A Star: The Untold Juanita Moore Story (Apple TV)
  • Eyes on the Prize III: We Who Believe in Freedom Cannot Rest 1977-2015 (HBO Max)
  • Great Migrations: A People on the Move (PBS)
  • High Horse: The Black Cowboy (Peacock)
  • Number One On the Call Sheet (Apple TV)

Outstanding Short Form Documentary (Film)

  • Black Longevity (Apt. 5f)
  • CIRILO, A Legacy Untold (JOCMedia & Entertainment)
  • Freeman Vines (Switchboard)
  • Masaka Kids, a Rhythm Within (Netflix)
  • The Ebony Canal: A Story of Black Infant Health (Ya Momz House)

Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series

  • Aisha Muharrar – Hacks – “Clickable Face” (HBO Max)
  • Frida Perez – The Studio – “The War” (Apple TV)
  • Lizzy Darrell – Abbott Elementary – “100th Day of School” (ABC)
  • Monique D. Hall – Sesame Street – “Tamir’s Art Show” (MAX)
  • Naomi Ekperigin – St. Denis Medical – “Buffalo Bruce and the Matty Kid” (NBC)

Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series

  • Ajani Jackson – Law & Order – “Episode 10” (NBC)
  • Bryce Ahart, Stephanie McFarlane – FBI – “Episode 12” (CBS)
  • C.A. Johnson – The Beast in Me – “Thanatos” (Netflix)
  • Cynthia Adarkwa – The Pitt -“12:00 P.M.” (HBO Max)
  • Walter Mosley – The Lowdown – “Tulsa Turnaround” (FX/Hulu)

Outstanding Writing in a Television Movie, Documentary or Special

  • Aireka Muse – “Friends & Lovers” (Lifetime Movie Network)
  • Jas Summers – “Stay” (Hulu)
  • Jerrod Carmichael – “Jerrod Carmichael: Don’t Be Gay” (HBO Max)
  • Michael Elliot, Cory Tynan – “Ruth & Boaz” (Netflix)
  • Roye Okupe and Brandon Easton – “Iyanu: The Age of Wonders” (Cartoon Network)

Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture

  • Chloé Zhao – “Hamnet” (Focus Features)
  • Nora Garrett – “After the Hunt” (Amazon MGM Studios)
  • Ryan Coogler – “Sinners” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
  • Syreeta Singleton – “One of Them Days” (Sony Pictures Releasing)
  • Walter Mosley, Nadia Latif – “The Man in My Basement” (Andscape)

Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series

  • Amy Aniobi – Survival of the Thickest – “It’s Not A MoMent, It’s A Movement, Bitch!” (Netflix)
  • Colman Domingo – The Four Seasons – “Ultimate Frisbee” (Netflix)
  • Paul Hunter – Government Cheese – “Father Facts, Figures, and Failures” (Apple TV)
  • Theodore Witcher – Demascus – “The Thanksgiving Episode” (Tubi)
  • Tyler James Williams – Abbott Elementary – “The Science Fair” (ABC)

Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series

  • Angela Barnes – Ironheart – “The Past Is the Past” (Disney+)
  • Anton Cropper – Reasonable Doubt – “Feelin’ It” (Hulu)
  • Jet Wilkinson – The Copenhagen Test – “Copenhagen” (Peacock)
  • Mario Van Peebles – Power Book III: Raising Kanan – “Allow Me to Re-Introduce Myself” (STARZ)
  • Salli Richardson-Whitfield – The Gilded Age – “My Mind Is Made Up” (HBO Max)

Outstanding Directing in a Television Movie, Documentary or Special

  • Alanna Brown – “Ruth & Boaz” (Netflix)
  • Nicole G. Leier – “Trapped in the Spotlight” (Lifetime)
  • Olatunde Osunsanmi – “Star Trek: Section 31” (Paramount+)
  • Tailiah Breon – “Not My Family: The Monique Smith Story” (A&E)
  • Troy A. Scott – “I’ll Never Let You Go” (Lifetime)

Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture

  • Elijah Bynum – “Magazine Dreams” (Briarcliff Entertainment)
  • Guillermo del Toro – “Frankenstein” (Netflix)
  • Lawrence Lamont – “One of Them Days” (Sony Pictures Releasing)
  • R.T. Thorne – “40 Acres” (Magnolia Pictures)
  • Ryan Coogler – “Sinners” (Warner Bros. Pictures)

Outstanding Directing in a Documentary (Television or Film)

  • Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson – “Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius)” (Hulu)
  • Andre Gaines – “Boo-Yah – A Portrait of Stuart Scott” (ESPN)
  • Contessa Gayles – “Songs from the Hole” (Netflix)
  • Reginald Hudlin, Shola Lynch – “Number One on the Call Sheet” (Apple TV)
  • Yemi Oyediran – “King of Them All: The Story of King Records” (PBS)

