FROM 6 P.M. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, TO 6 P.M. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 AT CENTRAL AVENUE AND SOUTH 10TH STREET IN THE WEST WARD

Annual event uses hip hop culture to engage Newark community

Newark, NJ – August 29, 2025 — Mayor Ras J. Baraka will host the annual 24 Hrs. of Peace event, starting Friday, September 5, at 6 p.m., and continuing to Saturday, September 6, at 6 p.m., at South 10th Street and Central Avenue in the West Ward.

The 24 Hrs. of Peace event uses the hip hop culture to engage the community and have meaningful dialogue centered on nonviolence and conflict resolution. The event is free and open to the public

MEDIA NOTE: Media attending the event must RSVP in advance, as passes are limited. Please e-mail press pass requests to communication@ci.newark.nj.us.

“Non-violence and peace are critical elements of city life that can always be plumbed to deeper levels, every day, in every neighborhood. In Newark, we continue our mission of violence prevention, never resting on the laurels of having reduced violence to levels not seen in generations,” said Mayor Baraka. “This annual 24-hour event merges Newark’s vibe with the vibrations of hip hop, creating a synergy that yields powerful transformation and celebration. It is a highlight in our year’s long, daily efforts toward harmony and care for one another.”

Headline entertainers scheduled to perform include Kool G Rap, Jacquees, RL, Case, DaBaby Jadakiss, Scarlip, 41, DJ Lil Man and DJ Taj and Friends.

Mayor Baraka founded 24 Hrs. of Peace 15 years ago when he was council member for the South Ward, and made it a citywide event when he was elected mayor. The annual event advocates violence-free neighborhoods and promotes community building for parents, children, artists, business owners, and faith and community-based organizations. The festival offers the city a direct channel to engage with residents and connect them with the resources they need.

“For me, music is the most powerful art form for uniting people’s hearts, building community, and creating shared joy and trust. It can bathe us in an energy of resilience and renewal. And that’s why 24 Hrs. of Peace is such an important element in Newark’s data-based, multi-pronged, systematic approach to reducing violence and recovering from generations of trauma,” said Amiri Baraka, Jr., Newark’s Chief of Staff and event co-founder. “During these 24 hours, we harness the expression of hip hop as a vehicle for dialog about harm, hurt, healing and harmony. We infuse these 24 hours with positivity, and draw larger crowds each year.”

The 24 Hrs. of Peace event is the finale of Newark’s Peace Week, offering a wide range of activities that unite the city around a focus on unity and caring for each other.

“Peace Week is more than a series of events — it’s a movement to transform Newark by creating safe spaces, building unity, and strengthening our community,” said Brick City Peace Collective Director Jessiah Paul. “Through initiatives like the Mayor’s Family Meeting, Ride 4 Peace, the Senior Health Village, our Self-Defense Seminar and other activities leading up to the 24 Hrs. of Peace, we’re bringing residents, partners, and city leaders together with one shared goal: reducing violence through awareness, empowerment, and connection.

When we come together, we shift the culture from conflict to collaboration, from fear to safety, and from isolation to healing.

The 24 Hrs. of Peace represents the culmination of this collective effort — a celebration of love, music, and community resilience, showing the world that Newark is leading the way in redefining public safety and unity.”

Since taking office in 2014, Mayor Baraka has made crime and violence reduction a high priority by addressing it as a public health issue. The administration’s innovating steps have included Community Street Teams, the Newark Anti-Violence Coalition, My Brother’s Keeper, and the creation of the Shani Baraka Women’s Center, which provides a wide range of services for women and families in crisis, ranging from victim support, to career counseling, to artistic therapy.

A major initiative under the Baraka administration has been the creation of the Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery (OVPTR), which addresses both crime’s causes and its impact in a holistic manner, uniting private and public agencies at the personal and community levels. OVPTR provides treatment for the entire person, including such factors as family issues, addictions, education, societal and cultural norms, and neighborhood dynamics.

“24 Hrs. of Peace is not just an event, it is a sacred space where our entire city comes together to pause, to heal, and to stand as one,” said Deputy Mayor of Public Safety LaKeesha Eure. “In Newark, we know that peace cannot be achieved in isolation; it requires the presence, the voice, and the commitment of all of us…families, youth, elders, leaders, and neighbors. This citywide gathering is a reminder that violence does not define who we are, but our unity, resilience, continued work and investment in community and love for one another do. When we choose peace for 24 hours, we plant seeds that ripple far beyond a day – we create a vision of the City of Newark our children and the entire world deserve to see every single day.”

