Kim Kardashian hosted Saturday Night Live on October 9, delivering a monologue that humorously targeted her family, friends, and herself. She wore pink and made jokes about OJ Simpson, her estranged husband Kanye West, and Caitlyn Jenner, among others. Kanye West was reported to be in New York to support her SNL debut.

Acting Mayor Kim Janey of Boston signed an executive order to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day, effective immediately. This change aims to acknowledge the true history of the land and the original inhabitants, including the Massachusett Tribe, Wampanoag, and Nipmuc tribes. The city's calendars will now refer to the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples Day. The signing was supported by members of the Massachusett Tribe, United American Indians of New England, and the North American Indian Center of Boston. President Joe Biden also honored October 11 as Indigenous Peoples Day in a national proclamation.

Janelle Monáe collaborated with 15 Black artists and activists to create a 17-minute protest anthem titled 'Say Her Name' to honor Black women who have lost their lives to law enforcement. The song, in partnership with the African American Policy Forum, chants the names of 61 women, including Sandra Bland and Breonna Taylor. Proceeds from the single and video will support the AAPF’s #SayHerName campaign and the development of art to help families share their stories.

A Black family from Danvers, Massachusetts, experienced racial profiling at Connors Farm when they were falsely accused of stealing six apples during a Labor Day visit. Rev. Manika Bowman and Jeff Myers were confronted by security and had their belongings searched, but no stolen goods were found. The family requested a written apology, a donation to charity, and diversity training for the farm and police. The farm issued an apology and agreed to diversity training but did not fulfill the charity donation request.

Kanye West released his tenth studio album, 'Donda', on August 30, deviating from the traditional Friday release date. The album, named after his late mother, features 26 tracks and includes appearances by prominent artists such as Jay-Z and The Weeknd. The release followed a series of listening parties and a Beats by Dre ad campaign featuring Sha'Carri Richardson. Despite previous public clashes, Jay-Z's feature on the track 'Jail' has been a notable talking point.

Gary Owen and Wendy Williams were seen having dinner together in New York City amidst Owen's public divorce from his ex-wife, Kenya Duke. Duke filed for divorce in the Los Angeles County Supreme Court without public clarity on the reason. She criticized Owen on Instagram for discussing their personal matters on 'The Wendy Williams Show' instead of his projects. The couple had been married for 18 years and have three children. Duke has accused Owen of being a 'deadbeat' for not seeing their children for several months.

Ma’Khia Bryant, a 16-year-old Black teen and honor roll student, was fatally shot by Columbus police officer Nicholas Reardon on April 20, leading to protests and nationwide outrage. Her funeral was held at the First Church of God in Columbus, with attendees including Breonna Taylor’s mother Tamika Palmer, who received a standing ovation, and Columbus City Council member Priscilla Tyson. Calls for change in police training and valuing of lives were emphasized during the service, with the family's attorney planning to launch an investigation into the teen's death.

An open letter to Congress supported by the NAACP and Planned Parenthood, along with other Black women, advocates for Washington D.C. statehood. The letter emphasizes the impact of D.C.'s lack of autonomy on its predominantly Black population, particularly in healthcare and pandemic response. It highlights disparities in COVID-19 vaccine distribution and mortality rates among Black residents. The House of Representatives recently voted to make D.C. the 51st state, but the bill's success is uncertain, with the need for Republican support and Democratic Senator Joe Manchin's indecision.

Demitri Jackson, 20, has been charged with the first-degree murder of Chicago rapper Tray Savage, who was signed to Chief Keef’s record label, Glory Boyz Entertainment. The incident occurred in June 2020, and Jackson was identified through video surveillance showing his distinct limp. He was arrested in Fort Worth, Texas, and is being held without bond. Prosecutors allege the two men, affiliated with the same gang, had a brief exchange before Jackson blocked Young's car and opened fire, leading to Young's death from gunshot wounds.