Upscale Weekly

This week, we’re looking at the stories, people, and moments shaping culture now. From entertainment and style to legacy, travel, business, and community, Upscale Weekly brings you a curated view of what deserves your attention and what’s worth watching next.

— Millie Y. Harrell
Editor-in-Chief

Featured This Week: July 13, 1965 – Thurgood Marshall became first African American appointed U.S. Solicitor General.

On July 13, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed Thurgood Marshall as the first African American Solicitor General of the United States. As the government's top litigator, Marshall was responsible for arguing cases on behalf of the U.S. government before the Supreme Court.

Before becoming Solicitor General, Marshall was a legendary civil rights lawyer. He won 29 of 32 cases he argued before the Supreme Court, including the landmark 1954 Brown v. Board of Education. This ruling ended legal segregation in public schools. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy appointed Marshall to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. President Johnson then tapped him to be Solicitor General in 1965. Just two years later, in 1967, Johnson elevated Marshall to the U.S. Supreme Court, making him its first Black Justice.

The Significance
Marshall's appointment as Solicitor General broke major barriers in American law and government. It proved that an African American could hold one of the highest legal positions in the nation. By placing a renowned civil rights champion inside the federal government's inner circle, it signaled a new era of progress following the Civil Rights Movement. His performance in this role paved the way for his eventual appointment as a Supreme Court Justice, where he spent 24 years defending individual rights and equality.

Essence Festival of Culture once again brought together music, style, entrepreneurship, wellness, civic conversation, and community in New Orleans. From mainstage moments to daytime panels and brand activations, the weekend reminded us why Essence remains one of the most important cultural gatherings of the year.

Highlights We’re Still Talking About:

Your curated guide to the gatherings, performances, festivals, and cultural moments worth adding to your calendar.

1. The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo- August 1, 2026| Atlanta, GA

Why it matters: Founded in 1984, the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR) is the world’s only touring African American rodeo association, honoring the legacy of Black cowboys and cowgirls through professional rodeo competition and cultural celebration. Led by President and CEO Valeria Howard-Cunningham, BPIR's legacy travels coast to coast blending sport, history, and community to preserve Black Western heritage and elevate it for future generations. Learn more

2. Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Festival- August 7-15, 2026| Oak Bluffs, MA

Why it matters: For more than 20 years, the festival has evolved into a premier event, attracting A-list talent and audiences worldwide. This remarkable festival champions storytelling that is bold, authentic, and culturally resonant — values that are at the heart of everything we do. Supporting a space that uplifts diverse voices and sparks meaningful dialogue is both an honor and a responsibility we embrace. Learn more

3. AFROPUNK - August 15-17, 2026| Brooklyn, NY

Why it matters: AFROPUNK is the cultural event that hip-hop, punk, jazz, fashion, and activism all claim as their own. Twenty years in, nothing else is quite like it. AFROPUNK Brooklyn 2026 is a two-day celebration at Prospect Park Bandshell in Brooklyn — Jazmine Sullivan, Flying Lotus, Joey Bada$$, Vince Staples, Baby Tate, and 70,000 artists, activists, and culture makers who refuse to be categorized. Learn more.

4. 2026 Hey Cousin Culture Fest - August 16, 2026| Silver Spring, MD

Why it matters: Celebrate the Black diaspora through music, food, live performances, and a variety vendors. A family-friendly event for all our cousins! All will be entertained by performances from local artists and dance teams, and a DJ spinning all day! This is a FREE to attend, community event, open to everyone! Learn more.

5. Emmett Till 71st Anniversary Commemoration Weekend - August 28–30, 2026| Jackson, MS

Why it matters: Hosted by the Emmett Till Legacy Foundation and Till family members, this educational and reflection-focused tour honors Emmett's life and legacy. Come together to commemorate this important anniversary and stand in solidarity to continue the fight for our rights, the truth, justice and accountability. Learn more