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Slavery In Films: It's Time We Talk About The Slavery Trope

With Amazon Prime set to release its new limited series "The Underground Railroad", on May 14, it begs the question, is it time to stop making slave movies and shows? We discuss it here!

 
Thuso Mbedu in “The Underground Railroad”

Thuso Mbedu in “The Underground Railroad”

By: Alexis Oatman

Amazon Prime's trailer for its new limited series The Underground Railroad put social media in a firestorm when its trailer was released on April 15. The upcoming series comes from the mind of Barry Jenkins, the director and screenwriter of films like Moonlight (2016), If Beale Street Could Talk (2018), and many more. 

The series is from an adaptation of a Southern antebellum saga from the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Colson Whitehead, premiering on May 14. 

The Underground Railroad trailer depicts Cora Randall's (Thuso Mbedu) desperate bid to escape the antebellum South in an alternate history where the 19th-century Underground Railroad serves as a literal railroad that American slaves used to flee the South and find freedom. 

With the recent release of the Harriet Tubman biopic in 2019, it begs the question with the start of a new decade, is it time to stop making slave movies? Slave movies have a long-standing history in the film industry while being the center of much controversy. The main criticism of slave period pieces is the exploitation of a real black pain experienced for generations—movies like 12 Years a Slave, The Birth of a Nation, Django Unchained, etc. The films often feature an all-star cast, and despite the trauma shown, have some good plot lines and character development, almost making slavery an easy pill to swallow.

The History Behind Slave Movies

With over 50 slave movies dating back as early as the 1900s, this subgenre is usually a big boom at the box office. Still, many of the earlier depictions were most likely written by white men and often denied the ugly side of what American chattel slavery was like. For example, the 1915 original version of Birth of a Nation depicts black domestic slaves as jovial and ignorant. Written and directed by D.W. Griffith and Thomas Dixon Jr, this version uses harmful tropes about black men and women. Black men were depicted as either docile, ignorant slaves, or as extremely violent monsters. They also used familiar harmful tropes about Black women in media and films such as the happy, jovial mammy stereotype and the sex-driven Jezebel. Still, this movie was seen as one of the best movies to come out that year and was even shown at the White House under President Wilson. 

Do They Serve a Purpose? 

Yes, they do. Despite seeing the black pain, it's almost a necessary evil to have in cinema. This helps quiet the naysayers who say "slavery was a choice"; or, like the early depictions of slaves in movies, made them almost happy or joyous to be in bondage (i.e., Uncle Tom's Cabin). These movies can tell the tales of a lost people, stolen from their land and stripped of their culture. If we didn't have these depictions, they would get whitewashed from our nation's history. 

So, it still begs the question, should we see slave movies? The short answer is Yes. Black men and women must support these movies because if we don't, who will? Who will tell our stories if we don't support them? As hard as it is to see the pain, we must forgo and set the feelings aside. Black people are owed movies without black pain and trauma, but with blackness and the history of how Black Americans and Black people globally are treated, there is a lot of pain, carnage, and it must be shown.


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Are We Experiencing A Revival Of The Black TV Sitcom?

Black sitcoms have been integral in the Black community, with shows like “Living Single”, and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” showing characters who are nuanced, happy and engaged in lighthearted fun. It’s time for new Black sitcoms to emerge. We discuss it here!

 
247 Live Culture
Are We Experiencing A Revival Of The Black TV Sitcom?

By: Cory Utsey

Whether you were raised on “Julia” and “Sanford and Son”, or “A Different World” and “Martin”, the transcendence of Black sitcoms has remained quite steady.

Black sitcoms have been integral in the Black community, not only for their subject matter, but because there is no feeling like seeing yourself represented on screen.

In a world where Black people are constantly ostracized and beat down, turning on the television to see Black characters who are nuanced, happy and engaged in lighthearted fun can be as thrilling as it is comforting.

When Netflix attained the rights to shows such as “Moesha”, “Sister, Sister” and “Girlfriends” in late 2020, many were elated to see that some of their favorite childhood shows would be at their disposal. At the same time, though, it reminded many that the number of Black sitcoms to come out lately has been quite lacking. 

Cast of Moesha

Cast of Moesha

From the late 1980s and on, it seemed as though there was an array of running Black sitcoms. Audiences had shows like “Family Matters”, “Living Single”,  and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” to get them through the 1990s, while shows like “The Parkers” and “My Wife and Kids” got them through the early 2000s. But eventually, there was a decline. 

Some of this is natural, as no show can go on forever; however, it is much different to see a whole subgenre of television decrease in presence.

Gerald Waller of Black & Gifted cites this decline as one that ultimately relates to a lack in mainstream appeal. Without interest from audiences of all races, many of the existent Black sitcoms post mid 2000s fell between the cracks, while sitcoms with majority white casts such as “Friends” or “The Big Bang Theory” were able to attract and maintain audiences for longer periods of time.

While the 2010s gave us a few Black sitcoms, those (such as “The Carmichael Show” and “Marlon”) were short-lived. The most notable show that has both survived and garnered mainstream popularity is Kenya Barris’ “Black-ish”. 

As alluring as nostalgia can be, many have still wanted to see new and meaningful additions to the list of iconic Black sitcoms, and to many, the shows of the last few years have been lacking in providing these additions.

