To all NNPA Member Publishers, Editors, Corporate Partners, Sponsors and Friends: As you know, this year…

Damien Sneed, the multi-genre composer, bandleader, musician, and vocalist, announces a brand-new multi-media touring show for 2022, titled A Tribute to Aretha Franklin: The Queen of Soul. This dynamic presentation celebrating the amazing musical legacy of the late Ms. Franklin, arranged, and musically directed by Sneed, will feature an accomplished cast of jazz, gospel, and soul musicians and vocalists. The North American tour kicks off Thursday, February 3, 2022, at the Parker Playhouse in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and concludes on Sunday, March 20, 2022, at the Kupferberg Center for the Arts at Queens College in Flushing, NY.

     Rapper and activist Meek Mill is furthering his efforts to empower individuals whose lives have been significantly impacted by the flawed criminal justice system. According to Billboard, the Philly native—whose real name is Robert Rihmeek Williams—teamed up with fellow leaders from the REFORM Alliance to treat youth from his hometown to a 76ers game this holiday season.

The music and culture writer, who excelled as a musician, was 64.