The Netflix cartoon—for six seasons a lifeline and a gift—goes out with a signature emotional wallop.
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Saturday, February 1, 2020
Friday, January 31, 2020
SUNDANCE 2020: Obamas unveil enlightening, inspiring doc ‘Crip Camp’
When Crip Camp debuted on the opening night of the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, lines of ticket-holders were left without a seat because of the enormous demand. Part of the hype was likely due to the fact that the film was executive produced by Barack and Michelle Obama, making it instantly intriguing if nothing else.
The Netflix film does not disappoint and welcomes viewers into a world they may not have considered before being mesmerized by the dedication, perseverance, and truly remarkable moments it serves up from the first minute.
7 films we can’t wait to see at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival
Check out the official synopsis:
Down the road from Woodstock, a revolution blossomed in a ramshackle summer camp for teenagers with disabilities, transforming their lives and igniting a landmark movement.
In the early 1970s, teenagers with disabilities faced a future shaped by isolation, discrimination and institutionalization. Camp Jened, a ramshackle camp “for the handicapped” in the Catskills, exploded those confines. Jened was their freewheeling Utopia, a place with summertime sports, smoking and makeout sessions awaiting everyone, and campers felt fulfilled as human beings. Their bonds endured as they migrated West to Berkeley, California — a promised land for a growing and diverse disability community — where friends from Camp Jened realized that disruption and unity might secure life-changing accessibility for millions.
Co-directed by Emmy®-winning filmmaker Nicole Newnham and film mixer and former camper Jim LeBrecht, this joyous and exuberant documentary arrives the same year as the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, at a time when the country’s largest minority group still battles daily for the freedom to exist.
It’s nearly impossible to leave this film unchanged or uninspired. Watching kids contend with challenges in the relentless way they do and recognizing how many similarities we share despite major differences is an intense and illuminating experience. Of course, the doc is not all fun and games and the darker aspects of reality for the disabled people of the country are much more alarming than we ever considered.
Crip Camp doesn’t offer any tidy solutions to the ongoing issues, but it certainly ignites a desire to learn and do more.
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Ludacris surprises Florida students with $75K worth of music equipment
Students from at a South Florida high school got an extra special surprise the week courtesy of rapper Ludacris.
According to NBC Philadelphia, Wednesday, Luda gifted the students at Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High School with $75,000 worth of music equipment as part of StubHub’s #TicketForward program; a collaborative with The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation that plans to invest $3 million in public school music programs nationwide.
READ MORE: Kelis reveals she was ‘blatantly tricked and lied to’ by The Neptunes
“I understand the importance of music education,” the 42-year-old explained to the excited teens. “It’s very important to me.”
During his visit, the entertainer also attended a school-wide assembly where he graciously participated in Q&A session that allowed him to share advice and encourage those in attendance to pursue their passions despite the odds against them.
READ MORE: What Kobe Bryant’s death has taught me about how Black men mourn
HOW AWESOME! Students in Hialeah, Florida were taken aback when rapper Ludacris showed up at their school. But he brought them an even bigger surprise: $75,000 worth of instruments for the school's music program! 🎵❤️ STORY: https://t.co/X15iFa0skd
— FOX 13 Tampa Bay (@FOX13News) January 30, 2020
“If it weren’t for individuals reaching back and giving me that confidence, I wouldn’t be here today,” he explained. “If you get knocked down nine times, you get up 10. Just keep going.”
As if the new equipment wasn’t enough, Ludacris also surprised the school’s band director, Kevin Segura, with two Super Bowl tickets for this weekend’s game in Miami.
READ MORE: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry reportedly moving to Los Angeles this summer
“We have instruments being held together with tape, they don’t move, they’re banged up,” Segura said. “So these instruments are going to improve our sound and going to motivate kids to want to do band so hopefully I can build up this program to what it once was back in the day … I’m really, really excited that I’m going to the game. I didn’t think I was going so this was a nice surprise for me.”
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What Kobe Bryant’s death teaches us about living emotionally richer lives
There is never a good time to die.