However, it seems as though we might be entering a period in which Black sitcoms will be revived.

With shows such as NBC’s “Kenan” and Netflix’s “Family Reunion”, along with the recent release of Netflix’s “Dad Stop Embarrassing Me” and the upcoming “The Upshaws”, it seems as though Black sitcoms might just be making a comeback-- as they should.

Though these new shows will never replace the ones that we already hold near and dear to our hearts, they certainly have the potential to provide new generations with the laughter and joy that we once had. Plus, there is always room for another amazing show to watch.


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Amazon Prime Debuts Official Trailer For New Series “Them"

Amazon debuted a trailer for the new series Them but critics are drawing comparisons to Jordan Peele's work. When will we be able to see Black characters play in roles not cemented in racism or poverty? We discuss it here!

 
247 Live Culture
Trailer for Series "Them"

By: Alexis Oatman

Them, an upcoming series on Amazon Prime, depicts a young, black family moving into what appears to be a predominately white neighborhood in 1950s America in a trailer released on Monday.

THEM - Official Trailer | Prime Video

In the trailer, things take a horrific turn for the Emory family when their white neighbors not only begin to spew racist vitriol but even go as far as defacing the family's home and front lawn by hanging Jim Crow era-Esque effigy hangings, reminiscent of a lynching.

The show is a "limited anthology series that explores terror in America," executive produced by Lena Waite and Little Marvin.

Many critics were quick to draw comparisons to Jordan Peele's work, specifically with "Get Out" in 2017 and 2019's "Us" — both breaking box office records and changing the landscape for representation of darker-skinned characters in the horror genre.

Fans on social media also pointed out that darker-skinned character's stories are continually centered around fear, horror, and trauma. From Antebellum to Harriet, it seems the only time Black people are on screen is to showcase our pain.

Not to mention, most of the crew, directors, and production team are predominantly white men.

As a Black viewer, the trailer was literal trauma porn—only adding a sense of dramatization to actual events (like racism) Black people face daily. It begs the question, why can't Black people play in films without mimicking historical trauma?

When will we be able to see Black characters play in roles not cemented in racism or poverty? When will we get our werewolves and vampire love stories?

It's become evident that Peele's style has become popular and is rubbing off. However, the difference is Peele's work with Get Out and Us was more subversive.

Peele focused on the issue of passive-aggressive or "liberal" racism, asking the bigger questions about the nature of inclusion and showing how frightening a world built on ignorance is. Even Misha Green’s Lovecraft Country used horror as an allegory to address racism, but not the story's centerpiece. 

Peele wasn't focused on exploiting Black characters' trauma because of racism, whereas Them seems to be more interested in using race as the focal point of the series' scares. 

While the first trailer doesn't appear to offer much beyond regurgitating very real racist incidents for the sake of entertainment, hopefully, Them will prove that it has more to offer than how it currently appears. The series is set to debut on April 9.


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Actress Angela Lewis Talks Snowfall Season 4, John Singleton’s Legacy, and Motherhood

Actress and new mother Angela Lewis is back as fan-favorite "Aunt Louie" for season four of FX's Snowfall. We talked with Angela Lewis about what to look forward to this season, honoring John Singleton and embracing life as a new mother!

 
Actress Angela Lewis Talks Snowfall Season 4, John Singleton’s Legacy, and Motherhood

By: Alexis Oatman

Actress and new mother Angela Lewis is back as fan-favorite "Aunt Louie" for season four of FX's Snowfall.

Set against the crack epidemic of the 1980s in Los Angeles, the series was created by the late Academy Award-nominated writer and director John Singleton. The cast includes Damson Idris (Netflix's "Black Mirror"), Emily Rios (If Beale Street Could Talk), and Isaiah John (Downsized).

Lewis returns as Franklin's right hand woman and has come a long way from the tough and gritty drug-addict with ambitious dreams from season one. In the new season, she has taken over the trade, playing a pivotal role in Franklin's operation, and is ready to make her own name in the game.

24/7 spoke with the actress over the phone about the new season, continuing with Singleton's visionary series, as well as her new role as a new mother.

Season four premiered last Wednesday night, how are you feeling? Are you excited about the new season? 

Angela Lewis: Yes. I’m so excited! It took us forever to get it shot and completed, so not only is it a fire season, but we also got it done. Not everybody has been able to say that. I’m really grateful and super excited.

Can you talk about Louie’s transformation throughout the series and what we can expect from her this season? 

Angela Lewis: We’ve watched Louie elevate her station in life. She’s fought so hard, each season, more and more, to obtain power and the life she’s always dreamed for herself. Last season, she took over for Franklin while he was injured and out of commission. This season, Franklin is back. How will Louie handle a relinquishing of power? Can she handle it?

Due to COVID, you guys were shut down from filming temporarily, how was it getting back on set? 

Angela Lewis: It was a relief. We had worked so hard in the first part before we got shut down, and for a while, we didn’t know what was going to happen with the rest of the season, if we were going to get to finish, so when we got the green light, it was really a relief because everybody was working so hard.

Being on set was different, you know. You couldn’t hug people, you couldn’t be up on each other, but they definitely went all out to make us feel safe, and I’m grateful for that.  

You’ve mentioned in past interviews how much John Singleton was instrumental in you getting involved with this project early on, can you speak on what it means entering season four without him? How are you carrying on his vision? 

