Black Life. Black Culture. Black History. Black Joy.

July 2026

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Journalism that informs, educates, inspires, uplifts, and empowers our community. We work hard to bring you the stories that often go untold. The stories that matter to you.

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Welcome to the BLACK ZONE 
 

BLACK ZONE Magazine is the bold new voice of Black life, Black culture, Black history, and Black joy.

In a time when Black stories are being hidden, distorted, or erased, our mission is clear: To elevate, uplift, and educate—unapologetically—on what it truly means to be Black in America.

…along with additional features crafted with our community at the center.

You can browse stories by department using the menu at the top of the page or simply scroll down to view all stories.

Let’s Talk About The “United” States Becoming 250 Years Old…

Message From The Editor

Let’s Talk About The “United” States Becoming 250 Years Old…

Everywhere you look people are talking about America’s 250th anniversary.  It’s on the news. It’s all over social media. It’s on shirts, hats, billboards, and advertisements. Everywhere you turn, Americans are being told to celebrate 250 years of this nation.
This July 4th won’t be like those of the past for two reasons: America’s 250th anniversary and the way Trump has turned it into a spectacle that is all about him.

But I don’t want to talk about Trump. Honestly, I never want to talk about Trump, however as he’s “President” and turning July 4th into a Trump/250 year anniversary rally, he deserved a mention.

That said, I want to talk about what 250 years of America truly means.

Two hundred and fifty years of America means 250 years of racism.

It means 250 years of stolen inventions, innovations, and ingenuity.

It means 250 years of racist mob murders, massacres, lynchings, and terror.

It means 250 years of omitted history, hidden history, and manufactured myths.

It means 250 years of propaganda taught in schools and repeated through media until generations accepted it as truth.

The reality is that much of what Americans have been taught about their own history is fiction wrapped around fragments of fact.

You cannot whitewash a history that committed genocide and racial cleansing against Indigenous peoples.

You cannot whitewash a history that enslaved, tortured, raped, exploited, and murdered Black people.

You cannot celebrate freedom while ignoring those who were denied it.

The truth is that American history has often been presented as one giant fairy tale where white heroes save the day and America always stands on the side of righteousness.

The records tell a different story.

George Washington’s teeth were not wooden. They were made in part from teeth ripped out of enslaved people’s mouths.

Paul Revere never rode through the countryside shouting, “The British are coming!” warning everyone in sight. He was one of many, but never completed his journey or mission.  He died along the way.

Betsy Ross did not create the first American flag.

Davy Crockett’s legend bears little resemblance to the reality of his final days. Upon going the Battle of the Alamo, he almost immediately surrendered and was killed.  Not exactly the heroic death they wrote songs about. 

Abraham Lincoln was not the great Black savior generations were taught he was. He repeatedly expressed racist views, believed Black people were socially inferior, and supported colonization efforts to remove Black people from the United States. The Emancipation Proclamation was a military and political necessity, not a sudden act of racial enlightenment or an empathetic gesture.

These are not attacks on history.

They are history.

The problem is that Americans have been taught mythology instead of truth.

For generations, facts were buried while legends were celebrated.

The country built monuments to myths while suppressing the stories of those who suffered beneath them, as well as, those with Black and Brown skin—whom achieved greatness.

America loves stories about heroes.

What America struggles with is telling the truth about villains.

And in far too many chapters of history, America itself was the villain.

America was the villain when Indigenous nations were driven from their lands.

America was the villain when Black families were bought and sold.

America was the villain during the massacres of Black communities.

America was the villain when it legalized segregation.

America was the villain when it denied voting rights.

America was the villain when it stole Black inventions, Black labor, Black wealth, and Black opportunity.

America was also the villain that stated wars and invaded lands in order to claim resources and power.

That truth makes people uncomfortable.

Good.

History is not supposed to make us comfortable.

It is supposed to make us honest.

Yes, some things have changed during these 250 years.

But every time progress begins to emerge, powerful forces attempt to drag the country backward. Reconstruction was attacked. Civil Rights gains were attacked. Voting rights were attacked. Diversity efforts are attacked. Black history itself is attacked.

The pattern has never really changed.

That is why many Black Americans do not view July 4th the same way others do.

July 4th has never been our Independence Day.

When America declared its independence, our ancestors remained enslaved.

When freedom was celebrated, we were denied it.

When liberty was proclaimed, we were excluded from it.

So when America celebrates 250 years, many of us see something different.

We see 250 years of suffrage and resilience.

We see 250 years of surviving while being forced to fight for the right to exist.

We see 250 years of lies, omissions, suppression, and struggle.

But we also see 250 years of perseverance.

250 years of building despite barriers.

250 years of creating despite exclusion.

250  years of thriving while fighting to survive.

So while politicians deliver speeches and television networks celebrate American greatness, many of us will spend July 4th doing what we’ve always done.

We’ll gather with family.

We’ll gather with friends.

We’ll barbecue.

We’ll dance.

We’ll laugh.

We’ll celebrate one another.

Because that has always meant more to us than patriotic mythology.

They can wax poetic all they like.

We know what it really is.