The result of the city’s public safety ecosystem which includes OVPTR and the Department of Public Safety, have reduced homicides in Newark by more than 60 percent under the Baraka administration, and gained the city national recognition for violence reduction by former President Barack Obama.

“The Office of Violence Prevention & Trauma Recovery, is excited to once again co-sponsor this year’s 24 Hrs. of Peace concert, a tradition of healing and unity for Newark,” said OVPTR Director Kyleesha Wingfield-Hill. “Beyond celebration, the event connects residents with critical community resources and provides on-site support to ensure residents have immediate access to services that promote their safety in a real way.”

Last year’s event was designed to uplift and empower women by featuring female performers, and included Mýa, Rah Digga, Lady Luck, Lola Brooke, Leah Jenea, Yo-Yo, Nikki D, Roxanne Shanté, Justina Valentine, The Lady of Rage, Lady London, Sunshine Anderson, Asian Doll, Juciiy 2xs and Monie Love. The 2023 event was headlined by Ghostface Killah, Redman, Milk Dee, AZ and Lil Mo. The 2022 co-host was Newark native and multi-hyphenate entertainment legend Queen Latifah and the musical headliner was Faith Evans, a graduate of University High School.

The event has launched much local talent to stardom including singer/songwriter/actress Leah Jene, K’Lynn Jackman, who went on to star in Broadway’s “The Lion King,” and child motivational speaker King Nahh, whose father, worldwide entertainer consultant Dash Hudson appeared at last year’s event.

Chief of Staff Baraka, Jr. and hip-hop artist Hakim Green, co-founder of 24 Hrs. of Peace are once again cohosting this year’s annual event and are proud to feature hometown spoken word poets, performing ensembles, and DJs as part of the star-studded lineup.

“This year’s 24 Hrs. of Peace is the most important to date. Thanks to Mayor Baraka, every year gets bigger and better – but considering the current times we’re facing, a call topeace is needed more than ever,” said Mr. Green. “We’re getting so much love for this year’s lineup that includes Kool G Rap, Jacquees, DaBaby and Jadakiss. I’m extremely excited about this year’s 24 Hrs. of Peace!”

Beginning 15 years ago with a small stage towed into an open space – with lights powered by a car battery – 24 Hrs. of Peace will attract thousands of residents this year, as well as enable sellout sales to retail and food vendors. City departments will be on hand throughout to distribute information about critical resources, services and programs.

̶ NEWARK ̶

For more information on the City of Newark, please visit our website at www.newarknj.gov

Follow us on X: https://x.com/cityofnewarknj

RETV rushed down to Atlantic City to cover Reggae royalty and Music Geniuses from a long blood line of insanely talented artists seeded by the Great Bob Marley.

Brothers, Damian JR. GONG and Stephen Marley’s “TRAFFIC JAM 2025” Tour presented itself to die hard fans and a packed house at Ocean Casino in Atlantic City.

We witness the finest musicians, Reggae Emcees and singers, and a spiritual uplift that cannot be relayed to you in a print format. You will have to attend a show to fully benefit from the gift that these legendary artists share.

The sold out crowd was treated with 3 hours of non stop precision including hit song after hit, sharp background vocals reminiscent of The Wailers, supreme musicianship displaying soul invading baselines, Drums, Keyboards and strings. And of course the vocals were crisp, flawless and contextually uplifting.

Damian is definitely one of the greatest Reggae Artist of all time but his microphone skills and lyrical style can easily cross over to the Greatest Hip Hop Emcees list. Now let that sink in!

Meanwhile Stephen is not far behind. On this tour, They trade off their strong suits. Stephen does most of the singing while Damian destroys the mic with perfectly timed word play and delivery.

Their special guest featured Damian’s son – Christian Marley. In true Marley form Christian stepped on stage with the confidence and family gifts which enables him to perform stress free and a high skill level. Truly a beautiful sight to see and experience.

Established Jamaican-born dancehall singer, Baby Cham performs hits from his new Album “SHERLOCK” as well as past hits like “Ghetto Story.”

Gifted American-Samoan reggae singer and songwriter. J Boog serves as the opening act on select dates.

Catch the tour in a city near you – you will not be disappointed!!

Nancy Erika Smith: “Alina Habba and I agree on one thing – no one is above the law.”

New Jersey – Newark New Jersey Mayor Ras Baraka filed a federal lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey asserting claims of false arrest, malicious prosecution, and defamation against Alina Habba and DHS Special Agent Ricky Patel. The lawsuit details how both defendants, acting outside the scope of their legal authority, and with malice, orchestrated the violent arrest and public humiliation of Mayor Baraka during a peaceful visit to the Delaney Hall ICE facility.