Angela Lewis: I think he would be extremely disappointed if we did not carry on. I don’t think that’s what he would have wanted at all. It’s an honor to continue his legacy and to the active part of his legacy live on as long as it can.

Obviously, it’s a part of us that is missing. There’s a hole there. There’s no way to fill that. I think we tried to look at from a place of love and a place of joy, keep each other lifted, and about doing the work, so we can fulfill the intention that he was putting out into the world.

Angela Lewis

Switching gears, can you speak your experience as a new mother? How has it been? 

Angela Lewis: It’s been amazing. It’s the hardest thing I ever had to do, but it's amazing.  She’s 16 months now, and she keeps me on my toes. It’s humbling.

You come in from a day of work where you're putting out all your creativity, you’re doing press, everyone is like, “Oh my gosh, your amazing!” and she’s like, “mmhmm, milk.”  She’s a really special soul, and I’m really grateful to be a part of her life and help guide her on this journey. It’s beautiful, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Can you talk about the how often women of color are disproportionally affected by the maternal mortality rate and how that led you to using midwife and doula for your pregnancy? 

Angela Lewis: When I decided to get a midwife and a doula, I think I did it because I knew that I didn’t want the hospital experience.

Oftentimes, we’re not heard, it’s a colder experience, and it often leads to procedures that are not necessary and not wanted. During my journey, she did not want to come on out, so I had to be induced. So, I ended up having to go into the hospital, but because it wasn’t an emergency, I was able to go to the hospital where my midwife had privileges to actually deliver my baby. I had a wonderful, supportive experience, even in the hospital.

Still, through the whole journey of my pregnancy, I spent a lot of money on a doula and a midwife and a post-partum doula, breastfeeding classes, birthing classes. I just thought, wow, what if I didn’t have all of this money to have access to these resources? I may not have had a healthy birth as I did.

I think it’s terrible that a healthy birth is determined by how much money you do or don’t have. I feel extremely passionate about every woman, especially every Black woman, because we are the ones who are overlooked. We are the ones who are unheard. We are the ones who are dying in our birthing rooms. Every one of us should have the opportunity to have a beautiful, healthy, safe birth.


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Make B.E.T Black Again: B.E.T And Its Diversity Problem

Several critics have asserted that B.E.T's programming perpetuates harmful stereotypes for ratings and promotes a one-dimensional view on black culture and community today. Being that we're in the age of inclusion and diversity, this is a call for B.E.T to be proactive and lead the charge in that respect.

 
247 Live Culture
Make B.E.T Black Again: B.E.T And It’s Diversity Problem

By: Prince Hakeem

January 25, 1980, was the day when a television network solely geared towards the African American demographic first launched on television. Black Entertainment Television, or B.E.T, was initially created to be the go-to spot for prominent African American-centered programming, ranging from entertainment, news, public affairs, and so on.

The network was founded by former cable industry lobbyist Robert L. Johnson with a $15,000 loan and $500,000 investment from media executive John Malone. Starting with altruistic intentions, Johnson saw the dearth of positive depictions of the black community at the time and sought to fill that void. In its first year, B.E.T started with two hours of weekly programming comprised of music videos and reruns of black sitcoms. It wasn't until 1983 B.E.T became fully independent of any channel or programming block as a network.

By the mid-80s the company started to turn a profit after making some changes to its format. In 1985 B.E.T diversified itself by featuring politically-oriented news programs, comedy showcases, talk shows, and sports features. Things began to take off with the launch of the Ed Gordon hosted BET News show in 1988. 

The network continued to flourish throughout the 90s with other news programs and specials, including Black Men Speak Out: The Aftermath, Our Voices, and Lead Story. Gordon was at the helm of many of these interview specials and news shows. More notably, B.E.T premiered the talk show 'BET Talk', later called ‘BET Tonight’, in 1996, hosted by Travis Smiley. Indeed, it was a great time to be a viewer of this burgeoning network focused on black people. B.E.T's strength came from its diversity in programming, vast perspectives, and focus on the black influence within pop culture and entertainment. 

However, things started to take a downward turn at the start of the new century. By 2002, B.E.T went through a restructuring phase where it leaned heavily into its entertainment programs primarily airing rap videos. The network canceled nearly all of its news staff and news programs. 'BET Nightly News' remained until its cancellation in 2005.

Next came the wave of toxic, yet fun, reality television shows. Full disclaimer, this isn't an attack on rap/hip-hop's merit and value within the black community. Some of the network's greatest achievements, such as '106 & Park', 'BET Uncut, 'College Hill' and 'Baldwin Hills', came about during this time. Rather, B.E.T's insistent and singular focus on comedy and shallow aspects within hip-hop are what caused the downtrend in quality and reputation. It was telling the world this is what being black is all about. 

You don't have to take my word as gospel. B.E.T has been put through the wringer, facing harsh criticism from prominent voices in the black community. Filmmaker Spike Lee once slandered B.E.T for lacking serious entertainment and rap music which promotes ignorance. Finance professor Dr. Boyce Watkins claimed the network was operating on the same game plan as the Ku Klux Klan.

