Black Art, Music & Literature
'The Boondocks' Reboot Confirmed
Creator Aaron McGruder is all set to breathe new life into his cult classic show.
Bushwick Bill Of The Geto Boys Dies At 52
UPDATED: 6:18 a.m. EDT, June 10 — Legendary Houston rapper Bushwick Bill, a founding member of the iconic Geto Boys, died Sunday night at the age of 52 after a brief fight with cancer.
'Solitary' Film to Tell Story of Angola 3's Albert Woodfox
Mahershala Ali will executive produce, and perhaps star, in biopic of the Black man who spent 43 years in solitary confinement for a crime he says he didn’t commit.
Central Park 5 Investigator Linda Fairstein Tried To Colonize Ava DuVernay’s Script
Ava DuVernay‘s brilliant film “When They See Us” masterfully tells the story of the Central Park 5.
Blair Underwood: Ava Duvernay Made A Grief Counselor Available On The Set Of ‘When They See Us’
Ava Duvernay was just a teenager when five young Black boys, from Harlem, were arrested and convicted for the rape of a white woman in Central Park on the night of April 19, 1989.
Nigeria: NAPTIP Wants MOU to Save Nigerian Girls From Sex Slavery
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) is seeking an agreement between Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries to end the practice of Nigerian girls being used as sex slaves in Mali.
Concert Or Cult? Social Media Wonders If Kanye’s Sunday Service Is Selling Out The Black Church Experience
Kanye West has found himself the subject of countless controversies that range from the uninformed comments he made about slavery to his unapologetic support of Donald Trump, but recently the rapper has been trying his hand at ministering to the elite.
Hollywood Still Struggles With Representation of LGBTQ+ and Trans People of Color
GLAAD’s newest diversity report shows that Hollywood still has a long way to go when it comes to representation for LGBTQ+ people of color.
A Space For Creators: The New Home For Black Voices
The community made it clear that there is a demand to hear more from uninterrupted, black voices… check out A Space For Creators for some wish fulfillment. The entertainment landscape is changing rapidly. A growing wave of multicultural content appears to be hitting its stride.
Nigeria: Homosexuality - 'Bobrisky in Love' Movie Against Nigerian Law - Censors Board
The National Film and Video Censors Board has cleared the air on a report making the rounds, claiming the board has set up three panels to analyse and classify a transgender film titled, 'Bobrisky in Love'.
Binyavanga Wainaina’s biggest legacy was challenging Africans to free their imaginations
The last time I saw the Kenyan writer and thinker Binyavanga Wainaina was on an afternoon in mid-December 2017. There he was, in a street near my home southwest of the capital Nairobi, donning an orange African print dress, a beaded necklace, earrings, and taking his dog for a walk.
Toni Morrison Awarded Gold Medal for Fiction
Iconic author Toni Morrison has earned a lifetime’s worth of awards and honors for her contributions to literature, and today (May 22) she is the recipient of the American Academy of Arts and Letters’ Gold Medal for Fiction.
Africa: Tribute to Kenyan Author and LGBTQI+ Activist Binyavanga Wainaina
We mourn the passing of African literary force and LGBTQI+ activist Binyavanga Wainaina. The Caine prize winner has passed away at the age of 48 after suffering from a stroke. Author and playwright, Binyavanga Wainaina was born in 1971 in Nakuru County, Kenya and went on to live a colorful life.
The Bebop Channel, the First TV Station Focused Solely on Jazz Culture, is
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New Children’s Book Makes Black Boys “Proud”
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On Malcolm X’s Birthday, New Film Reimagines Iconic Leader In Modern Times
In the history of African Americans who fought for the rights of our people, a conversation cannot go by without mentioning the great Malcolm X. May 19 is the birthday of the great civil rights leader who was killed by an assassin’s bullet. Had he survived, he would have turned 94 today.
Take Notes, Celebs! Halle Berry Refuses To Ignore Black Reporters On The Red Carpet
For any Black folks who work in media, you know the struggle of getting access to celebrities — even other Black celebrities. In press rooms or red carpets there are usually only one or two Black reporters and they are pushed all the way in back.
Watch the Trailer for Laquan McDonald Documentary, '16 Shots'
The Showtime documentary will examine the 17-year-old’s murder at the hands of the Chicago Police Department and the subsequent cover-up.
The Best Black YouTubers Creating Content in 2019
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East Africa: Where Has the Freedom to Create Music Gone?
If music be the food of love, play on." This is the first line of the play Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare where the speaker is asking for music because he is frustrated in courtship; he wants an abundance of love so that he may lose his appetite for it.
New Docuseries on Race in America Says 'We Gon' Be Alright'
The new trailer for upcoming digital series “We Gon’ Be Alright” dropped released yesterday (May 8) via Deadline, and it offers a glimpse into the project’s hard conversations on everything from inequality in education to why the country is becoming more separate and unequal.
We have Stolen His Land. Now We Must Steal His Limb
From the desk of the Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research. - (Tricontinental) – When the late South African artist Tito Zungu wanted to depict the world of the migrant labourer, he settled on the envelope.
