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Ryan Coogler’s Dream Collaboration Comes to Life

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Ryan Coogler’s Dream Collaboration Comes to Life

Ryan Coogler Finally Teams Up With His Acting Hero

After years of trying, Ryan Coogler is officially bringing Denzel Washington into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. During a recent sit-down on Carmelo Anthony’s 7 PM in Brooklyn podcast, the Black Panther director opened up about his longtime wish to work with Washington—and how it’s finally happening in Black Panther 3, hitting theaters February 2028.

“Denzel is family at this point… I’ve been trying to work with him since day one,” Coogler told Anthony. “I think he’s the greatest living actor, and in terms of what he means to our culture, forget about it.”

Denzel Confirms Role—and Shares His Final Run of Films

News of Washington’s involvement first broke in late 2024, when he accidentally revealed during an Australian Today interview that Coogler was writing him into the Marvel franchise.

“Ryan Coogler is writing a part for me in the next Black Panther,” he said. “After that, I’m going to do the film Othello. After that, I’m going to do King Lear. After that, I’m going to retire.”

Washington added that at this point in his career, he only wants to work with the best: “It’s about the filmmakers. I don’t know how many more films I’m going to make. It’s probably not that many. I want to do things I haven’t done.”

Coogler admitted he didn’t expect Washington to publicly confirm the news so early. “I was surprised when he mentioned it, but it’s not like it’s not true,” he said.

A New Era for Wakanda and a Legendary Final Act for Denzel

While fans are still coming to terms with the idea of Denzel Washington retiring, many are celebrating his final slate of work. From his Broadway role in Othello to his upcoming film with Spike Lee, Highest 2 Lowest—set for release in August 2025—Washington’s swan song is shaping up to be nothing short of iconic.

“I’m so hyped for this,” Coogler said about the Spike Lee project. “That trailer… the monologue… Denzel [is] in rare form. I just can’t put no words to how excited I am, man, because when [Lee] and Denzel get together, it’s always a masterpiece.”

‘Black Panther 3’ Lands February 2028

According to IMDb, Black Panther 3 is set to premiere in February 2028. While details about Washington’s character remain under wraps, fans already know this collaboration between Coogler and Washington is one for the history books.

What happens when a cinematic legend and one of today’s most visionary filmmakers join forces? You get Black Panther 3.

Questions Raised By the New Charges Against Kilmar Abrego Garcia

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Questions Raised By the New Charges Against Kilmar Abrego Garcia

The Political Fallout for Dems and Why a Federal Prosecutor Resigned Days Before the Indictment Remain Unanswered

Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s surprise return to the U.S. on federal smuggling charges was hailed by Donald Trump as a major win for his administration. The announcement redirected headlines away from recent legal defeats—most notably, a unanimous Supreme Court decision limiting Trump’s ability to deport individuals without judicial oversight.

But the case is far from routine. The 29-year-old Abrego Garcia stands accused of running a nine-year human smuggling operation moving thousands of undocumented immigrants—including children—across state lines. Prosecutors also allege he transported drugs and firearms, abused women during transit, and was tied to a deadly crash in Mexico that killed 50 migrants.

Trump called the indictment “easy to convict,” while his Attorney General, Pam Bondi, said the return of Abrego Garcia marked the difference “now that Donald Trump is president again.”

Democrats Caught in the Political Crossfire

The indictment also puts some Democrats in a tough spot. For months, Abrego Garcia’s supporters, including his wife and some Democratic lawmakers, pushed back on MS-13 claims, painting him as a Maryland-based construction worker wrongfully targeted by ICE.

But prosecutors say that when he was stopped in Tennessee in late 2022, he lied to police about his passengers—nine undocumented Hispanic men with no ID or luggage. The SUV had no tools, and data showed it hadn’t been near St. Louis, contradicting Abrego Garcia’s claim they were returning from a job there.

Trump quickly seized the moment to attack Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), who had previously criticized Trump’s attempt to deport Abrego Garcia without a judge’s approval. “He’s trying to defend a man with a horrible record of abuse,” Trump said. Van Hollen stood by his constitutional concerns, saying, “I will never apologize for defending the Constitution.”