Producer and cartoonist Aaron McGruder famously roasted  B.E.T in an episode of the beloved animated show The Boondocks. “The Hunger Strike” episode parodied B.E.T as an evil organization hell-bent on the destruction of the black community. McGruder continued the criticism, claiming executives failed to elevate network standards. While all the woes within the black community cannot be laid at the feet of B.E.T, they haven't helped.

These critics and others have asserted that B.E.T's programming perpetuates harmful stereotypes for ratings and bottom-line business. They further claim the television network promotes and justifies sexism, racism, tired tropes, and a one-dimensional view on black culture and community today. Not much has changed in several of those regards. Despite marrying itself to the lackluster writing and production of a religious, yet, loveable Tyler Perry, B.E.T is a mixture of trap-bougie-Atlanta meets Soul Plane.

Nonetheless, it's never too late for a course correction. The answer is staring them right in the face. Take a page from the beginning years, and return to having a pallet of different programming and entertainment genres. Since we're in the age of inclusion and diversity, this is a call for B.E.T to be proactive and lead the charge in that respect. B.E.T wants to tote itself as the network which represents and celebrates black culture, right? If so, they need to do that for "all" within the spectrum of black culture.

The black identity and culture have more than grown past American borders. The visibility and consciousness of blackness are on the world stage now. There is no way we can preach and dictate conversations with general white and non-black mainstream pop culture about diverse blackness and how's it's moved beyond pigeon-holed stereotypes if we do not hold one of its platforms to the same standards. The quality of content and production informs audiences about the demographics it represents. 

This can start with its crown achievement, the B.E.T Awards. Remember blackness being vast and diverse in today's cultural landscape? Let's look at the entertainment side of things for example. The surge of visibility of black country artists has slowly become clear to see. Country artists such as Mickey Guyton, Rissi Palmer, Reyna Roberts, Jimmie Allen, and Ashlie Amber should be performing at the B.E.T Awards and Black Girls Rock. They're systematically undervalued and disrespected within the country music industry.

It's time to bring these artists in and create a home for the black country fans who love and follow their music. Allow them to feel seen. Black k-pop fans virtually run Twitter at this point. They get their favorite bands and acts trending all the time it appears. B.E.T could tap into that energy and fandom by creating an interactive space for them during B.E.T Experience weekend. In regards to politics, this past election has more than proven that the black community is not homogenous in its ideologies. Newsflash! Black Republicans exist, and it's high time we, as a culture, acknowledge that and bring them in. Their voices matter as well.

Lastly, Black Twitter is internet and pop culture. From memes to challenges, to the latest catchphrases, and slang. Content creators like Mark Phillips of RDCWorld and Josiah Johnson should be in the building helping to bring the internet to tv screens. B.E.T  should be scouring black Twitter as a viral think tank for innovative content and cultural representation. The future is now.


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Iconic Award Winning Actress Cicely Tyson Passes Away At 96

Iconic Actress Cicely Tyson passed away Thursday at 96 years old. Cicely Tyson paved the way for many other Black actresses and actors and her legacy will live on, immortalized through her work on television and film. We discuss her legacy here!

 
247 Live Culture
Cicely Tyson

By: Omar Cook

Iconic Actress Cicely Tyson passed away Thursday at 96 years old. Her death was announced by her family, through her manager Larry Thompson. The details of her death are unknown at this moment.

“With heavy heart, the family of Miss Cicely Tyson announces her peaceful transition this afternoon. At this time, please allow the family their privacy,” according to Thompson’s statement. “I have managed Miss Tyson’s career for over 40 years, and each year was a privilege and blessing—-Cicely thought of her new memoir as a Christmas tree decorated with all the ornaments of her personal and professional life. Today she placed the last ornament, a Star, on top of the tree.”

Cicely Tyson was born in East Harlem to West Indian immigrant parents, Frederica Tyson, a domestic worker, and William Augustine Tyson, who worked as a carpenter. After completing high school she worked as a secretary for the American Red Cross before pursuing her career in modeling. She appeared in publications such as Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. She eventually landed a role as Barbara Allen in a 1959 Off Broadway revival of the musical “The Dark of the Moon.” She transitioned into the variety show “Talent ’59” on Broadway and appeared in a production of “Jolly’s Progress” in which she understudied Eartha Kitt, before her breakout role in “The Blacks” jumpstarted her career.

Iconic Award Winning Actress Cicely Tyson Passes Away At 96

Tyson began her film career in 1957 with a supporting role in “Twelve Angry Men” and eventually made her formal debut in Sidney Poitier’s film “Odds Against Tomorrow,” in 1959. She then went on to play in “The Comedians,” “The Last Angry Man,” “A Man Called Adam” and “The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter.” Tyson refused to participate in the blaxploitation movies which grew in popularity in the late ’60s, and waited until 1972 to return to film in the drama “Sounder,” which she earned an Oscar nomination for Best actress in 1973. She eventually won an honorary Oscar in 2018 for the film.

Cicely Tyson was just as much of a success in television as she was in film. Tyson held roles in “Miss Jane Pittman,” “Roots,” “The Wilma Rudolph Story,” “King: The Martin Luther King Story,” “When No One Would Listen,” “A Woman Called Moses,” “The Marva Collins Story,” “The Women of Brewster Place,” “The Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All” and “Trip to Bountiful.”

Tyson was a pioneer for Black actresses as she consistently refused to play drug addicts, prostitutes or maids, roles that were demeaning to Black women. A true queen indeed.