Outstanding Podcast – News and Information

  • Accidentally Informed (ComebackTV Presents)
  • Native Land Pod (iHeartMedia/Reasoned Choice Media)
  • The Assignment with Audie Cornish (CNN)
  • The Don Lemon Show (Lemon Media Network)
  • The Joy Reid Show (Image Lab Media Group LLC)

Outstanding Podcast – Lifestyle/Self-Help

  • Ageless, Fearless, & Unscripted (Williamson Media Group)
  • Hot & Bothered with Melyssa Ford (Forged Path Productions)
  • IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson (Higher Ground)
  • Just Heal with Dr. Jay (Cue & Coda Films)
  • Money And Wealth With John Hope Bryant (Black Effect-iHeartPodcasts)

Outstanding Podcast – Society and Culture

  • Baby, This is Keke Palmer (Wondery)
  • Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay (The Ringer)
  • IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson (Higher Ground)
  • The Don Lemon Show (Lemon Media Network)
  • What Now? with Trevor Noah (Day Zero Productions)

Outstanding Podcast – Arts, Sports and Entertainment

  • IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson (Higher Ground)
  • Legacy Talk with Lena Waithe (Hillman Grad & Lemonada Media)
  • ReLiving Single with Erika Alexander & Kim Coles (Hartbeat)
  • Shawn Stockman’s On That Note (CTG Media)
  • SPOLITICS with Jemele Hill (Unbothered Inc)

Outstanding Podcast – Scripted/Limited Series/Short Form

  • Exonerated: The Cost of Wrongful Conviction (WURD Radio)
  • Interesting Things with JC (Jim Connors LLC)
  • Kingsland (SBH Productions and Audible)
  • Squeezed with Yvette Nicole Brown (Lemonada Media)
  • The Prophecy Season 2 (Audible, Simpson Street and Q Code Media)

Outstanding Costume Design (TV or Film)

  • “Bel-Air” – Queensylvia Akuchie (Peacock)
  • “Highest 2 Lowest” – Francine Jamison-Tanchuck (A24)
  • “Love, Brooklyn” – Missy Mickens (Greenwich Entertainment)
  • “Sinners” – Ruth E. Carter (Warner Bros. Pictures)
  • “Wicked: For Good” – Paul Tazewell (Universal Pictures)

Outstanding Make-up (TV or Film) 

  • “All’s Fair” – Kate Biscoe (Hulu)
  • “Bel-Air” – Alyssa Hudson (Peacock)
  • “Chief of War” – Christian Tinsley (Apple TV)
  • “Highest 2 Lowest” – Ngozi Olandu Young (A24)
  • “Sinners” – Ken Diaz (Warner Bros. Pictures)

Outstanding Hair Styling (TV or Film)

  • “All’s Fair” – Valerie Jackson (Hulu)
  • “Bel-Air” – Terry Hunt (Peacock)
  • “Beyond the Gates” – Wankala L. Hinkson (CBS)
  • “Reasonable Doubt” – Deaundra Metzger (Hulu)
  • “Sinners” – Shunika Terry (Warner Bros. Pictures )

Outstanding Editing in a Motion Picture or Television Series, Movie, or Special 

  • Deanna Nowell, ACE – “Ironheart” (Disney+)
  • Maysie Hoy, ACE – “Ruth & Boaz” (Netflix)
  • Michael P. Shawver – “Sinners” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
  • Ralph Jean-Pierre – “The Beast in Me” (Netflix)
  • Shaheed Qaasim – “Poker Face” (Peacock)

Outstanding Stunt Ensemble (TV or Film)

  • “Butterfly” – Yeonheon Jung (Prime Video)
  • “F1” – Gary Powell (Apple TV)
  • “ G20” – Grant Powell (Prime Video)
  • “Shadow Force” – Dartenea Bryant (Starz)
  • “Sinners” – Andy Gill (Warner Bros. Pictures)

Outstanding Digital Content Creator – Art/Comedy

  • Darren Watkins Jr. – @IShowSpeed
  • Jordan Howlett – @jordan_the_stallion8
  • Joshua Neal – @joshuadneal
  • Lou Young – @Louuuyoung
  • Tee Sanders – @teesanderscomedy

Outstanding Digital Content Creator – Political/Culture

  • Elizabeth Booker Houston – @bookersquared
  • Garrison Hayes – @garrisonh
  • George Lee Jr. – @theconsciouslee
  • Joshua Doss – @doss.discourse
  • Lynae Vanee – @lynaevanee

Outstanding Digital Content Creator – Fashion/Beauty

  • Allyiah Gainer – @allyiahsface
  • De’arra Taylor – @dearra
  • Eni Popoola – @enigivensunday
  • Jackie Asamoah – @jackieaina
  • Wisdom Kaye – @wisdm

