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President Joe Biden’s judicial appointments are making waves in his final weeks in office. With the confirmation of Judge Tiffany Johnson to the Northern District of Georgia this week, Biden has now appointed 40 Black women to lifetime federal judgeships—more than any president in U.S. history, according to The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights.
This milestone is particularly significant in a judiciary long criticized for lacking diversity. However, with a divided Congress and the prospect of a second Trump presidency, Biden’s picks could serve as a critical counterweight to policies that might target civil rights and marginalized communities.
But as Biden prepares to leave office, pressing questions remain about the lasting impact of these appointments and the challenges of maintaining progress in the face of political opposition.
In total, Biden has appointed 62 Black judges, the most by any president in a single term, according to The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. Among these appointments are historic firsts, such as Tiffany Cunningham, the first Black judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and Dana Douglas, the first Black woman on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
Approximately 40 percent of Biden’s confirmed Black judges come from diverse professional backgrounds, including civil rights lawyers, public defenders, and others who have dedicated their careers to protecting civil and human rights. “Even before taking office, President Biden signaled to the Senate that he wanted to make sure that people who had been historically excluded from our judiciary were included,” said Lena Zwarensteyn, senior director of the fair courts program at the Leadership Conference, in an interview with NBC News. “This isn’t just about fairness—it’s about better decision-making and restoring public trust.”
Zwarensteyn explained, “The research shows that when you have more judges with different perspectives—because they’ve worked on different types of issues or come from different communities—it improves decision-making and certainly boosts trust in these institutions. So, ensuring that we have fair-minded judges at all levels is really important.”
Biden’s most visible judicial appointment, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, made history in 2022 as the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court. Her confirmation was a defining moment of Biden’s presidency and underscored a campaign promise to create a more inclusive judiciary.
While Biden’s record-breaking numbers are notable, they also highlight a stark contrast with his predecessor.
Donald Trump appointed only two Black women to the federal judiciary during his first term. In comparison, President Barack Obama appointed 26 Black judges over his eight years in office and former President Jimmy Carter, a previous benchmark for diversifying the bench, appointed 37 Black judges during his presidency.
As Trump prepares for his second presidential term, with vows to dismantle key agencies like the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, Biden’s Black judicial appointees could become pivotal in defending civil rights, voting protections and other democratic norms that may be under threat.
TOPICS: black women in politics Joe Biden
The post 40 Black Women Appointed Federal Judges Under Biden, Setting Historic Record appeared first on Essence.
Saul Loeb/AFP/ Getty Images
President Joe Biden’s judicial appointments are making waves in his final weeks in office. With the confirmation of Judge Tiffany Johnson to the Northern District of Georgia this week, Biden has now appointed 40 Black women to lifetime federal judgeships—more than any president in U.S. history, according to The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights.
This milestone is particularly significant in a judiciary long criticized for lacking diversity. However, with a divided Congress and the prospect of a second Trump presidency, Biden’s picks could serve as a critical counterweight to policies that might target civil rights and marginalized communities.
But as Biden prepares to leave office, pressing questions remain about the lasting impact of these appointments and the challenges of maintaining progress in the face of political opposition.
In total, Biden has appointed 62 Black judges, the most by any president in a single term, according to The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. Among these appointments are historic firsts, such as Tiffany Cunningham, the first Black judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and Dana Douglas, the first Black woman on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
Approximately 40 percent of Biden’s confirmed Black judges come from diverse professional backgrounds, including civil rights lawyers, public defenders, and others who have dedicated their careers to protecting civil and human rights. “Even before taking office, President Biden signaled to the Senate that he wanted to make sure that people who had been historically excluded from our judiciary were included,” said Lena Zwarensteyn, senior director of the fair courts program at the Leadership Conference, in an interview with NBC News. “This isn’t just about fairness—it’s about better decision-making and restoring public trust.”
