Mark Anthony Neal (@NewBlackMan on X)
@markanthonyneal.bsky.social
Aggregator of Black Culture. James B. Duke Distinguished Professor of African & African American Studies at Duke University. Host of the Webby-nominated Left of Black. Author of several books, including forthcoming SAVE A SEAT FOR ME (on Black Fatherhood).
Candis Watts Smith, professor of political science at Duke Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, will moderate the keynote conversation with Abby Phillip, anchor for CNN’s NewsNight, at Duke University’s annual MLK Commemoration on Sunday, Jan. 18.
today.duke.edu/2025/12/cand...
today.duke.edu/2025/12/cand...
Candis Watts Smith to Moderate Conversation with CNN Anchor Abby Phillip for 2026 MLK Commemoration | Duke Today
today.duke.edu
January 6, 2026 at 1:59 PM
Candis Watts Smith, professor of political science at Duke Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, will moderate the keynote conversation with Abby Phillip, anchor for CNN’s NewsNight, at Duke University’s annual MLK Commemoration on Sunday, Jan. 18.
today.duke.edu/2025/12/cand...
today.duke.edu/2025/12/cand...
‘This is where it all started’: Nina Simone’s childhood home gets long-awaited rehabilitation
'North Carolina home preserved to commemorate legendary musician and civil rights activist, and to serve as arts hub'
www.theguardian.com/music/2026/j...
'North Carolina home preserved to commemorate legendary musician and civil rights activist, and to serve as arts hub'
www.theguardian.com/music/2026/j...
‘This is where it all started’: Nina Simone’s childhood home gets long-awaited rehabilitation
North Carolina home preserved to commemorate legendary musician and civil rights activist, and to serve as arts hub
www.theguardian.com
January 4, 2026 at 9:36 PM
‘This is where it all started’: Nina Simone’s childhood home gets long-awaited rehabilitation
'North Carolina home preserved to commemorate legendary musician and civil rights activist, and to serve as arts hub'
www.theguardian.com/music/2026/j...
'North Carolina home preserved to commemorate legendary musician and civil rights activist, and to serve as arts hub'
www.theguardian.com/music/2026/j...
"The Jamaican patty is...a culinary avatar of New York on par with the hot dog, the pizza slice, and the bagel, those other portable totems of immigrant ingenuity and the city’s knack for making the quick address of hunger into something like a civic religion."
www.newyorker.com/culture/the-...
www.newyorker.com/culture/the-...
All Hail the Jamaican Patty
A pastry as ubiquitous in New York City as pizza or bagels is getting its turn on the higher end.
www.newyorker.com
January 4, 2026 at 8:20 PM
"The Jamaican patty is...a culinary avatar of New York on par with the hot dog, the pizza slice, and the bagel, those other portable totems of immigrant ingenuity and the city’s knack for making the quick address of hunger into something like a civic religion."
www.newyorker.com/culture/the-...
www.newyorker.com/culture/the-...
As Trump targets Black history, one Maryland ranger guards Harriet Tubman’s place in it
Mary Dennard, who has given tours of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad state park since 2017, is ‘all about inclusion’
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Mary Dennard, who has given tours of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad state park since 2017, is ‘all about inclusion’
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
As Trump targets Black history, a Maryland ranger guards Harriet Tubman’s place in it
Mary Dennard has served as a guardian of Harriet Tubman's history since the 2000s, when residents and later federal and state officials came together to develop a plan for the $21 million Harriet Tubm...
www.thebanner.com
January 3, 2026 at 7:06 PM
As Trump targets Black history, one Maryland ranger guards Harriet Tubman’s place in it
Mary Dennard, who has given tours of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad state park since 2017, is ‘all about inclusion’
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Mary Dennard, who has given tours of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad state park since 2017, is ‘all about inclusion’
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
"In When Trees Testify, plant biologist Beronda L. Montgomery explores the ways seven trees—as well as the cotton shrub—are intertwined with Black history and culture. She reveals how knowledge surrounding these trees has shaped America since the very beginning."
us.macmillan.com/books/978125...
us.macmillan.com/books/978125...
