ACTRESS TEYANA TAYLOR TAKES THE "BOSSES CHAIR" AT ESSENCE FEST 2026!

 FRESH FROM THE OSCARS STAGE IN HOLLYWOOD!

(March 20, 2026) Singer, songwriter, actress, and entrepreneur Teyana Taylor sits at the helm of one of the largest music festivals in the country.

Fresh off the Oscars stage in Hollywood, Teyana and her creative company, The Aunties, as Chief Curator for 2026, will change the weekend in ways organizers proclaim you will feel from the first day to the last.

She Is Not Just a Name on a Press Release...

She's more than the entry on an awards ceremony envelope.

The Essence Black Women in Hollywood honoree. Golden Globe winner. Oscar-nominated actress and GRAMMY-nominated singer. We have watched her build The Aunties into one of the most intentional creative companies working right now. What she does, across music, film, fashion, and stage design, is exactly what will shape the full Festival of Culture experience from the moment you walk through the doors on July 3 to the moment the lights come up on July 5.

In her words: "ESSENCE has always been more than a festival — it is a reunion. I'm a true Auntie. The one in your corner, cheering you on, telling you the truth with love, and making sure every room you walk into knows you belong there. That's what I'm bringing to this programming."

That is the energy we are coming with this summer. Teyana and The Aunties work directly with our programming, talent, and community teams, shaping the mainstage, the daytime experiences, and the moments in between so the entire weekend tells one cohesive and uplifting story.

So don't miss the high-energy presence that was the talk of the awards season this year in one of the "sauciest cities in the world," New Orleans.

Teyana Taylor is not new to this; she's "true to this!" This time she's gracing the stage as a "real boss!"

For more ticket information, visit: https://www.essence.com/essencefestival2026/...

PROUD SPONSOR: BEHIND THE MASK CONFERENCE 2026

💜 PROUD SPONSOR ANNOUNCEMENT 💜

Walton and Associates is honored to sponsor the Behind the Mask Conference 2026, "Reimagined, Rebuilt, and Ready to Reclaim!"

This purpose-driven experience continues to create the ultimate safe space for women to heal, grow, and thrive. We’re proud to stand alongside this powerful movement of restoration and renewal.

Join us March 6–7, 2026, in North Augusta, South Carolina.

👉 Registration is now open!

Visit: BEHIND THE MASK WEBSITE

REMEMBERING A LIFE WELL LIVED: ACTOR DEMOND WILSON DIED AT 79.

 

(January 31, 2026)  To generations of television viewers in the 70s, Demond Wilson was simply known as Lamont, the contract son of Red Foxx's Fred Sanford in the NBC hit "Sanford and Son."  Wilson, who left the bright lights of Hollywood to become a minister, has died. He was 79.

Mark Goldman, a spokesperson for the family, confirmed that Wilson passed peacefully on Friday following complications from cancer.

TURKEY TALK WITH SYBIL AND THE LADIES!

 BETTER THAN THE BUTTERBALL TURKEY HOTLINE!!  

Thanksgiving Week Vibes: Stirring up soul and flavor in the kitchen all week long! Whether you’re prepping dressing, whipping up sweet potato pies, or just sharing laughs, it’s all about making memories with your “ya yahs.” Sybil Wilkes and the crew are locking in those moments, and I can’t wait to hear Darlene Johnson McCoy’s holiday take. Gather your favorite ladies! This is one Thanksgiving you don’t want to miss! 

BISHOP STATE HITS RECORD ENROLLMENT

4,505 STUDENTS THIS FALL

(MOBILE, ALABAMA) September 29, 2025 – Bishop State Community College is celebrating its highest enrollment in two decades, with 4,505 students enrolled for Fall 2025 as of September 29, 2025. This represents a 12.6% increase over last year’s enrollment of 4,001 students and continues the college’s remarkable three consecutive years of double-digit growth that began in Fall 2022. 

Bishop State has now added more than 2,000 students since Fall 2021, representing an 81.7% enrollment increase over the last four years.

“This milestone is proof that our vision is working,” said Olivier Charles, President of Bishop State. “Our faculty, staff, and partners are doing the hard work every day to ensure Bishop State is a place where students not only enroll but thrive. Surpassing 4,500 students shows that our community believes in what we’re doing, and we’re excited to keep that momentum going.”

FOX 10 NEWS-MOBILE 

https://youtu.be/l05gzi9NdLQ?si=fguMrtsJowT4U6Tw 

PROMOTIONAL VIDEO

https://f.io/KWzhrXBa

Record-Breaking Dual Enrollment & Freshman Class

Bishop State’s Dual Enrollment Program has experienced explosive growth. It has more than tripled, up more than 200% since Fall 2021, with 1,741 high school students taking college courses this semester. This record-breaking participation reflects the College’s deepening partnerships with area school systems and its commitment to expanding early college opportunities.

