Perceptive Words By James Baldwin To Ruminate On
Truthfully, I’ve only recently begun delving into the brilliant mind of the 20th century essayist James Baldwin, but I feel that it is in perfect timing. Not because it is Black History Month (what does that really mean, anyway, to a magazine dedicated to celebrating Black culture every single day?), but because I have reached […]
Essence event affirms the power of black women in Hollywood
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) — Through laughs, tears and speeches that turned into sermons and affirmations, the overarching theme of this year’s star-studded Essence luncheon was that in an unforgiving industry that often overlooks, black women need no validation from Hollywood — or elsewhere — to appreciate their self-worth. “No one in this room derived […]
Making Oscar history, ‘Parasite’ wins best picture
LOS ANGELES (AP) — In a milestone win that instantly expanded the Oscars’ horizons, Bong Joon Ho’s masterfully devious class satire “Parasite” became the first non-English language film to win best picture in the 92-year history of the Academy Awards. “Parasite” took Hollywood’s top prize on Sunday night, along with awards for best director, best […]
Mandela’s release 30 years ago birthed a new South Africa
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Thirty years ago, Nelson Mandela was released from 27 years of imprisonment by South Africa’s apartheid regime and instantly galvanized the country, and the world, to dismantle the brutal system of racial oppression. Raising a clenched-fist salute and striding purposefully from the gates of Victor Verster prison, Mandela, then […]
Watch The Oscar-winning Short Film ‘Hair Love’ By Matthew A. Cherry
Wow. I’ve been tracking Matthew A. Cherry’s journey with Hair Love since 2017 (ever since his viral Kickstarter campaign for the film), and I’ve finally gotten the chance to watch the magic unfold. To put it simply, I am in awe. From the endearing storyline to the animated style and music, Hair Love manages to […]
Jennifer Hudson to do a Kobe Bryant tribute at All-Star Game
CHICAGO (AP) — Jennifer Hudson is coming to the All-Star Game to pay tribute to Kobe Bryant with her voice. The NBA has released a list of entertainers headed to All-Star weekend, the group headlined by Hudson — the two-time Grammy winner and Oscar winner — who, just before Sunday night’s player introductions, will perform […]
Kaepernick to release memoir through his publishing company
NEW YORK (AP) — Colin Kaepernick can add author and publisher to his resume. The former NFL quarterback who knelt during the national anthem to protest racial injustice and police brutality announced Thursday he’s writing a memoir through his own publishing company. It’s called Kaepernick Publishing, and the audio version of the currently untitled book […]