TAVE Shares BLOCK Feat. IDK & Musiq

R&B singer Tave’s newest single, “BLOCK,” features rapper IDK and Philly veteran Musiq Soulchild. Tave shares some of life’s contradictions with a coolness amplified by the company of his collaborators. The message is not to always assume you know what’s real from a surface observation. Their collective effort is next-generation hip-hop soul. The single is included on his upcoming Fly Away EP that has appearances from Stacy Barthe, India Shawn, Bibi Bourelly, Kenyon Dixon, and more. Check out the official video and look for Fly Away to be released on August 15th.

Free Screening Of Documentary About Jazz Pianist Hazel Scott At Marcus Garvey Park

On Saturday, August 30, 2025 ImageNation and Black Public Media will present an outdoor screening of Nicole London’s The Disappearance of Miss Scott at the Richard Rogers AmOn Saturday, August 30, 2025 ImageNation and Black Public Media will present an outdoor screening of Nicole London’s The Disappearance of Miss Scott at the Richard Rogers Amphitheater in Marcus Garvey Park. phitheater in Marcus Garvey Park. Hazel Scott was a jazz piano prodigy who was born in Trinidad and raised in Harlem. History usually relegates her to being the second wife of famous Congressman Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Scott was the second Black person to have her own television show in 1950 which was 11 years after Ethel Waters and six years before Nat King Cole debuted their shows. She was a musical child prodigy who received scholarships to study at the Juilliard School when she was eight years old. As an entertainer she did not stop at music, and she appeared in five films, always as herself, always refusing roles that she found demeaning. Her politics became an issue during her career because of her strong support of civil rights. She was accused of being a communist and she eventually had to appear before the House Un-American Activities Committee and the fallout caused her to move to France until the controversy died down. London used archived interviews, performance footage, and commentary from Alicia Keys, Mickey Guyton, Camille Thurman, Amanda Seales, Tracie Thomas, and Jason Moran to tell Scott’s story. Sheryl Lee Ralph takes on the voice of Scott in the documentary. London will be there for the event and DJ SheJay P/Shift will perform a DJ set.

“Partnering with Black Public Media for this year’s ImageNation OUTDOORS is especially meaningful as we bring Hazel Scott—an icon of artistry and activism—back to Harlem, where her legacy was born,” said Gregory Gates, executive producer of ImageNation. “This screening, in the heart of her own community, is our way of honoring her brilliance and ensuring her story is remembered where it began.”

We’re proud to again collaborate with ImageNation to present The Disappearance of Miss Scott, a film that embodies the spirit of Black resilience, creativity, and truth-telling,” said Leslie Fields-Cruz, executive director of BPM. “These kinds of stories are essential—they challenge erasure and invite audiences to rediscover the power of our cultural pioneers.”

The screening will be held at the Richard Rodgers Amphitheater in Marcus Garvey Park, 18 Mount Morris Park West (at 122nd Street). In case of rain, the event will be held at Mount Morris Ascension Presbyterian Church, 15 Mt Morris Park W (at W. 122nd Street), New York, NY 10027.

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Grammy Award-Winning Singer-Songwriter Faith Evans Presents The Inaugural Ryder’s Room Gala, in Conjunction with Her Foundation, Ryder’s Room Inc. and The City of Newark at The Newark Museum of Art

Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and Newark native Faith Evans will present the Inaugural Ryder’s Room Gala, in conjunction with her foundation, Ryder’s Room Inc. and The City of Newark at The Newark Museum of Art on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., 49 Washington Street in Newark, New Jersey.

As the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ryder’s Room Inc., Faith Evans established the foundation eight years ago in 2017. Based in Los Angeles, CA, Ryder’s Room Inc. takes its name and inspiration from the founder’s son, Ryder, who is now 18 years old and was diagnosed in early childhood with Autism Spectrum Disorder, a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by differences in social communication and interaction. Evans and the Ryder’s Room team and its Board of Directors aim to raise awareness surrounding various national issues related to Autism Spectrum Disorder and various related disabilities. The organization also seeks support in the areas of medical care, economic development, social services, and political awareness and advancement issues, especially in the Black and Brown communities, where the resources and support of disabilities are limited. Additionally, Evans and the Ryder’s Room team host monthly support group meetings for parents of children with different abilities.

For the past 18 years, Faith Evans has spent most of her time caring for her son and family and advocating for Autism Spectrum Disorder and other disabilities, hence the formation of her foundation, Ryder’s Room Inc. “As many of my family, friends, and business associates know, I am a mother first; there is nothing more important to me than my family,” says the mother of four. “I’ve been on this journey with Ryder for more than 17 years, along with my newly adopted family of parents, adults, and children who are also managing and navigating a series of struggles, hardships, and challenges surrounding this disorder. We are doing our best to support each other through this journey. Ryder is doing well and I’m proud of his growth and advancement.”

This year’s Inaugural Gala theme: “Awaken The Fire: Ignite, Empower and Elevate” will be hosted by Grammy Award-nominated recording artist MC Lyte, who will serve as the Mistress of Ceremonies. The entertainment lineup includes Comedian and Actor Mike Epps and Rapper and Songwriter Freeway with more entertainment to be announced in the coming weeks.