It’s about to become much easier to track box office earnings in Africa
The latest boost local movie industries in Africa are getting is data. Comscore, the US-based media analytics company known for providing box office measurement data, is expanding operations to nine African countries where it will “capture more than 95% of all revenue and admissions.
Africa: Netflix Announces First African Animated Show 'Mama K's Team 4'
Netflix, the world's leading internet entertainment service, today announced its first original African animated series, Mama K’s Team 4, produced by Cape Town-based Triggerfish Animation Studios and leading London-based kids’ entertainment specialist CAKE.
‘Cancel Culture’ Is A Myth To Silence Marginalized Voices
The phrase “cancel culture” has been one of the most popular new things for people to say without really having any clue what it actually means.
Kurtis Blow’s Surgery Brings Attention To The Health Of Aging Rappers
While rap music is a relatively young genre and typically associated with young people, Kurtis Blow’s grave condition was shining a light on the health issues that aging rappers were increasingly facing.
Ghana and Madagascar debut at Venice Biennale with themes of modernity and dynamism
Only eight African countries—Egypt, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Madagascar, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa and Zimbabwe—will have national pavilions at the 2019 Venice Biennale, down by one from 2017.
This Music Trio -- Ages 9, 11 and 12 -- Are Making History as the Youngest
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‘Bolden’ Movie Review: ‘Beautiful Story About A Forgotten Pioneer Of Jazz Music’
Buddy Bolden is a name you may not know, but you should. Without his genius we wouldn’t have the great jazz music of today. The New Orleans musician is considered one of the founding fathers of jazz. Born in 1877 and died in 1931 at an insane aslyum, his story has not been told — until now.
The Temptations Musical Nominated for 12 Tony Awards
The new musical “Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Temptations” was nominated for 12 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Playbill announced yesterday (April 30).
Indie Film “Marvelous” Shines Big at the 2019 Charlotte Black Film Festival
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John Singleton Is Taken Off Of Life Support, Dies At 51
Sad news to report. Oscar-nominated movie director John Singleton has reportedly died. He was only 51 years old. His family removed him from life support on Monday, the New York Times reported. TMZ, Yahoo News and Fox News also reported Singleton died Monday.
New Book, "Survival of the Fist," Reveals Deep-Rooted History of African Cu
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Aretha Franklin Honored Posthumously With Pulitzer Prize Special Citation
Legendary songstress Aretha Franklin left an indelible mark in the realm of music and even after her death the Queen of Soul is still being awarded for her pivotal contributions. According to Rolling Stone, Franklin was posthumously honored with a Pulitzer Prize Special Citation.
WATCH: Trailer for Ava Duvernay's 'When They See Us'
Netflix dropped the trailer for director Ava DuVernay’s long-awaited four part limited series “When They See Us” today (April 19)—on the 30th anniversary of the incident at the center of the project.
Historian to Publish Detailed Book on the Quander Family, One of America’s
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Marijuana Doc 'Grass Is Greener' Highlights War on Black and Latinx Communities
Weed aficionados can do more than smoke in celebration of their favorite plant this 4/20. They can also learn the history of marijuana in the United States with the release of the Netflix documentary “Grass Is Greener.”
Pulitzers Honor Work of Three Black Icons
The 2019 Pulitzer Prize winners were announced Monday (April 15) with awards honoring Aretha Franklin, Frederick Douglass and Alain Locke. Franklin’s posthumous award makes her the first woman to receive a special citation since the prize was first awarded in 1930, ABC News reports.
Howard University And Lionsgate Create Internship Program To Diversify The Entertainment Industry
Howard University and Lionsgate have joined forces in an effort to tackle Hollywood’s diversity issues. The HBCU and the entertainment company have launched an internship program to teach students the ins and outs of television and film, Deadline reported.
Nipsey Hussle’s Rap Skills Get Much Props From Music And Hip-Hop Culture Writers
Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist Nipsey Hussle received lots of praise since his murder for his community activism, but a group of music and culture critics want us to remember that Nipsey’s rap skills were also amazing.
Black Influence on the Music Industry Over the Decades
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On 'The Best of Enemies': Hollywood Must Stop Using Black People as Narrative Devices
“Green Book” recently mined the age-old Hollywood trope of White redemption via an unlikely Civil Rights-era friendship to take home an Academy Award for best picture.
Ava Duvernay Uses Clips From '13th' to Explain the Southern Strategy to Black Conservative
On Tuesday (April 9), the House Committee on the Judiciary held a hearing called “Hate Crimes and the Rise of White Nationalism.
Over 500 Black Authors Attended This Conference Last Year -- And Are Now Se
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Nipsey Hussle Square: Councilman Moves To Name Intersection After Slain Rapper
The outpouring of love for Nipsey Hussle is also coming from the Los Angeles City Council where a lawmaker wants an intersection named in honor of the slain rapper.
New Podcast 'Voices of a Movement' Brings Legendary Civil Rights Era Stories to Life
Given the current political climate, there couldn’t be a better time to hear from Civil Rights-era heroes who shaped the history of our nation.
10 Books by Writers of Color That Embrace Self-Love, Resilience and Authenticity
As the days grow longer and warmer, consider one (or two!) of these titles to energize your spirit this spring. From a pleasure activism guide, to a celebration of Beyoncé, to deeply personal memoirs, here are 10 books by writers of color that embrace self-love, resilience and authenticity.