Zwarensteyn explained, “The research shows that when you have more judges with different perspectives—because they’ve worked on different types of issues or come from different communities—it improves decision-making and certainly boosts trust in these institutions. So, ensuring that we have fair-minded judges at all levels is really important.”
Biden’s most visible judicial appointment, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, made history in 2022 as the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court. Her confirmation was a defining moment of Biden’s presidency and underscored a campaign promise to create a more inclusive judiciary.
While Biden’s record-breaking numbers are notable, they also highlight a stark contrast with his predecessor.
Donald Trump appointed only two Black women to the federal judiciary during his first term. In comparison, President Barack Obama appointed 26 Black judges over his eight years in office and former President Jimmy Carter, a previous benchmark for diversifying the bench, appointed 37 Black judges during his presidency.
As Trump prepares for his second presidential term, with vows to dismantle key agencies like the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, Biden’s Black judicial appointees could become pivotal in defending civil rights, voting protections and other democratic norms that may be under threat.
TOPICS: black women in politics Joe BidenThe post 40 Black Women Appointed Federal Judges Under Biden, Setting Historic Record appeared first on Essence.
Next month film critics and cinephiles everywhere will make plans to travel to the wintery mountain-filled terrain of Park City, Utah to witness the debut of works that often shape the cinematic landscape for years to come. From thought-provoking documentaries to genre-defying narratives, Sundance is the birthplace of films that challenge norms, champion diversity, and connect audiences to stories they never knew they needed.
Each year, we work to highlight films featuring Black talent and movies directed by Black filmmakers. Whether it’s exploring the legacies of history, celebrating Black joy, or grappling with systemic challenges, these films do more than entertain, they provoke, inspire, and spark essential conversations. This list includes films with a Black lead, Black ensemble cast and/or Black filmmakers as well as films centered on Black-focused stories.
So if you need to know what Black films are playing at Sundance 2025? We’ve got you covered!
- BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions – Preeminent West African curator and scholar Funmilayo Akechukwu’s magnum opus, The Resonance Field, leads her to the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, drawing a journalist into a journey that shatters her understanding of consciousness and time. Cast: Shaunette Renée Wilson, Kaneza Schaal, Hope Giselle, Peter Hernandez, Penny Johnson Jerald, Zora Casebere
- How to Build a Library — Two intrepid Nairobi women decide to transform what used to be a whites-only library until 1958 into a vibrant cultural hub. Along the way, they must navigate local politics, raise millions for the rebuild, and confront the lingering ghosts of Kenya’s colonial past.
- Khartoum – Forced to leave Sudan for East Africa following the outbreak of war, five citizens of Khartoum — a civil servant, a tea lady, a resistance committee volunteer, and two young bottle collectors — reenact their stories of survival and freedom through dreams, revolution, and civil war.
- Love, Brooklyn – Three longtime Brooklynites navigate careers, love, loss, and friendship against the rapidly changing landscape of their beloved city. Cast: André Holland, Nicole Beharie, DeWanda Wise, Roy Wood Jr., Cassandra Freeman, Cadence Reese
- Move Ya Body: The Birth of House –– Out of the underground dance clubs on the South Side of Chicago, a group of friends turn a new sound into a global movement.
- Ricky — Newly released after being locked up in his teens, 30-year-old Ricky navigates the challenging realities of life post-incarceration, and the complexity of gaining independence for the first time as an adult. Cast: Stephan James, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Titus Welliver, Maliq Johnson, Imani Lewis, Andrene Ward-Hammond
- Seeds — An exploration of Black generational farmers in the American South reveals the fragility of legacy and the significance of owning land.
- SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius) –– An examination of the life and legacy of Sly & The Family Stone — the groundbreaking band led by the charismatic and enigmatic Sly Stone — captures the band’s rise, reign, and subsequent fadeout while shedding light on the unseen burden that comes with success for Black artists in America.
Whether through groundbreaking premieres or quiet, resonant moments, Sundance reaffirms its legacy as a place where stories begin and where they leave an indelible mark on the world. The 2025 Sundance film festival runs from January 23rd – February 2nd.