Cicely Tyson

Tyson was the first Black woman to have a recurring role in a drama series starring in, “East Side/West Side,” and she eventually went on to win two very well deserved Emmys for 1974’s memorable “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman.” Throughout her career she was nominated a total 16 times, including winning for supporting actress, in 1994 for an adaptation of “Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All.” Tyson received 5 nominations for guest actress in a drama for “How to Get Away With Murder.”

Tyson worked recently with Tyler Perry in a number of films including “Diary of a Mad Black Woman”, “Madea’s Family Reunion and “Why Did I Get Married Too?” In 2013, Tyson won a Tony for best actress for her role as Carrie Watts in “A Trip to Bountiful,” continued her performance in 2014 for the Lifetime TV adaptation.

Tyson most recently chronicled her life journey and career in her first memoir, "Just As I Am," which was just released Tuesday. Cicely Tyson paved the way for many other Black actresses and actors and her legacy will live on, immortalized through her work on television and film. Rest in peace legend.

I wait for roles — first, to be written for a woman, then, to be written for a black woman—And then I have the audacity to be selective about the kinds of roles I play. I’ve really got three strikes against me. So, aren’t you amazed I’m still here?
— Cicely Tyson

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Recapping The Best Moments From "Insecure" As It Nears Its End

Insecure is more than just a hilarious show, it's a spotlight onto black women's lives, and it's what we needed! We recap some of the best moments from this iconic series as it nears its end!

 
Recapping The Best Moments From "Insecure" As It Nears Its End

By: Kwana Adams

If you search my Twitter name + insecure, you'll see so many tweets, and that's not including the insecure hashtag for live-tweeting. Insecure is my favorite show, and I am so beside myself with sadness that it will be ending soon. Issa Rae is a comedic genius, and I love what she's created.

Insecure is more than just a hilarious show, it's a spotlight onto black women's lives, and it's what we needed. We had some great moments with it, though, and I know that all things must end. I don't know about anyone else, but I'm going to rewatch it until I just can't anymore! I'm going to miss sitting on my couch every Sunday night anticipating the new episode and being upset that it's only half an hour long!

I love Issa Rae, and I can't wait to see her success and her bag keep getting bigger and bigger. Insecure is excellent, but I know she can top it. Before the new and final season airs, let's reminisce about all the best Insecure moments. I've decided to compile a few of the moments I could never forget. 

First and foremost, I couldn't create this article without mentioning the first season's first episode. You all remember Broken P*ssy, right? What am I thinking? Who could forget? It was hilarious and the perfect way to kick off the show. While Issa struggled to deal with her relationship with Lawrence, her best friend Molly was also going through relationship woes of her own.

Issa decided to take her out to a small, out-of-the-way club where she bumped into Daniel, an ex-flame. He dares her to go on stage and rap. She does her thing, singing about broken p*ssy. It's so hilarious and one of my absolute favorite episodes. Of all the things to rap about...

My next favorite would have to be Season 2, Episode 1. Issa's relationship struggles with Lawrence get worse when she gets dumped for cheating on him. To lure him back to the apartment and talk to him, she sets up a 'Wine Down' party and asks him to come to get his mail. Unfortunately, this blows up in homegirl's face when he doesn't show, and the "Wine Down' gets so out of hand that her kitchen catches on fire.

INSECURE | Lawrence Finds Out Issa Cheated

Now, I know this is a breaking point in Issa's life, and I shouldn't find it so funny, but I do! Of all the things that can happen, someone lit a fire in her trashcan and almost tore up the place. What makes it funnier is her other best friend, Kelli, being asked for her number while she's trying to escape the fire. Issa's habit of adding humor to difficult situations makes it hard not to laugh at scenes like this! Better luck next time, Issa!

It seems like a lot of my favorite moments of Insecure happen during the first episode of the season. Is it because Issa is just that good at hooking people in, or am I just easily impressed? Either way, my next favorite moment happens during season 3, episode 1. After losing out on a promotion and moving out of her apartment, Issa decides to live with Daniel and drive Lyft to make money. This is a great episode because we get introduced to "Nathan with the face." Handsome Nathan joins her Lyft queue with some complaints about LA, but he seems cool, and he and Issa seem to vibe immediately. When another passenger enters the Lyft and refuses to stop smoking a blunt in the backseat, Nathan throws his blunt out the window, and a fight ensues. Molly and Issa panic in the front while Issa screams until she eventually pulls over, and Nathan takes off running. This scene is so funny and chaotic. I had to rewind it a few times cause I couldn't get enough. 

Season 3, in general, is just one of the funniest seasons. Another of my favorite moments is season 3, episode 5, when my favorite girl group takes Coachella. From Kelli tripping off edibles to Kelli causing a brawl and getting everyone kicked out, this episode was a blast from start to end. This was hands down, one of the best Insecure episodes. Issa put her whole foot into writing this episode, and Kelli carried the entire thing on her back. Her getting tased and attacking white people was the best moment of the episode. I'm sad they missed Beyonce, though, but I had such a good laugh. This episode also happened to be the starting point to my next favorite moment. 