A Play About Maya Angelou is Being Developed for Broadway
Drawn from her life and works, the one-woman show is being created with the help of her son, Guy Johnson, and co-produced by David Michael Rich, Angelou’s representative for more than 11 years. “My mother lived an extraordinary life,” Johnson told press.
Cameroon: How the Ongoing Crisis in Cameroon Is Giving a Voice to Anglophone Music
There is no better place to gauge the change that is happening in Cameroon than the 2019 edition of the nation's leading award for entertainment, the Canal 2'Or, says Kwoh B. Elonge. Music is universal. Our understanding of it goes beyond the barriers that typically make us different.
This animated podcast series casts historical African women as superheroes
In the 19th century, large parts of present day Zambia was ruled by a fierce chief, whose kingdom was at least twice as large as any in the region. And when Portuguese slavers tried to subjugate the kingdom for its trade roots, the chief waged war and won.
You Won’t See A White Man As The Lead In A Jordan Peele Film
Jordan Peele‘s is the new master of horror. “Us” hit theaters last weekend and it was an instant box office smash. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the Universal film brought in $70.3 million in ticket sales, which is the largest debut for an original horror film.
Warner Music is the latest major record label group to bet on Afrobeats
Warner Music Group, the world’s third largest record label, is the latest major player to invest in the Afrobeats genre, inking a partnership deal with one of the Nigeria’s leading labels, Chocolate City Entertainment.
Jeffrey Wright-Narrated Doc 'Rigged' Highlights Voter Suppression Tactics
Wright: “I hope ‘Rigged’ sounds an alarm that wakes America up.”
The giant legacy of Okwui Enwezor—the art curator who shared Africa with the world
Over two decades Okwui Enwezor emerged as a dominant and highly influential voice in curatorial practice and contemporary art history.
Unpacking ‘Us’: Imposter Syndrome, Social Mobility And More Themes I Can’t Stop Thinking About
I don’t really care about arguing with people about the quality of the movie “Us” and if you need a certain level of intelligence to understand it or that the movie went platinum with no features.
Africa: Okorafor, Kahiu to Work on Movie Based on U.S. Author Octavia Butler's Book
Cape Town — African women are making serious waves in Hollywood, and we are here for it... Award-winning U.S.
Africa: Activists in France Prevent Auction of African Artefacts
The auction of 40 artefacts taken from the ancient kingdom of Dahomey during a French military campaign in the 19th century, and held in a private collection for decades, was cancelled following a dramatic intervention by African activists in the city of Nantes.
Artist Elizabeth Colomba Centers Black Women in Western-Style Portraits
The painter’s sumptuous portraits cast Black women as the focal point in a period where they were often ignored.
Nigeria: Renowned Nigerian Poet Gabriel Okara Dies At 97
Renowned Nigerian poet and novelist, Gabriel Okara, has died. He was 97.
LISTEN: Damon Young Breaks Down His New Collection of Essays
“What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Blacker” shines a light on the struggles of existing while Black.
The Nollywood movie experiment to research Nigerians’ anti-corruption behavior
The popularity of Nigeria’s Nollywood movie industry—the world’s second largest by volume—was covertly deployed for a social cause five years ago.
Jay-Z’s ‘The Blueprint’ Album Inducted Into Library Of Congress
It’s undeniable that rap legend Jay-Z has left an indelible mark on the music industry and he recently received a huge honor for his contributions to hip-hop and beyond.
How the music of 1950’s Cuba revolutionized the sound of young Senegal
Thierno Koite’s memories of Dakar in the 1960s and 1970s are extremely vivid, “I remember falling asleep on the speakers in various clubs in Dakar as Afro-Cuban music played. At that time, I was a young boy, but I would attend my cousin’s and brother’s rehearsals.”
Sony Pictures To Release Animated Film That Celebrates Black Hair
Chicago-bred film director Matthew A. Cherry is on a mission to increase the representation of Black characters in animated films.
Okwui Enwezor, Noted Curator and Promoter of African Art, Dies at 55
AMY GOODMAN: Renowned Nigerian art curator Okwui Enwezor has died at the age of 55 after a battle with cancer. Enwezor was the director of the Haus der Kunst museum in Munich, Germany, until last year. He was also an art critic, educator, editor and writer.
Women’s Voices Reign Supreme on New Hip-Hop Podcast
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Kenyan Film Supa Modo Charms New York Audience
Supa Modo, an acclaimed Kenyan film starring a 10-year-old girl, was screened on Saturday before a receptive audience in New York. Director Likarion Wainaina's 74-minute feature made its eastern United States debut at the New York International Children's Film Festival.
Netflix’s The Boy who Harnessed the Wind is a rare authentic version of Africa
After Netflix’s The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind became available on Mar. 1, I dived right in as I’m always fascinated to see how stories out of Africa are framed on the global stage through film.
Zambian Film 'I Am Not a Witch' Debuts On Netflix
The award-winning Zambian film "I Am Not a Witch" will be the country's first film to debut on Netflix. It joins other African films, such as "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind" on the international streaming service. The film is based on the experiences of many women across the African continent.