The Complaint states that Habba “blatantly and publicly professed her plan to use the power of the office of the United States Attorney to help Republicans,” quoting her as saying: “We could turn New Jersey red… Hopefully, while I’m [interim US Attorney].” It includes a post by Habba on her personal account on the social media site owned by Elon Musk, X, at 3:05PM, before Mayor Baraka was charged, processed, or transported from the GEO property, in which Habba “falsely accused Mayor Baraka with a crime, stating NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW”.

“Alina Habba and I agree on one thing, no one is above the law,” said Nancy Erika Smith, of Smith Mullin, the attorney representing Mayor Baraka. “This administration is clearly targeting Democratic elected officials with abuse and phony charges in an effort to instill fear.

The handcuffing of an aide to Congressman Nadler in his private office is just one more example of alarming authoritarianism. I am proud to represent Mayor Baraka, who is standing up to Trump and the government agents, like Habba and Patel, who are abusing their power.”

When the charges against Mayor Baraka were dismissed, U.S. Magistrate Judge André Espinosa acknowledged the severity of the arrest:

“An arrest, particularly of a public figure, is not a preliminary investigative tool. It is a severe action, carrying significant reputational and personal consequences, and it should only be undertaken after a thorough, dispassionate evaluation of credible evidence… The hasty arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, followed swiftly by the dismissal of these trespassing charges a mere 13 days later, suggests a worrisome misstep by your Office.”

The Complaint notes that there are numerous videos and photographs of events on May 9, 2025, and states that that evidence supports Mayor Baraka’s claims that he was invited inside the gate at Delaney Hall, which is owned by the private prison company, GEO Group, by a GEO employee.

It goes on to state that when DHS agent Ricky Patel told him to leave the property, he did, yet: “Five minutes after Mayor Baraka left the GEO Group property, approximately 20 DHS agents, many armed and masked, descended on the Mayor and members of Congress without any attempt to calm fears or ensure peace.”

The Complaint further claims that Patel ordered DHS agents to “take him down,” meaning violently throw the Mayor of Newark to the ground, while “the agents pushed, shoved and assaulted the Mayor’s security team and members of Congress before violently pulling Mayor Baraka’s arms and arresting him without probable cause.

The DHS agents handcuffed the Mayor behind his back in order to effect maximum humiliation.”

24-Show North American Summer Run Starts This Thursday, July 17, With Support From Jake Wesley Rogers

– Cyndi Lauper is about to head out on the final leg of her extensive year-long Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour, with 24 North American tour dates for this summer. The cross-continent tour of outdoor amphitheaters and performing arts centers will begin this Thursday, July 17 and includes Jones Beach in Wantagh, NY on July 19 and two nights at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on August 29 and 30. Lauper recently appeared on Good Morning America and The Late Show With Stephen Colbert to reflect on her farewell tour, as well as her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Tickets are available now at LiveNation.com + cyndilauper.com. The tour will also offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. Packages vary but include premium tickets, pre-show VIP lounge, specially designed VIP gift item & more. VIP package contents vary based on the offer selected. For more information, visit vipnation.com. American pop musician and songwriter Jake Wesley Rogers will join as the tour opener. Rogers was discovered by Justin Tranter and has previously opened for Panic! At the Disco and Kesha in addition to playing major festivals and his own headline tour.

Lauper’s international Farewell Tour – her first major headlining run in a decade – kicked off in North America last October, and included her first time ever headlining (and selling out) Madison Square Garden. Lauper’s performances have earned tremendous raves from the New York Times, Rolling Stone, Billboard, Variety, Vulture, USA Today, New York Post and many more, and surprise guests including Chaka Khan, Sam Smith, and Hayley Williams. The tour just visited the U.K. and Europe, Australia and Japan.

Lauper has also been raising money for the Girls Just Want to Have Fundamental Rights Fund at the Tides Foundation since the Farewell Tour launched last fall. So far, approximately $200,000 has been raised through direct donations fans have made at her shows and through efforts like online campaigns in partnership with FanDiem.

This summer, Cyndi Lauper has invited three leading organizations to come on the road with her to help her fans register to vote and take action on issues that matter to them. At most shows, an “Action Center” will be erected for concert goers to stop by and visit with the Human Rights Campaign, League of Women Voters, and Planned Parenthood. As Lauper always says, “knowledge is power” and she continues her longstanding efforts to ensure that the public is informed about the issues that are impacting their lives and the lives of their family and friends, as well as have opportunities to be a part of the solution. 

