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.
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!
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.
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.
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?”
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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!
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.
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.
John Boyega put his whole career on the line for the culture. We salute you💪🏾🤟🏾🔌 pic.twitter.com/t5YoW69KaK
— Papi Pluto (@Realist__Ty) May 27, 2020
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.
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.
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.
This morning I tested positive for Covid 19. I feel ok, I have no symptoms so far but have been isolated since I found out about my possible exposure to the virus. Stay home people and be pragmatic. I will keep you updated on how I’m doing 👊🏾👊🏾 No panic. pic.twitter.com/Lg7HVMZglZ
— Idris Elba (@idriselba) March 16, 2020
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
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.
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.
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!
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!
“I could never do this show and have a predominantly white staff.”
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!
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?