Nigerian women authors are bringing new narratives to the global publishing industry
Wole Soyinka called it: Nigeria’s women authors are at the center of something of a literary phenomenon. Three women of Nigerian descent are names on the longlist of the 2019 Women’s Prize for Fiction.
Black Female Filmmaker Tackles Toxic Masculinity in Her Latest Documentary,
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Plans for Legacy of Blues Empress Bessie Smith Blossoming Exponentially
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Baltimore Author Receives National Recognition For Memoir About Her Upbring
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Black Panther and its science role models inspire more than just movie awards
It has been said many times that the Marvel movie “Black Panther” is an important landmark.
Zimbabwe: Netflix Wins Rights to Zimbabwean Animated Musical
Netflix beat out competitors in a bidding war to secure the rights to Zimbabwean newcomer Godwin Jabangwe's musical 'Tunga'. The musical was inspired by Zimbabwean mythology and the screenwriter's upbringing.
New Documentary Illuminates 'Green Book' History That Hollywood Tried to Erase
“There’s a righteous anger that can motivate me,” she told BET. “The anger about how our history and our experience has been distorted and ignored. Yes, there are these painful stories.
Zimbabwe Born Jazz Legend Dorothy Masuka Dies Aged 83
World-renowned jazz singer Dorothy Masuka has died. The music industry veteran was 83 years old.
Michael B. Jordan Launches Fellowship For Youth
Actor Michael B. Jordan is investing in the futures of young boys of color who want to pursue careers in the entertainment industry.
Queen Latifah To Create Affordable Housing Complex In Newark
Queen Latifah has broken barriers in both the music and entertainment industries and now she plans on doing the same in real estate.
Incarcerated Men Document Their 'Hard Truth' Via Film
Madeliene Sackler (“The Lottery”) worked with 13 men incarcerated at the Pendleton Correctional Facility as they explored their decades-long sentences and the circumstances behind them via filmmaking.
WATCH: Doc Illuminates Sammy Davis Jr.'s Place in Black America
“Sammy Davis Jr.: I’ve Gotta Be Me” explores the late entertainer’s struggles with stardom and his role in an evolving Black America.
New Textbook Makes Black History Relevant 365 Days Of The Year
It always seems like Black History Month is over before you know it. For just 28 days out of the year, the country is exposed to the rich history of Black folks beyond the two chapters they were taught in grade school: slavery and civil rights.
Ryan Coogler to Direct Fred Hampton Biopic
Daniel Kaluuya is in talks to play the Black Panther Party leader.
LISTEN: New Podcast Demands We #TellBlackStories
Color of Change talks to Ava DuVernay, Stanley Nelson and other artists about shifting narratives around Blackness.
Sudanese Film Wins Berlin Film Festival Award
A Sudanese film has won the 2019 Berlin International Film Festival's Documentary Award as well as the most sought after award: "The Prize of the Public".
Aspiring and Bestselling Black Authors to Collaborate For One-of-a-Kind Con
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Meet Gibran Tariq, Author & CEO of a New and Thriving Black-Owned Publishin
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The story of the Malawian boy who saved his village with a wind turbine comes to Netflix
As a southern African country, Malawi’s neighbors South Africa and Zimbabwe usually get all the coverage when it comes to global popular culture: both for good and bad. It’s probably why Malawians have been hotly anticipating the new Netflix feature film on a true Malawi story.
21 Savage Is Released After Immigration Arrest, Lawyer Says
Rapper 21 Savage was released from detention on Tuesday after his arrest more than a week ago for being an undocumented immigrant, his lawyers announced. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials arrested the entertainer in Atlanta on Feb. 3.
Malawi: Netflix Adapts William Kamkwamba's Book Into Movie
Mchinji — Netflix, the world's leading Internet entertainment service is on March 1, 2019 set to release a movie titled 'The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind,' based on a true story of a 32-year-old Malawian, William Kamkwamba.
Your Favorite Artists of Color Won Big at the Grammys
The Associated Press reports that last night’s (February 10) 61st Grammy Awards partially addressed prior critiques by recognizing women and hip hop artists in many of the biggest categories.
Smokey Robinson Rips Into Critics Of Jennifer Lopez Doing A Motown Tribute At The Grammys
There has been some outrage about Jennifer Lopez being part of the Motown tribute at the Grammys. However, Motown legend Smokey Robinson is not here for the haters. He is calling anyone protesting “stupid.”
Nigeria: Lagos Asks British Museum to Return Historical Sculpture
The Lagos State Government has formally requested the return of an important sculptural woodcarving, known in the UK as the Lander Stool, from the British Museum.
ICYMI: Aaron McGruder Resurrects 'The Boondocks' Just in Time
Huey, Riley, Robert and Ruckus take on the presidential administration’s racist policies, Russian subterfuge and R. Kelly.
“Soles For Sale” Book Labeled as a “Must Read” by Chicago Schools, Drug Cou
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Author Uses His Life-Changing Story to Help African Americans Identify and
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Twitter Questions The Timing Of 21 Savage’s Arrest By Immigration Authorities
Some Twitter users raised an eyebrow about the timing involved in the immigration arrest of rapper 21 Savage. The Grammy-nominated rapper raised the issue of immigration during his performance on NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” days before U.S.