Lauper – the GRAMMY, EMMY and TONY-winning 

artist celebrated for her history-making albums, music videos, advocacy and ever-evolving style – developed a unique show to connect her hits with the visual art she loves. Original collaborations featuring the work of Yayoi Kusama, Daniel Wurtzel, fashion designer Christian Siriano, and Geoffrey Mac play a key role in the concert presentation. The Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour is produced by Live Nation and designed in partnership with Brian Burke Creative.

It’s been a tremendous past 12 months for Lauper, in addition to her tour and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction.  Let The Canary Sing, a feature-length documentary film directed by Alison Elwood, is streaming on Paramount Plus, and she has been celebrated with appearances on Graham Norton, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the TODAY Show, Watch What Happens Liveand The Kelly Clarkson Show.  

The Empire State Buildingwas lit in canary yellow in her honor, and she has been profiled by CBS Sunday Morning, Vulture, the New York Times and Variety among many others.  She was also honored with a hand imprint ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood (with an introduction by her friends Cher and Bebe Rexha), and introduced Sabrina Carpenter’s performance at the MTV VMA Awards last fall.  

Raves for Lauper’s Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour

“Lauper is still lastingly — thrillingly — a renegade”  — 36 Things That Stuck With Us In 2024, NY Times

“Lauper has not lost an iota of her distinctive vocal power…a naturally hilarious human who effortlessly commands an audience’s attention”— Billboard

“Lauper pretty well established for all time that girls just want to be multi-faceted” —  Chris Willman, Variety 

“Lauper’s volcanic pipes are still capable of going from a whisper to a wallop” — USA Today

GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN FAREWELL 2025 SUMMER TOUR DATES: 

Thu Jul 17 | Mansfield, MA | Xfinity Center

Sat Jul 19 | Wantagh, NY | Northwell at Jones Beach Theater

Sun Jul 20 | Philadelphia, PA | TD Pavilion at The Mann

Tue Jul 22 | Raleigh, NC | Coastal Credit Union Music Park

Thu Jul 24 | Bristow, VA | Jiffy Lube Live

Fri Jul 25 | Bethel, NY | Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

Sun Jul 27 | Toronto, ON | Budweiser Stage

Tue Jul 29 | Cincinnati, OH | Riverbend Music Center

Wed Jul 30 | Cuyahoga Falls, OH | Blossom Music Center

Fri Aug 01 | Clarkston, MI | Pine Knob Music Theatre

Sun Aug 03 | Milwaukee, WI | American Family Insurance Amphitheater

Tue Aug 05 | Tinley Park, IL | Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre

Thu Aug 07 | Noblesville, IN | Ruoff Music Center

Sat Aug 09 | Bonner Springs, KS | Azura Amphitheater^

Tue Aug 12 | Denver, CO | Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre^

Thu Aug 14 | Salt Lake City, UT | Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre

Sun Aug 17 | Ridgefield, WA | Cascades Amphitheater

Tue Aug 19 | Auburn, WA | White River Amphitheatre

Thu Aug 21 | Vancouver, BC | Rogers Arena

Sat Aug 23 | Wheatland, CA | Toyota Amphitheatre

Sun Aug 24 | Mountain View, CA | Shoreline Amphitheatre

Tue Aug 26 | Concord, CA | Toyota Pavilion at Concord

Fri Aug 29 | Los Angeles, CA | Hollywood Bowl^

Sat Aug 30 | Los Angeles, CA | Hollywood Bowl^

^Non-Live Nation Date

https://cyndilauper.com/ 

ABOUT CYNDI LAUPER

Cyndi Lauper is a Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning songwriter and performing artist with global record sales in excess of 50 million. Her iconic voice, influential punk glamor, and infectious live shows have catapulted her to stardom. Lauper won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist with her first album, She’s So Unusual, and became the first woman in history to have four top-five singles from a debut album including her anthem “Girls Just Want To Have Fun.” Lauper has released ten additional studio albums, featuring classics like “Time After Time” and “True Colors,” and is a Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee and NY Times best-selling author. 

In 2013, Lauper became the first solo woman to win Best Original Score (music and lyrics) for Kinky Boots. Lauper is also tireless in her advocacy work. She has been an activist since day one, always fighting for the underdog – especially women, the LGBTQ community, and youth experiencing homelessness. 

She has co-founded many efforts, worked with countless organizations, spoken at The White House, testified in the U.S. Senate, and raised millions of dollars in support of these causes. In the fall of 2022, in response to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, Lauper launched the Girls Just Want to Have Fundamental Rights Fund at the Tides Foundation, which supports efforts that advance the civil rights and health of women and girls around the globe.