January 3, 2026 at 4:58 PM
"In When Trees Testify, plant biologist Beronda L. Montgomery explores the ways seven trees—as well as the cotton shrub—are intertwined with Black history and culture. She reveals how knowledge surrounding these trees has shaped America since the very beginning."
us.macmillan.com/books/978125...
us.macmillan.com/books/978125...
She Wanted to Improve Genetic Medicine
Brenna Henn had a long-term grant to study the genetic diversity of Africans and people of African descent. Then her N.I.H. funding was cut.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/02/s...
Brenna Henn had a long-term grant to study the genetic diversity of Africans and people of African descent. Then her N.I.H. funding was cut.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/02/s...
She Wanted to Improve Genetic Medicine
www.nytimes.com
January 3, 2026 at 2:57 AM
She Wanted to Improve Genetic Medicine
Brenna Henn had a long-term grant to study the genetic diversity of Africans and people of African descent. Then her N.I.H. funding was cut.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/02/s...
Brenna Henn had a long-term grant to study the genetic diversity of Africans and people of African descent. Then her N.I.H. funding was cut.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/02/s...
Where Can We Find Freedom and Build Community? Black Bookstores
Since 1834, Black bookstores have been spaces where Black folk can learn about and share our stories and truth.
wordinblack.com/2025/12/blac... | @wordinblacknews.bsky.social
Since 1834, Black bookstores have been spaces where Black folk can learn about and share our stories and truth.
wordinblack.com/2025/12/blac... | @wordinblacknews.bsky.social
Where to Find Freedom and Community: Black Bookstores
Since 1834, Black bookstores have provided spaces to share our stories.
wordinblack.com
January 2, 2026 at 9:46 PM
Where Can We Find Freedom and Build Community? Black Bookstores
Since 1834, Black bookstores have been spaces where Black folk can learn about and share our stories and truth.
wordinblack.com/2025/12/blac... | @wordinblacknews.bsky.social
Since 1834, Black bookstores have been spaces where Black folk can learn about and share our stories and truth.
wordinblack.com/2025/12/blac... | @wordinblacknews.bsky.social
How Tupac Came to Rest in North Carolina
How did the rapper, still omnipresent three decades after his death, come to rest in a Lumberton grave? Journalist Jeff Pearlman went down to Robeson County to find out
www.theassemblync.com/news/culture... | @theassemblync.bsky.social
How did the rapper, still omnipresent three decades after his death, come to rest in a Lumberton grave? Journalist Jeff Pearlman went down to Robeson County to find out
www.theassemblync.com/news/culture... | @theassemblync.bsky.social
How Tupac Came to Rest in North Carolina
The cremated remains of the rapper, still omnipresent three decades after his death, now lie in a Lumberton grave.
www.theassemblync.com
January 2, 2026 at 6:12 PM
How Tupac Came to Rest in North Carolina
How did the rapper, still omnipresent three decades after his death, come to rest in a Lumberton grave? Journalist Jeff Pearlman went down to Robeson County to find out
www.theassemblync.com/news/culture... | @theassemblync.bsky.social
How did the rapper, still omnipresent three decades after his death, come to rest in a Lumberton grave? Journalist Jeff Pearlman went down to Robeson County to find out
www.theassemblync.com/news/culture... | @theassemblync.bsky.social
‘The Dutchman’ Review: André Holland Is Lost in New York
The actor stars along side Kate Mara in a psychological thriller that goes deep into the Black Arts archives.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/01/m...
The actor stars along side Kate Mara in a psychological thriller that goes deep into the Black Arts archives.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/01/m...
‘The Dutchman’ Review: André Holland Is Lost in New York
www.nytimes.com
January 2, 2026 at 5:34 PM
‘The Dutchman’ Review: André Holland Is Lost in New York
The actor stars along side Kate Mara in a psychological thriller that goes deep into the Black Arts archives.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/01/m...
The actor stars along side Kate Mara in a psychological thriller that goes deep into the Black Arts archives.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/01/m...
Reposted by Mark Anthony Neal (@NewBlackMan on X)
“People are seeing themselves reflected in him and in his energy, and that’s just like medicine to them,” Mr. Eady said in an interview.