Nigeria: Lagos Writes British Museum, Demands Return of Stolen Sculpture
The Lagos State Government has formally requested to the British Museum in London for the return of an extremely important sculptural wood carving, known in the UK as the Lander Stool. The state government has equally disclosed its plan to unveil the John K.
A Modern-Day Lynching?: “Always in Season” Looks at 2014 Hanging in NC & Legacy of Racial Terrorism
As we mark the beginning of Black History Month, we look at “Always in Season,” a disturbing new documentary that examines lynching in the United States both past and present.
Black Director Chinonye Chukwu Makes History At Sundance
Black directors are making power moves in the entertainment industry. Many of them are racking up accolades for their work while breaking down racial barriers in an effort to ensure that the next generation of Black filmmakers have a seat at the table. One of those trailblazers is Chinonye Chukwu.
3 Questions with 'Miles Davis' Documentarian Stanley Nelson
The title of Stanley Nelson’s latest documentary, “Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool,” references both the artist’s 1957 jazz album and the inimitable swagger he carried throughout his career.
Tarell Alvin McCraney Asks: What If Black Players Took Over the NBA?
The “Moonlight” co-writer discusses his upcoming Netflix film, “High Flying Bird.”
Chinonye Chukwu to Direct Elaine Brown Biopic, 'A Taste of Power'
The former Black Panther Party leader will executive produce the adaptation of her autobiography.
Africa: Berlin Museum Stirs Debate With Plans for Colonial Era Remembrance Room
Genocide in former German South West Africa, looted art on show: For some, the Humboldt Forum's plan to draw attention to the crimes of German colonial rule in Africa doesn't go far enough. When the name "Humboldt Forum" is mentioned in Germany, arguments are usually inevitable.
Bringing Back Hip-Hop — A Profile on Kendrick Lamar
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Jordan Peele On the Importance of Telling Many Kinds of Black Stories
The filmmaker told Rolling Stone: “I realized I had never seen a horror movie of this kind, where there’s an African-American family at the center that just is.”
East Africa’s first dedicated creative fund wants to turn the region into a global arts hub
The current state of East Africa’s creative industry is usually discussed in the context of one word: potential. Across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, the sector continues to face major hurdles including scarcity of funding and the fragmented nature of cultural and creative guilds.
Nigeria: Children Who Survived Boko Haram Attacks Recover Through Drama, Art
Dakar — Growing mental health services for children who have survived Nigeria's Islamist insurgency can help prevent future violence, aid agencies said on Monday, although huge needs remain unmet.
Julie Dash to Helm Angela Davis Biopic
The announcement coincides with the racial justice activist’s 75th birthday.
Kiese Laymon Wins Andrew Carnegie Medal, Gives Prize Money to Young Mississippians
The American Library Association honored “Heavy: An American Memoir”—Kiese Laymon’s account of growing up Black in Mississippi—with its Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction yesterday (January 27).
Terry Crews Rips Into DL Hughley: ‘Should I Slap The Sh*t Out Of You?’
Terry Crews has had enough of being bullied by the likes of Tariq Nasheed, 50 Cent and especially DL Hughley. The actor laid into the comedian after a back and forth on Twitter.
Suzan-Lori Parks, Rashid Johnson Cut Violent Scene From 'Native Son' Remake
Spoilers for “Native Son” ahead. The new cinematic version of “Native Son,” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival last night (January 24), updates Richard Wright’s 1940 novel to address contemporary racial and social justice issues.
Spike Lee Credits #OscarsSoWhite For Oscar Nom
Read the “BlacKkKlansman” filmmaker’s explanation for his first Best Directing nomination.
From Silent Film to Blaxploitation: The Film Detective Celebrates Black His
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Hugh Masekela’s legacy can still be heard throughout South Africa
Yet another jazz club closed down in Johannesburg this month.
Africa: Black Panther Fans Rave Over Seven Oscar Nominations
There, you have it! Black Panther has landed seven nominations and has become the first superhero film to get a Best Picture nomination in Oscar's history. This nod will see it compete against BlacKkKlansman.
Nollywood’s growing international reach signals the broadening definition of the Nigerian film
From million-dollar budgets to Netflix partnerships, Nigeria’s film industry, Nollywood, has burgeoned in the past decade. Nollywood films have dominated international film festivals, making the industry a creative force to be reckoned with.
Fox News Calls Gladys Knight A ‘Freedom-Loving Patriot’ For Singing At The Super Bowl
This can’t be the support that Gladys Knight wants. The writer is referencing this statement from the 74-year-old, “I am here today and on Sunday, Feb.
5 Writers of Color Who Should Win the Poets Laureate Fellowship
The New York Times reported Tuesday (January 15) that The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation granted $2.2 million to the Academy of American Poets (AAP).
America Should View James Baldwin’s Beale Street With Different Optics
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Essence Honors Black Women in Hollywood
Regina Hall, KiKi Layne, Jenifer Lewis and Amandla Stenberg each have their own cover.