I’ll see you at the BBQ.
Maurice Woodson
Editor-in-Chief

Portrait of Isabel Laurent, Editor in Chief

You Thought You Knew...

The UnErasing & UnHiding of Black History

By Maurice Woodson

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What To The Slave Is The 4th Of July?

Frederick Douglass’ Full Speech

Fellows citizens, pardon me and allow me to ask, why am I called to speak here today? What have I, or those I represent to do with your national independence. Are the great principles of political freedom and of natural justice embodied in that Declaration of Independence extended to us? And am I therefore called upon to bring our humble offering to the national alter and to confess the benefits and express devout gratitude for the blessings resulting from your independence to us? Would to God, both for your sakes and ours, that an affirmative answer could be truthfully returned to those questions. 

Then would my task be light and my burden easy and delightful? For who is there so cold that a nation sympathy cannot warm him, who so adore it and dead to the claims of gratitude that would not thankfully acknowledge such priceless benefits? Who so stolid and selfish that would not give his voice to swell the hallelujahs of a nation's Jubilee when the chains of servitude have been torn from his limbs? I am not that man. In a case like that, the dumb might eloquently speak. And the lame man leap as an heart, but such is not the case. I say it with a sad sense of disparity between us. I am not included within the pales of this glorious anniversary. Your high independence only reveals the immeasurable distance between us. The blessings in which you this day rejoice are not enjoyed in common. The rich inheritance of justice, liberty, prosperity and independence bequeathed by your fathers is shared by you, not by me. 

The sunlight that brought life and healing to you has brought stripes and death to me. This 4th of July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice. I must mourn. To drag a man in fetters into the grand illuminated temple of Liberty and call upon him to join you in joyous anthems were inhuman mockery in sacrilegious irony. Do you mean citizens to mock me by asking me to speak today? If so, there is a parallel to your conduct. And let me warn you that it is dangerous to copy the example of a nation Babylon, whose crimes towering up to heaven with thrown down by the breadth of the almighty, burying that nation in irrecoverable ruin. 

Fellow citizens, above your national tumultuous joy I hear the mournful wail of millions whose chains heavy and grievous yesterday are today rendered more intolerable by the jubilant shouts that reach them. If I do forget, if I do not remember those bleeding children of sorrow this day, may my right hand forget her cunning and may my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth. To forget them, to pass lightly over their wrongs and to chime in with the popular theme would be treason most sacrilegious and shocking and would make me a reproach before God and the world. 

My subject then, fellow citizens, is American slavery. I shall see this day and it's popular characteristics from the slave's point of view. Standing here identified with the American bondsmen, making his wrongs mine. I do not hesitate to declare with all my soul that the character and conduct of this nation never looked blacker to me than on this 4th of July. Whether we turn to the declarations of the past or to the professions of the present, the conduct of the nation seems equally hideous and revolting. 

America is false to the past, false to the present and solemnly binds herself to be false to the future. Standing with God and the crushed and bleeding slave on this occasion, I will in the name of humanity, which is outraged in the name of Liberty, which is fettered in the name of the constitution and the Bible, which are disregarded and trampled upon dare to call and question and to denounce with all the emphasis I can command everything that serves to perpetuate slavery, the great sin and shame of America. I will not equivocate. I will not excuse. I will use the severest language I can command. And yet not one word shall escape me that any man whose judgment is not blinded by prejudice or who is not at heart, a slaveholder shall not confess to be right and just. 

But I fancy, I hear some of my audience say it is just in this circumstance that you and your brother abolitionists fail to make a favorable impression upon the public mind. Would you argue more and denounce less? Would you persuade more and rebuke less? Your cause would be much more likely to succeed. But I admit, where all is plain, there is nothing to be argued. What point in the anti-slavery creed would you have me argue? On what branch of the subject do the people of this country need light? Must I undertake to prove that the slave is a man? That point is conceded already. Nobody doubts it. The slave holders themselves acknowledge it in the enactment of laws for their government. They acknowledge it when they punish disobedience on the part of the slave. There are 72 crimes in the state of Virginia, which if committed by a black man, no matter how ignorant he be, subject him to the punishment of death, while only two of these same crimes will subject a white man to like punishment. 

What is this but the acknowledgement that the slave is a moral, intellectual and responsible being? The manhood of the slave is conceded. It is admitted in the fact that Southern statute books are covered with enactments forbidding under severe fines and penalties, the teaching of the slave to read and write. When you can point to any such laws in reference to the beasts of the field, then I may consent to argue the manhood of the slave. When the dogs in your street, when the fowls of the air, when the cattle on your hills, when the fish of the sea and the reptiles that crawl shall be unable to distinguish the slave from a brute, then I will argue with you that the slave is a man. 

For the present, it is enough to affirm the equal manhood of the Negro race. Is it not astonishing that while we are plowing, planting and reaping, using all kinds of mechanical tools, erecting houses, constructing bridges, building ships, working in metal of brass, iron, copper, silver, and gold, that while we are reading, writing, and ciphering acting as clerks, merchants, and secretaries, having among us lawyers, doctors, ministers, poets, authors, editors, orators, and teachers that we are engaged in all the enterprises, common to other men, digging gold in California, capturing the whale in the Pacific feeding sheep and cattle on the hillside, living, moving, acting, thinking, planting, living in families as husbands, wives, and children, and above all confessing and worshiping the Christian God and looking hopefully for life and immortality beyond the grave. 