Starring Eddie Murphy, Pete Davidson, Eva Longoria, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Jack Kesy, Andrew Dice Clay, Marshawn Lynch, Joe “Roman Reigns” Anoa’i and Keke Palmer

In the action-comedy The Pickup, a routine cash pickup takes a wild turn when two mismatched armored truck drivers, Russell (Eddie Murphy) and Travis (Pete Davidson), are ambushed by ruthless criminals led by a savvy mastermind, Zoe (Keke Palmer), with plans that go way beyond the cash cargo.

As chaos unfolds around them, the unlikely duo must navigate high-risk danger, clashing personalities, and one very bad day that keeps getting worse.

The film also stars Eva Longoria, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Jack Kesey, Marshawn Lynch and Roman Reigns, and is directed by Tim Story.

Directed by Tim Story
Written by Kevin Burrows & Matt Mider

Produced by John Davis, p.g.a., John Fox, p.g.a., Eddie Murphy, p.g.a., Tim Story, Charisse Hewitt-Webster, p.g.a.

Run Time | 1 hr 34 mins

Rating | R

Socials:

@AmazonMGMStudios

Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube

#ThePickupMovie

Bragging rights are on the line in NBA 2K26—leave no doubt

Charismatic, poised, and unapologetically themselves, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Angel Reese, and Carmelo Anthony grace the covers of NBA 2K26.

These icons, on and off the court, are swagger personified, spotlighting their unique flair across the Standard, WNBA*, Superstar, and Leave No Doubt Editions.

NBA 2K players who purchased and played NBA 2K25 are eligible for a 10% loyalty discount** when they pre-order NBA 2K26 Leave No Doubt Edition*** on the same console or platform. The Leave No Doubt Edition includes MyTEAM and MyCAREER bonus content****, 135,000 VC, Season 1 Pro Pass***** and Summer Pass (Season 7-9 Pro Passes).

Capture the aura of a superstar with the NBA 2K26 Superstar Edition, starring Carmelo Anthony. The Superstar Edition includes 100,000 VC, MyTEAM content, MyCAREER content, and up to 7 days of Early Access. Hit the court early and channel Melo’s effortlessly smooth jumpshot as you compete in The City.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – June 26, 2025) On Aug. 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina, one of the deadliest and most devastating natural disasters in U.S. history, roared into southeastern Louisiana. It tore through the Gulf Coast with catastrophic power, driving a massive storm surge toward the city and the people of New Orleans. With no rescue in sight, the residents who were left to face the rising floodwaters alone became heroes, fighting to survive against unimaginable odds.

Today, as the nation approaches the 20th anniversary of the tragedy, National Geographic released the trailer and premiere date for HURRICANE KATRINA: RACE AGAINST TIME, a groundbreaking five-part documentary series that offers an unprecedented, heart-pounding look at the disaster directly from those who lived through it. The series premieres July 27 at 8/7c on National Geographic with three back-to-back episodes. All episodes will be available to stream July 28 on Disney+ and Hulu.

Oscar®-winning producer Simon Chinn and Emmy®-winning producer Jonathan Chinn’s production company Lightbox (“The Diamond Heist,” “TINA”, “Whitney,” “LA 92”) and Oscar, Golden Globe® and GRAMMY®-nominated filmmaker Ryan Coogler’s production company Proximity Media (“Sinners,” “Judas and the Black Messiah,” “Space Jam: A New Legacy”) joined forces in a powerful collaboration that combines cinematic storytelling with the clear-eyed perspective of two decades of hindsight. HURRICANE KATRINA: RACE AGAINST TIME offers the most intimate and profound exploration into the wide-ranging impacts of the disaster to date. Weaving together critical moments of the crisis and the past events that precipitated it, the series delivers an unparalleled, emotionally raw examination of the storm’s personal, political and societal fallout.

“This is far more than a story about a storm,” said executive producers Jonathan Chinn and Simon Chinn (Lightbox). “It’s a compelling, essential reexamination of systemic failure and the enduring consequences of decisions made before, during and after the levees broke.”

“This series goes beyond the headlines. It reveals stories of survival, heroism and resilience,” added executive producers Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler and Sev Ohanian (Proximity Media). “It’s a vital historical record and a call to witness, remember and reckon with the truth of Hurricane Katrina’s legacy.”

Through unprecedented access to archival footage and gut-wrenching eyewitness testimony, HURRICANE KATRINA: RACE AGAINST TIME is a gripping historical record of the storm and its aftermath. With unflinching urgency, the series exposes how a natural disaster became a national tragedy. The riveting, moment-by-moment portrayal offers new details of how the storm and ensuing flood unfolded in real time and transports viewers into the chaos that engulfed the city in the days leading up to and following the hurricane’s landfall.