Still, there are situations that tend to help ease the grieving process because they fit snuggly into “what seems” right and wrong, fair or unfair, just v. unjust when it comes to death. For example, when someone passes away due to old age or after suffering through disease managing emotions around the loss are relatively uncomplicated. The heart feels the loss, but the head reminds that this is to be expected. Alternately, when someone dies at a relatively young age, in a tragic or unexpected way, the heart and head are both scrambling. What happened? And perhaps most important, looking for the why.
Sadly, the tragic helicopter accident that claimed the lives of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven other people on board, is a reminder of how out of control we truly are when it comes to life and death. And it’s been hard.
READ MORE: LeBron James and Anthony Davis both get tatted to pay tribute to Kobe Bryant
It’s been a devastating blow for the families and friends of the victims; people who experienced unimaginable loss and are left to deal with “figuring out” the rest of their lives. It’s been a shocker to Kobe Bryant fans, folks who feel a connection to a man they admired from afar. It’s even posed a challenge to pop culture, as we know it. How do you follow a story, in real-time, with integrity and fairness? How do you edit a society that has thrived on being filter-less?
Death changes everything it touches. The passing of Kobe Bryant has caused many to examine their feelings around tragedy, vulnerability, and healing—and look at trauma in their own lives. Here are a few takeaways to consider:
Make Space for Black Male Vulnerability
People were moved by the emotional outbursts of Shaquille O’Neal, and countless other Black men, who shed sincere tears over the deaths of Kobe Bryant, Gianna Bryant and the others aboard the plane. The emotional displays are a reminder of the importance of encouraging Black men to express feelings, thoughts, and comportment that dispel the crippling burden of hyper-masculinity in our community. Black men need the freedom to emote in authentic ways, without fear of having their masculinity questioned, outside of the confines of tragedy.
Trauma Has No Parameters
The families of the victims are suffering a heart-wrenching loss—there is no comparison or parity between what family and fans are experiencing. That said, it does not mean that fans are not experiencing grief and trauma in their own right. First, many fans felt connected to Kobe Bryant and invested in his career and personal life. It’s natural to experience a sense of sadness due to the death and the tragic manner. Second, for many the tragedy will trigger memories and feelings of loss and or trauma in their personal lives, such as the passing of a loved one or accidents they experienced/witnessed. It’s imperative to identify what you’re feeling and utilize resources, such as counseling, to help.
READ MORE: Roger Goodell confirms NFL will pay tribute to Kobe Bryant at the Super Bowl
The Truth Is Never Disrespectful—But Timing Is
Some people make bigger mistakes than others. There are moments to address those decisions and instances when such topics are best left for later. Whether you’re dealing with a superstar or the headliners in your household, discernment is a must, particularly during tough times. That never means sacrificing your safety, or that of others, but understanding the importance of respect and support during challenging times.
Death Touches Everyone
One of the most bothersome things about devastating events is that they serve as a reminder of our personal vulnerability and that our most loved ones can be taken away from us at any time. It’s scary. It’s painful. It’s out of our control. No one knows the when, why or how. The best ways to manage the anxiety and fear that accompany this lack of control to acknowledge it. Talk to your friends and loved ones about your concerns. Create a plan for your loved ones to ensure their security (ex. wills, adequate life insurance and other supports). Most important, actively pursue your happiness. Tell folks you love them, create distance or end toxic relationships.
S. Tia Brown is a journalist and licensed therapist. Follow her on IG @tiabrowntalks.
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SUNDANCE 2020: Here’s why ‘Charm City Kings’ was our favorite film of the festival
The 2020 Sundance Film Festival featured some fantastic films but nothing had our hearts racing, breaking, or soaring like Charm City Kings.
Check out the synopsis:
Growing up in West Baltimore, teenage Mouse (Jahi Di’allo Winston) known for roles in Queen & Slim, Proud Mary, and The Upside, feels the fierce pull of different forces: Between notorious ex-con Blax (Meek Mill) and concerned Detective Rivers (William Catlett), and between the straight path set for Mouse by his concerned mother (Teyonah Parris) and the dangers of gang life, which took his brother’s life. The one truth Mouse knows is that he loves the power, artistry and energy of “The Ride” — the exhilarating motorized-dirt-bike scene that is both pastime and passion on the streets of Baltimore. During one eventful summer, Mouse steers his way through two father figures, a first girlfriend, the pull of illegal choices and the thrill of stunt-riding that makes him and his friends feel like CHARM CITY KINGS.