Outstanding Digital Content Creator – Gaming/Tech

  • Berlin Edmonds – @Berleezy
  • Cory Kenshin – @CoryxKenshin
  • Gerard Williams – @Hiphopgamer
  • Jay Ann Lopez – @blackgirlgamers
  • Khleo Thomas – @khleothomas

Outstanding Digital Content Creator – Fitness/Wellness/Food

  • Alex Hill – @justaddhotsauce
  • Jeanette Jenkins – @msjeanettejenkins
  • Keith Lee – @Keith_Lee125
  • Kimberly Villalobos – @KimmysKreations.1
  • Massy Arias – @Massy.arias

 

Itoro Umontuen serves as the National Sports and Entertainment Editor with Black Press USA. He is also a veteran photographer for 20 years, based in Atlanta for the past 15 years. His photography and videography style is a blend of portraiture and contemporary photojournalism. Previously, Umontuen served as the Managing Editor for The Atlanta Voice. While at the historic publication, Umontuen reported on local, statewide, and national politics. He also photographed thousands of sporting events, including Super Bowls and National Championships. He also engineers podcasts while mentoring emerging journalists. Umontuen is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and is a proud graduate of Tennessee State University.

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Black Press

Should You Have to Pay to Hear the Gospel?

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN — Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell of Atlanta’s 2819 CHURCH and Tim Timberlake of Celebration Church in Jacksonville, Florida, are at the center of a social media debate. The controversy stems from ticket prices for their “Street Preachers” podcast tour, with general admission tickets reportedly costing around $60 and VIP options up to $200.

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A sold-out podcast tour featuring Pastors Philip Anthony Mitchell, left, and Tim Timberlake has sparked debate over the boundary between spreading the Gospel and selling an experience. Critics question whether ministers should charge admission to hear the Gospel, with tickets including a $200 VIP package.
A sold-out podcast tour featuring Pastors Philip Anthony Mitchell, left, and Tim Timberlake has sparked debate over the boundary between spreading the Gospel and selling an experience. Critics question whether ministers should charge admission to hear the Gospel, with tickets including a $200 VIP package. — Photo courtesy of Street Preachers Podcast

For generations, the Black church has passed the offering plate to keep the lights on, pay the preacher, help the poor and carry the Gospel beyond its walls. But what happens when the preacher leaves the sanctuary, takes a popular Christian podcast on tour — and charges admission?

That question has placed Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell, founder and lead pastor of Atlanta’s fast-growing 2819 CHURCH, at the center of a heated social media debate.

Mitchell and Tim Timberlake, senior pastor of Celebration Church in Jacksonville, Florida, host “Street Preachers,” which its official website describes as a “raw, unfiltered podcast” committed to spreading the Gospel.

‘A brood of vipers’

The controversy began after ticket prices for the podcast’s 2026 tour circulated online. General admission tickets reportedly cost about $60 before fees, with premium options, including a VIP meet-and-greet package, priced at $200. Critics questioned whether ministers should charge people to hear the Gospel.

Others defended the pastors, arguing that Christian events require venues, transportation, security, equipment and staff.

Mitchell answered critics from the pulpit last month, calling them “a brood of vipers.” He said the podcast is a separate, personal project and that neither his church nor Timberlake’s is bankrolling it.

“Now we have decided to go on a tour to take the gospel to cities, and because that’s not funded by 2819, and it’s not funded by Celebration Church, Tim and I gotta do that with our own pockets,” Mitchell said. “It’s why there is tickets. We have to pay for venues and security and productions and staff from our own pockets.”

Mitchell called some critics “ignorant” and said they did not know that a child was healed through faith during one of the events.

“And you want to complain about a 60 ticket?” he said. “So hate on!”

Worship service vs. media event

Mitchell maintains that “Street Preachers” is an independently produced podcast tour, not a worship service, and that ticket revenue helps cover production costs.

Yet the presence of pastors, Scripture and Gospel language makes the distinction less clear to some believers.

The official tour website lists all eight 2026 stops as sold out. Promotional material announcing additional dates promised, “Better ticket options. Same Gospel. Same move of God.”

Corporate prayer gathering

The language gets to the heart of the dispute. Some Christians argue that no one should be kept outside because they cannot afford a ticket. Others say the Gospel remains free even when people pay for the venue and experience surrounding its presentation.

The paid podcast tour, however, is not Mitchell’s only large-scale gathering. On Oct. 10, 2819 CHURCH will host “ACCESS — That Powerful Hour of Prayer” at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Admission is free.

2819 CHURCH has said 80,000 free tickets were claimed before registration reopened.

The contrast raises another question: What makes one Gospel-centered event a ministry supported by donors and another a production supported by customers?

Unfiltered preaching, youth appeal

Mitchell’s congregation, composed largely of young Black adults, grew from fewer than 200 weekly worshippers in 2023 to about 6,000, according to the church. Some worshippers arrive before sunrise to secure a place inside.

