Black Restaurant Week celebrates 10 years
Every year when Black Restaurant Week rolls around, I know one thing is for sure: I’m going to be outside enjoying some great cuisine and my dollars will be put to good use. This is the 10th anniversary of Houston’s Black Restaurant Week. What started with a handful of restaurants has now expanded across the state, creating opportunities for Black-owned eateries to thrive. Given how tough the restaurant industry has been since the pandemic, the affordable marketing and PR support provided by Black Restaurant Week is not just helpful; it’s essential.
I love seeing businesses get the recognition they deserve while serving up everything from soul food classics to Afro-Caribbean fusion. Sure, I could cook at home, but let’s be real—I’m taking full advantage of this celebration. Supporting these restaurants isn’t just about the food; it’s about sustaining Black entrepreneurship and keeping our culture alive through cuisine.
Erykah Badu’s long-awaited return to music
“You better call Tyrone” because Erykah Badu has some great news for her fans. The Texas-born singer hasn’t dropped an album in 15 years, but I’m glad she is making a return. In a music industry that prioritizes virality over longevity, Badu has remained a force. And her collaborations with hip-hop producer The Alchemist on this new album promise something soulful and unexpected, and I’m here for it. And in good old Badu fashion, she will be making a statement. Badu is one of those artists whose music isn’t just sound—it’s a whole experience. From “Baduizm” to “New Amerykah Part Two,” she’s given us timeless work, and I have no doubt this next album will be the same.
Amber Ruffin and the White House Correspondents’ Association Weak Move
The White House Correspondents’ Association canceling comedian Amber Ruffin’s performance is yet another example of the Trump administration’s fragile ego at work. Ruffin, a sharp and hilarious commentator, was deemed too critical of the president—so they axed her. And that was a completely childish move. The whole point of this dinner has always been to mix journalism and comedy, poking fun at the political chaos of the moment. But this move shows how deeply the Trump administration fears being held accountable—even through satire. It’s a dangerous precedent to set, and it exposes the hypocrisy of an administration that dishes out attacks but can’t take a joke. Censorship, even in the form of scrapping a comedy act, is a slippery slope. This isn’t just about Ruffin—it’s about suppressing voices that challenge power. And that, more than anything, is truly unfunny.