“That energy allows people to keep going forward, not to despair. I’m hoping that the poem reflects that kind of moment.”
#BlackskyNews
“That energy allows people to keep going forward, not to despair. I’m hoping that the poem reflects that kind of moment.”
#BlackskyNews
‘This Is Our Time’: Acclaimed Poet to Honor Mamdani With Inaugural Poem
Cornelius Eady, a National Book Award finalist, shared an excerpt from “Proof,” an original poem he has written for Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration as mayor of New York City.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/30/n...
Cornelius Eady, a National Book Award finalist, shared an excerpt from “Proof,” an original poem he has written for Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration as mayor of New York City.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/30/n...
‘This Is Our Time’: Acclaimed Poet to Honor Mamdani With Inaugural Poem
www.nytimes.com
December 31, 2025 at 3:52 PM
“People are seeing themselves reflected in him and in his energy, and that’s just like medicine to them,” Mr. Eady said in an interview.
“That energy allows people to keep going forward, not to despair. I’m hoping that the poem reflects that kind of moment.”
#BlackskyNews
“That energy allows people to keep going forward, not to despair. I’m hoping that the poem reflects that kind of moment.”
#BlackskyNews
"But intellect is multifaceted. LeBron is intuitive smart, fact-finding smart, observant smart, strategic smart, focused smart. “His discipline, as far as his work ethic, is unmatched,” said Patty Burdon..."
wapo.st/4pZ2Vsq
wapo.st/4pZ2Vsq
Opinion | The intellect of LeBron James
As the NBA great nears retirement he shows how the mind works.
wapo.st
December 31, 2025 at 4:04 PM
"But intellect is multifaceted. LeBron is intuitive smart, fact-finding smart, observant smart, strategic smart, focused smart. “His discipline, as far as his work ethic, is unmatched,” said Patty Burdon..."
wapo.st/4pZ2Vsq
wapo.st/4pZ2Vsq
‘This Is Our Time’: Acclaimed Poet to Honor Mamdani With Inaugural Poem
Cornelius Eady, a National Book Award finalist, shared an excerpt from “Proof,” an original poem he has written for Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration as mayor of New York City.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/30/n...
Cornelius Eady, a National Book Award finalist, shared an excerpt from “Proof,” an original poem he has written for Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration as mayor of New York City.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/30/n...
‘This Is Our Time’: Acclaimed Poet to Honor Mamdani With Inaugural Poem
www.nytimes.com
December 31, 2025 at 2:55 PM
‘This Is Our Time’: Acclaimed Poet to Honor Mamdani With Inaugural Poem
Cornelius Eady, a National Book Award finalist, shared an excerpt from “Proof,” an original poem he has written for Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration as mayor of New York City.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/30/n...
Cornelius Eady, a National Book Award finalist, shared an excerpt from “Proof,” an original poem he has written for Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration as mayor of New York City.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/30/n...
Carmen de Lavallade, Dancer Whose Career Spanned the Arts, Dies at 94
Over six decades she worked in theater, opera, film and television alongside luminaries like Alvin Ailey, Lena Horne, Agnes de Mille and Harry Belafonte
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/30/a...
Over six decades she worked in theater, opera, film and television alongside luminaries like Alvin Ailey, Lena Horne, Agnes de Mille and Harry Belafonte
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/30/a...
Carmen de Lavallade, Dancer Whose Career Spanned the Arts, Dies at 94
www.nytimes.com
December 31, 2025 at 3:25 AM
Carmen de Lavallade, Dancer Whose Career Spanned the Arts, Dies at 94
Over six decades she worked in theater, opera, film and television alongside luminaries like Alvin Ailey, Lena Horne, Agnes de Mille and Harry Belafonte
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/30/a...
Over six decades she worked in theater, opera, film and television alongside luminaries like Alvin Ailey, Lena Horne, Agnes de Mille and Harry Belafonte
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/30/a...
When Sammy Davis Jr. Knocked Out Broadway
The entertainer, who would have turned 100 this month, reinvented himself by starring in the musical version of Clifford Odets’s prizefighting drama “Golden Boy.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/30/t...