Nigerian Female Rap Artists As Endangered Species
Yinka Olatunbosun probes the dearth of Nigerian female artists in a male-dominated rap music industry to unearth the untold story of women in the music scene MUSIC Take it or trash it, one of the most emblematic music collaborations ever recorded in Nigeria's hip-hop history is the classic track "To
Should anyone really own the phrase “Hakuna Matata”?
The Walt Disney Company, a purveyor of cultural products, services and experiences, showcases stories primarily to Americans, then Europeans and people wherever they have Disney Worlds or Disneyland Resorts, and lastly to the rest of the world.
WATCH: Gary Clark Jr. Confronts America's Anti-Black Heritage in New Video
“This Land” indicts the racism the blues artist has faced since his childhood in Texas.
Kehinde Wiley's New Exhibit Confronts Art's Erasure of Black Humanity
The St. Louis Art Museum’s predominantly White portraiture largely ignores the African Americans that make up nearly half of the River City’s population.
Jennifer Hudson Will Star In The Aretha Franklin Biopic
The biopic of the late, great Aretha Franklin is in full swing and has landed it’s star — Jennifer Hudson. The Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe winner will portray the Queen of Soul for an MGM film. According to Deadline.
Sundance to Screen Doc On Michael Jackson's Alleged Child Sexual Abuse
“Leaving Neverland,” which revisits two men’s accusations that the artist abused them as boys, has prompted backlash from Jackson’s estate.
"Sistas on Fire! A Newsical" -- A Musical Revue That Examines Pressing Soci
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Denton Black Film Festival to Launch New Institute to Empower Filmmakers, W
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LISTEN: Nina Simone's Ode to 'Young, Gifted and Black' Children Still Matters
Meshell Ndegeocello and Somi discuss the enduring importance of Simone’s 1969 tribute to Black youth for NPR’s American Anthem series.
Black-Owned Publisher Aims to Take Urban Literature in a New Direction
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WATCH: 'Horror Noire' Trailer Explores Portrayals of Blackness in Horror Cinema
The new documentary dives into the horror genre’s treatment of Black characters from “The Birth of a Nation” to the present.
Chance the Rapper Apologizes to Black Women For Working With R. Kelly
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Nollywood’s focus on movie quality over quantity is starting to reap box office returns
The global claim to fame for Nigeria’s Nollywood movie industry has typically been its volume of production, ranked behind only India’s Bollywood.
Surviving R. Kelly: New Doc Says Time’s Up for Singer Accused of Abusing Black Girls for Decades
We look at the shocking Lifetime documentary series “Surviving R. Kelly,” which chronicles two decades of allegations of sexual assault and misconduct against the celebrated R&B singer and producer. R.
Young Black Author Has Book Added To Library Of Congress
Georgia-bred author Nicholas Buamah hasn’t even reached the age of 10 yet, but he’s gone further in his literary career than most authors. According to Face2Face Africa, the 7-year-old’s book was accepted into the Library of Congress.
Nigeria: Voices and Visions From the East
This exhibition is the second of its kind to be organised by the National Gallery of Art (NGA) at its Enugu station. As its name implies, it comprises works of artists of diverse qualification and background living and working in the east.
Netflix’s early involvement in Nollywood isn’t the dawn of a new era, yet
Global streaming service Netflix set its eyes a few years ago on Nigeria’s film industry, better known as Nollywood. Distribution of Nigerian movies on Netflix started around 2015.
Coachella is the festival where underground artists go mainstream, except for African acts
By virtue of social media hype and YouTube streaming, Coachella has become something of a global festival. Yet, even as Afrobeats emerges as Africa’s international music genre, it’s seems Coachella isn’t listening.
John Legend Participating In ‘Surviving R. Kelly’ Proves Why We Love Him So Much
“Surviving R. Kelly” premiered last night on the Lifetime channel, and the docuseries exposes the singer as the alleged sexual predator that he has been accused of being for years.
Nigerians React to Genevieve Nnaji's "Lionheart" Neftlix Debut
Genevieve Nnaji's directional debut Lion Heart has had a remarkable journey since it was first announced. Asides the massive reception and nominations it got across the intercontinental cinemas, Lion Heart is Netflix's first Nigerian purchased film.
Nigeria: Controversies That Rocked Yoruba Film Industry in 2018
What controversy rocked the Yoruba film industry the most in 2018? Was it Adeniyi Johnson begging his ex-wife Toyin Abraham to sign their divorce papers? Or was it Mercy Aigbe's controversial red dress? We're not sure.
Nigeria: What Netflix's Involvement in Nigeria's Massive Film Industry Really Means
Global streaming service Netflix set its eyes a few years ago on Nigeria's film industry, better known as Nollywood. Distribution of Nigerian movies on Netflix started around 2015.
Museum Of Black Civilizations In African Wants Europe To Return Stolen Artworks
A new museum in Africa that displays artworks from across the African Diaspora opened earlier this month, but it’s missing important pieces that Europe plundered during the colonial era.
Art Project To Highlight Black History And Culture In Los Angeles
A new art project on the West Coast will visually capture the essence of Black history and culture in Los Angeles. Local political officials recently announced that 1.
The best Africa books we read in 2018—captured in 28 words or fewer
This year marked 60 years since the publication of Chinua Achebe’s game-changing novel Things Fall Apart.
