Misty Copeland's new foundation focuses on diversity, equity in dance

The first initiative of ballerina Misty Copeland's new foundation is called BE BOLD. It is a free 12-week afterschool program for children ages 8 to 10 in the Bronx. Copeland explains the goal of her foundation to FOX 5 NY.

James Earl Jones Theatre unveiled on Broadway

The newly restored Cort Theatre on Broadway has been renamed after James Earl Jones, becoming the second Broadway theater named after a Black artist. Jones, 91, did not attend Monday's ceremony.

Montana permanently blocks trans people from changing gender on birth certificates

Montana birth certificates will no longer record the category of "gender" on birth certificates, replacing it with a listing for "sex" - either male or female - that is described as "immutable."

Ruby Bridges: Black woman who integrated Southern school writes children’s book

“I Am Ruby Bridges” hits stores Tuesday and tells the story of Ruby Bridges, who was six years old when she was one of three Black students to attend all-white schools in New Orleans in 1960.

Jordan Barrow becomes first black actor to play Boq in 'Wicked'

Barrow, a native of Mount Olive, New Jersey, is the first black actor in North America to play the role of Boq, a munchkin, in the mega Broadway hit "Wicked."

Supreme Court rulings protecting same-sex relationships could face challenge

Justice Clarence Thomas said that the Supreme Court should reconsider rulings that legalized same-sex marriage and protected same-sex relationships and contraception in his concurring opinion in favor of Mississippi in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health. This decision overturned the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade abortion ruling which legalized abortion nationwide. 

Women training to become barbers

More women are becoming barbers, a job traditionally held by men. The International Barber and Beauty Institute on Long Island says about half the students in the barber license class are women.

Texas shop owner accused of hate crime after confronting LGBTQ couple

During a rant, the visibly intoxicated woman calls the couple a "disgrace to America” and proclaims “Republican all the way, baby!”

Emmett Till murder: Grand jury declines to indict woman whose accusation incited Black teen's lynching

A grand jury in Mississippi has declined to indict the white woman whose accusation set off the lynching of Black teenager Emmett Till nearly 70 years ago, despite revelations about an unserved arrest warrant and a newly revealed memoir by the woman, a prosecutor said Tuesday.

Jackie Robinson Museum set to finally open in New York

After 14 years of planning and fundraising through delays, the Jackie Robinson Museum is finally ready to open in New York City.

'We won't accept that': Family seen in viral Sesame Place video accuses park of discrimination

A family accusing Sesame Place of discrimination spoke publicly at a press conference in New York and called for the firing of the employee seen in the viral video with the two girls. 

Sesame Place facing discrimination complaints as more videos are shared

After a video showing two children being seemingly ignored by a character at Sesame Place went viral, more videos are surfacing, sparking discrimination allegations against the Pennsylvania theme park. 

Prince Harry warns of 'global assault on democracy'

In a keynote and often personal speech to the U.N. General Assembly's annual celebration of Nelson Mandela International Day, Britain's Prince Harry movingly cited the inspiration of the anti-apartheid leader on his own life and his memories of his late mother, Princess Diana.

US soprano, offended by blackface, pulls out of Italy opera

Angel Blue posted a note on Instagram saying she will be bowing out of “La Traviata” because the theater recently mounted another opera with performers in blackface.