BE'N ORIGINAL

Event Recap: Taste of Black Harrisburg Draws Crowds, Showcases Black-Owned Food, Art, And Small Business

BE'N ORIGINALJune 20, 2026June 20, 202606 mins

The Taste of Black Harrisburg event held yesterday in downtown Harrisburg delivered a community-centered experience built around Black-owned food businesses, cultural expression, and small business visibility tied to Juneteenth programming. The event was organized by Jasmine White and DuJuan Dixon, who helped structure the gathering under the JuneteenthHBG framework as both a cultural showcase and…

String Queens Talk “Troubled Liberty,” Freedom, and Finding Their Voice as Composers

BE'N ORIGINALJune 19, 2026June 19, 2026012 mins

The String Queens aren’t just releasing a song — they’re lighting a fuse. “Troubled Liberty” is their boldest strike yet: a searing blend of ancestry, protest, and unshakable Black womanhood that refuses to whisper when the moment demands a roar. Born from spirituals, sharpened by classical rigor, and ignited by the chaos and hope of…

justin j Pearson- shot by Be'n Original for Urban Magazine

Juneteenth in Harrisburg: Tennesee Rep. Justin J. Pearson Talks Politics, Community, and the Future of Black America

BE'N ORIGINALJune 18, 2026June 18, 2026014 mins

As preparations for Juneteenth begin across the country, here in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the capital of the first state to officially begin to abolish slavery, the holiday celebrating the end of America’s greatest crime against humanity carries a tremendous magnitude. While for most of the nation, it begins and ends on the nineteenth of June, this…

Nevaeh Black Builds Her Sound with Patience, Purpose, and A Clear Sense Of Identity

BE'N ORIGINALJune 16, 2026June 16, 2026011 mins

Nevaeh Black is building her sound with patience and a clear sense of identity. Inspired by artists like Whitney Houston and Beyoncé, she makes music that connects with listeners on a deep level. First and foremost, thank you for taking the time for this interview. Let’s start with your name. What inspired it? It’s actually…

Suzi Reflects on Global Rise as “Nobody’s Better” Tops 300 Million Streams

BE'N ORIGINALMay 29, 2026May 29, 2026010 mins

Suzi talks about becoming a global sensation, with “Nobody’s Better” surpassing 300 million streams. In this interview, she discusses creative range, her cultural identity, independence, and growth. You grew up immersed in music from a young age. What do you remember most about when your talent was first recognized in kindergarten, and how did that shape…

Meet the New King of Comedy—Ali Siddiq

BE'N ORIGINALMay 27, 2026May 27, 2026011 mins

Comedian Ali Siddiq builds his work from lived experience, turning memory into structure and story into method. He does not separate vulnerability from performance, treating personal situations that might otherwise remain private as material for reflection and humor rather than exposure to manage. Siddiq remains with his family and friends in Houston, outside major industry…

Yolonda Ross Reflects on The Chi, Purpose, Power, and Fearless Storytelling

BE'N ORIGINALMay 17, 2026May 17, 2026019 mins

Yolonda Ross, who may be best known for her role as Jada on “The Chi,” continues to inspire with a fearless devotion to her craft, bringing to life characters that challenge, illuminate, and give voice to stories too often overlooked. Her journey, both in front of the camera and behind it, reveals how passion, resilience,…

Ali Caldwell | Photographer: Charles Jacobs

Ali Caldwell Talks Global Performances, Vocal Precision, and Her TV-Inspired EP Series

BE'N ORIGINALMay 17, 2026May 17, 2026010 mins

Ali Caldwell reflects on the experiences that shaped her career, from televised competitions to international stages. She also breaks down the creative vision behind her episodic project rollout. You first gained national attention through televised singing competitions. How did that experience shape your approach to artistry and performance? I learned a lot from being on…