Dawoud Bey: 40 Years of Photos Affirming the ‘Lives of Ordinary Black People’
As a socially conscious teenager, Dawoud Bey was intrigued by the controversy over the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s 1969 exhibition, “Harlem on My Mind: Cultural Capital of Black America, 1900-1968.” The show featured photos, audio and text about daily life in Harlem.
Regina King and Colman Domingo Make Us Better With 'If Beale Street Could Talk'
“If Beale Street Could Talk,” which debuts in theaters nationwide today (December 25), arrives at the tail end of a year dominated by movies that explore Black families and relationships.
Rosa Parks Biopic Focuses on Movement Defining Direct Action
“Rosa” draws from biography “The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks.”
Black Artists Are Saying ‘Hell No!’ To Shucking And Jiving For The Super Bowl
The powers that be at the Super Bowl, including ex-CBS honcho Les Moonves, tried to ruin Janet Jackson’s career. The NFL has completely disrespected Colin Kaepernick, and consequently, the NFL does not deserve a millisecond of the brilliance of Black artists for its Halftime Show.
African Art Restitution Claims Gain Traction
Paris — When a private museum in Benin displayed artifacts from the ancient Dahomey kingdom a decade ago, roughly a quarter-of-a-million Beninese flocked to see the exhibit — a stunning turnout for the tiny West African country.
Africa: Nigerian Comic Creates Heroes With Albinism to End Ritual Murders
Yaounde — Albinism is a genetic condition where a lack of the melanin pigment makes people's hair and skin white, which can make them vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancers A group of young Nigerians have invented an island where people with albinism live to escape being hunted down and having the
Africa's Must-Read Books of 2018
This year was full of spectacular fiction, spine-tingling poetry and hard-hitting non-fiction from Africa. Here is some of the best. There are certain books which sit on your skin, weigh on your psyche, and meddle with your mind in a haunting and arresting way. Freshwater is one of them.
Issa Rae Inks Production Deal to Uplift Marginalized Screenwriters
The “Insecure” creator’s new agreement with Columbia Pictures will provide support for emerging writers working on feature projects.
1990s Black and Indigenous Coming-of-Age Stories Added to National Film Registry
Hayden notes in the video that she and the Library of Congress (LOC) select films “deemed culturally, historically and aesthetically significant” for preservation each year. She adds on LOC.gov that the 2018 class coincides with the NFR’s 30th anniversary.
READ: New York City Theater Explores Black Death
Soraya Nadia McDonald of The Undefeated writes that a theme familiar to African Americans—the trauma of sudden death, from police and other assailants—permeates the current New York City theater season.
Ethiopia’s young photographers are capturing their country’s moment of change
In the composite image hanging in the high-ceilinged room, the face of the Ethiopian prime minister Abiy Ahmed is stenciled above a photo of pixelated subjects. They move with great haste, their jagged shadows heading in the same direction except for one person.
Chuck D and Ernie Isley Talk Two Generations of 'Fight the Power'
The songwriters discuss their social justice anthems and the Black resistance that inspired them.
‘Troubling’ Video Shows Cops Assaulting Innocent Mother And Yanking Her Baby Away
A viral video posted on Friday captured New York City police officers violently dragging a Black woman across the floor of a food assistance center to pull her 1-year-old baby from her arms.
Netflix’s debut original African series is about a cross-continental female spy
Next year, a highly trained top spy will start using her skills and stealth to better the lives of African citizens. Well, on Netflix at least, as the streaming service makes good on its promise to cater to African audiences. Netflix confirmed on Monday (Dec.
Kevin Hart fueled a dangerous trope: the unenlightened black homophobe
He lasted less time as an Oscars host than Anthony Scaramucci did as Trump’s White House director of communications. On Friday, Kevin Hart withdrew from his role as hype man of the mediocre awards show.
Hollywood's Black Women Who Brunch Are Ready to Step Into Their Power
Before her work on “Master of None” and “The Chi” earned her an Emmy and a growing slate of innovative projects, Lena Waithe was one of many Black women hustling behind the scenes in an entertainment industry that often disregards them.
WATCH: Noname Sends Up Anti-Black Fear in New Music Video
The Chicago rapper’s new clip for “Blaxploitation” features a Black child scaring White newscasters and viewers by—you guessed it—simply living.
Netflix is finally investing in original African content
African subscribers of Netflix will soon have more local options of shows to watch. The global streaming giant has confirmed plans to order original series from Africa next year to add to its ever-growing roster.
Viola Davis Stars As Shirley Chisholm in New Movie
Deadline reported yesterday (November 29) that Viola Davis will produce and star in “The Fighting Shirley Chisholm.
Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart 60 years on and the power of Africa’s universal English
“One of the most infuriating habits of these people was their love of superfluous words,” thinks the colonial district commissioner to himself in the final chapter of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart.
The return of Benin’s looted bronzes is about restoring a century’s worth of heritage—and pride
More than a century after they were looted, the decades-old campaign for European museums to return African art—particularly Benin bronzes—is finally looking like a real possibility.
