Russell Simmons' 'Art for Life' in East Hamptons

After Dark: Demetria L. Lucas Celebrates in Style

'Sex and the City 2' New York Premiere

The Steve Harvey Foundation Gala Red Carpet

Live from the first annual Steve Harvey Foundation Gala, ESSENCE.com reported on all the stars who gathered last night to honor Denzel Washington and others who have dedicated their time to impacting youth and community change. The comedian, best-selling author, syndicated radio personality and 2010 ESSENCE Music Festival host, Steve Harvey, was joined by "Good Morning America's" Robin Roberts as co-host. Toni Braxton performed music from her latest album (released today). The event was held at the ultra-chic Cipriani Wall Street space in New York City.

Fashion Flair at 2010 Kentucky Derby

Gray skies couldn't stop the fashion-forward from strutting their Sunday best at the 136th annual Kentucky Derby earlier today. Terrell Owens attended with friend BJ Williams (left) and publicist Kita Williams. Find out who else graced the Derby red carpet...

Commentary: T-Pain's 'Freaknik' Is Animated Buffoonery

You've got to be kidding me. If I hadn't seen T-Pain's "Freaknik: The Musical" with my own eyes I would have never believed a show with this much coonery could exist and actually be televised in 2010. As an entertainment writer, I'm usually very subjective on all things our society labels as entertainment. As a young writer, I consider myself quite liberal in my views on hip hop's effects on culture. But this hour-long animated special, which features the voices of hip hop heavy hitters such as Lil' Wayne, Snoop Dogg, Cee-lo, Kelis, and Lil' John, was anything but special. Truth be told, I'm usually an advocate for the it's-not-that-serious philosophy, but last night Cartoon Network's Adult Swim rendered me totally speechless... Read more: T-Pain Brings Freaknik Back in Cartoon Musical10 Black Actors Who Should've Won An Oscar Here's what you thought: Sheena said: This is absolutely embarrassing!!!! I am concerned about this generation and the generations to come. Nikki said: I find it disappointing that we are the only race of people who put down our own women and civil rights leaders. Derrick said: Stop blaming TV, hip hop and everything else for our social ills...We like to take credit for success but blame others for our failures.

BET's SOS: Saving OurSelves Concert

Diddy to Throw the Ultimate Birthday Party for His Son

Whether he was making his first cameo, as a baby, in Craig Mack's "Flava in Your Ear" remix video or later, posing in ads for his dad's clothing line, it seems that we've all watched Diddy's son Justin Combs grow up before our very eyes. Time sure does fly by as tonight, he'll blow out 16 candles. Find out how Diddy recently celebrated his 40th birthday. 2009 was a busy year in music. Find out how Diddy and other performers fared.

Happy Birthday, Cookie Johnson!

Today, Cookie Johnson celebrates her 51st birthday, but on Saturday night, she got the surprise of her life when she stepped foot in The Conga Room in downtown Los Angeles. Check out our EXCLUSIVE images from Cookie Johnson's surprise birthday party!

Visionary: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

On a cold and snow covered afternoon, I weathered the elements to see the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at New York City Center. Mind you, I've seen Alvin Ailey performances most of my life--growing up in Cincinnati, Ohio and here in New York City. Ailey is an African-American institution, it is a part of our cultural DNA. Alvin Ailey was a visionary. And like many Black visionaries, his work still lives and breathes like the day it was created and conceived. It's powerful, dramatic and soulful...