His appeal rests partly in an intense, vulnerable and raw preaching style.

“I’m preaching without watering that down, without filtering out things that we think might be too controversial,” Mitchell told The Associated Press.

That visibility has also brought scrutiny of his theology, associations, travel, security and the businesses surrounding his ministry.

But the controversy reaches beyond Mitchell and Timberlake. Christian music concerts charge admission. Seminaries charge tuition. Religious publishers sell Bibles, books and devotionals. Churches pay musicians, media teams and guest preachers. Money becomes particularly uncomfortable, however, when an event is presented simultaneously as ministry and entertainment.

Ministry vs. entertainment

Supporters should not assume every dollar collected becomes personal profit. Critics, however, question whether lower-cost seats, sponsored tickets or free admission for people who cannot pay should be part of a Gospel-centered event.

The Black church always has required resources for ministry. It also has carried a sacred responsibility to make room for people with little or nothing to give.

The sold-out “Street Preachers” tour shows people are willing to pay to attend. The free ACCESS gathering offers a different model. The challenge is preserving that open door as Christian ministry increasingly adopts the machinery — and economics — of popular entertainment.

The post Should you have to pay to hear the Gospel? appeared first on St. Louis American.

Based on reporting by St. Louis American.



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Black Press

NCCU Ramping up for the 89th Ultimate Homecoming Experience

NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY – CAMPUS ECHO — N.C. Central University is preparing for its 89th Ultimate Homecoming Experience, a week-long celebration. Thousands of students, family, friends, and alumni are expected to gather on campus for festivities including the Homecoming Countdown, parade, Miss and Mister NCCU Coronation, concerts, and the football game.

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NCCU's gospel choir, WPI performs at the 2025 Ultimate Homecoming gospel concert.
NCCU's gospel choir, WPI performs at the 2025 Ultimate Homecoming gospel concert. — Photo by Morgan McNeil.

This Saturday N.C. Central University will kick off its 89th Ultimate Homecoming Experience — a week-long celebration bringing thousands of students, family, friends and alumni to campus.

This year’s festivities include the Homecoming Countdown, parade, Miss and Mister NCCU Coronation, concerts and the football game.

The number of visitors to the football game on Saturday, Oct. 10 is expected to reach at least 10,000 — O’Kelly Riddick Stadium’s capacity, with NCCU’s recent enrollment increase of more than 10,000 students.

The Eagles will face William & Mary after playing against the Campbell University’s Fighting Camels on Oct 3.

Students are already expressing excitement for the upcoming festivities.

“I’m excited for homecoming because I can meet alumni and go outside and party with my fellow eagles,” Digital Filmmaking junior Rhese Gardner said. “I’m also really looking forward to the Greek Bowl because there’s a lot going on.”

He added that even though he’s disappointed this semester’s Oil Spill was canceled, he’s still excited for the other events like the parade and concerts.

Here is a list of the week’s on-campus events:

  • Oct. 3 – Homecoming Countdown
  • Oct. 4 – Gospel Concert
  • Oct. 5 – Coronation of Miss and Mister NCCU
  • Oct. 6 – 10:40 Break
  • Oct. 6 – Homecoming Experience Showcase
  • Oct. 7 – Fried Chicken Wednesday
  • Oct. 7 – Festival Block Party
  • Oct. 7 – Late Night Breakfast
  • Oct. 8 – Back to the Nest Young Alumni Mixer
  • Oct. 8 – Old School Greek Stroll Off
  • Oct. 8 – Hip-Hop Concert
  • Oct. 9 – Step Show
  • Oct. 10 – Football Game

The post NCCU ramping up for the 89th Ultimate Homecoming Experience first appeared on Campus Echo Online.

Based on reporting by North Carolina Central University – Campus Echo.



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Black Press

Master P Encourages Norwood Elementary Students to Dream Big, Work Hard

BIRMINGHAM TIMES — Music mogul Percy Miller, known as Master P, visited Norwood Elementary School on Friday alongside his mascot sidekick, Captain Ace. Teachers and students, dressed in school colors, welcomed Miller, who shared lessons on education, consistency, networking, and the importance of not letting circumstances define one’s future.

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Music mogul Percy Miller, better known as Master P, visited Norwood Elementary School on Friday with his mascot sidekick, Captain Ace. (Birmingham City Schools)
Music mogul Percy Miller, better known as Master P, visited Norwood Elementary School on Friday with his mascot sidekick, Captain Ace. (Birmingham City Schools) — (Birmingham City Schools)

Music mogul Percy Miller, better known as Master P, visited Norwood Elementary School on Friday with his mascot sidekick, Captain Ace. (Birmingham City Schools) ”

The sounds of students singing filled Norwood Elementary School Friday morning as teachers dressed in camouflage and students wearing their school colors of green welcomed a special guest whose career has been built on music, entrepreneurship and perseverance.