The entertainer, who would have turned 100 this month, reinvented himself by starring in the musical version of Clifford Odets’s prizefighting drama “Golden Boy.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/30/t...
When Sammy Davis Jr. Knocked Out Broadway
www.nytimes.com
December 31, 2025 at 2:08 AM
When Sammy Davis Jr. Knocked Out Broadway
The entertainer, who would have turned 100 this month, reinvented himself by starring in the musical version of Clifford Odets’s prizefighting drama “Golden Boy.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/30/t...
The entertainer, who would have turned 100 this month, reinvented himself by starring in the musical version of Clifford Odets’s prizefighting drama “Golden Boy.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/30/t...
A year later, Altadena fire survivors confront hard choices about housing
Sell, rebuild or just wait? The residents of West Las Flores Drive embody the many different ways people say they are recovering from the catastrophe.
wapo.st/3MZF7pQ
Sell, rebuild or just wait? The residents of West Las Flores Drive embody the many different ways people say they are recovering from the catastrophe.
wapo.st/3MZF7pQ
A year later, Altadena fire survivors confront hard choices about housing
One year after the Altadena fire destroyed nearly 6,000 homes, survivors of the catastrophe are dealing with recovery in myriad ways.
wapo.st
December 30, 2025 at 10:50 PM
A year later, Altadena fire survivors confront hard choices about housing
Sell, rebuild or just wait? The residents of West Las Flores Drive embody the many different ways people say they are recovering from the catastrophe.
wapo.st/3MZF7pQ
Sell, rebuild or just wait? The residents of West Las Flores Drive embody the many different ways people say they are recovering from the catastrophe.
wapo.st/3MZF7pQ
“Once Upon a Time in Harlem” Is a Film for the Ages
William Greaves’s great historical documentary, centered on a 1972 reunion of Harlem Renaissance luminaries, is still awaiting completion.
www.newyorker.com/culture/the-...
William Greaves’s great historical documentary, centered on a 1972 reunion of Harlem Renaissance luminaries, is still awaiting completion.
www.newyorker.com/culture/the-...
“Once Upon a Time in Harlem” Is a Film for the Ages
William Greaves’s great historical documentary, centered on a 1972 reunion of Harlem Renaissance luminaries, is still awaiting completion.
www.newyorker.com
December 30, 2025 at 10:49 PM
“Once Upon a Time in Harlem” Is a Film for the Ages
William Greaves’s great historical documentary, centered on a 1972 reunion of Harlem Renaissance luminaries, is still awaiting completion.
www.newyorker.com/culture/the-...
William Greaves’s great historical documentary, centered on a 1972 reunion of Harlem Renaissance luminaries, is still awaiting completion.
www.newyorker.com/culture/the-...
'#RichardSmallwood's "Total Praise" serves as great example of how Gospel music continues to evolve with modern audiences, reconnecting with the classics, and creating new masterpieces.'
#PBSGospel with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByQ-...
#PBSGospel with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByQ-...
Modern Gospel and Richard Smallwood's "Total Praise" | GOSPEL with Prof. Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
YouTube video by PBS
www.youtube.com
December 30, 2025 at 6:29 PM
'#RichardSmallwood's "Total Praise" serves as great example of how Gospel music continues to evolve with modern audiences, reconnecting with the classics, and creating new masterpieces.'
#PBSGospel with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByQ-...
#PBSGospel with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByQ-...
"A poignant, revelatory memoir from acclaimed novelist and actor Denise Nicholas that offers an episodic exploration of her multifaceted life, delving intimately into themes of artistic self-invention, race, and grief." -- @agatepublishing.bsky.social
www.agatepublishing.com/978157284353...
www.agatepublishing.com/978157284353...
December 28, 2025 at 9:48 PM
"A poignant, revelatory memoir from acclaimed novelist and actor Denise Nicholas that offers an episodic exploration of her multifaceted life, delving intimately into themes of artistic self-invention, race, and grief." -- @agatepublishing.bsky.social
www.agatepublishing.com/978157284353...
www.agatepublishing.com/978157284353...