We are called upon to prove that we are men. Would you have me argue that man is entitled to Liberty, that he is the rightful owner of his body? You have already declared it. Must I argue the wrongfulness of slavery? Is that a question for Republicans? Is it to be settled by the rules of logic and argumentation? Is a matter, the set with great difficulty involving a doubtful application of the principle of justice, hard to understand? How should I look today in the presence of Americans dividing and subdividing, a discourse to show that men have a natural right to freedom speaking of it, relatively and positively, negatively and affirmatively? To do so would be to make myself ridiculous and to offer an insult to your understanding. There is not a man beneath the canopy of heaven, who does not know that slavery is wrong for him. 

What? Am I to argue that it is wrong to make men brutes, to Rob them of their Liberty, to work them without wages, to keep them ignorant of their relations to their fellow men, to beat them with sticks, to flay their flesh with the lash, to load their limbs with ions, to hunt them with dogs, to sell them at auction, to sunder their families, to knock out their teeth, to burn their flesh, to starve them into obedience and submission to their masters? Must I argue that a system thus marked with blood and stained with pollution is wrong? No, I will not. I have better employment for my time and strength than such arguments would imply. What then remains to be argued? Is it that slavery is not divine, that God did not establish it, that our doctors of divinity are mistaken? There is blasphemy in the thought. That, which is inhuman cannot be divine. Who can reason on such a proposition? They, that can, may. I cannot. The time for such argument is past. 

At a time like this, scorching irony not convincing argument is needed. Oh, had I, the ability, and could I reach the nation's ear, I would today pour out a fiery steam of biting ridicule, blasting reproach, withering sarcasm, and stern rebuke. For it is not light that is needed, but fire. It is not the gentle shower, but thunder. We need the storm. The feeling of the nation must be quickened. And the conscience of the nation must be roused. The propriety of the nation must be startled. The hypocrisy of the nation must be exposed and it's crimes against God and man must be denounced. What to the American slave is your 4th of July? I answer: a day that reveals to him more than all other days of the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim. 

To him, your celebration is a sham, your boasted Liberty, an unholy license, your national greatness, swelling vanity. Your sounds of rejoicing are empty and heartless, your shouts of Liberty and equality, hallow mocked, your prayers and hymns your sermons and Thanksgivings with all your religious parade in solemnity are to him, mere bombast, fraud, deception, a thin veil to cover up crimes, which would disgrace a nation of savages. There is not a nation of the earth, guilty of practices, more shocking and bloody than are the people of these United States at this very hour. Go search where you will. Roam through all the monarchies and despotisms of the old world. Travel through South America. Search out every abuse and when you have found the last, lay your facts by the side of the everyday practices of this nation, and you will say with me that for revolting barbarity and shameless hypocrisy, America reigns without a rival.

July Historic Black History / True History Moments

Every month, we highlight moments in Black history that deserve to be remembered and celebrated. Some of these stories may be familiar, while others were never taught in classrooms, omitted from textbooks, or buried beneath generations of incomplete historical narratives.

History is most powerful when it is told truthfully. Our goal is to restore the history that is missing by recognizing the people, events, achievements, struggles, and triumphs that helped shape America and the world.

These are our July Historic Black History / True History Moments.

Early Victories & Revolutionary Triumphs

  • July 15, 1779: Noted Black spy Pompey Lamb (who operated as a fruit and vegetable delivery man) supplied the American forces with vital British secrets, enabling a Patriot victory at the Battle of Stony Point, New York. 
  • July 3, 1775: Prince Hall founded the first Black Lodge of Free Masons in the United States, creating a foundational institution that became a launchpad for early Black civil rights advocacy.
  • July 27, 1816: The Destruction of Fort Negro (Fort Blount): U.S. troops and indigenous allies attacked an armed fortification of free and formerly enslaved Africans in Florida. It had been the largest free Black settlement in North America prior to the Civil War.
  • July 17, 1862: During the Civil War, Congress passed the Second Confiscation Act, which freed the enslaved people of all Confederate rebels and authorized President Abraham Lincoln to enlist Black men for military service. 

The March Toward Civil Rights

  • July 11-14, 1905: W.E.B. Du Bois and a collective of prominent Black intellectuals gathered near Niagara Falls (meeting partly in Fort Erie, Ontario) to form the Niagara Movement. This organization was the direct predecessor to the NAACP. 
  • July 4, 1852: Frederick Douglass delivered his iconic speech, "What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?" He brilliantly critiqued the hypocrisy of celebrating a white independence while millions of Black Americans remained in chains. 
  • July 28, 1917: Repulsed by systemic racism and deadly, unpunished lynchings, thousands of African Americans marched down Fifth Avenue in New York City in the Silent Protest Parade. 