DOJ Shake-Up Adds to the Mystery

One of the biggest unknowns surrounding the case is why Ben Schrader, a longtime federal prosecutor in Tennessee, resigned just days after the indictment was filed. Schrader had been the head of the criminal division at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Nashville and offered no explanation beyond a cryptic two-word response: “No comment.”

Legal observers have taken note. One former senior DOJ official said the case felt politically charged. “They came hard at a relatively low-level guy,” the source said. “You usually work up the chain—not down it.” The former official added that Bondi often sounds more like a campaign surrogate than an impartial attorney general.

Bondi’s Unorthodox Press Briefing Raises Eyebrows

During a Friday press conference, Bondi publicly described allegations not listed in the formal indictment—including accusations that Abrego Garcia solicited nude images from a minor and was linked to a gang murder. Prosecutors typically avoid discussing uncharged conduct to prevent biasing the public and preserving a fair trial.

A former Justice Department veteran criticized the move, calling Bondi’s remarks “partisan” and “unprofessional.” “She says the president’s name every time. She’s acting more like a Trump spokesperson than the top law enforcement officer,” they said.

El Salvador Flip-Flop Fuels Confusion

The case also casts a spotlight on foreign relations. In April, Trump and Bondi claimed El Salvador wouldn’t cooperate in returning Abrego Garcia, with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele mocking the suggestion. Yet by June, Bondi praised Bukele’s cooperation, claiming the transfer was “smooth and seamless.”

“What changed?” she was asked. Her answer: “Donald Trump is now president of the United States.”

More Questions Than Answers

As the case unfolds, key questions remain. What drove the sudden resignation of a top DOJ official? Why were unindicted allegations shared in a public setting? And will Democrats who previously criticized the handling of Abrego Garcia now face political backlash?

What’s clear is that the case is more than a criminal indictment—it’s a litmus test for how far politics has bled into the justice system under Trump’s second term.

Fired Without Warning: Carla Hayden Speaks Out After Trump Ousts Her

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Fired Without Warning: Carla Hayden Speaks Out After Trump Ousts Her

Carla Hayden Breaks Her Silence After Sudden Termination As First Black Librarian of Congress

Dr. Carla Hayden, the first woman and first Black woman to serve as Librarian of Congress, is finally speaking out after being abruptly fired by the Trump administration with no warning and minimal explanation. After nearly a decade of service under Presidents Obama, Trump (during his first term), and Biden, Hayden says she learned about her dismissal via a two-sentence email.

“I’ve received no communication directly, except for that one email,” Hayden told CBS Sunday. The message from Trent Morse, deputy director of the White House Office of Personnel, simply read: “On behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as the Librarian of Congress is terminated effective immediately. Thank you for your service.”

No Warnings, No Conversations—Just Gone

Hayden says she was never given advance notice and no one from the White House spoke with her before or after the firing. “No one talked to me directly at all,” she added, underscoring the lack of basic professional courtesy, despite her unblemished record and decades of public service.

Former Biden administration official Yemisi Egbewole called the dismissal “disrespectful and extreme.” “They treated her like she was disposable,” she told theGrio. “This is an example of somebody who’s a trailblazer… who did it with dignity, vision, excellence, no complaints, no controversies.”

DEI Backlash or Deliberate Targeting?

Political analyst Reecie Colbert said the move was in line with Trump’s broader efforts to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across the federal government. “All they see is a Black person, and they don’t want Black people in these roles—period,” she said. “It’s disgusting, it’s racist.”

Hayden’s removal adds to growing concerns that the administration is using mass firings as a political purge. Since Trump’s return to office, tens of thousands of federal workers have been terminated, including many in DEI-related roles. Several of those dismissals are now being challenged in court.

What It Says to the Federal Workforce

Egbewole argues Hayden’s firing sends a chilling message to other federal workers—especially women and people of color. “When a Black woman at the top of her field is treated like this, what message is it sending to the rest of the federal workforce?” she asked.

She added, “They’re just telling you that competence and service, it doesn’t matter if you don’t fit their mold, and that mold is starting to look more and more homogeneous in a very Anglo-Saxon kind of way.”

A Loss That Goes Beyond One Office

Carla Hayden wasn’t just a historic appointment—she was widely respected across political lines for her steady, visionary leadership of one of America’s most important institutions. Her sudden removal marks not only a personal loss for the Library of Congress, but also a troubling sign of how this administration views qualified public servants who break the mold.

