Entertainment

OWN’s Got Plenty Good Loving on Friday Nights With New Season of ‘Black Love’

OWN’s popular series, now in its fifth season, takes viewers inside the joys and challenges of married couples. From co-creators Codie and Tommy Oliver, the famed husband-and-wife filmmakers have a sure hit on their hands with this four-time NAACP nominated docu-series.

Published

5 years ago

June 4, 2021

Christy Price

Keith David and Dionne Lea Williams

A riveting collection of relationship chronicles will have you tuning in every Friday night to glean lessons learned and lived experiences of celebrities and everyday people on “Black Love.”

“Black Love” is a veritable bounty of romantic perspectives from the Black community. A perennial favorite, “Black Love” was ranked No. 1 in its time slot across all cable with African American women age 25-54. The ground-breaking expose airs 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

The hour-long weekly snapshot posits itself as a presentation of real, honest, emotional, and transparent love stories.

The new season features Chance and Tabitha Brown, R&B singer Kenny Lattimore and Judge Faith Jenkins; Grammy-winner Ledisi and husband Ron Young; singer/songwriter Tank and Zena Foster; “Greenleaf” actor Keith David and his wife Dionne; stylist Jason Bolden and interior designer Adair Curtis, plus others who will discuss topics from navigating finances, religious differences, parenting and the unexpected twists that are part of every couples’ journey.

Personally, “Black Love” is one of my favorite shows on television. I spoke with Season 5 cast members Keith David and his wife of 20 years, Dionne Lea Williams, about the back story of their love story.

David and Williams describe their relationship this way–

We protect our marriage, as much as we can, from the scrutiny of outsiders. We avoid negative feedback because we’re trying to do something positive for ourselves, for our family, and for younger couples who need to see longevity in marriage. It’s also about acceptance of each other and the things that make you, you. Sure, there are little annoyances, but are you going to nitpick all the time? Are you going to pick each other apart over the little things? The answer is, ‘No.’ It’s about acceptance.

Regarding the impact COVID19 had on the marriage, the couple articulated challenges of being in each other’s presence for extended periods, which was quite an adjustment.

David describes himself as a workaholic, working mostly away from home for the last 15 years. Williams said, “I had to get used to him being home. … Keith has a large personality and takes up the space in a room. I, on the other hand, like quiet. He’s a star and used to people doing everything for him. When he’s home, I expect him to help out around the house.”

They confess that their three children help to balance the family household dynamics. “They keep us accountable and we are dedicated to keeping our family together.”

Each episode seeks to answer the burning question, “What does it take to make a marriage work?” Here’s a clip from the show.

Christy Price

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Business

21st Annual Taste of Soul: California’s Largest Black Street Festival Comes Alive With Culture, Music and Connections

The 21st annual Taste of Soul Family Festival drew over 300,000 attendees to South Los Angeles for a massive celebration of Black culture, food, and music. Spanning the Crenshaw Boulevard corridor, the free event featured roughly 350 vendors, offering everything from Southern cuisine to professional health services and job recruitment opportunities. While headlining musical acts performed across three stages, the festival also served as a vital platform for small business entrepreneurs to reach a vast audience. Organizers are now addressing reports regarding several incidents that occurred during the festivities. Read more.

Published

6 hours ago

November 3, 2026

Post News Group

INSIDE Danny Bakewell Sr. (left) and Pamela Bakewell (right), longtime community leaders and organizers of the Taste of Soul Family Festival in Los Angeles.

The 21st annual Taste of Soul Family Festival brought hundreds of thousands to Crenshaw Boulevard in South Los Angeles on Oct. 17 for food, music and a celebration of Black culture. Visitors could shop with small businesses, enjoy live music performances, speak with health professionals and learn about job opportunities.

Presented by Bakewell Media and the Los Angeles Sentinel, the free festival stretched along the corridor from Stocker Street to Obama Boulevard. The Sentinel estimated attendance at more than 300,000. The day also marked founder Danny J. Bakewell Sr.’s 80th birthday.

“We call it a party with a purpose,” Pam Bakewell, the founder’s sister and a longtime festival organizer, told California Black Media (CBM).

The enticing aromas of barbecue, fried chicken and catfish filled the air as food vendors served up a tempting array of Southern favorites, including cobbler and other desserts. Vendors also offered clothing, jewelry, books and beauty products. About 350 vendors and sponsors participated, including approximately 80 food vendors, Bakewell said. Businesses came from across Southern California and as far away as Chicago and Atlanta.

“In one day, an entrepreneur has the opportunity to showcase their business to hundreds of thousands of people,” Danny J. Bakewell Jr., president of the Sentinel.

Chase offered vendors training in marketing and financial management, followed by a reception.

Experienced vendors also helped newcomers. Pam Bakewell cited Cobbler King, a longtime participant who shares lessons from his early festivals about preparing for crowds and building a business.

“We want everybody to be successful,” she said. “We can’t guarantee that, but we give you the crowd.”

Kaiser Permanente served as the festival’s main medical provider. St. John’s Community Health sponsored Children’s World, where children played games while families received preventive care and information about follow-up services.

St. John’s provided flu shots, fluoride treatments for children and clinic sign-ups for physical examinations. It also reported distributing more than 10,400 bags of diapers.

CBM hosted a booth as part of its California Black Health Journalism Project, a yearlong, solutions-oriented reporting initiative to advance health equity for Black Californians.

Dr. Deidra Beckles, who practices family and internal medicine, and Adriana Westby-Trent, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist, held “Ask the Doc” conversations. Both are with Divinely Restored Health & Wellness. The booth drew steady traffic as they answered attendees’ health questions. Visitors received a “Your Wellness Matters” T-shirt.

The Sentinel promoted a developing jobs platform, inviting attendees to post resumes and connect with employers. Bakewell said about 350 people signed up along the boulevard.

Three stages offered music for different generations. The Bakewell Media Sounds of the Soul Stage featured Thelma Houston, Switch and headliner Midnight Star. Tony Cornelius, son of “Soul Train” creator Don Cornelius, introduced Midnight Star and appeared with eight veteran dancers from the television show.

The Radio Free KJLH Music Stage featured Lucky Daye, Alex Isley, Allen Stone and Terisa Griffin. On the Brenda Marsh-Mitchell Gospel Stage, MAJOR. served as host and performer. The lineup included Deitrick Haddon, local choirs and a youth performing arts ensemble.

During the festivities, ABC7 reported two stabbings and an hours long Los Angeles Police Department citywide tactical alert.

Pam Bakewell said police told organizers the incidents occurred outside the festival boundaries. She said organizers are reviewing safety measures with security personnel and police.