Moments of Resistance & Reckoning

  • July 24, 1964: The Rochester, New York Race Riot broke out over institutional racism, police brutality, and a severe lack of opportunity in the North. 
  • July 1919 (The Red Summer): Throughout July 1919, white mobs targeted Black communities in what became known as the Red Summer. Major unrest occurred in Washington D.C., Chicago, and Philadelphia as veterans returning from WWI demanded their rights and faced violent, organized pushback. 
  • July 25, 1972: The federal government finally acknowledged its involvement in the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment. After exposure by the media, it was revealed that nearly 400 Black men from Alabama were left untreated for syphilis for 40 years to track the long-term effects of the disease. 

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LIFESTYLE & LEISURE

Black-Owned Hotel Spotlight:

Spice Island Beach Resort

Luxury, Legacy, and Caribbean Excellence

Planning your next vacation? Why not travel with purpose by supporting a Black-owned destination that delivers world-class luxury while celebrating Caribbean hospitality?

Nestled along the pristine shores of Grand Anse Beach in St. George’s, Grenada, Spice Island Beach Resort has earned a reputation as one of the Caribbean’s premier luxury resorts. Family-owned and operated, the resort combines breathtaking oceanfront views, exceptional service, gourmet dining, and authentic Caribbean charm to create an unforgettable all-inclusive experience.

Its commitment to excellence continues to receive international recognition. Forbes Vetted named Spice Island Beach Resort the “Best Beachfront All-Inclusive Resort in the Caribbean,” praising its stunning beachfront suites and impeccable personalized service. The resort was also voted among USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice “Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean,” highlighting its outstanding hospitality, eco-conscious luxury, and exceptional culinary offerings.

Adding to its growing list of accolades, Caribbean Journal included the resort among its “25 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean for 2025,” recognizing its ability to deliver an authentic island experience without sacrificing luxury.

“At Spice Island Beach Resort, we take immense pride in curating an experience that is both luxurious and authentically Caribbean,” said Janelle Hopkin, President and Managing Director. “It is an honor to see our commitment to hospitality, sustainability, and personalized service celebrated on such a global scale.”

As a family-owned, AAA Five Diamond resort, Spice Island Beach Resort continues to set the standard for Caribbean luxury. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, planning a romantic getaway, or simply looking to relax in paradise, the resort offers an experience that blends elegance, culture, and warm Caribbean hospitality.

When planning your next escape, consider supporting a Black-owned business that has become one of the world’s most celebrated luxury resorts. It’s more than a vacation—it’s an investment in Black excellence.

To learn more or book your stay, visit spiceislandbeachresort.com.

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Food & Drink

BBQ vs. Picnics: Which Do You Prefer?

Every summer, the same timeless question bubbles up in group chats and family discussions: should we throw a big, sizzling BBQ or pack up a cozy, laid-back picnic?

Let’s break it down.

What’s the Difference?

A BBQ is often rooted in someone’s backyard, patio, or a familiar outdoor space — a place that feels intimate to the grill master. The star of the show is the grill itself, turning out juicy burgers, smoky hot dogs, tender chicken, sizzling shrimp, savory steaks, and plump sausages. It’s about the art of cooking over fire, the aroma that fills the air, and the joy of serving food hot off the grill.

A picnic, on the other hand, takes you to the great outdoors: a park, a lakeside meadow, a sunny field, or even a quiet forest glade. The food is typically prepared in advance — think sandwiches, pasta salads, fresh fruit, and homemade treats — and packed into baskets or coolers. Picnics can range from a romantic blanket-for-two to a sprawling gathering with dozens of friends gathered at picnic tables.

Pros of Picnics

Scenic freedom — You can choose anywhere: by a river, under a shady tree, or overlooking a city skyline.

Less equipment — No need for grills, propane tanks, or bags of charcoal. Just pack, go, and relax.

Easy clean-up — Pre-packed meals often mean less mess, especially if you opt for compostable plates and utensils.

Flexible timing — There’s no waiting for coals to heat up or meat to finish cooking. Everything is ready to eat.

Active fun — Parks and open spaces are perfect for frisbee, soccer, or just a peaceful stroll.

Pros of BBQs

Fresh, hot food — There’s nothing like a burger right off the grill or smoky ribs dripping with sauce.

Social cooking — The grill becomes a hub where people gather, chat, and bond over the cooking process.

Flavor — Grilled food has an irreplaceable char and depth of taste that cold sandwiches can’t match.

Celebratory vibe — BBQs often feel like a party, complete with music, drinks, and laughter.

Customization — You can adjust spices, marinades, and cook times on the spot to please every guest.

So… Which Should You Choose?

Both BBQs and picnics are designed for one thing: a good time with great people. If you’re in the mood for a culinary show and love the crackle of an open flame, the BBQ is your ticket. If you’d rather roam free and keep it simple, a picnic might be the perfect escape.

Or, like us — why choose? Mix it up! Host a grill-out one weekend, then pack up a picnic basket the next. Summer only comes once a year; you deserve to savor every bite and every moment.

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More than ever, supporting Black-owned businesses isn’t just about commerce — it’s about community, equity, and intentional spending. As way too many corporations have donated to support Trump politically, as well as, those that have rolled back diversity initiatives and have funneled millions into political agendas that undermine DEI efforts, many consumers are choosing to be more mindful about where their dollars go.