The post Need to Know What Black Films Are Playing at Sundance 2025? We Got You Covered! appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.
Despite a slew of controversy over the past two years, the Scream franchise is moving forward with its seventh installment. The previous film left the Core Four and Gale Weathers (we assume, considering she didn’t die) in a relatively good place, with Sam finally moving towards healing and peace after killing Richie’s remaining family. (It’s wild but true.) The Scream VII storyline and cast is still mostly a mystery, but things will start rolling very soon. In an Entertainment Weekly interview, Neve Campbell confirmed a bit about the film’s storyline, saying that it would follow Sidney Prescott as the main character once again.
Now, casting is starting to take shape. Deadline reports that Asa Germann, who is currently known for his role as Gen V‘s Sam Riordan, will join the cast of Scream 7 in some unknown role. Maybe he will be one of the next killers. We certainly know he’s not about taking someone out onscreen. Deadline also reported genre staple McKenna Grace has joined the cast in an undisclosed role. Possibly another Sidney kid, or just fodder for Ghostface.
The next film will be interesting, to say the least. Who will don that infamous mask next? Here’s what we know about Scream 7.
Title
For now, we will call this film Scream 7. It’s likely this will be the title, which could be stylized as Scream VII. As seen on this script from Campbell’s Instagram post, the film does not have an official title yet.
Scream 7’s Plot
As stated above, Sam and Tara’s story came to a neat conclusion in Scream VI. And Sidney is living a happy life with her husband Mark and her daughters. It seems like there was no one else hiding in the shadows who would want to kill Sidney. Her story was complete and she found peace. So, the plot of Scream 7 is really up in the air. Depending on this film’s release, someone from 30 years ago could decide to celebrate the events of Scream (1996) in a sinister way. We shall see.
Neve Campbell says she expects to get the final script sometime in August, so hopefully nothing will leak before they are ready to tell.
Behind-the-Scenes
Kevin Williamson, the writer of Scream (1996), will direct Scream 7. He is replacing Christopher Landon, who left the film after Melissa Barerra’s controversial (and very upsetting) firing and Jenna Ortega’s exit. Guy Busick and James Vanderbilt, who wrote the last two installments, will pen this sequel. The Radio Silence team will step back from directing duties to executive produce Scream 7.
In a recent IndieWire interview, Campbell confirmed that filming will start in December 2024.
“We were supposed to start in September, but we’re going to start in December now because of some scheduling stuff with Kevin and myself and having that all aligned,” she shared. “And actually, I think it’s a good thing, because we’re going to be able to have the time to get it really right. So I’m very excited about it.”
Scream 7’s Cast
Right now, the only returning person we absolutely know will be in Scream 7 is Neve Campbell. Scream VI was the first film to not include Sidney Prescott due to actress Neve Campbell rightfully bowing out due to a salary dispute. Fans thought Sidney would finally get a happy ending but Ghostface just won’t leave our good sis alone. Variety reports that Courteney Cox is in talks to reprise her role in the next film. It remains to be seen if the Meeks-Martin twins, played by Jasmin Savoy Brown and Mason Gooding, will be in this film. We’d love to see more of them.
However, their return isn’t likely considering their characters’ stories being so closely intertwined with the Carpenter sisters. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Savoy Brown hasn’t received a call from the studio Spyglass Media Group as of January 2024. Gooding also affirmed he knew no solid details about the seventh Scream film. Sadness.
We assume Courteney Cox and Roger L. Jackson will return as Gale Weathers and the voice of Ghostface, respectively. When asked if he might return as Mark Kincaid, Sidney Prescott’s Scream husband, Patrick Dempsey said it was possible. Dempsey noted of reprising his role in Scream 7, “I’m waiting on the script, “There has been a conversation about it. I haven’t seen anything yet, so we’ll see what happens. … It’s always good to have a job.”