Before taking the stage at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC) Friday night, music mogul and entrepreneur Percy “Master P” Miller spent the morning with Birmingham students, sharing lessons about education, consistency, networking and the importance of refusing to let circumstances determine their futures.

Miller was joined by Captain Ace, the blue-dog mascot and educational character associated with his school visits and assemblies. Together, they turned the celebrity appearance into a lesson centered on positive choices, learning, and believing in one’s potential.

The visit also brought together Birmingham city and school leaders, including Mayor Randall L. Woodfin, Birmingham City Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Sullivan and members of the school system’s staff and leadership.

At the conclusion of the assembly, Woodfin and Sullivan presented Miller with a proclamation honoring his visit to Norwood Elementary.

At the conclusion of the assembly, Mayor Randall Woodfin and Superintendent Dr. Mark Sullivan presented a proclamation in honor of Miller’s visit. (Birmingham City Schools)
At the conclusion of the assembly, Mayor Randall Woodfin and Superintendent Dr. Mark Sullivan presented a proclamation in honor of Miller’s visit. (Birmingham City Schools)
“Keep chasing your dreams.”

For Miller, however, the morning was less about recognition and more about the children sitting in front of him.

“I love the kids,” Miller told the students. “Even though I got a show, I’m like, no, I got to come and touch the kids because that’s the future.”

Miller said his focus is on what he described as “saving the next generation” and educating young people so they can recognize their potential.

“I want these kids to know that they can fly over all this negative,” he said.

That message became personal when Miller reflected on his own childhood.

He told students he grew up living with his grandparents, who had 12 children. His family lived in a three-bedroom housing project, but Miller said he refused to allow his circumstances to define what was possible for him.

“I didn’t let my condition stop me, and I don’t want you guys to let your condition stop you,” he told the students.

Miller repeatedly returned to the idea that dreams require action.

“There’s no limit to your dreams,” he said, emphasizing that success requires work and that students cannot “cheat the game of life.”

He then asked the students how many of them wanted to be successful. The room responded.

Miller used a familiar example to explain one of his central lessons: McDonald’s.

After asking students what the restaurant sells, he shifted the conversation from hamburgers to consistency.

“McDonald’s is selling consistency,” Miller said.

He explained that a Big Mac is expected to taste the same wherever it is purchased, using that familiarity as an analogy for persistence.

“Keep doing something, not giving up,” he told the students. “Keep chasing your dreams, doing something every day to get that, even when it don’t look like it’s gonna happen.”

Scholars assembled in the gym to perform a song for Miller, who shared words of wisdom with the student body. (Birmingham City Schools)
Scholars assembled in the gym to perform a song for Miller, who shared words of wisdom with the student body. (Birmingham City Schools)

“Somebody’s gonna make it big.”

Miller also challenged the students to think about the relationships they are building now. He asked whether they understood what networking means before explaining that the people sitting beside them today could become important figures in their lives tomorrow.

Miller shared a story about a girl he knew when he was in school — someone he said other people did not like or treated negatively. Years later, she became a bank president. When Miller needed a loan, he said, she remembered how kind he had been to her when they were younger.

“You never know who’s gonna be what in here,” Miller said.

He encouraged students to introduce themselves to others, learn their names and treat people well.

“That’s networking,” he said.

For Miller, the lesson went beyond professional connections. He encouraged students to recognize the possibility within one another.

“Who’s gonna be a doctor? Who’s gonna be a lawyer? Who gonna be a teacher?” he asked. “Who gonna be the president of the bank? Who gonna be the mayor? Who gonna be the superintendent?”

Miller said students cannot know where their classmates will end up, which makes how they treat one another today important.

“Somebody’s gonna make it big,” he said. “And it could be all you guys.”

After the assembly, Master P, Captain Ace and Mayor Randall Woodfin read to one the classes. (Birmingham City Schools)
After the assembly, Master P, Captain Ace and Mayor Randall Woodfin read to one the classes. (Birmingham City Schools)

Moments of Celebration

The visit was also filled with moments of celebration. Before Miller addressed the students, Norwood teachers and scholars welcomed him with a robust singalong to “The Affirmation Song,” creating an energetic introduction to the morning’s message.

The appearance of Captain Ace added another layer to the program. The character is part of Miller’s educational work with children, with school assemblies and musical programs addressing topics including anti-bullying, stranger danger and mental health awareness.

Miller said he has spent years making time for young people because he sees them as the future.

The message aligned with the presence of Birmingham’s education and civic leadership throughout the morning. Woodfin and Birmingham City Schools leadership have increasingly emphasized connecting children with educational, enrichment and career opportunities across the city. Earlier this year, the city announced its Children and Youth Commission’s Cradle-to-Career Roadmap, a strategy designed to connect the systems and resources influencing children from early education through adulthood.