The college has also enrolled 910 first-time freshmen, its strongest incoming class since Fall 2013. Continuing student enrollment stands at 1,066, the second-highest total since Fall 2020.

Student Success & Workforce Impact

While Fall 2025 retention data is still being compiled, Fall 2024 retention improved significantly from 54.65% to 59.73%, demonstrating the impact of Bishop State’s student success initiatives. Workforce Development programs also experienced growth, with enrollment increasing 7.5% from 2,371 students in AY 2023-24 to 2,549 in AY 2024-25.

“Enrollment growth isn’t just about numbers,” Charles added. “It’s about the lives we’re changing and the impact we’re having on the workforce and the community as a whole. Our record-breaking dual enrollment and strongest freshman class in over a decade tell us that students and families trust Bishop State to deliver a high-quality, affordable education that leads to great outcomes.”

With more than 40 certificate and degree programs, affordable tuition, and cutting-edge technology, Bishop State continues to position itself as the premier choice for students in Mobile and the surrounding region.

For more information about Bishop State Community College’s programs and enrollment opportunities, visit www.bishop.edu.

 

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BEHIND THE MASK CONFERENCE 2026

LABOR DAY SALE

(NORTH AUGUSTA, SOUTH CAROLINA)--We’ve got exciting news! In honor of Labor Day, we’re offering a special holiday registration rate for the Behind the Mask Conference.

 September 1 – 5, 2025 only

 $75 Standard Registration Only

 Seats are limited, and once they’re gone, this price will not be available again.

We know March 2026 may feel far away, but this life-changing weekend is one you don’t want to put off. Now is the perfect time to lock in your spot and start anticipating a time of renewal, empowerment, and connection with your sisters.

So, call your circle, text your bestie, and spread the word, because Behind the Mask 2026 will be unforgettable, and these holiday savings make it the perfect moment to register.

REGISTER NOW AT: BEHIND THE MASK WEBSITE

Don’t wait! Secure your seat today and be part of something extraordinary!

                                                

                                                         

A NIGHT OF SMOOTH JAZZ AND COOL VOCALS

DARLENE HILL AND FRIENDS

(MOBILE, ALABAMA) ---Mobile, Pensacola, and surrounding areas, have you heard? The legendary vibraphonist and percussionist Darlene Hill is performing for one night only at The Calirojae Event Center in Mobile. 

Check out "Darlene and Friends" at the Smooth Jazz Explosion, Sunday, October 12th. "Fall is definitely heating up with this one!" Get your tickets today!!

LABOR DAY WEEKEND

 LABOR DAY: The perfect time to “relax and recharge!” Enjoy the long holiday weekend. See you Tuesday of next week!  #OfficialEndOfSummer #WheresTheCookout

Marty McDonald on expanding "Elle Olivia" to more Target stores nationwide

"Audacity Meets Opportunity!"

(Chattanooga, Tennessee)---More than two years ago, Marty McDonald sat down with CBS Mornings to share the story behind her incredible journey. Today, she’s back where it all began—on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga—as the keynote speaker for the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga’s Entrepreneur Power Lunch.

           

A wife, mother, certified interior designer—and the first Black woman to earn a degree in Interior Design from UTC—Marty has also added ‘author’ to her list of achievements. Her new book, Audacious, is available now on Amazon and wherever books are sold.

Before we hear from her today, let’s revisit that conversation where Marty revealed what started it all and why she finally decided to ‘bet on herself.’  Check out Marty's interview with CBS Mornings at the top of the page.

A 'WHITE HOT" SUMMER CONCERT SERIES!""

"CHATTANOOGA, SOLD OUT AGAIN!!"

(DOWNTOWN CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE)--Tomorrow night, Sunday, August 24th, The Velvet Chair Experience returns with another unforgettable evening of live music, storytelling, and soul. While this weekend’s show is completely sold out, the celebration continues all summer long.

Up next: our much-anticipated "ALL WHITE PARTY," where featured vocalist Karen Collins and Friends promise a white hot performance that you don’t want to miss.

I’m honored to serve as your host and emcee, and I invite you to join us for the next regular performance on Sunday, September 28th. Secure your seat now and be part of the magic that keeps Chattanooga talking.

Check out The Velvet Chair Experience website for more information on how you can RSVP for a table for you and your friends for the next performance, Sunday, September 28th. https://thevelvetchairexperience.com