For Mouse, the 13-year-old hero of director Angel Manuel Soto’s Charm City Kings, what he loves is the motorized, urban dirt bike scene that has been a crucial part of Baltimore street life for 50 years. That culture has created its own music genre, its own styles, and local celebrities in the community including DeWayne Davis aka “Wheelie Wayne,” Chino, and Lakeyria Doughty aka“Wheelie Queen.” They ride Yamahas and Hondas which they use to create genuinely incredible tricks, including the “12 O’Clock” move: Popping a wheelie, and as the bike is on its back wheel, turning the handlebars completely vertical as if they were clock hands facing high noon. But the riders’ lives can turn upside-down in unforeseen ways.
There are so many profound elements of the film from producer, Clarence Hammond, and Caleb Pinkett and written by Sherman Payne. Executive produced by Jada Pinkett Smith and her husband, Will Smith for Overbrook Entertainment, it feels like an instant classic. The teen angst of Black boys is a subject rarely captured or examined on the big screen and subjects like toxic masculinity, trauma, family, and poverty are tackled beautifully through mesmerizing performances from Jahi Di’Allo Winston. His mother is perfectly portrayed by Teyonah Parris and Meek Mill delivered an impressive performance in a prominent role.
All of the acting is superb and the film does a delicate dance between excruciating moments and sweet comedic dialogue. In that sense, this movie is all things. A sweet coming-of-age tale complete with a first kiss and crass teenage boy banter; a grizzly crime drama that makes you watch through split fingers as you cover your eyes. The backdrop of Baltimore’s bike community is equally captivating and the stunts and chase scenes add a unique action element that will have your jaw on the floor and make you wonder why you haven’t seen any of this before. This film will make you laugh and break your heart and when it’s over you’ll be begging for another ride.
Fortunately, Charm City Kings has already secured a theatrical release date of April 10, 2020 and its definitely one you won’t want to miss.
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The Story of Former Slave-Turned-History-Making Drag Queen, William Dorsey Swann
William Dorsey Swann was a former slave who fought for queer freedom decades before the Stonewall riots of 1969. In an article published in The Nation Friday, writer and historian Channing Gerard Joseph tells the little-known story of Swann, a cross-dressing black man born into slavery who was affectionately known as “the Queen.”
“Born in Maryland around 1858, Swann endured slavery, the Civil War, racism, police surveillance, torture behind bars, and many other injustices,” writes Joseph, who is publishing a book on Swann. “Beginning in the 1880s, he not only became the first American activist to lead a queer resistance group; he also became, in the same decade, the first known person to dub himself a ‘queen of drag’—or, more familiarly, a drag queen.”
In addition to making history as the first drag queen noted in history, Swann organized underground drag balls in Washington, DC, in the 1880s. He also asked President Grover Cleveland for a pardon after he was convicted and sentenced to 10 months for running a brothel in 1896. “This, too, was a historic act,” states Joseph. “It made Swann the earliest recorded American to take specific legal and political steps to defend the queer community’s right to gather without the threat of criminalization, suppression, or police violence.”
Joseph says he discovered Swann’s story 15 years ago at Columbia University when he stumbled upon an article published in The Washington Post on April 13, 1888, titled “Negro Dive Raided. Thirteen Black Men Dressed as Women Surprised at Supper and Arrested.” The story details an incident where Swann was arrested during a brawl with police. “The fight was also one of the first known instances of violent resistance in the name of LGBTQ rights,” says Joseph.
Despite run-ins with police and being ostracized in society, Swann continued to resist and held multiple drag balls in Washington, DC, in the 1880s.
Read the full article here.
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LeBron James and Anthony Davis both get tatted to pay tribute to Kobe Bryant
LeBron James and Anthony Davis got new tats on Wednesday that pay homage to the late Lakers legend, Kobe Bryant.
Both tattoos were done by Vanessa Aurelia. James’ tattoo appears to be a Black Mamba snake with some words believed to be either “Kobe 4 life” or “Mamba 4 life.” Davis’ body art is Lakers’ purple but the image was hard to decipher, reported TMZ.