Last but not least is season 4, episode 5. Issa's block party finally came to life. I was so happy about it, I almost cried. We watched Issa work so hard and go through so much to get to that point. The talent, the music, the food, and the effort that went into it made this a fantastic episode. It inspired me to want to plan my own block party. Everything was so excellent until Molly ruined it. Yes, I am entirely blaming Molly because it was her fault, and I'm still upset about it. Other than that, there were so many great moments. When the whole crowd did the Wobble together, my heart swelled. It was a beautiful moment. My heart completely broke when it ended the way it did. I still blame Molly... Just a reminder, in case you forgot. 

Insecure Wobble Dance

When I think of these moments, I think of how much of a genius Issa Rae is. I look up to her as a writer and actress. She inspires me to write every day and put my best foot forward. Before I go, I have a few mentions that weren't specific episodes but still deserved their flowers. The first one goes to Thug Yoda. He was hilarious and should have had more air time. I always quote, "where y'all going with that bouch," often. Aside from Thug Yoda, the shows within a show also deserved an honorable mention. Due North and Looking for Latoya were just a delight to watch while watching Insecure. When I'm not quoting Thug Yoda, I'm saying, 'I hate slavery!' Insecure just had so many funny moments, and I'm hurt to see it end, but I'll always have these moments.


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John Boyega Speaks Out On Racism Regarding Death Of George Floyd

Actor John Boyega took to twitter to deliver a message denouncing racism in response to the death of George Floyd.

 
https://844burrows.com/
John Boyega

By: Omar Cook

Actor John Boyega took to to twitter to speak out saying “I fucking hate racists” in response to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis at the hands of the police.

 
 

Boyega was met with a variety of mixed responses including an outpour of support but also people seemed to be uoset by what he said. Interesting, aren’t we all supposed to hate racists? It seems not as white people in the comments seemed to be upset as if he was wrong for speaking on the situation. Whenever Black people speak on deaths of Black people at the hands of officers, white people love to bring up the issue of black on black crime. Sorry, but there’s no correlation.

At a time where race relations are blurred right now due to recent events that have been going on, it is a must that Black people with a platform such as athletes or entertainers use their voices to make a stand. John Boyega took to instagram live to further further clarify his position and what he said.

 

 

This is not the time to point at Black on Black crime or any variations of crime that there might be. The major issue that has been prevalent is how Black people are treated by law enforcement and how white people are interacting with Blacks on a daily basis. It’s time for change. It’s sad that Black people still have to point out why the phrase “All Lives Matter” is demeaning and completely disregards what “Black Lives Matter” means.

To everyone that is coming together to speak on the changes that are needed, continue to be the light that is needed in the world. It’s time for a major change.


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Yaya Mayweather Faces 99 Years: Here's Everything You Need To Know

Yaya Mayweather faces 99 years in prison after being charged with Aggravated Assault With A Deadly Weapon. Here is everything you need to know.

 
247 Live Culture
Yaya Washington Faces 99 Years: Here's Everything You Need To Know

By: Omar Cook

Iyanna "Yaya" Mayweather faces a real life nightmare. The 19 year old daughter of Floyd Mayweather was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault With A Deadly Weapon after allegedly stabbing Lapattra Jacobs, who is a mother to a child with Mayweather's boyfriend, YoungBoy Never Broke Again.

Last Saturday around 1:30 a.m, Mayweather demanded Jacobs to leave the rapper's home in Houston but Jacobs refused and demanded Mayweather to leave, which then exploded into a physical altercation. The fight ensued into the kitchen where Mayweather proceeded to grab a couple knives and charged at Jacobs. The incident led to Mayweather’s arrest and Jacobs being hospitalized in critical condition where she underwent emergency surgery on her arms.

Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon carries a felony charge in Texas with a heavy sentence. If convicted, Mayweather faces up to 99 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Mayweather has had a clean record up until this incident so it is unlikely that she will receive the full 99 year sentence and she is being represented by Kurt Schaffer, a notable attorney who has represented other celebrities such as Slim Thug, Pimp C, and Rap-A-Lot Records CEO J Prince.

Mayweather is expected to plead not guilty and her attorney expects her to be vindicated. She is expected to be back in court in August. Jacobs spoke out on instagram.

This is an unfortunate situation for all parties to say the least and is also a perfect example of how to throw your life away with a decision you can’t take back. This is a learning lesson that will have a lifetime of repercussions. We wish for a full recovery to Jacobs and to all young people out there, do not let a domestic situation cost you your freedom.


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Idris Elba Gives Much Needed Message On Coronavirus Pandemic

Idris Elba took to social media share the news that he tested positive for coronavirus and gave a warning to take it seriously with the right precautionary measures.

 
Idris Elba Gives Much Needed Message On Coronavirus Pandemic

By: Omar Cook

If you haven’t been doing so already, it’s time to start taking this coronavirus pandemic seriously. Where and why it started can be questioned, but it’s time to prepare for the reality of the situation. We are in the middle of a world crisis that is causing the shutdown of just about all public gatherings and it could be a while before we move past this as a country.

President Trump issued a warning to stay out of groups of 10 or more and that this crisis could last up until August. Countries and states are preparing lockdowns around the world and we are also beginning to see prominent figures in our society test positive for the virus, which is starting to hit home for a lot of us.

Idris Elba took to social media share the news that he tested positive for coronavirus and gave a warning to take it seriously with the right precautionary measures. It is unfortunate that he contracted the virus, but the message is very important for people to hear.

