Kenya Vaughn

When Ron Himes walked into the 53rd annual AUDELCO Awards—the nation’s premiere celebration of Black theater—he felt something he didn’t expect. A jolt hit him when his name was called as a Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. The founder and producing director of The St. Louis Black Repertory Company says the moment was “humbling, exhilarating, and […]

The St. Louis Black Repertory Company is bringing a powerful fusion of movement, music, and poetry to the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center this weekend by way of  a legendary force in dance. On November 21 and 22, the Dianne McIntyre Group will present “In the Same Tongue” as part of The Black Rep’s 49th Season […]

The St. Louis chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists celebrated excellence, legacy and the power of Black storytelling at its 12th Annual Living Legends Honors on Nov. 15 at Saint Louis University’s Il Monastero Banquet Center. NABJ-St. Louis this year honored Gloria Ross, a veteran public relations professional; Mike Claiborne, a St. Louis […]

When John Legend released his debut studio album “Get Lifted” during the last week of December of 2004, he did the impossible. With singles like “Used to Love U” and the pop-crossover ballad “Ordinary People,” Legend managed to loosen the grip Usher had on the male R&B lane — a reign that stretched from the […]

Calling Robert Townsend an actor, director, producer, and writer is accurate. But it doesn’t feel like enough. “Cultural architect” seems more fitting — because few figures in Black entertainment history have shaped the landscape as deeply and quietly as Townsend. He is known for classics like “Hollywood Shuffle,” “The Five Heartbeats,” “Meteor Man,” and “BAPS*.” […]

For decades, Mill Creek Valley was dismissed in headlines as a “slum.” In truth, it was a cultural and civic powerhouse—a place where jazz, blues, and ragtime thrived. Black-owned businesses, churches, schools, and social clubs also flourished there. Mainstream media criminally misrepresented Mill Creek Valley in an effort to justify the even bigger crime of […]

St. Louis has a history as a musical culture shifter. Jazz, the blues, rock and roll are just a few of the genres where artists with roots in the region have had a pivotal role in shaping sound for future generations. With “To STL With Love: A Celebration of St. Louis Hip-Hop Culture,” an exhibition […]

A week from Saturday, members of one of the most unsung professions will take their well-earned turn in the spotlight when The St. Louis American Foundation presents its annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala. For one evening, America’s Center will transform into a celebration of teaching, learning, and legacy — honoring […]

When Diana Ford, Director of Luxury Goods & Gatherings for The Vault Luxury Resale, started speaking on the hottest formal trends of 2025, this reporter instantly had a flashback to 2024.  “Pantsuits are so hot right now,” said Ford. “You can pair it with a satin blazer or some gorgeous accessories. Winter white is also […]

If James Brown was the “Godfather of Soul,” then D’Angelo was the “Godfather of Neo-Soul.” He emerged at a time when R&B was dominated by male groups, studio singers and producers running “lab-generated” hit factories. His music ushered in a new era for the genre that shifted the culture of Black Music back toward the […]