READ MORE: Roger Goodell confirms NFL will pay tribute Kobe Bryant at Super Bowl
James’ leg tattoo was visible under a fresh wrap during the Lakers Thursday workout in El Segundo.
News outlets reported Bron may take to his Instagram page with a full picture of the tattoo sometime before the Lakers suit up to take on the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center Friday night. The game will mark the Lakers’ first time playing since Bryant died.
The NBA is still reeling from the helicopter crash on Sunday that claimed the lives of Bryant, 41, his 13-year-old daughter, Gigi, and seven others. Tributes continue to pour in from players, fans, teams, and the NBA league, which recently announced it would change its 2020 All-Star Game format to include several tributes to Bryant, according to Cleveland.com.
READ MORE: Beyonce shares tribute to Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna: ‘You are deeply missed’
The first three-quarters of the All-Star Game will be played as mini-games for charity. Each quarter will be 12 minutes long and start with a score of 0-0. The team with the most points at the end of each quarter will win $100,000 for a Chicago charity. After the first three quarters, the teams will start the last quarter with all of the points they’ve accumulated in each quarter. The final target score will be reached by adding 24 points (Kobe Bryant’s jersey number) to the leading team’s tally. The fourth quarter will be untimed, with the first team to reach the targeted score declared the winner.
The team captains for the 69th NBA All-Star Game include Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks leading Team Giannis and Team LeBron led by the Los Angeles Lakers’ James.
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Aretha Franklin’s niece steps down as executor of estate to ‘calm the rift’ in the family
Aretha Franklin’s niece is stepping down as executor of the late singer’s estate to try and ‘calm the rift in my family.’
According to documents obtained by the Detroit Free Press, Sabrina Owens filed a petition Thursday in Oakland County Probate Court giving two weeks’ notice that she is resigning. Owens has handled business and probate matters since the Queen of Soul died in August 2018. It is unknown who will take her place. Judge Jennifer Callaghan scheduled a hearing on March 3.
READ MORE: Aretha Franklin’s youngest son is asking people not to support the MGM-produced biopic, ‘Respect’
In a letter to the court, Owens said she took on the responsibilities to “honor my aunt” but that the job had become particularly problematic and she thinks it best she leaves.
“My primary goal was to honor my aunt by handling her business professionally, fairly and within the law,” Owens wrote. “She trusted me and was always confident I would exercise good judgment and try to make the best decisions on her behalf. She often said that I was ‘worth my weight in gold.’”
“In spite of my best efforts, my role with the estate has become more contentious with the heirs. Given my aunt’s deep love of family and desire for privacy, this is not what she would have wanted for us, nor is it what I want,” Owens added, according to the Detroit Free Press.
In the past, Franklin’s youngest son, 49-year-old Kecalf Franklin has expressed interest in handling his mom’s affairs, but two of his brothers, Ted White and Clarence Franklin, have been against the idea.
The family drama came to a head after three handwritten wills were discovered in May 2019 in Franklin’s home. Each of those documents contained different instructions and since then, the family has been in court to try and hash out whether the wills were actually written by Franklin, leaving Judge Callaghan to bring on handwriting experts to assess the validity of the documents.
“This is when relationships began to deteriorate with the heirs,” Owens wrote.
Now Owens says she hopes her departure helps heal the family rifts.
“I hope that my departure will allow the business of the estate to continue, calm the rift in my family and allow me to return to my personal life,” Owens wrote, according to the Free Press. “I love my cousins, hold no animosity towards them, and wish them the best.”
As executor of Franklin’s estate, Owens has handled quite a few business transactions, from music licensing to negotiations for three film projects. One movie project, the gospel documentary Amazing Grace, premiered last year and brought the estate $1.1 million. Owens also was handling negotiations for the upcoming Jennifer Hudson biopic Respect as well as the National Geographic’s eight-part Genius: Aretha series.
READ MORE: Aretha Franklin’s sister-in-law wants compensation for caring for singer before her death
On Wednesday, National Geographic announced that Raphael Saadiq would be the executive music producer for the series and Terence Blanchard will compose original music for the series. Cynthia Erivo, who played the lead role in Harriet, will portray Aretha Franklin.