Other notable figures who have contracted the virus include Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert, and Tom Hanks. The virus itself may not be what the media is hyping it up to be, but at the same time we should be taking the right steps to keep safe. A lot of young people are taking this as a time to still get together and go out which is ill advised. Social distancing has to become a real thing until things get back to normal. Some important measures you should take include:

  • Washing your hands for 20 seconds at least multiple times throughout the day

  • Keep hand sanitizer on you

  • Social Distancing (no large groups)

  • Keep disinfectant wipes on you

  • If you feel sick, stay home

  • Disinfect your clothes and bedding

All in all family, don’t panic and don’t live in fear, but don’t be foolish and fail to prepare. None of us have any idea how long this issue will actually last. We’re all in this together so it’s a must that we come together to keep each other safe and protected. Be blessed.


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Actress & Musician Nabiyah Be Discusses Her Acting Career, Childhood, And Releasing Her Debut Album

Nabiyah Be is a true triple threat, an actress, musician, and dancer who has been making a big impact in entertainment scoring roles in Black Panther and off-Broadway show School Girls; Or The African Mean Girls. We talked with Nabiyah about her acting career, childhood, and plans to release her debut album!

 
Nabiyah Be

Nabiyah Be

By: Natasha Marsh

You may have heard of Nabiyah Be from her role as Linda in Black Panther, her performance in School Girls, or because she is the daughter of famous Brailian musician, Jimmy Cliff. Nabiyah is a true triple threat, an actress, musician, and dancer who has been making a big impact in the New York sector for the last seven years. Trained in acting but having performed on tour with her dad as a child, Nabiyah is excited to get back to making music. She is currently working on her debut album and has plans to release it in the fall. We sat down with her to hear about her childhood in Brazil, her acting career, and what’s next for her music career. 

QUESTION: What was it like growing up in Brazil and how has it influenced you creatively?

Nabiyah Be: I grew up in Salvador which is the capital of Bahia, Brazil. It was amazing growing up in Brazil; my father is a very famous musician there and I remember I would go with him on all his tours. Essentially, I grew up on a tour bus. I didn’t quite realize what it meant to be a kid on stage till later. My parents raised us on music of the 60s, at the time the dictatorship was quite prevalent in Brazil. All artists, whether it was musicians or painters, worked hard to convey how disappointed and unhappy they were with the government. It was this type of protest music that I grew up on that is still quite relevant to my sound today. I was taught that music should education and produce certain feelings and I always have that in mind when creating. 

Nabiyah Be

QUESTION: What is your creative process?

Nabiyah Be: The city where I am from takes a lot of inspiration from West Africa and this is still very much in me. When I first started making my own music, I would start with chord progression and attach lyrics to it later. Now it’s hit or miss, sometimes I start with the chords, sometimes the lyrics, or sometimes I just have a melody in my head and go from there. 

QUESTION: Does your album have a specific theme?

Nabiyah Be: Without giving too much away it is definitely a narrative. The funny thing about storytelling is there is an inclination for strong subject matters. You come back to certain things whether you want to or not. For me it’s identity, transgenerational trauma, or family dynamics. You will definitely see that in my upcoming album. It really is just the unraveling of my life over 10 songs I really believe in. 

Nabiyah Be-Singer

QUESTION: Do you ever get performance anxiety?

Nabiyah Be: Yes, definitely. Acting had been my main focus for quite some time. I have been singing someone else’s songs and telling their stories for so long that it is really scary and challenging telling your own. Usually, in acting, the focus is on how the artist wants it to sound or look. Now creating on my own, I have to think about what I want to sound like and how to become a better messenger of my own story. This is something that I am constantly working at. At times, it is uncomfortable to write or even share my work that I just want to go in hiding. But I tell myself that is probably a good reason to continue and so I do. 

QUESTION: What was it like working on Black Panther?

Nabiyah Be: Crazy and important. It was actually my first on screen performance. Just as a bit of background, I moved to New York 7 years ago for school. I attended Pace University to study theater. Pace was the only university I found that you could take classes and work. My second year, I immediately was casted for plays and by the time I completed my degree at Pace I auditioned for Black Panther. I actually auditioned to be Chadwick’s sister but the director saw me as a better fit for Linda. Black Panther was amazing, everyone involved is extremely talented. It sparked my interest to be on screen and after I finish my album I plan to get back to that. 

QUESTION: What advice would you give to someone starting out in music?

Nabiyah Be: Find and understand the feeling that moves you forward and stick to it because that will be your foundation. I think often times we will base our foundations on what other people say or we compare ourselves to much but honestly it’s the feeling, and then what you do with it. Because that feeds the feeling.


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Taraji P. Henson Is Defeating Mental Health Stigmas With Start Of Her Own Nonprofit Organization

Taraji P. Henson launched a nonprofit organization to combat mental health stigmas in the African American community!

 
Taraji P. Henson

By: Omar Cook

Taraji P. Henson decided to open up about her own mental health battles within her family with the launch of her new nonprofit organization Saturday. The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation is named after her late father and is aimed to make mental health care in the black community commonplace.

Taraji was pushed to advocate for mental health awareness among African Americans due to her son battling his own mental health issues after the murder of his father in 2003. In search of mental health help for her son, she was looking “someone that he could trust, someone that looks like him and could understand his struggle,” but said it was hard because “they wouldn’t be African American and it wouldn’t get anything accomplished because he felt guilty for the things he was saying.”