For Norwood students, however, the morning offered a more immediate lesson: the opportunity to see someone who built a career from a childhood that did not necessarily predict the future he ultimately created.

As Miller prepared to leave, he encouraged students to keep working, keep learning and keep believing in themselves.

“I kept going,” he told them, reflecting on the people who once told him he would not succeed. “That’s what I want you guys to do. Keep going, no matter what your conditions is. No matter what your environment is.”

Based on reporting by Birmingham Times.



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Black History

National Civil Rights Museum Freedom Award Honors the Relentless Fight for Equality

TRI-STATE DEFENDER — The National Civil Rights Museum’s 35th annual Freedom Award ceremony, held on Thursday, October 1, at the Orpheum Theatre, recognized a diverse group of civil rights leaders. Honorees included Fred Gray Sr., a legal strategist who represented Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

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Members of Gary Goin Freedom Award House Band perform at the 35th Freedom Award ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 1 at the Orpheum Theatre. (Gary S. Whitlow/Tri-State Defender)
Members of Gary Goin Freedom Award House Band perform at the 35th Freedom Award ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 1 at the Orpheum Theatre. (Gary S. Whitlow/Tri-State Defender) — (Gary S. Whitlow/Tri-State Defender)

The honorees at the National Civil Rights Museum’s 35th annual Freedom Award ceremony held at the Orpheum Theatre on Thursday, Oct. 1, reflected a changing era of civil rights leadership.

Fred Gray Sr., one of the last surviving legal strategists of the Civil Rights Movement, helped dismantle segregation in America as the lawyer who represented Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. Gray’s pioneering legacy now rests with the generations he helped empower, including fellow award recipients Rev. Shavon Arline-Bradley, Nneka Ogwumike and Bakari Sellers.

Arline-Bradley, an ordained minister, public health advocate, and president and CEO of the National Council of Negro Women since 2023, credits the women and civil rights legends who preceded her and built the organizations she now leads with making her work possible.

Nneka Ogwumike, WNBA champion and four-term president of the league’s players association, and Bakari Sellers, a lawyer, author, CNN political correspondent and former South Carolina legislator, represent a younger generation of human and civil rights activists. They are taking the fight into new arenas, from women’s sports and economic opportunity to voting rights, education and social justice.

Together, their stories shaped the event’s overall theme and mood, which celebrated the courage of freedom fighters of the past while embracing what civil rights leadership looks like now — and what it may become.

Before the ceremony, hundreds of guests gathered for photographs and interviews on the red carpet and hors d’oeuvres at the Halloran Centre for Performing Arts & Education next door to the Orpheum. Actor Larenz Tate hosted the event for the second consecutive year. Grammy Award-winning gospel artist Tamela Mann brought the audience to its feet with her performance of the hit song “Take Me to the King.” And local artist Garry Goin and the Freedom Award House Band performed a mix of R&B and liberation songs.

  • Fred Gray Jr. accepted the Freedom Award on behalf of his father, civil rights attorney Fred Gray Sr., who was unable to attend the ceremony. (Gary S. Whitlow/Tri-State Defender)
  • Rev. Shavon Arline-Bradley, president and CEO of the National Council of Negro Women, was among the honorees at the National Civil Rights Museum’s 35th annual Freedom Award. (Gary S. Whitlow/Tri-State Defender)
  • Nneka Ogwumike, WNBA champion and four-term president of the league’s players association, was honored at the National Civil Rights Museum’s 35th annual Freedom Award. (Gary S. Whitlow/Tri-State Defender)
  • Bakari Sellers, lawyer, author, CNN political correspondent and former South Carolina legislator, was honored at the National Civil Rights Museum’s 35th annual Freedom Award. (Gary S. Whitlow/Tri-State Defender)

Taking the stage to accept the first award was Arline-Bradley, who reflected on the legacy that shaped her path to leadership.

“This honor means more to me than you can ever imagine,” Arline-Bradley said, describing the moment as the culmination of what she believes God had in store for her.

She paid tribute to Dorothy Height, whose leadership helped secure the headquarters for the women’s advocacy nonprofit on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C. Arline-Bradley described the building, located on the same street as the White House, as a representation of Black women’s history, power and resilience.

“NCNW stands as the only Black and women-owned building on Pennsylvania Ave,” she continued.

During her speech, Arline-Bradley outlined what she believes it will take to achieve freedom and equality today.

“If America wants to get her healing, we’ve got to climb to the rooftop of justice,” she said.

And justice includes using Black economic power to support companies with compatible values, she continued.

Fred Gray Jr. accepted the award on behalf of his father, who was unable to attend the ceremony. Gray, who practices law alongside his father and brother, recalled his father’s decision to become a lawyer and return to Montgomery, Alabama, determined to challenge segregation.