At the helm of the series is Oscar-nominated director Traci A. Curry (“Attica”). Through Curry’s commitment to bold, empowering narratives, the series unfolds directly from the residents, first responders, and officials who were in New Orleans during the disaster. Each episode is immersed in their lived experiences and their voices present a captivating and powerful retelling and a necessary correction to persistent false narratives. The partnership between Curry and the teams at Proximity Media and Lightbox signals a shift in how this story is told, centered on survivors’ voices, grounded in accountability, and focused on the enduring lessons of a tragedy.

Episodes of the new documentary series include the following:

EPISODE 1: THE COMING STORM

Premieres July 27 at 8/7c, streams next day on Disney+ and Hulu

It’s a typically vibrant New Orleans summer when Hurricane Katrina looms. Sitting in the bullseye of a Category 5, the city faces a reality check. With a delayed evacuation order, many are trapped and forced to brace for the storm’s fury. Residents recount for the first time how they navigated the impending disaster, capturing the harrowing experience of preparing for “The Big One.”

EPISODE 2: WORST CASE SCENARIO

Premieres July 27 at 9/8c, streams next day on Disney+ and Hulu

After Hurricane Katrina passed, citizens soon discovered the levees breached, quickly flooding New Orleans like a bathtub. First responders and everyday citizens jumped in heroically to save locals; many residents were forced to flee their houses for dry land. As residents braved dangerous conditions to survive, ineptitude at all levels of government was exposed as the water rose.

EPISODE 3: A DESPERATE PLACE

Premieres July 27 at 10/9c, streams next day on Disney+ and Hulu

Three days into the flood, rescue operations continue around the clock. Thousands remain trapped, as the government struggles to coordinate a rescue effort. Inside the Superdome, stories of resilience and survival emerge above the sometimes-horrific conditions. Meanwhile, media coverage shifts to emphasize disorder, focusing on looting rather than the thousands still stranded.

EPISODE 4: SHOOT TO KILL

Premieres July 28 at 8/7c, streams same day on Disney+ and Hulu

In post-Katrina New Orleans, Gen. Honoré leads rescue efforts amid pressure to use force, while local heroes tirelessly save lives. Thousands remain stranded in their homes, the Superdome, the convention center, and along the interstate as evacuation efforts continue to fail. Tensions rise while violence erupts and militias target residents.

EPISODE 5: WAKE UP CALL

Premieres July 28 at 9/8c, streams same day on Disney+ and Hulu

New Orleans’ resilient residents exit the city, forming part of the Katrina diaspora. As they navigate the uncertainty of how and when they might restore their lives, a plan for a new New Orleans takes shape. The future of the devastated city hangs in the balance as its residents struggle to return, rebuild and restart their lives even 20 years later.

HURRICANE KATRINA: RACE AGAINST TIME is a Lightbox production, in association with Proximity Media for National Geographic and is directed by Oscar-nominated Traci A. Curry. Oscar-winning Simon Chinn, Emmy-winning Jonathan Chinn, Myles Estey and Ted Skillman are executive producers for Lightbox. Oscar, Golden Globe and GRAMMY-nominated Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian, Peter Nicks and Kalia King are executive producers and Kelli Buchanan is co-executive producer for Proximity Media. For National Geographic, Sean David Johnson and Carolyn Payne executive produce, and Tom McDonald is executive vice president of Global Factual and Unscripted Content.

# # #

About Lightbox

Headquartered in London and Los Angeles, Lightbox is a multi-platform award winning media company creating high quality content for an array of distribution platforms and theatrical release. It was founded by two-time Academy Award®-winning producer Simon Chinn (Man on Wire, Searching for Sugar Man) and Emmy® Award-winning producer Jonathan Chinn (LA 92, American High). Lightbox’s recent productions include: What They Found, directed by Academy Award®-winner Sam Mendes for the BBC, The Diamond Heist, executive produced by Guy Ritchie for Netflix, The Mission, for theatrical release and National Geographic, which premiered at Telluride and the London Film Festival, BAFTA-nominated David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived, which premiered at DOC NYC and aired on HBO/Max and Sky, Spector for Showtime and Sky, The Princess, directed by Academy Award®-nominated Ed Perkins, for theatrical release, HBO and Sky, which premiered at Sundance; and Emmy Award®-nominated TINA, directed by Academy Award®-winners TJ Lindsay and Daniel Martin, for HBO/Max, Sky and theatrical release. The company is currently in production on projects for a range of US, UK and international broadcasters, platforms and for theatrical release.

