Emil Wilbekin

Andre De Shields, Michael R. Jackson, & More Among Honorees on Emil Wilbekin's NATIVE SON 101

Native Son - the leading organization championing Black gay and queer men – has unveiled its illustrious, annual year-end Native Son 101 List highlighting Black gay and queer men who made an impact in 2022. Created by Native Son Founder Emil Wilbekin, the 101 List recognizes leaders in the Black gay and queer community who have made significant contributions, achieved culture-making milestones, and those who are using their platforms to break through glass ceilings in their respective roles, professions, and areas of expertise.

Photos: See André De Shields & More at UNSCRIPTED LIVE at City Winery

See photos of Tony, Emmy, and GRAMMY Award-winning performing artist André De Shields and more at The Loft at City Winery for 'Unscripted Live,' an interview series that spotlights the stories of legendary artists, their resilience, and their creative regeneration.

Academy Launches Conversation Series On Race and Gender Equity in Filmmaking, ACADEMY DIALOGUES: IT STARTS WITH US

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently announced the launch of a new series of virtual panels for members and the public, as a part of its Academy Aperture 2025 equity and inclusion initiative, called “Academy Dialogues: It Starts with Us,” with conversations about race, ethnicity, gender, history, opportunity and the art of filmmaking. 

Harlem Chamber Of Commerce Presents Virtual Pride Summit, 6/24

The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce presents THE HARLEM SUMMITS | The Pride Summit. The inaugural Pride Summit will bring together leaders to discuss the ways in which the LGBT Community is advancing despite the global pandemic. 

2019 Ailey Spirit Gala Benefit Celebrating The 50th Anniversary Of The Ailey School Raises Over $1 Million

Led by Artistic Director Robert Battle, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's 2019 Lincoln Center engagement continued last night with the star-studded Ailey Spirit Gala. The centerpiece of Ailey's engagement celebrated the 50th Anniversary of The Ailey School, the official school of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and a springboard for many notable artists - including more than 70% of the Company's dancers.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's 2019 Five-Day Lincoln Center Engagement Begins June 12

Led by Artistic Director Robert Battle, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will return to Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts David H. Koch Theater for a seven-performance engagement from June 12-16. Highlights include the world premiere of Darrell Grand Moultrie's Ounce of Faith on Wednesday, June 12; The Ailey Spirit Gala benefit celebrating the 50th Anniversary of The Ailey School on Thursday, June 13; performances celebrating and commemorating Pride Month; and a culminating program on Sunday, June 16 honoring dance legend Carmen de Lavallade.

GLAAD's Inaugural Ariadne Getty Ally Award to be Presented to Alyssa Milano

GLAAD, the world's largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization, today announced that it would honor actor and activist Alyssa Milano with the inaugural Ariadne Getty Ally Award at the 2018 GLAAD Gala San Francisco on September 15th, 2018 at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco. The GLAAD Gala San Francisco celebrates and features storytellers and tech innovators who accelerate LGBTQ acceptance and helps fund GLAAD's digital advocacy work to grow LGBTQ inclusion in digital and social media. GLAAD also announced that veteran journalist Emil Wilbekin would receive the Ric Weiland Award for growing LGBTQ inclusion in tech.

BET Networks to Broadcast Live, Commercial-Free Coverage of Aretha Franklin's Funeral Service

From 'I Say A Little Prayer' to 'Think' to her signature classic 'RESPECT,' Aretha Franklin was a musical phenomenon and a transcendent figure in American culture. As the nation mourns the passing of the 'Queen of Soul' Aretha Franklin, BET Networks will commemorate her life and legacy by broadcasting Aretha Franklin's funeral service in its entirety beginning Friday, August 31 at 10 AM ET on BET, BET Her and BET.com

Today, November 30, journalist, content creator and LGBT activist Emil Wilbekin will host the inaugural Native Son Awards honoring Tony Award-winning director and playwright, George C. Wolfe; journalist and CNN Tonight Host, Don Lemon; and Black Lives Matter Activist DeRay Mckesson at New York City's Cadillac House.

On Wednesday, November 30, journalist, content creator and LGBT activist Emil Wilbekin will host the inaugural Native Son Awards honoring Tony Award-winning director and playwright, George C. Wolfe; journalist and CNN Tonight Host, Don Lemon; and Black Lives Matter Activist DeRay Mckesson at New York City's Cadillac House.