One powerful way to do that is through food. From pantry staples to snacks, beverages, and specialty products, Black entrepreneurs are building innovative, flavorful brands that deserve a place in kitchens everywhere. This Mother's Day and everyday going forward...reach for Black Owned Brands

Here are Black-owned food brands you should know about.

EXAU Olive Oil

Created by wife-and-husband duo Skyler and Giuseppe, EXAU blends modern culinary needs with 75 years of Calabrian olive-growing mastery. Their award-winning EVOO is grown and pressed on their estate in Calabria, Italy, offering some of the richest, boldest flavors on the market.

Website: https://exauoliveoil.com

Southern Culture Artisan Foods

This mother-daughter team crafts affordable, easy-to-make foods inspired by Southern comfort — pancake and waffle mixes, bacon rubs, grits, fried chicken mixes, and more. They also offer recipes to help bring each product to life.

Website: https://southernculturefoods.com

Ghetto Gastro

Founders Jon Gray, Lester Walker, and Pierre Serrao fuse the flavors of the Global South into a bold culinary movement. From toaster pastries to plant-based pancake mixes and spicy syrups (available at Target), Ghetto Gastro is reimagining what breakfast can be.

Website: https://ghettogastro.com

BLK & Bold Coffee and Tea

With every bag sold, BLK & Bold commits 5% of profits to youth programs and ending youth homelessness. Their premium coffees and teas deliver flavor with purpose — available online and at Target.

Website: https://blkandbold.com

Michele’s Syrup

Using her great-great-great grandmother’s honey-based recipe, Michele Hoskins built a brand now featured in major grocery stores nationwide. Her syrups pair perfectly with breakfast foods or sweet and savory dishes alike.

Website: https://michelessyrup.com

Glory Foods

A 30-year staple, Glory Foods offers pre-seasoned canned vegetables, fresh greens, beans, hot sauces, and baking mixes — all crafted to deliver authentic Southern flavors straight to your table.

Website: https://gloryfoods.com

Iya Foods

From cassava flour to nutrient-rich powders, Iya Foods brings African-inspired superfoods and alternative flours to U.S. kitchens. They offer recipes and tips to help elevate your cooking.

Website: https://iyafoods.com

Trade Street Jam Co.

Not your typical jam — these chef-crafted spreads work beautifully in dressings, cocktails, sauces, marinades, and more. A Black-woman–owned brand that pushes creativity and flavor.

Website: https://tradestjamco.com

The Salty Heifer

This bakery delivers gourmet cakes, cookies, pies, and cheesecakes made with love, precision, and Michelin-level technique.

Website: https://thesaltyheifer.com

Sweet Dames Artisan Confections

Inspired by Bahamian family recipes, Sweet Dames offers decadent coconut macaroons, CocoMallow sandwiches, and more — all wheat- and dairy-free.

Website: https://sweetdames.com

Zach & Zoe Sweet Bee Farm

A family-operated brand producing raw, nutrient-rich, flavor-infused honey — from lavender to ginger to blueberry. One taste will make you rethink grocery-store honey forever.

Website: https://zachandzoe.co

Pitmaster LT’s

Authentic Kansas City barbecue sauces and rubs perfected over 30 years. Made with clean, premium ingredients and sold nationwide, including at Whole Foods.

Website: https://pitmasterlts.com

Yo Mama’s Foods

Clean, simple, preservative-free sauces inspired by the flavors of a real mom’s kitchen. Their pasta sauces, dressings, condiments, and cooking wines redefine store-bought convenience.

Website: https://yomamasfoods.com

Mama’s Biscuits

The country’s first gourmet biscuit company, offering ready-to-eat biscuits in sweet and savory flavors. Made with real butter and free of artificial ingredients.

Website: https://mamasbiscuits.com

Symphony Chips

What started as a spice blend grew into a full gourmet potato chip brand offering bold, all-natural flavors. A family-run snack company with serious crunch.

Website: https://symphonychips.com

KYVAN Foods

Founded by former NFL player Reggie Kelly, KYVAN brings soulful Southern flavors with sauces, jams, and seasonings based on family recipes.

Website: https://kyvan82.com

Vicky Cakes

A 45-year-old pancake recipe turned vegan-friendly, preservative-free mix that delivers unbelievably fresh, fluffy pancakes and waffles.

Website: https://vickycakesonline.com

A Dozen Cousins (Beans & Rice)

Inspired by Creole, Caribbean, and Latin American dishes, A Dozen Cousins offers clean-ingredient beans, rice, and sauces that are quick to prepare and deeply flavorful.

Website: https://adozencousins.com

EssieSpice

Ghana-born founder Essie Bartels creates small-batch spices and sauces blending West African flavors with global influences — perfect for marinades, dips, and desserts.

Website: https://essiespice.com

A Dozen Cousins (Seasoning Sauces)

From Jamaican Jerk to Peruvian Pollo a la Brasa, their line of seasoning sauces brings global flavor to everyday home cooking. (Yes — same brand, different product category.)