Actor Larenz Tate hosted the National Civil Rights Museum’s 35th annual Freedom Award ceremony for the second consecutive year. (Gary S. Whitlow/Tri-State Defender)

Gray connected his father’s legal work to Memphis’ sanitation workers, whose 1968 strike became a defining moment in the city’s civil rights history. “At 95, if he was here, he would say to you, ‘I have done what I can do. The rest is up to you,’” Gray Jr. said.

Ogwumike used her acceptance speech to connect the growing visibility of women’s sports to a broader conversation about opportunity and equality.

“In this moment, there are greater and more opportunities for girls and women in sports,” Ogwumike said, pointing to the example provided by the WNBA’s professional athletes who serve as role models for young girls.

She also addressed what she described as threats to women’s rights and access, including debates surrounding Title IX, voting rights, reproductive healthcare and gender violence. “We refuse to be bullied and we refuse to be silenced and made to disappear,” Ogwumike said.

Her remarks were followed by a surprise video message from former Vice President Kamala Harris, who thanked Ogwumike for “being a fighter for the people” and congratulated the evening’s other honorees.

The final honoree, Bakari Sellers, has family ties to Memphis. His mother grew up in the city. His grandfather, the Rev. E.W. Williamson, once served as pastor of Middle Baptist Church and Olivet Baptist Church.

Grammy Award-winning gospel artist Tamela Mann performs at the National Civil Rights Museum’s 35th annual Freedom Award ceremony. (Gary S. Whitlow/Tri-State Defender)

Sellers wrapped his remarks in light humor as he reflected on his conversations with other advocates and his own social justice journey. At one point, he paused, overcome with emotion, as he recalled visiting the National Civil Rights Museum earlier in the day and standing on the balcony where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968.

“The victories they won are being torn down all around us,” Sellers said.

To illustrate the cost and cruelty of social injustice, he asked the audience to imagine a 10-year-old student who might one day cure cancer but is struggling in school because of hunger.

“Somewhere we have forgotten that we come from a people of dreamers,” Sellers said. “We have forgotten the price that was paid.

“I am only 42 years old. I don’t really deserve this thing,” Sellers said. “But I will promise you this: Tomorrow I will work harder than I did yesterday.”

A video montage at the black-tie ceremony paid tribute to influential figures who died this year, including civil rights organizer Bernard Lafayette, a leader in the Nashville Movement, Freedom Rides and the Selma voting rights campaign; Rev. Jesse Jackson, the civil rights icon, minister and founder of Operation PUS;, Memphis civil rights activist Clara Ester; feminist leader and journalist Gloria Steinem; and country music legend and philanthropist Dolly Parton.

Museum President Russ Wigginton commented ahead of the program on the generational evolution of Freedom Award honorees. He noted that earlier generations of civil rights leaders often could measure progress through changes in laws, court decisions and government policy. Marches, sit-ins and other forms of direct action helped produce the landmark legal changes achieved during the Civil Rights era of the 1950s and 1960s.

But today, he said, the work can be more difficult to measure because much of it involves changing hearts and minds, increasing empathy and encouraging people to understand cultural differences.

“It is a delicate balancing act that requires patience and commitment,” Wigginton said.

He added, however, the fundamental goal remains unchanged: equal rights for everyone.

Based on reporting by Tri-State Defender.



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Black Press

New Protections for Ticket Buyers: Gov. Newsom Signs Assemblymember Isaac Bryan’s Bill

OAKLAND POST — Assembly Bill 1349 expands state regulation of original ticket sellers, resellers and online resale marketplaces. The law targets deceptive sales practices, ticket-buying software and speculative listings — tickets advertised for sale by sellers who do not possess them or have authorization to sell them.

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Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights). File photo.
Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights). File photo.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation on Sept. 27 authored by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights) that strengthens consumer protections for Californians purchasing tickets to concerts, sporting events and other live entertainment.

Assembly Bill 1349 expands state regulation of original ticket sellers, resellers and online resale marketplaces. The law targets deceptive sales practices, ticket-buying software and speculative listings — tickets advertised for sale by sellers who do not possess them or have authorization to sell them.

“Buying a ticket shouldn’t come with hidden risks or unfair practices,” Newsom wrote on social media after signing the measure.

Under AB 1349, ticket sellers are prohibited from listing tickets before they have been officially released unless they have authorization or a legally enforceable right to receive them. Online marketplaces must also take reasonable steps to prevent speculative ticket sales on their platforms.

The law prohibits sellers from using bots, multiple accounts, email addresses or internet protocol addresses to circumvent ticket limits, presale restrictions, electronic queues and other controls. It also bans websites and advertisements designed to mislead buyers into believing they are purchasing tickets from an authorized seller, venue or event organizer.

Sellers who violate certain provisions and fail to provide a promised ticket may be held liable for twice the ticket’s contracted price. Buyers may also recover nonrefundable expenses incurred while attempting to attend an event, along with reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs.

