From the news about Pope Leo’s family to viral Afrobeats anthems, this week’s overlooked gems span culture, politics, and entertainment. While mainstream headlines focused elsewhere, these fascinating stories — including Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s rising power and a tale of two conflicting galas — offer ideas and perspectives you won’t want to miss.
- Is the new pope a secret Haitian?: Pope Leo XIV’s recently confirmed Haitian ancestry isn’t just genealogical trivia. It’s a powerful counternarrative to how Haitians are typically portrayed in America. While the diaspora has sometimes claimed celebrities with dubious connections, this papal revelation legitimately spotlights Haiti’s deep, often overlooked contributions to American culture. For a community frequently treated as recent outsiders despite centuries of presence, seeing their heritage recognized in the Vatican offers rare validation that Haitians truly belong in America’s cultural tapestry. Read more at The Haitian Times.
- The Debt Gala vs. the Met Gala: The Met Gala, evolving from a $50 ticket event in 1948 to Anna Wintour’s $75,000-per-ticket extravaganza, raised a record $31 million in 2025 while showcasing “Black Dandyism” with unprecedented Black representation. Meanwhile, the Debt Gala emerged as its economic justice counterpart, directing proceeds to medical debt relief and transgender care, highlighting the contrast between celebrity opulence and social activism despite the Met’s historical charitable purpose. Read more.
- Why Rep. Jasmine Crockett might not be the one to play with: Jasmine Crockett, Texas’ firebrand Democratic congresswoman famous for her “bleach blonde bad built butch body” viral clapback at Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), is eyeing a power move to become ranking member of the House Oversight Committee. The former public defender and BLM attorney has become Democrats’ most vocal Trump antagonist, positioning herself to potentially chair one of Congress’s most influential committees if Democrats flip the House in 2026. Read more.
- What you should know about Afrobeats star Davido’s big hit: Davido’s viral hit “With You” featuring Omah Lay is TikTok’s latest obsession from his new album 5ive. The track juxtaposes Lay’s vulnerable, emotion-drenched intro (“Baby, the weather, it’s getting cold inside”) with Davido’s confident flirtation (“Sweet Fante Diallo, I no fit forget you”). It’s the perfect mood switch, creating an Afrobeats anthem that hits both your soul and your dance moves. Read more at Parlé.
- Get moms help, not gifts: Mother’s Day flowers wilted already? So has America’s support for moms. While we dropped millions on brunches last Sunday, U.S. mothers remain stressed, juggling $15,000 daycare bills, quitting jobs, and battling mental health crises that leave them the unhappiest moms in the Western world. Trump’s $5,000 baby bonds feel laughably inadequate against the $300,000 reality of raising kids. Read more.
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