Featured picks of the week
Overlooked Black inventions in everyday life
Most people think of the light bulb, the cotton gin, or even the iPhone when it comes to pivotal inventions. However, behind numerous inventions that enhance our daily routines are the creative minds of African American inventors.
Black inventors have profoundly shaped modern life, often without due recognition. Their innovations, born from ingenuity, touch countless aspects of daily routines. However, systemic racism, including exclusion from patent systems before 1865 and limited access to capital, obscured many contributions.
The African cardinals who could become the next Pope
The question of who will succeed Pope Francis following his death on April 21, is stirring growing speculation within the Catholic Church, and the outcome could significantly shape the direction of the faith’s 1.4 billion members around the globe.
Though appointed under the same pontificate, these cardinals represent a wide spectrum of theological and ideological viewpoints, not falling neatly into “progressive” or “conservative” camps. Another historic shift: for the first time ever, European cardinals make up less than half of the voting body, opening the door to a more geographically diverse leadership.
This change has fuelled discussions about the possibility of the first African pope in over a millennium. While speculation mounts, a handful of names have emerged as potential frontrunners to succeed Francis.
Melanesians, the Black islanders with naturally blond hair
In the heart of the South Pacific lies a group of islands home to one of the world’s most genetically unique populations—Melanesians. With presence in countries like Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Fiji, these dark skinned islanders stand out for a striking reason, around 10% of them are born with blond hair and less than 1% with blue eyes.
This rare combination defies the common expectations about race and appearance, offering a fascinating insight into human genetics and the diversity of the human experience. At first glance, many assume this unique look must be the result of colonial intermixing or foreign ancestry. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Rocky Dawuni – Africa’s voice on GRAMMYs On The Hill 2025 forum
Ghanaian music icon and four-time GRAMMY nominee Rocky Dawuni featured on a speaker lineup at the 2nd Annual Future Forum on April 10, the close-out event of GRAMMYs On The Hill 2025 made up of artists, advocates, and thought-leaders.
The forum was part of GRAMMYs on the Hill’s two-day event from April 8-10, organized by the Recording Academy, held in Washington, D.C., in the United States. The annual gathering unites music creators, industry leaders, and policymakers to discuss artists’ rights and shape a thriving future for the music community.
Culture will be at the centre of Jamaica Poetry Festival 2025
Jamaica Poetry Festival (JPF) 2025 will place culture at the centre of its 15th edition, to be held at the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) on August 10. Hosted by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, it will bring the soul of Jamaica to life through poetry, music, and communal pride.
The premier cultural event which continues to grow in momentum will celebrate the “Feast of Poetree,” and the island’s literary heritage through hosting seasoned poets, spoken word artists, and poetry enthusiasts. Since its inception in 2011, JPF originally launched as the National Feast of Poetree to mark Jamaica’s 50th Independence Anniversary, has grown into a cornerstone of the island’s cultural identity.
VIDEO: Ambassador Arikana Chihombori Quao, the Activist with the voice of an African Lion
Her Excellency (HE) Ambassador Arikana Chihombori Quao MD is a medical doctor and an activist with the voice of African Lion. She is a public speaker, educator, diplomat, founder of several medical clinics, an entrepreneur and a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians.
The Activist who grew up in the village of Chivhu in Zimbabwe is noted for her outspoken stance on the implications of the Berlin Conference that took place in Berlin, Germany, in 1884 and how it continues to negatively impact Africa to date. A matter she speaks on in her numerous lectures. She seeks to reunite African states and Africans in the Diaspora.
HE Ambassador Chihombori Quao MD is seen in this late January 2020 video with storyteller and blogger Oral Ofori whom she shares some of her passion during an interview.