As Egbewole put it: “Dr. Hayden deserves better. Federal workers in general deserve better. And frankly, at this point, so does the country.”











A Star Power Night at the 2025 BET Awards

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A Star Power Night at the 2025 BET Awards

106 & Park Tribute Brings the Nostalgia, Stars, & Icon Out On Black Hollywoods Biggest Night

The 2025 BET Awards pulled no punches, delivering one of its most impactful shows yet for its 25th anniversary. Held at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles, the night brought the entire culture out—from living legends to rising stars—all gathered under one roof to celebrate the past, present, and future of Black entertainment.

With heavy police and National Guard presence just blocks away due to ongoing immigration protests, the ceremony still packed out with celebrities, performers, and supporters, standing tall in the face of political unrest. Inside, it was all love, legacy, and electric energy.

Doechii accepts the award for best female hip hop artist during the BET Awards on Monday, June 9, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Doechii accepts the award for best female hip hop artist during the BET Awards on Monday, June 9, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

In a tribute to BET’s legendary countdown show 106 & Park, former hosts A.J., Free, Terrence J, Rocsi Diaz and others reunited onstage. Performers including B2K, Ashanti, Amerie, Mya, and Bow Wow helped recreate the spirit of early 2000s Black pop culture.

Kevin Hart Brings the Jokes, Then Gets Real

Host Kevin Hart opened the night with laughs and jabs—mocking celebrity names and poking fun at Kirk Franklin’s infamous onstage twerk. But Hart also shifted gears to recognize the show’s cultural weight and honor icons like Foxx.

“There won’t be any afterparties tonight,” he joked, referencing the baby oil rumors swirling around Diddy’s legal case. “Things could get slippery.”

Jamie Foxx Breaks Down in Iconic Return

Jamie Foxx’s tearful acceptance of the Ultimate Icon Award was another emotional high point of the night. Presented by Stevie Wonder, the honor marked Foxx’s public comeback after surviving a near-fatal stroke in 2023.

“When I saw the memoriam, I was like, ‘Man, that could’ve been me,’” Foxx said. “But my second chance? I’m not turning it down.”

Jamie Foxx at the BET Awards in Los Angeles on June 9, 2025. Credit : Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty
Jamie Foxx at the BET Awards in Los Angeles on June 9, 2025. Credit : Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty

Backed by a star-studded musical tribute featuring Babyface, Ludacris, Jennifer Hudson, and T-Pain, Foxx thanked his daughters, his team, and Black audiences for standing by him. “When I did my special, it was for Black people. Y’all held me down,” he said. “You can’t go through something like that and not testify.”

Mariah Carey and Snoop Dogg Reflect on Legacy

Mariah Carey, also honored with the Ultimate Icon Award, shared that this was her first-ever BET trophy. Introduced by Busta Rhymes, Carey said she finally reached a place where she no longer lives for anyone else’s approval: “I decided to own who I am.”

Snoop Dogg accepted his award from Dr. Dre with his wife, Shante Taylor, at his side. “Hip-hop gave me a voice. It gave me a purpose. Being an icon isn’t about fame—it’s about legacy, what you leave behind, and who you lift up.”

Busta Rhymes, left, presents the ultimate icon award to Mariah Carey during the BET Awards on Monday, June 9, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Busta Rhymes, left, presents the ultimate icon award to Mariah Carey during the BET Awards on Monday, June 9, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Kirk Franklin, the fourth Ultimate Icon honoree, joked “I can’t even sing” while expressing gratitude. “That’s when you know it’s God,” he said.

Kendrick Lamar Wins Album of the Year

Kendrick Lamar added to his already historic year by winning Album of the Year for GNX. The project has swept award circuits, with wins at the Grammys and now BET, including Song and Video of the Year for “Not Like Us.” Kendrick, currently touring with SZA on the Grand National Tour, continues to define the modern hip-hop landscape.