Website: https://adozencousins.com

Pipcorn Heirloom Snacks

Women- and minority-owned company offering mini heirloom popcorn, cheese balls, crackers, and more — featured repeatedly on Oprah’s Favorite Things.

Website: https://pipcorn.com

Sorel Liqueur

Created by Jackie Summers — America’s first licensed Black distiller — Sorel blends hibiscus, clove, ginger, and spices into a signature liqueur rooted in Afro-Caribbean tradition.

Website: https://sorelofficial.com

Maison Noir Wines

Founded by award-winning sommelier André Hueston Mack, Maison Noir offers expressive, beautifully crafted wines along with a line of graphic tees and merch.

Website: https://maisonnoirwines.com

Abisola Whiskey

A smooth blend of bourbon and malt whiskey finished through a unique triple-oak filtration process. Created by founder Abisola Abidemi to honor celebration and craft.

Website: https://abisolawhiskey.com

Grown Folks Hard Seltzer

The first Black- and woman-owned hard seltzer brand inspired by soul-food flavors like peach cobbler and ambrosia — made with real fruit juice and sold at major retailers.

Website: https://grownfolksseltzer.com

Black-owned food companies

Black-owned beverage companies

Black-owned wine and spirit companies

Entertainment

BET Awards 2026: A Celebration of Black Excellence, Legacy and the Future

The 2026 BET Awards once again proved why it remains one of the most important nights in Black entertainment. Filled with unforgettable performances, emotional tributes, and well-deserved honors, the evening celebrated the artists who continue to shape Black music, film, television, and culture.

The night’s most powerful moment belonged to Lauryn Hill, who received BET’s inaugural Living Legend Icon Award following an all-star tribute that reminded the world why her influence remains unmatched. Artists including SZA, Doechii, Nas, Doja Cat, Queen Latifah, Common, Tems, Rapsody, Lizzo, and others performed songs spanning The Score and The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, showcasing the extraordinary reach of Hill’s catalog across multiple generations. The tribute concluded with a surprise appearance by Lauryn Hill herself, who performed “Ex-Factor” before accepting the honor with a heartfelt speech about authenticity, purpose, and using music to uplift others.

Another emotional highlight came when music icon Janet Jackson presented Teyana Taylor with the Icon of the Year Award. Jackson praised Taylor’s evolution from a talented teenager into one of entertainment’s most versatile stars—a singer, actress, director, choreographer, and fashion innovator. Overcome with emotion, Taylor thanked Jackson, calling her one of her greatest inspirations and reflecting on the two decades of work that led to the career-defining moment. Taylor would leave the ceremony as one of the night’s biggest winners, earning four awards, including Best Actress, Fashion Vanguard Award, and Video Director of the Year. 

Host Druski brought his signature comedic style to the show. While some of his jokes landed and drew plenty of laughs, other moments felt uneven, making his debut as BET Awards host something of a hit-or-miss performance. Even so, his energy helped keep the show moving throughout the evening.

Other memorable moments included standout performances from Cardi B, Kehlani, Doechii, Don Toliver, T.I., and Raye, while legendary music executive Sylvia Rhone was honored with the Ultimate Icon Award for her decades of leadership and impact on the music industry. 

More than an awards show, the 2026 BET Awards served as a reminder of the richness of Black culture—honoring the pioneers who paved the way while celebrating the artists carrying that legacy into the future. It was a night that blended history, excellence, and inspiration, reminding viewers why Black creativity continues to influence the world.

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Saying Goodbye to an Icon

R.I.P. Tony Brown

April 11, 1933 – June 17, 2026

By Maurice Woodson

Some people enter your life for a brief moment and leave a lasting impression. Others quietly change the trajectory of your life without ever realizing the impact they’ve had. For me, Tony Brown was one of those people.

I first met Tony Brown around 1991 or 1992 during a visit to WBLS in New York. I was young and full of ambition, carrying copies of a small publication I had self-printed called The Black Connection. Looking back, it was probably more of a Pennysaver than a magazine. But even then, my goal was the same as it is today—to tell stories that inspired Black pride, celebrated Black excellence, and encouraged success.

When I arrived, media pioneer Percy Sutton (who later became a friend and mentor as well) was speaking with radio legend Hal Jackson and Tony Brown. Mr. Sutton introduced me, and I nervously handed Tony a copy of my publication.

He looked through it carefully before offering words I’ll never forget.

He told me it was a good start.

Then he looked at me and said, firmly, “Think bigger.”

Those two words became one of the defining moments of my career.

Before I left, he handed me his business card and told me to call him if I ever wanted to talk. To a young man who had spent years watching Tony Brown’s Journal on PBS, that invitation was almost unbelievable.

I took him up on it.

Over the years, Tony generously shared advice, encouragement, and wisdom. He challenged me to dream beyond what I thought was possible while reminding me never to lose sight of the “business” part of business.

One lesson he repeated often still echoes in my mind today:

“The color of money is green.”

He wanted Black entrepreneurs to understand that while our businesses should serve our communities, they also had to be financially sustainable. Passion alone wasn’t enough. We had to build institutions that could survive, grow, and create opportunities for others.