Thelma Golden on the Literature of Harlem
The director of the Studio Museum chooses some of her most beloved books about the neighborhood—both as a place and as an anchor for Black cultural consciousness.
www.newyorker.com/books/book-c... | @newyorker.com
The director of the Studio Museum chooses some of her most beloved books about the neighborhood—both as a place and as an anchor for Black cultural consciousness.
www.newyorker.com/books/book-c... | @newyorker.com
Thelma Golden on the Literature of Harlem
The director of the Studio Museum chooses some of her most beloved books about the neighborhood—both as a place and as an anchor for Black cultural consciousness.
www.newyorker.com
December 28, 2025 at 12:26 AM
Thelma Golden on the Literature of Harlem
The director of the Studio Museum chooses some of her most beloved books about the neighborhood—both as a place and as an anchor for Black cultural consciousness.
www.newyorker.com/books/book-c... | @newyorker.com
The director of the Studio Museum chooses some of her most beloved books about the neighborhood—both as a place and as an anchor for Black cultural consciousness.
www.newyorker.com/books/book-c... | @newyorker.com
"While sociologists were debating "the marriage gap" and declining rates of marriage for Black women, McMillan's characters were commiserating, exploring their options, cracking jokes, and braving the messy realities of life..."
www.npr.org/2025/12/24/n...
www.npr.org/2025/12/24/n...
30 years ago, 'Waiting to Exhale' was the blockbuster Hollywood didn't anticipate
The 1995 adaptation of Terry McMillan's novel celebrated the beauty of Black sisterhood.
www.npr.org
December 27, 2025 at 8:57 PM
"While sociologists were debating "the marriage gap" and declining rates of marriage for Black women, McMillan's characters were commiserating, exploring their options, cracking jokes, and braving the messy realities of life..."
www.npr.org/2025/12/24/n...
www.npr.org/2025/12/24/n...
'The Hayti Heritage Center stands as one of Durham’s most powerful symbols of Black history, creativity, and resilience. Kenia Caze Thompson sits down with Monét Marshall, an artist and one of the center’s board members, and historian Andre Vann.'
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jo63...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jo63...
The Return of Hayti | Black Issues Forum
YouTube video by PBS North Carolina
www.youtube.com
December 27, 2025 at 2:02 PM
'The Hayti Heritage Center stands as one of Durham’s most powerful symbols of Black history, creativity, and resilience. Kenia Caze Thompson sits down with Monét Marshall, an artist and one of the center’s board members, and historian Andre Vann.'
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jo63...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jo63...
'A Baltimore-based organization called “We Do It 4 the Culture” is using hip-hop and storytelling to help students learn empathy and express themselves. Ali Rogin speaks with founder Jamila Sams to learn more.'
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ogh1...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ogh1...
How a school program from Baltimore is using hip-hop to teach social-emotional skills
YouTube video by PBS NewsHour
www.youtube.com
December 26, 2025 at 10:51 PM
'A Baltimore-based organization called “We Do It 4 the Culture” is using hip-hop and storytelling to help students learn empathy and express themselves. Ali Rogin speaks with founder Jamila Sams to learn more.'
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ogh1...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ogh1...
now streaming on @criterionchannl.bsky.social
‘Will’ Review: Heartache and Hope in Harlem
In Jessie Maple’s restored 1981 drama, one of the first feature-length films by a Black woman, a heroin addict mentors a young boy and tries to find his footing.
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/12/m...
‘Will’ Review: Heartache and Hope in Harlem
In Jessie Maple’s restored 1981 drama, one of the first feature-length films by a Black woman, a heroin addict mentors a young boy and tries to find his footing.
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/12/m...
‘Will’ Review: Heartache and Hope in Harlem
www.nytimes.com
December 26, 2025 at 6:59 PM
now streaming on @criterionchannl.bsky.social
‘Will’ Review: Heartache and Hope in Harlem
In Jessie Maple’s restored 1981 drama, one of the first feature-length films by a Black woman, a heroin addict mentors a young boy and tries to find his footing.
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/12/m...
‘Will’ Review: Heartache and Hope in Harlem
In Jessie Maple’s restored 1981 drama, one of the first feature-length films by a Black woman, a heroin addict mentors a young boy and tries to find his footing.
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/12/m...