Kendrick Lamar accepts the award for album of the year for “GNX” during the BET Awards on Monday, June 9, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Kendrick Lamar accepts the award for album of the year for “GNX” during the BET Awards on Monday, June 9, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Sly Stone Dies at 82

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Sly Stone Dies at 82

A Legend’s Final Bow: Funk Pioneer and Voice of a Generation Dies at 82

Sly Stone, the visionary frontman behind Sly and the Family Stone, has died at the age of 82. Known for pioneering a genre-bending fusion of funk, soul, rock, and psychedelic sound, Stone passed away peacefully surrounded by family after a long battle with COPD and other health issues.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved dad, Sly Stone,” his family shared in a statement on June 9. “While we mourn his absence, we take solace in knowing that his extraordinary musical legacy will continue to resonate and inspire for generations to come.”

A Soundtrack That Shaped Culture

Born Sylvester Stewart in Denton, Texas, in 1943, Sly moved to California early in life and grew up singing gospel in the church with his siblings. His nickname “Sly” came from a classmate’s typo, and once he changed his surname to Stone, his siblings Freddie and Rose — who would later join his band — followed suit.

Sly Stone (center, with George Clinton to the left) at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in 1993. Jeff Kravitz\ Getty Images

By high school, Sly was already performing in bands and went on to study music theory at Solano Community College before becoming a DJ at San Francisco’s KSOL, helping shape the city’s soul scene.

In 1966, Sly and Freddie merged their groups — Sly and the Stoners and Freddie and the Stone Souls — into what would become Sly and the Family Stone. “The band had a concept,” Sly wrote in his 2023 memoir Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin). “White and Black together, male and female both, and women not just singing but playing instruments. That was a big deal back then, and it was a big deal on purpose.”

Chart-Topping Hits and Cultural Impact

With smash hits like “Dance to the Music,” “Everyday People,” and “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin),” Sly and the Family Stone changed the face of American music. The group’s inclusive lineup and infectious grooves helped define an era of social change, musical experimentation, and cultural pride.

Though the band officially broke up in the 1980s — largely due to Sly’s well-documented struggles with addiction — their influence never faded. Tributes continue to pour in from generations of artists who credit Sly’s sound as a cornerstone of modern funk, hip-hop, and soul.

Sly Stone in 2015. Mark Weiss/Getty Images

A Legacy Still in Motion

In recent years, Sly had kept a low profile but was working on creative projects, including a screenplay based on his life. That project followed the release of his 2024 memoir, which gave fans a rare glimpse into his rise, fall, and reflections on music, fame, and redemption.

“Sly was a monumental figure, a groundbreaking innovator, and a true pioneer who redefined the landscape of pop, funk, and rock music,” his family’s statement continued. “We extend our deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love and prayers during this difficult time.”

Stone is survived by his three children and extended family, who say they hope to share his story in full through the screenplay he completed shortly before his death.

His music may have started on a turntable, but it lives on in the rhythm of every generation since.

‘Arrest Me’: California Gov. Gavin Newsom Dares Trump to Arrest Him

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‘Arrest Me’: California Gov. Gavin Newsom Dares Trump to Arrest Him

Trump and His “Border Czar,” Tom Homan, Have Said Cali Officials Could Face Arrest if They’re Perceived as Impeding ICE Operations

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is not backing down. In a fiery interview with MSNBC’s Jacob Soboroff, Newsom responded directly to threats from Trump’s so-called “border czar,” Tom Homan, who warned that state and city officials could face arrest if they’re seen as interfering with federal immigration operations.

“Tom, arrest me. Let’s go,” Newsom said. “He knows where to find me. That kind of bloviating is exhausting.”

The standoff comes as ICE operations ramp up across Los Angeles, drawing massive protests and national scrutiny. Homan, echoing Trump’s position, accused California leaders of potentially “knowingly harboring” undocumented immigrants and said interfering with enforcement efforts could be considered a felony.

Trump Administration Threatens Crackdown on Officials

During a press briefing, Homan made clear that the federal government’s patience is wearing thin. “You cross that line, it’s a felony,” he said, referring to obstruction of ICE operations. While he claimed neither Newsom nor Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass had broken the law—yet—he didn’t rule out future action.

Trump backed up Homan’s warning, telling reporters that “officials who stand in the way of law and order will face judges.”

But according to Newsom, Trump’s tough talk doesn’t match what was said behind closed doors. The California governor revealed that in a recent phone call following the protests, Trump never mentioned arrests or the deployment of federal forces.

“We talked for almost 20 minutes, and he barely — this issue never came up,” Newsom said. “We had a very decent conversation.”