About Proximity Media

Proximity Media is the team behind the critically acclaimed, 2025 box-office smash Sinners starring Michael B. Jordan and Hailee Steinfeld, which has grossed over $350M globally to date. Some of their past film projects include two-time Academy Award-winning Judas and The Black Messiah, Space Jam: A New Legacy and Creed III which grossed over $275M theatrically. Up next is the release of their Marvel Studios Ironheart miniseries which will release on June 24 on Disney+.

Proximity also produced the documentary Homeroom with Hulu, co-produced Stephen Curry: Underrated with Apple Original Films, A24 and Unanimous Media, as well as Anthem, with Onyx Collective as part of the company’s overall deal with Disney Television. Proximity Music produced the soundtracks for Sinners, Judas and The Black Messiah, Space Jam: A New Legacy, and the official soundtrack and score for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and Creed III.

About National Geographic Content

Representing the largest brand on social media with over 780 million followers and 1.1 billion impressions each month, National Geographic Content’s award-winning and critically acclaimed storytelling inspires fans of all ages to connect with, explore and care about the world through factual storytelling. National Geographic Content, part of a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company and the National Geographic Society, reaches over 532 million people worldwide in 172 countries and 33 languages as a digital, social and print publisher and across the global National Geographic channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO), National Geographic Documentary Films, and direct-to-consumer platforms Disney+ and Hulu. Its diverse content includes Oscar®- and BAFTA award-winning film Free Solo, Oscar-nominated films Sugarcane, Fire of Love and Bobi Wine: The People’s President, Emmy® Award-winning franchise 9/11: One Day in America and JFK: One Day in America, Emmy® Award-winning series Animals Up Close, series Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller, Life Below Zero, and Secrets of the Whales, in addition to multiple National Magazine Awards, Pulitzer Prize Finalists and Webby wins. Visit nationalgeographic.com and natgeotv.com or explore Instagram, Threads, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, and Reddit.

More than an album, VICTORY is a moment. A movement. A masterpiece. A celebration of culture, resilience, and the transformative power of imagination.

Hip-hop’s most revered master storyteller and cultural pillar, Slick Rick releases the film for VICTORY, premiering now on YouTube. Joining creative forces with acclaimed multi-hyphenate Idris Elba, VICTORY is a visionary visual album released through Elba’s record label, 7Wallace, in collaboration with MassAppeal.

Celebrating 26 years since The Ruler’s last album Victory is a triumphant new chapter — a sonic and cinematic tour de force that redefines the boundaries of storytelling, legacy and the power of imagination. Executive produced by The Poet (Slick Rick) and The Visionary (Idris Elba), the project features powerful collaborations with Nas and Giggs, along with a special contribution from Estelle.

At the heart of Victory, lies a 30-minute immersive film, directed by Meji Alabi (Black Dog Films)— the creative mind behind Beyoncé’s Black Is King, which brings Victory to life through bold imagery and narrative depth. For the aesthetic vision, Slick Rick collaborated with legendary photographer Jonathan Mannion and brand storytellers Equator Studios.

The music was mixed by Young Guru, with the album artwork and rollout developed in partnership with British agency PAQ and Rick’s own Team Eye Patch.

Meji Alabi says, “Collaborating with Slick Rick The Ruler on his first album in 26 years was incredible. Being able to create visuals to such a monumental piece and with a storyteller and icon like Slick Rick was an experience I’m going to cherish forever and can’t wait for the world to see what he has in store for them”.

Slick Rick says, “VICTORY is a tale of fiction for the mind. Part myth. Part Magic. Grab your snacks…and a cozy blanket and pretend you’re by a fireplace..Victory is sight, story, and sound dancing as one”.

Four years in the making, VICTORY was written and recorded between Rick’s birth place, London and in France, with its striking visuals filmed across three continents — the U.S., the UK, and Africa. The result is a cross-continental homage to Rick’s roots, enriched by lyrical depth, cinematic brilliance, and genre-defying artistry.

VICTORY the album is available to stream on DSPs here.

Pre-Order vinyl here.

More than an album, VICTORY is a moment. A movement. A masterpiece. A celebration of culture, resilience, and the transformative power of imagination.

Ice Cube, Black Thought, and Common Contacted in Efforts to Preserve the Legacy of Legendary Orator Dr. Khalid Muhammad

The Estate of Dr. Khalid Abdul Muhammad has filed legal action against major hip-hop artists and record labels, citing the unauthorized use of Dr. Muhammad’s speeches, voice, and intellectual property in music spanning decades without credit, clearance, or compensation.