Pastor Tecoy Porter Sr., president of the National Action Network’s Sacramento chapter, said the law establishes needed accountability.

“Buying a ticket to a concert or show shouldn’t mean entering a marketplace where the rules are stacked against you. This year, we worked with a coalition of consumers, civil rights advocates, community groups, and businesses to make AB 1349 stronger. Consumers deserve enforceable rules that protect them. We thank Assemblymember Bryan for his leadership, and we will keep working to make ticketing fair for every Californian.”

Jose L. Barrera, national vice president for the Far West Region of the League of United Latin American Citizens, also praised the measure.

“Californian families deserve certain protections when they buy tickets. Assemblymember Bryan listened to communities across California and delivered a bill that puts fans first. We thank him and Governor Newsom for making it law.”

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Black History

Why Black Artists Struggle to Sell Tours

HOUSTON DEFENDER — Recent industry reports and artist comments indicate that Black artists are struggling to sell concert tickets, highlighting a larger crisis in the touring business. This trend, dubbed “blue dot fever,” refers to empty seats at venues and has led to major touring acts canceling or postponing shows since spring 2026.

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The struggle for modern Black artists in hip-hop and R&B to sell out concert tours is influenced by high ticket prices, changing fan demographics, and increasing production costs. Credit: Gemini
The struggle for modern Black artists in hip-hop and R&B to sell out concert tours is influenced by high ticket prices, changing fan demographics, and increasing production costs. Credit: Gemini — Credit: Gemini

The internet chatter about Black artists struggling to sell concert tickets points to a much larger crisis reshaping the touring business, according to recent industry reporting and artists’ own comments.

Since spring 2026, a wave of major touring acts across genres have canceled or postponed shows due to sluggish ticket sales, a trend some in the industry have dubbed “blue dot fever,” a reference to the blue markers that indicate empty seats on Ticketmaster’s venue maps.

The phenomenon is not limited to Black performers, but several recent examples involving Black artists have fueled online conversation about whether Black touring acts face extra hurdles. For a market like Houston, home to a large hip-hop and R&B fan base and a steady stream of major tour stops, the debate carries added weight.

Here are five reasons the touring business has gotten tougher for artists trying to fill seats.

Blue dot fever is spreading industrywide

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Black hip-hop megastars like Ludacris, T.I., Rick Ross, and BigXThaPlug felt the impact of Blue Dot Fever after struggling to sell tickets. Industry watchers say many artists are being booked into venues too large for their current draw, leaving sections visibly empty, discouraging last-minute buyers. The trend cuts across genres, but it has compounded challenges already facing some Black touring artists this year.

Fans keep comparing every artist to music’s biggest superstars

Grammy-winning singer Melanie Fiona recently weighed in on the online conversation about canceled shows and slow sales, explaining that most artists do not have the resources or reach of music’s top-tier headliners. The trade outlet Ticket News has made a similar point, noting that few artists can match the pricing structure or demand generated by superstar-level tours. When any artist falls short of that bar, fans and social media users are quick to call it a flop, even when the artist is still performing at a healthy level for their career stage.

Stadium bookings are outpacing actual demand


A hip-hop stadium concert set to take place in Louisville in October 2026, featuring Ludacris, T.I., Rick Ross, and BigXThaPlug, reportedly had nearly 47,000 seats still available as showtime approached. The example illustrates a broader booking problem. Venues sized for arena or stadium crowds do not always match the number of fans willing or able to buy tickets, regardless of an artist’s streaming numbers or name recognition. Some promoters are now facing pressure to book smaller, more intimate venues that better match an act’s current draw.

Rising costs are squeezing fans’ entertainment budgets

@sothisismything

#usher#chrisbrown#concert#ticketmaster#viral

♬ original sound – So This Is My Thing!

Housing, groceries, and everyday expenses have climbed for many households, and live music is often one of the first expenses fans cut. Older or legacy acts leaning on nostalgia appear to be hit hardest, since higher ticket and fee prices make attending a bigger financial decision than it once was. Newer or lower-profile Black artists competing for the same limited entertainment dollars face an uphill climb, especially when fans have to choose between one or two shows a year instead of several.

Social media shape who gets mainstream exposure

@dustintheindustryplant

Does TikTok Dominate the music industry.

♬ original sound – Dustin The Industry Plant

Black artists in hip-hop and R&B often compete for airplay and playlist placement within genre-specific categories rather than mainstream ones, which can limit the crossover exposure that turns streaming success into ticket sales. Artists working outside those two genres, including gospel, jazz, and Afrobeats-influenced acts, face a similar challenge in reaching audiences beyond their dedicated fan bases. Whether that structural gap is driving today’s sales slump remains an open question that industry analysts and artists are actively debating.

Based on reporting by Houston Defender.



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