Mayor Bass Calls Threats ‘Unnecessary and Unprovoked’

Mayor Karen Bass called Homan’s comments reckless and uncalled for. “I spoke to him last night,” she said. “He understands I am the mayor of the city… the last thing in the world I’m going to do is get into a brawl with the federal government.”

While Bass has not escalated the rhetoric, she remains firmly against Trump’s decision to deploy at least 2,000 National Guard troops in response to the protests, warning it would only heighten tensions in a city already under pressure.

Federalized Troops Add Fuel to the Fire

Newsom is now demanding the immediate return of control over California’s National Guard. In a letter sent to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the governor urged the federal government to rescind its order placing the Guard under federal command.

“In dynamic and fluid situations such as the one in Los Angeles,” Newsom wrote, “State and local authorities are the most appropriate ones to evaluate the need for resources and safeguard life and property.”

A Pattern of Intimidation

This isn’t the first time the Trump administration has threatened—or arrested—Democratic officials during immigration crackdowns. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was famously arrested outside an ICE facility last year, though charges were later dropped. Democratic Rep. LaMonica McIver was charged in the same incident for allegedly resisting law enforcement.

Now, with tensions rising again in California, Newsom and Bass appear ready for a legal and political battle over states’ rights, federal overreach, and the role of elected officials in protecting their communities.

And Newsom’s message to Washington couldn’t be clearer: “He’s a tough guy. Why doesn’t he do that? He knows where to find me.”

Coco Gauff Makes French Open History, Channels Serena with Grit and Glory

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Coco Gauff Makes French Open History, Channels Serena with Grit and Glory

Coco Gauff is now a two-time Grand Slam champion—and the youngest American to win the French Open since Serena Williams in 2002.

On Saturday at Roland-Garros, the 21-year-old showed why she’s one of the game’s most fearless fighters, coming from behind to beat world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a dramatic, wind-blown final. Gauff lost the first set in a tense tiebreak but rallied back with poise, speed, and clutch shot-making to win the next two sets and clinch the match.

“I didn’t think honestly that I could do it,” Gauff said after the win, overcome with emotion. Quoting Tyler the Creator, she added, “I must’ve been lying to myself, because I could do it.”

Gauff’s victory was gritty. The conditions were tough—swirling wind, heavy nerves, and Sabalenka’s booming groundstrokes. But Gauff didn’t flinch. She broke Sabalenka’s serve four times in the last two sets and used her foot speed and shot variety—including well-timed drop shots—to keep the world No. 1 off balance.

Sabalenka, who had beaten Gauff just weeks earlier in Madrid and was favored coming into the final, started strong with a 4-1 lead in the opening set. But her game fell apart under pressure, racking up a shocking 70 unforced errors. “She didn’t win because she played unbelievable. I just made too many mistakes,” Sabalenka admitted. “It was the worst final I ever played.”

Still, the match had plenty of grit and drama. At 3-3 in the third set, Gauff immediately broke Sabalenka to love and held steady to close out the match. When Sabalenka’s last backhand missed, Gauff dropped to the clay in tears. She embraced her opponent, then high-fived film director Spike Lee in the stands.

“There’s a lot going on in our country right now,” Gauff said. “I hope I gave people something to feel good about today.”

She added to TNT Sports, “I don’t think either of us were playing great, but I knew it would be a fight in these conditions. I just tried to give myself the best chance on every point.”

Of all the majors, this one meant the most. “This is the one I really wanted,” Gauff said. “If I went through my career and never won it, I would’ve regretted it. Now, I have no regrets.”

Troops on the Streets, Rights Under Attack

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Troops on the Streets, Rights Under Attack

Critics Say Trump’s Deployment of Troops Is Less About Law and Order—and More About Fear and Control

Los Angeles woke up Sunday to a disturbing sight: National Guard troops taking positions across the city, as tensions over President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdowns boil over. At least 300 troops have already landed, with more expected, following Friday’s ICE raids and in advance of more protests near City Hall.

All of this comes despite objections from California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who called the troop deployment a “spectacle.” But Trump had no interest in de-escalating. “We’re going to have troops everywhere,” he said. “We’re not going to let this happen to our country.” When asked what would trigger even more extreme action like deploying Marines, Trump casually replied, “what I think it is.”

This is not leadership—it’s intimidation.