When I learned of Tony Brown’s passing, it hit me harder than I expected. I realized that one of the mentors who quietly helped shape my life’s journey was gone.

But his lessons remain.

Tony Brown was much more than a television host.

He was one of the most important Black journalists in American history.

As the creator and host of Tony Brown’s Journal, he transformed public television into a platform where Black America could see itself honestly represented. Airing nationally for more than three decades, the program became one of the longest-running Black public affairs television series in history. Brown interviewed presidents, civil rights leaders, scholars, business executives, entertainers, educators, and everyday citizens, tackling issues ranging from education and economics to politics, history, race, and family.

Long before diversity became a corporate buzzword, Tony Brown insisted that Black voices deserved serious, thoughtful journalism—not stereotypes or sound bites.

His interviews were probing but respectful. His reporting challenged audiences to think critically rather than simply react emotionally. Whether discussing economic empowerment, education, media representation, or Black history, he consistently pushed viewers to seek knowledge, embrace self-reliance, and demand excellence.

One of his most enduring beliefs was that information is one of the greatest forms of empowerment. As he often demonstrated through his work, an informed community is far better equipped to shape its own future than one left in the dark.

Tony Brown also understood something many still struggle to grasp today: media shapes perception. If Black people did not own media outlets and tell their own stories, someone else would—and often through a distorted lens.

That conviction helped inspire generations of Black journalists, publishers, broadcasters, and media entrepreneurs, including me.

His influence extended far beyond television.

He was an author, educator, commentator, and tireless advocate for Black economic development and educational excellence. He believed our greatest strength was not simply protesting injustice but building businesses, institutions, schools, and media capable of sustaining future generations.

Tony Brown belonged to a remarkable generation of Black broadcasters that included the late Gil Noble, whose groundbreaking program Like It Is also educated and empowered millions of viewers. Together, they represented a standard of journalism rooted in history, accountability, and a deep commitment to serving the Black community rather than chasing ratings or sensational headlines.

Today, media moves faster than ever. Stories break in seconds. Opinions often replace reporting. Algorithms frequently determine what people see before editors do. In that environment, the thoughtful, long-form journalism practiced by pioneers like Tony Brown feels increasingly rare.

His passing marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in Black journalism, but his work continues to remind us what journalism can be at its very best: truthful, courageous, educational, and accountable.

As I continue building Black Zone Magazine, I often think back to that young man carrying a small self-printed publication into WBLS.

Tony Brown saw potential where I saw uncertainty.

He challenged me to think bigger.

More than thirty years later, I hope I’m finally beginning to do just that.

Rest in peace, Mr. Brown.

Thank you for teaching all of us to be better.

Thank you for believing in me before the world knew my name.

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Politics

The Rise of Democratic Socialism

A new political movement is rapidly reshaping the Democratic Party at both the local and national levels. Democratic socialism has experienced significant growth in recent years, fueled by a new generation of leaders focused on addressing economic inequality, affordability, and the everyday challenges facing working-class Americans.

Among the movement’s most recognizable figures are New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani and Maryland Governor Wes Moore, along with a growing coalition of Black, Latino, South Asian, and other diverse progressive leaders who are redefining what Democratic politics looks like in the 21st century.

A Focus on Economic Relief

Rather than centering their campaigns on traditional political divides, many democratic socialist candidates have built their platforms around policies designed to reduce the financial burden on working families.

Key priorities include expanding rent control and rent stabilization measures, increasing publicly funded affordable housing to combat displacement and gentrification, and investing in universal child care.

The movement also advocates expanding access to public transportation through initiatives such as fare-free public bus systems, while proposing innovative ideas like city-operated grocery stores designed to increase access to affordable food in underserved communities.

Economic reform is another central pillar. Democratic socialists argue that more public investment should be directed toward worker-owned cooperatives, community land trusts, and stronger social safety net programs rather than policies that primarily benefit large corporations.

Building a Broad Coalition

One of the movement’s most significant developments has been its ability to attract support across racial, ethnic, and generational lines.

Contrary to long-held assumptions that socialist politics primarily appealed to affluent, white progressives, recent elections have demonstrated growing support among diverse working-class communities. Black, Latino, South Asian, and younger leaders have emerged as many of the movement’s most visible voices, helping build broad coalitions in cities and communities across the country.

Polling has also reflected this momentum. Democratic socialism currently enjoys higher favorability among Democratic voters than the congressional Democratic establishment, highlighting the growing appetite for candidates advocating more expansive government investment in housing, education, transportation, and economic opportunity.

From Grassroots Movement to Electoral Force

Much of this growth has been supported by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), which has evolved from a grassroots activist organization into an increasingly influential political force.

The movement has translated organizing efforts into electoral victories at multiple levels of government. The election of Zohran Mamdani as New York City’s mayor marked one of the most significant victories for democratic socialist politics in decades, demonstrating that progressive, left-wing platforms can compete successfully in one of the nation’s largest and most influential cities.