The three lawsuits target the companies behind tracks where Dr. Muhammad’s speeches appear and the labels that profited from their sales and distribution. Defendants include those tied to songs performed by Tupac Shakur, Public Enemy, and D’Angelo and The Vanguard.

Dr. Khalid Muhammad, a revolutionary leader, former Nation of Islam spokesman, and Black Panther figure, was known for his powerful speeches and unwavering commitment to Black liberation. For years, his words have been sampled by the music industry while his name and contributions were deliberately erased from the narrative.

Below are the lawsuit case numbers along with the corresponding songs. Listen to Dr. Khalid Muhammad’s speeches as used in these tracks and compare them to the original recordings.

2Pac (Interscope) “White Man’z World”(1996) Case 2:25-cv-02540

D’Angelo (RCA) “1000 Deaths” (2014) Case 2:25-cv-03480

Public Enemy (Def Jam) “Night of the Living Baseheads”
Case 2:25-cv-02324

The Estate asserts that these songs, which collectively sold millions, won awards, and shaped hip-hop culture, used Dr. Muhammad’s voice without legal permission or compensation to his family.

Attorney Malik Zulu Shabazz, representing the Estate, states “These lawsuits are not an attack on Public Enemy, Tupac’s family, or D’Angelo. They are about accountability. The record labels and music corporations exploited Khalid Muhammad’s voice for profit, just like they’ve done to the Black artists whose songs featured him. Most of these artists don’t even own the rights to their own music. They’ve been exploited too.”

“Khalid Muhammad should have received proper credit on these iconic records. His legacy matters. These funds will be used to fulfill his mission through schools, books, training academies, and documentaries about his life and message.”

The lawsuits seek $5 million in damages per infringement, permanent injunctions, attorneys’ fees, and the impoundment of all infringing works.

OTHER ARTISTS UNDER REVIEW

Formal legal letters have also been sent to Ice Cube, Common (Loma Vista) “So Many People” (2024), and Black Thought. Various projects are under legal review. The Estate is demanding documentation of any licensing, royalty payments, or legal agreements regarding Dr. Muhammad’s inclusion in their work.

“In Tupac’s case, we believe he was on his way to forming a real alliance with Dr. Muhammad before he was assassinated,” Shabazz added.

WHERE THE FUNDS WILL GO PROTECTING KHALID MUHAMMAD’S LEGACY

Any funds recovered from this legal action will directly support the Khalid Muhammad Memorial Fund, with initiatives including:

• A National Black History Museum and Research Center

• A nationwide Black Studies curriculum for schools

• A permanent memorial and archive for revolutionary Black leaders

• Youth-focused educational programs rooted in Black self-determination

• Films, documentaries, and books about Dr. Muhammad’s life and legacy

“Trump cut funding for African American institutions,” the Estate said. “So, the family is building their own. This is about mission, not just money.” “The industry has profited off his words for decades,” said Shabazz. “That era of exploitation ends now.”

Sunday, June 29, 2025 @ 5PM

The Stone Pony Summer Stage, 909 Ocean Avenue N, Asbury Park, NJ 07712

Prepare for liftoff as the Mothership touches down in Asbury Park this June! The legendary George Clinton brings his kaleidoscopic Parliament Funkadelic collective to the Jersey Shore for a mind-bending night of pure, unadulterated funkiness.

For over five decades, Clinton has reigned as funk’s undisputed godfather, blending soul, psychedelic rock and cosmic consciousness into a revolutionary sound that has changed music forever. With more than 40 R&B hits, multiple platinum albums and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, P-Funk’s legacy is written in the stars.

Experience the sensory overload that is a P-Funk concert — an extravagant, theatrical spectacle where outlandish costumes, mind-melting visuals and Clinton’s carnival-like ensemble of musicians create a celebration unlike anything else in live music.

From the moment the first note drops, you’ll be swept into a non-stop groove machine pulsing with infectious energy and immediately see why P-Funk’s influence spans generations and genres.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness the architect of funk, the man who elevated funk to an art form and inspired everyone from Dr. Dre to Red Hot Chili Peppers.

This isn’t just a concert — it’s a transcendent communion with the funk OGs, a chance to tear the roof off with the legends who invented the game.

Want to keep the party going? Then check out the after party at The Stone Pony’s late night show with Des and the Swagmatics! Since 2013, they’ve electrified stages with their soul-funk-pop fusion, earning Asbury Music Awards and sharing bills with legends like Southside Johnny while delivering unforgettable, high-energy performances.