*Top Row – Left to Right: Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka (honoree), MC Lyte (Mistress of Ceremonies), Mike Epps (Entertainment), Freeway (Entertainment); Bottom Row – Left to Right:*
*Liza Lawrence (honoree), Maliaka Mitchell (honoree), Andrew Burger (honoree), Safiyyah Muhammad (honoree)*

The five esteemed honorees include Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, who will receive the Elevate Award. Mayor Baraka is recognized nationally as a thought leader in the field of urban revitalization. He has also gained acclaim for his commitment to reducing crime in Newark and reimagining public safety by treating it as a public health issue. Mayor Baraka opened the Shani Baraka Women’s Resource Center to provide complete care for women and families in crisis and transition. Under his leadership, the city has also undertaken a major effort to provide holistic care for residents without addresses. While serving as Mayor of Newark, he was also President of the NJ Urban Mayors Association and now its President Emeritus; Executive Board Member for the NJ League of Municipalities; Co-Chair of the National League of Cities Reimaging Public Safety Task Force; U.S. Conference of Mayors – Vice Chair for Ports, Transportation, and Communications Committee; and Member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Local Government Advisory Committee.

Liza Lawrence will be presented with the Impact Award. Lawrence is an award-winning healthcare executive, community advocate, and visionary nonprofit leader with more than 15 years of experience in healthcare operations and a deep-rooted commitment to autism awareness and advocacy. She is the founder and CEO of Perfect Connection, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2019. Perfect Connection was born from Lawrence’s firsthand experience navigating the complexities of raising two sons on the autism spectrum. Determined to ensure that other families have better access to resources, education, and support, she created the organization as a comprehensive platform for change. Under her leadership, Perfect Connection has directly impacted the lives of more than 500 children.

Maliaka Mitchell will receive the Empower Award. As the founder of Maliaka & Associates, she provides culturally competent, person-centered behavioral services across South California, including skills training and parent mentorship. Mitchell holds a Master of Science in Counseling with a focus on Rehabilitation and has contributed her expertise to initiatives such as police disability training, international outreach, and work at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Mitchell is a dedicated advocate, educator, and leader with more than 20 years of experience in the developmental disability field. With expertise in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and a foundation in special education, she has impacted countless lives through evidence-based interventions, program development, and inclusive advocacy.

Andrew Burger will be presented with the Encourage Award. Burger is a gifted artist, dedicated educator, and powerful voice within the autism community. Andrew, who is autistic himself, was nonverbal until the age of 4 and received special education services throughout his school years. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and Graphic Design from the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University and creates stunning artwork on commission. In addition to his artistic pursuits, Burger serves as a Registered Behavior Technician, working in both school and home settings to support individuals with multiple diagnoses. His journey, passion, and advocacy reflect the heart of Ryder’s Room mission.

Safiyyah Muhammad will receive the Inspire Awards. Muhammad is a nationally respected disability policy advocate, transition specialist, and Accessibility Navigator. She is the founder of Urban Matters Advocacy & Action (The UMAA Network) and a proud mother and grandmother raising five neurodivergent children across the lifespan. A Partners in Policymaking graduate, Certified Autism Travel Professional, and NJLEND Fellow, Muhammad also served on the ADA Advisory Council at the Newark Museum of Art. She is a founding member of the National Black Disability Coalition and a former chair of NJCDD’s Ad Hoc Committee on Equal Access. Her work centers lived experience, disability justice, and the fundamental right to belonging.

Ryder’s Room executive team and Board of Directors include Faith Evans (founder and Chief Executive Officer), Zakia Benyard (Executive Director), Sherry Johnson-Alvarez (President), Dollie Peterson (Vice President), Cory Taylor (Treasurer), and Adrienne Henry-Horne (Secretary). The Board of Directors include, Jalia Simms (Board Member), Andrae Crenshaw (Board Member), Cheryl Flowers-Briggs (Board Member), Dr. George Jenkins (Board Member), Courtney Terry (Chair of Special Events), Joanne Morris (Board Member), George Peterson (Board Member), Brad Beckerman (Board Member), Ellisa K. Rawls (Chair of Community Engagement), Lark Adams (Chair of Media & Communications), SuSu Stewart (Board Member), Diana Boardley (Co-Chair of the Fundraising Committee), and Hannah Holdings (Co-Chair of the Fundraising Committee).

For more information on Ryder’s Room, visit www.rydersroom.org. To purchase tickets and VIP packages, click here.

Follow Ryder’s Room Inc. on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Follow Faith Evans on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

About Ryder’s Room

Having gone through several difficulties finding proper schools, activities, and other services for my son, I realized not only the need to use my platform to advocate but also to use my platform to give back to those that have to face the same challenges but may not have many of the resources to navigate them. Ryder’s Room, Inc. was created to help provide the highest level of resources for children and their families with disabilities and different needs, as well as professionals in the field.

R.I.P. Hitman Howie Tee

Golden era hip-hop producer Hitman Howie Tee passed on August 2nd at the age of 61. Tee was responsible for some of the most remembered songs of the ’80s and ’90s. Special Ed’s “I Got It Made,” “The Magnificent,” Chubb Rock (who is his first cousin)’s “Treat Em Right,” and Color Me Badd’s “I Wanna Sex You Up” are some of the songs from Tee’s catalog. He was born in England but raised in Brooklyn. It was 1985 when he collaborated with the late Kangol Kid of UTFO to write and produce “(Nothing Serious ) Just Buggin” for the R&B group Whistle. This connection to Select Records because of Whistle expanded, and Tee became the in-house producer for the label and went on to produce music for The Real Roxanne, Little Shawn, and E.S.P. Howie Tee’s output went beyond Select, and he worked with Father MC, Kashif, Full Force, Heavy D, Patra, Maxi Priest, and Madonna. He was another creative architect known more for his sound than his name. Tee was also an innovative DJ who created the Joe Cooley scratch.