Across the country, democratic socialist and progressive candidates have increasingly challenged and, in many cases, defeated long-standing centrist Democratic incumbents. Their growing presence in city halls, state legislatures, and Congress signals a continuing shift within the Democratic Party as debates over affordability, economic justice, and public investment become increasingly central to its future.

NEWS

SPECIAL REPORT

Another Black Body Found Hanged… Making It Five in the Last 18 Months — Each Officially Ruled a Suicide or Under Investigation

It was Juneteenth—a time of celebration, family, and community, as people gathered across the country to honor the day the last known enslaved African Americans learned of their freedom. But as one celebration came to an end, tragedy unfolded.

Another Black body was found hanging from a tree.

This time it was To’nea Nicole Miller, a 27-year-old Black woman whose death has once again sparked grief, outrage, and questions from a community that has become increasingly skeptical whenever another Black person is found hanged in a public place.

The Death of Justice Kai James

Before the nation was grappling with the death of To’nea Nicole Miller, another young Black life had already become the focus of growing concern.

Justice Kai James, a 21-year-old student at the Turner Job Corps Center in Albany, Georgia, was found hanged outside the campus cafeteria on a Sunday evening. He was transported to Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The Albany Police Department has classified the case as a suspicious death and, together with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death. Authorities have not officially ruled the death a suicide, and Albany Police Chief Michael Persley has emphasized that final conclusions are pending the medical examiner’s findings while urging the public not to rely on unverified online speculation.

Justice’s family, however, says they have serious questions. Family members and fellow students point to the fact that James had reportedly dislocated his shoulder earlier that same day, raising concerns about whether he would have been physically capable of hanging himself without assistance. They are calling for transparency and a thorough investigation so they can understand exactly what happened.

The Death of To’nea Nicole Miller

On June 18, 2026, Miller’s body was discovered hanging from a tree near Gwen Cherry Park in the Gladeview/Liberty City area of Miami-Dade County, Florida. She had reportedly been living in Miami since February.

The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office indicated that the death appeared to be a suicide. However, Miller’s family, community members, and activists have challenged that conclusion, saying they want greater transparency regarding the investigation. Calls have also been made for an independent autopsy and for all available evidence to be reviewed before the case is considered closed.

For many in the Black community, the image of another Black person hanging from a tree evokes painful historical memories that make official conclusions difficult to accept without exhaustive investigation.

A Growing List of Controversial Cases

Juliana Nitza

After being reported missing in Charlotte, North Carolina, on April 28, 2026, Juliana’s body was discovered ten days later hanging from a tree near the United House of Prayer for All People on West Sugar Creek Road. Authorities ruled the death a suicide, but questions surrounding the circumstances of her disappearance and death continue to be raised by those following the case.

Demartravion “Trey” Reed

On September 15, 2025, 21-year-old college student Demartravion “Trey” Reed was found hanging from a tree near the pickleball courts on the campus of Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi.

Authorities ruled his death a suicide. Nevertheless, the circumstances surrounding the case generated concern among family members and many within the community, who sought additional answers.

Ashly Robinson

The death of Ashly Robinson, a 31-year-old Black woman from the United States, occurred while she was vacationing in Zanzibar, Tanzania, with her fiancé, cryptocurrency executive Joseph “Joe” McCann.

The couple had become engaged only days earlier while celebrating Robinson’s birthday. According to hotel staff, they later became involved in several heated arguments that resulted in management separating them into different villas.

Hours later, Robinson was found unresponsive in a closet with a belt around her neck. She died the following day at a local hospital.

Tanzanian authorities officially ruled her death a suicide by strangulation and suffocation. McCann was briefly detained, and his passport was temporarily withheld before he was released without criminal charges.

Robinson’s family has publicly rejected the suicide ruling. They have stated she was excited about her future, questioned why they were not notified for approximately eleven hours after she was hospitalized, and have called for greater transparency, including access to hotel surveillance footage.

A Community Asking Difficult Questions

Over the past decade, an increasing number of Black men, women, and even children have been found deceased in wooded areas, lakes, ponds, or hanging from trees and other public locations. Many of these deaths have been ruled suicides or remain under investigation, while families and community members continue to question the official explanations and call for independent reviews.

For many African Americans, these cases cannot be viewed without remembering the nation’s long history of racial terror. Between the late nineteenth and mid-twentieth centuries, thousands of Black Americans were lynched—many by hanging from trees in public spaces intended to terrorize entire communities.

As each new case emerges, many people are asking the same question: Why are so many Black people being found hanged in public spaces?

Families involved in these cases frequently say they are left with unanswered questions, inconsistencies, or investigative gaps that make them doubt the official explanations. Those concerns have fueled repeated calls for independent autopsies, greater transparency, and more comprehensive investigations whenever these tragedies occur.

Whether these deaths are unrelated individual tragedies or whether some deserve additional scrutiny remains a matter of ongoing public debate. What is clear is that every family deserves a complete, transparent, and unbiased investigation.

Until then, each new case will continue to raise difficult questions and reopen painful historical wounds that many Americans believe have never fully healed.

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Editor-in-Chief: Maurice Woodson

Contributing writers: Sean Henderson, Harold Bell, Dr Stephen G. Hall

Art Director: M.S. Woodson

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