Even more outrageous was the warning from Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, who said not even elected officials are off limits. “You cross that line, it’s a felony,” Homan told NBC News, threatening arrests of California leaders like Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass if they stand in the administration’s way. “Every day in L.A., we’re going to enforce immigration law. I don’t care if they like it or not.”

Meanwhile, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who now supports Trump’s militarization of immigration enforcement, had a very different opinion last year when Biden considered federalizing the Guard in Texas. Then, she called it a “direct attack on states’ rights.” Her reversal now reeks of political hypocrisy.

Amnesty International condemned the move, calling it a blatant attack on freedom. “This is not about protecting communities, this is about crushing dissent and instilling fear,” said Executive Director Paul O’Brien.

What’s happening in LA should alarm every American. Using soldiers to silence criticism and patrol protest zones isn’t about safety. It’s about control. And we’ve seen where that road leads.

Book Festival, FREE Outdoor Movie, & Summer Kid Programs: This Week In San Antonio

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Book Festival, FREE Outdoor Movie, & Summer Kid Programs: This Week In San Antonio
Sign Up for the Community Calendar to stay up-to-date with FREE San Antonio events and family-friendly fun across the city!

Graduation’s (Almost) Over — Let the Summer Fun Begin With These Events This Week

As graduation season wraps up and the kiddos head home, there’s plenty to do around San Antonio — all on a bargain.

Splash pads are open, youth programs are launching, and outdoor movie nights are back. Whether you’re a teen looking for esports and STEAM, a teacher ready to unwind at The San Antonio Zoo, or a family craving free fun under the stars — we got something lined up just for you.

Here’s what’s happening:

FREE Events This Week

THURSDAY, JUNE 5

Free Summer Meals for Kids Across SAISD
📍 Meal times vary by site

Breakfast and lunch are free all summer for youth 18 and under (and up to 21 with disabilities). No sign-up required.

Photo: Summer Meal Program List 2025. SAISD

More info + locations: saisd.net/page/nutrition-home

SATURDAY, JUNE 7

African American Book Festival
📍 Carver Branch Library, 3350 E. Commerce
Saturday, June 7 | 12:00–4:00 PM

Celebrate Juneteenth through storytelling, literacy, and Black culture. Featuring local authors, book signings, and family-friendly activities.

Outdoor Movie: Inside Out 2
📍 Mission Marquee Plaza, 3100 Roosevelt Ave. | Gates open at 7 PM

Mission Marquee kicks off its Outdoor Family Film Series with a community-favorite sequel under the stars. Food trucks, classic cars, and live performances make this more than just movie night.

Hemisfair’s Super Fun Saturday: Jurassic Jamboree
📍 Hemisfair, 630 E. Nueva | 8:00–10:00 PM

Dino digs, Jurassic crafts, and a free screening of Jurassic Park under the stars — this nighttime edition of Hemisfair’s Super Fun Saturday is perfect for the whole family.

FREE Admission for Teachers: Teacher Appreciation Month at the San Antonio Zoo
📍 San Antonio Zoo | 1–7 PM

Texas educators get free zoo admission all month, plus 50% off for up to 4 guests. Show ID + teaching credentials at entry. For more details visit, sazoo.org

San Antonio Zoo Is Proud to Support Texas Teachers and Their Families for Teacher Appreciation Month, Presented by H-E-B!
San Antonio Zoo

Preseason Public Pools Now Open
📍 See various locations HERE
Cool off before the citywide pool launch on June 14!

• Splash Pads: Daily | 9 AM–9 PM
Benavides, Elmendorf, Hemisfair, Lincoln, MLK, Pearsall, Ward
• Preseason Pools: Sat & Sun | 1–7 PM
Dellview, Fairchild, Kingsborough, Lady Bird Johnson, Westwood Village, Woodlawn Lake
🔹 Woodlawn also open Tues–Fri | 7:30–9:30 AM for lap swim/fitness

San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department via Facebook

SUNDAY, JUNE 8

Preseason Public Pools Now Open
📍 All listed locations above remain open | Times vary

MONDAY, JUNE 9

Yoga in the Park
📍 Brackenridge Park (Joske Pavilion) | 7 AM

2025 Summer Teen Club
📍 4 Locations – Frank Garrett, Garza, Palm Heights, & Woodard | 10 AM–6 PM

From June 9 to August 1, teens ages 13–17 can take part in free activities like STEAM projects, esports tournaments, sports, art workshops, and more. To register, click HERE.