We do know that at least one of Sidney’s kids is making an appearance. Deadline reports that Isabel May (1883) will portray Sidney’s currently unnamed daughter in Scream 7. It is not clear if she will be a main target like her mom was back in 1996. Considering the film releases in February 2026, it is possible that someone wants to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the original killings by targeting Sid’s kid. She would be at least 14 years old by that time, according to the universe’s timeline. In December, Deadline also reported genre staple McKenna Grace has joined the cast in an undisclosed role. Possibly another Sidney kid, or just fodder for Ghostface.
Scream 7 Release Date
Scream 7 will arrive in theaters on February 27, 2026. The cast and crew shared the release date on social media.
Originally published on March 13, 2024.
The post SCREAM 7 Adds McKenna Grace to the Cast appeared first on Nerdist.
When Marcus J. Moore set out to write High and Rising—a cultural biography of De La Soul—he wasn’t only documenting the journey of one of hip-hop’s most influential groups. He was also celebrating the humanity of three Black men who dared to be different in an industry that often demands conformity.
This ethos of self-acceptance and creative exploration lies at the heart of the iconic collective’s legacy. Formed in Long Island in 1988 by Kelvin “Posdnuos” Mercer, Dave “Trugoy the Dove” Jolicoeur, and Vincent “Maseo” Mason, the trio redefined what hip-hop could be. Their 1989 debut, 3 Feet High and Rising, was a masterpiece that embraced positivity, humor, and experimentation—a stark contrast to the gritty realism dominating the genre at the time.
Moore’s connection to De La Soul goes far beyond admiration. As he worked on the book, he found himself revisiting his own journey as a “left-of-center” Black kid who felt seen in their music. “When De La came along, they felt more attainable to me,” he explains. “They just looked like my older cousins. They let me know that I could like hip-hop music but also get into jazz, R&B, and gospel. They made it cool to be a multifaceted Black person.”
High and Rising isn’t just a biography; it’s a love letter to the group’s enduring impact on music and culture. Moore meticulously traces their rise, from the groundbreaking success of their first album, to the creative shifts in De La Soul Is Dead and Stakes Is High. Along the way, he reveals the challenges the group faced, including industry pressures, legal battles, and their own tendency to underrate themselves.
“They were scarred early,” Moore says, reflecting on the group’s struggles with record labels. “After a while, that builds calluses. They started to underrate themselves and think, ‘Let me just stay low and out the way,’ not realizing that they were hampering their own legacy.” Despite these tribulations, De La Soul’s commitment to creative evolution ensured their longevity. “With every album, they would add these very new and subtle creative wrinkles,” Moore notes. “That’s the way you stick around in any industry—you stick to your sound, but you do something a little bit different each time to not lose your fan base while gaining new fans.”
The release of the book paralleled the renewed interest in De La Soul, spurred in part by the group’s catalog finally arriving on streaming platforms in March of 2023. Moore acknowledges the serendipity of these events but emphasizes that his work began long before their return to DSPs was confirmed. “The timing was more so about the grief surrounding Dave’s passing and my mom’s passing,” he explains. “It encouraged me to lean into celebrating this group as much as I could.”
Jolicoeur’s passing earlier this year added a poignant layer to High and Rising, with Moore approaching the project with sensitivity, weaving personal memoir into the narrative to create a work that honors both the group’s legacy and the human connections that shaped it. As the first book dedicated to De La Soul, it stands as both a tribute and a testament—a reminder that their story isn’t just music history; it’s a vital part of Black history, world history, and our history. Through their creativity and courage, these three artists changed the game, and this book ensures their impact will continue to inspire for years to come.
“I want people to read about Black people being regular,” Moore says. “De La made it cool for Black people to be weird and to show love and smile and hug. They taught us that you can be creative, operate with integrity, and still evolve over time.”
TOPICS: black authors black books De La SoulThe post Celebrating De La Soul’s Legacy Through ‘High And Rising’ appeared first on Essence.