“It’s an honor to share Aretha’s genius with the world alongside the incredibly talented Cynthia Erivo and Terence Blanchard,” Saadiq tells Billboard. “We’ll hit the keys, play the parts and sing the lyrics that helped pave the way for musicians like myself to trust our artistry and challenge ourselves to be bold.”
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Pennsylvania dad goes viral for buying his daughter a vending machine
A Pennsylvania dad’s Christmas gift to his 10-year-old daughter went viral for helping her develop an entrepreneurial mindset and setting her up for financial success.
READ MORE: Three brothers open first Black-owned bourbon company in Louisville
Instead of the typical toys, electronics and clothes, Reco Oxendine, 28, bought his daughter her very own vending machine and now she’s learning the fundamentals of wealth building, reported Atlanta Black Star. Oxendine announced the unique gift on Facebook and the post has since been shared more than 18,000 times with roughly 2,000 comments from people who were eager to learn how they too could start their own vending business.
“I want her to be a boss,” Oxendine told Atlanta Black Star. “I want her to understand (the) value of being a business owner at a young age. So, when it comes to her growing up … and she has to make decisions about how she can earn money, she knows that a job isn’t the only way.”
Oxendine said he started his daughter down this path in 2016 when they began selling candy in their local community. Their business, “Candy Lovers,” would drop by barbershops, salons and community sporting events, where they would sell their concessions.
“I grabbed a cart from Walmart and some candy, and we just started selling (candy),” Oxendine told Atlanta Black Star. “The community fully embraced it, like they loved what we were doing.”
From there, Oxendine used the profits to start buying vending machines. He currently owns a dozen vending machines.
READ MORE: Hasbro toy company announces Death Row Records ownership after Suge Knight appoints Ray J to run it
According to DiscountVending.com, the cost of vending machines range from $1,500 to $3,000, depending on how many features it has and whether it also sells refrigerated treats.
Oxendine is using this moment to not only pass on his knowledge, lessons learned and entrepreneurial mindset to his daughter, but he is also now educating other children on the importance of building generational wealth through a new video series called Next Uplifted.
That’s what’s up.
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Want To Be A Boss? Here’s How Your Job Can Prepare You for Entrepreneurship
Living in a digitized world, it’s easy to become fascinated with the thought of becoming an entrepreneur. If becoming an entrepreneur is a dream of yours, I highly suggest you read this full article before you make that jump.
People often tell me how inspired they are by watching my 8-year entrepreneurial journey. At times when I hear these compliments, I’m not sure how to receive them because my bank account is low, or I’m dealing with a dissatisfied client who I only booked for the money, knowing they weren’t a great fit.
Truth be told, there is a dark side to entrepreneurship—and working a 9-to-5 can help you handle these difficult situations.
My entrepreneurial journey as a wedding and event planner would not be as successful without the experience of serving others. Prior to launching my business, I worked as a social worker for many years. And a number of my first clients were fellow co-workers and classmates from college who recognized my strong work ethic. Those long and challenging days prepared me for entrepreneurship.
Related: Jobs Wouldn’t Hire Me So I Created My Own Six-Figure Business
I know how amazing it feels when you leave your job to pursue your dream. There is freedom, a sense of satisfaction, and many other great opportunities. But today we are not going to focus on that. Today, I want to share the darker side. I want to share the main two challenges and problems I wish I knew before beginning my entrepreneurial journey.
Build the grit you need in the workplace
Remember that time you were in a company staff meeting and you knew that marketing plan wouldn’t speak to your clientele? So you voiced your opinion and a logical alternative plan?
As an entrepreneur, you will face many situations that always make you wonder if you made the right decision or not. Especially if your income doesn’t reflect your expectations.
Related: 5 Successful Black Founders Share Expert Tips on Starting a Business
Self- doubt can influence your decisions as an entrepreneur.
Focus and Prioritization Are Key
As an entrepreneur, time management is key to your overall success. Self-discipline is also important because you have no boss checking your timesheets or productivity sheets to ensure work is completed.
Old habits die hard. Therefore, it is important to practice being your own boss while you work for someone else as preparation for when you take that leap.
I know that to some people, my advice might come off as a bit pessimistic, but, my goal is to help you think strategically before you pivot!
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