It’s no secret that mental health awareness in the black community is not taken as seriously as it should be. Henson told Variety:

“It was like looking for a unicorn, and the reason that happens is because we don’t talk about it in our community; it’s taboo, it’s looked upon as a weakness or we’re demonized for expressing rage for traumas we’ve been through. I have a lot of white friends and that’s what got me going. They say, ‘You don’t talk to anybody? Girl, I’m going to see my shrink every Thursday at 3 o’clock.’ So I was like why don’t we do that in our community?”

The Empire star understood the need for celebrity power behind her movement because “the misconception about celebrities that we have it all together and we’re perfect and we’re not. Our kids aren’t perfect, we’re suffering and struggling just like the regular person and money doesn’t help. I thank God I can pay for the psychiatry bill but it doesn’t necessarily take away the problems.”

During the event, Henson also discussed her own mental health issues and that she also she’s a therapist. “I’m here to tell you that when they tell cut and the cameras go away, I go home to real problems just like everybody else” Taraji said. She stated she wanted to be transparent in hopes that “people go, “Oh wow she’s going through it? Well I’m alright then.”

The first mission of her foundation was to put art in inner city schools with hopes that this will help combat suicide, bullying and depression. Taraji partnered with artist Cierra Lynn and the thought process behind the art in bathrooms is that this is “where fights happened, jumps, that’s where you got bullied because the teachers weren’t in there, so I thought that was a great thing to do to flip it. You go there to get your head together and instead of seeing hate stuff or whatever madness kids put in there, we decided to turn it into art.”

Actress Jennifer Lewis who also attended the event and has been open about her own bipolar disorder has made mental health awareness a priority for her. “We are as sick as our secrets and it’s time for people to come together, to reach out to those who are hiding in dark rooms, reach out to those who are afraid to take the next step, reach out to those who want to be better and don’t know how to,” Lewis said.

Having celebrities get behind the mental health awareness movement is big because people can see that their are people that they look up to that go through the same things. Black celebrities are looking to eliminate the stigma behind mental health issues in the black community and this is something everyone can get behind!


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Issa Rae Discusses the Renewal of 'Insecure' for a Fourth Season

Issa Rae’s hit HBO series Insecure was renewed for a fourth season and the creator and star of the comedy series made it very clear who her loyalty on the show is to!

 
Issa Rae
I could never do this show and have a predominantly white staff.
— Issa Rae

By: Omar Cook

Issa Rae’s hit HBO series Insecure was renewed for a fourth season and the creator and star of the comedy series made it very clear who her loyalty on the show is to! In a recent interview, Issa Rae discussed that the success of the show is due to the predominantly minority staff that creates a show that black people can relate to without having to explain the overall blackness of the show to its non-black viewers. It's safe to say the show is unapologetically black, and she is perfectly ok with it being portrayed that way. 

 
 

Rae uses Los Angeles as the setting for her series and lets it be known her discomfort of the gentrification of the area. “White people left the neighborhood, there was white flight, and now they’re coming back and pushing us out,” Rae told The Shade Room creator Angelica Nwandu. “I’m moving back there—that’s what I want—but I’ve already seen the change. It’s disheartening.”

Even though the majority of the show's viewers are non-black, Issa Rae discussed the importance of “surrounding myself with people of color. I could never do this show and have a predominantly white staff.” Issa Rae giving credit to her minority staff is what the culture needs—acknowledgement. African American culture needs more shows that highlights our culture and shows us being ourselves in a positive light, and this show provides just that. This is what black excellence looks like, from on the screen to behind the scenes.

Season 3 popped off on August 12 and you can view it on Sunday nights at 10:30 p.m. ET. 


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Chadwick Boseman Winning GQ International Man Of The Year Is A Win For The Culture

Chadwick Boseman took home yet another accolade for his roles in the two most successful films of 2018! GQ International Man of Year, add that to the trophy case!

 
Chadwick Boseman

By: Omar Cook

Black culture has been waiting for a major black superhero since Wesley Snipes played Blade and Chadwick Boseman gave us just that. Black Panther is one of the most successful films ever made in the U.S. earning over a billion dollars and it's just that much sweeter that it had an all black cast. Chadwick has been riding a wave of success from his portrayal of T’Challa in Marvel's Black Panther film and the recent edition of The Avengers, and his list of accolades just become much more decorated. 

Boseman was awarded GQ International Man of Year for his roles in the two most successful films of 2018. This is another win for the culture as black entertainers are being acknowledged for positive roles by the media. The 41 year old Howard grad is on the rise and is truly an inspiration to the next generation of black youth coming up. Boseman has taken home a few awards this year including MTV Movie Award for Best Hero, MTV Movie & TV Award for Best Actor in a Movie, and BET Award for Best Actor. Add this one to the trophy case.

In a time where tensions are high in the media with politics, and racial issues, it's a great thing to see black people still shining. Boseman winning this award gives major international exposure to black success and spreads a positive message of just how talented black actors are.

 
 

Boseman spoke with British GQ saying "Day to day, it's a different experience...You try to keep things the same and they are, you're still living, breathing, eating, loving your family and friends but it is a little bit different when you go outside."

What can we expect next from the superstar?


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