San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department via Facebook

Summer Youth Program
📍 SAISD school sites & community centers | 7:30 AM–5:30 PM

Starting June 9, youth ages 6–14 can join a full-day summer program that includes lunch, snacks, games, arts and crafts, and hands-on STEM activities. To register, click HERE.

San Antonio Summer Camp
San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department via Facebook

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11

Bootcamp in the Park
📍 Brackenridge Park | 6:30 PM

Ticketed Events

Cenote Pool Daycation
📍 Thompson San Antonio
Daily thru Sept. 1 | Admission Required

Escape to the Cenote Pool Deck and Bar, a downtown oasis with cocktails, food, and lush tropical vibes. Lounge poolside, socialize, and unwind in one of the city’s most stylish spots.

Emotions at Play: Pixar’s Inside Out Exhibit
📍 The DoSeum
Daily | 9 AM–5 PM | $18 (Includes Exhibit)

Step into the world of Pixar’s Inside Out at this interactive exhibit that helps kids and adults explore emotions, memory, and imagination through hands-on fun.

Photo:Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out. Dosuem

📅 SATURDAY, JUNE 7

Juneteenth Prayer Breakfast
📍 The Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway
9:00–10:30 AM | Admission Required

Presented by the San Antonio Juneteenth Commission, this year’s theme honors the role of the church in advancing healthcare awareness.

ESSENCE Festival of Culture Returns for its 30th Year

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ESSENCE Festival of Culture Returns for its 30th Year

A Cultural Legacy Born in New Orleans

Dubbed “a vibrant homecoming and cultural pilgrimage,” the annual ESSENCE Festival of Culture began in New Orleans in 1995 and was initially supposed to be a one-time event to honor the 25th anniversary of ESSENCE Magazine – but its massive success brought a return the following year, and again the year after that, and every year since then for the last 30, in what has now become an annual tradition and cultural beacon for championing Black women and Black excellence across the nation.

Honoring 30 Years of Black Excellence

To celebrate its 30th anniversary (and the 55th anniversary of ESSENCE), the 2025 edition of the Festival of Culture, presented by Coca-Cola, will feature an ensemble of music acts, empowerment panels, fashion exhibitions, good food and an overarching framework of community engagement and uplift – all while honoring the past, celebrating the present, and shaping the future of Black joy, artistry and excellence.

The Largest Annual Celebration of Black Culture

Often called “a party with a purpose,” the Festival of Culture is considered a cultural mecca-type event that draws millions of people each year and is the largest annual Black culture and music festival in the country – not to mention being the longest-running and most lucrative, with an economic impact that has now reached billion-dollar heights. Taking place in New Orleans every year (except in 2006 when it was held in Houston after Hurricane Katrina), the ESSENCE festival’s biggest aim is to bring together the most influential artists in Hip-Hop, Soul, R&B, funk and gospel with their Evening Concert Series, and to create a space where community engagement and celebration meet.

A Star-Studded Lineup for the Ages

Though there’s much more to the Fest of Culture than the music, it is arguably one of its biggest attractions. This year the festival will honor a wide-ranging and diverse array of artists and performers, spanning multiple generations and various genres. From Boyz II Men and GloRilla to Erykah Badu and Nas and many, many more (including what’s said to be the final performance by NOLA’s own Master P), the stage will be set for an unforgettable night with a collection of artists unlike any other.

Celebrating the ESSENCE of 55 Years

This year’s festival is also especially tailored to “the fans who grew up on the Superdome stage and discovered their future favorites in the Superlounge. As ESSENCE Magazine celebrates 55 years of storytelling, spirit, and truth, every detail in this year’s festival continues to affirm that we are, indeed, Made Like This.” This year’s theme, as such, is ‘Made Like This,’ which is both an homage to ESSENCE’s 55-year milestone and an acknowledgement of those who continue to uphold its excellence.

Festival Dates, Streaming Access, and More

The festival will begin on the 3rd of July and go through the weekend, ending Sunday the 6th. Parts of the event will be available on Hulu and other streaming sites, TBA.

For more information and/or to secure your seats now, visit https://www.essence.com/essencefestival2025/.

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