‘Becoming’ is a word full of possibility and hope; it’s a word about change and transformation, filled with intention and creative energy. It is this word that Michelle Obama has chosen for the title of her forthcoming memoir. And as we continue to get new details about the book, we are becoming more and more…
When you think of a superhero, does a black middle-aged high school principal immediately come to mind? For most people, the answer is no, but for fans of Black Lightning, he’s exactly the kind of superhero we need. Jefferson Pierce a.k.a. Black Lightning is a lesser-known superhero from the DC comic books that first appeared…
The abolition of slavery in the United States is an important topic of discussion during African-American History Month. Although the abolitionist movement is often said to have started when the Mennonite and Quaker communities of Pennsylvania published a pamphlet condemning slavery in 1688, organized resistance by Africans was recorded as early as 1522. By the…
For a film as revolutionary and as successful as Black Panther, it’s no surprise that it also has a killer soundtrack. It’s not quite a traditional soundtrack in that it features both music from the film and music “inspired by” the film. Curated by Kendrick Lamar and Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith, Black Panther: The Album…
The film Black Panther, part of the Marvel Comics Universe, is breaking global cinema records beyond expectation, and influential figures are taking notice about the positive messages young people can derive from this movie. Michelle Obama, former First Lady of the United States, took to Twitter to express her gratitude to the Black Panther production team…
Filmmaker Ava DuVernay has had a lot of firsts. She was the first African-American woman to win the US Directing Award at Sundance, the first black female director to be nominated for a Golden Globe, and the first black female director to have her film nominated for the Best Picture Oscar. Now, with A Wrinkle…
Black Panther is a big deal. In a time of year known for having poor movie turnout, it managed to turn in the third biggest 4-day weekend ever, making over $235 million. The estimated global launch was $404 million. Every social network saw a flood of praise and excitement as people saw the movie. Black…
In 2018, there will be more than one FIFA World Cup where the best national teams from around the world will match up for a shot at one of the most prestigious football awards in history. Everyone knows about the 2018 World Cup in Russia, which will kickoff in a few months; later in the…
The 2018 British Academy Film Awards took place on February 18. The Time’s Up movement was front and center this year, as it was at the Golden Globes, the Grammys, and the SAG Awards. Many stars in attendance wore black in solidarity with the movement. Hosted by Joanna Lumley this year, the ceremony took place…
The box office success of the film Black Panther, a major Hollywood production directed by Ryan Coogler and featuring a strong paean to Afro-Futurism, is living proof that audiences are ready to welcome diversity at movie theaters. Coogler rose to prominence in Hollywood after Fruitvale Station, a love letter to his California hometown of Oakland,…