WATCH: 'Other' Captures Trauma of Being Black in America
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Senegal Wants Restitution of 'All' Its Artwork - Minister
Senegal's culture minister called on Tuesday for the restitution by France of all Senegalese artwork following a French report urging the return of African art treasures. This ahead of the inauguration of the Museum of Black Civilisations (MCN) on December 6 in Dakar.
Common Brings Zora Neale Hurston's 'Barracoon' to TV
He will adapt the long-unreleased book, about the last known enslaved person to survive the Middle Passage, into a limited series.
Jeffrey Veregge Draws On His Indigenous Roots to Recreate Marvel Superheroes
Jeffrey Veregge isn’t the first artist of color to infuse a Marvel comics property with personal racial and cultural signifiers.
Barry Jenkins to Hollywood: Adapt More Black Literature
Filmmaker Barry Jenkins’ upcoming adaptation of James Baldwin’s 1974 novel, “If Beale Street Could Talk,” is the first English-language big screen version of the late author’s work.
Your favorite wax print wasn’t really African and a Chinese takeover means it never will be
When you think of African fashion, you often think of the variety of brightly dyed fabrics worn on the continent and in the diaspora as shirts, pants, dresses, skirts and even the occasional head wrap on that cool “woke” black girlfriend.
The Schomburg Center Acquires Ruby Dee And Ossie Davis’ Archive
The legacies of late actors Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis will prevail in Harlem.
France will have to change its laws to return its looted African art
France is set to make good on president Emmanuel Macron’s promise to return Africa’s stolen art and artifacts. This week, a report will be released that outlines exactly why and how thousands of priceless objects should be returned to Africa. An early look at the report, due on Friday (Nov.
#BlackoutBlackFriday Returns to Uplift Economic Resistance and Black Art
Blackout for Human Rights launched #BlackoutBlackFriday five years ago to replace Black Friday’s unapologetic consumerism with a celebration of Black art and a boycott of retailers. The campaign returns this Friday (November 23).
Africa: Time to Fix the Leak in Africa's Royalty Bucket
According to the Confederation of International Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC), Africa is an economic and cultural growth story for creators such authors, visual artists, songwriters, music composers and publishers.
Amara La Negra Traces 'Footprints' of Black Latinx Music History
The singer traces the African diaspora’s influence on Latinx music and culture in a new animated series from Tidal.
Stan Lee imagined an Africa way ahead of his time with Black Panther
The commercial success of Marvel’s Black Panther film in 2018 belies just what a risk it was for Stan Lee to create the revolutionary African character. Lee, who died this week at the age of 95, created the Black Panther in 1966 with writer and artist Jack Kirby.
Chance the Rapper Channels 'Hope' for Debut Musical Movie
Chance The Rapper performs onstage during Chance The Rapper to Headline Spotify's RapCaviar Live In Brooklyn in Partnership with Live Nation Urban and Verizon on September 29, 2018 at Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn, New York. Photo: Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images
Ntozake Shange, ‘For Colored Girls’ Playwright, Dies at 70
Renowned poet and playwright Ntozake Shange died on Saturday, according to an online post on behalf of her family on Twitter. She was 70. Shange passed away in her sleep at an assisted living facility, according to the Star-Tribune.
Africa: The Bounty That Is Film Africa
The Royal African Society's Film Africa festival now in its 8th year, is held annually across various cinemas in London. It presents a fair summary of promising and recognized talents from the continent's actors and filmmakers.
Black Women Honor Ntozake Shange's Feminist Legacy
To our extended family and friends, it is with sorrow that we inform you that our loved one, Ntozake Shange, passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early morning of October 27, 2018. Memorial information / details will follow at a later date.
Kenya: Using Art to Address Issues of Identity and Mental Health
Mental health is not an issue that's often addressed by visual artists in Kenya. It's a topic that tends to be kept concealed behind closed doors, as if it's a shame or social stigma that the public shouldn't know about, leave alone observe as art.
Rihanna And Colin Kaepernick To Reportedly Team Up For Social Justice Project
Several celebrities have shown their solidarity with football player Colin Kaepernick as he fights to spread awareness about social injustice.
#TBT: Revisiting 'The Wiz's' Impact on The Culture
Writer Gerrick D. Kennedy commemorated the 40th anniversary of “The Wiz” yesterday (October 24) by revisiting its themes and impact on Black pop culture for the Los Angeles Times. One of the greatest musical films, The Wiz, is 40 today.
READ: On The Progress and Pain of 'Racial Justice Cinema'
This year presented a bumper crop of narrative films from Black and Brown artists—including “Black Panther,” “The Hate U Give,” “Blindspotting,” “BlacKkKlansman” and “Monsters and Men”—that centered racial justice themes.
Smithsonian Film Fest Unveils Moving Images of Everyday Black Joy
The Smithsonian African American Film Festival features a full schedule of high-profile screenings—from “Take This Hammer” to “If Beale Street Could Talk”—that speak to the the breadth of Black cinematic excellence.
An African American artist’s “remixing” of apartheid-era images is raising questions about appropriation
Wandering around this year’s Johannesburg Arts Fair in September, photographer Graeme Williams stopped dead in front of a familiar image. The photograph of black South African children marching past a tank of white police officers was his—except that it wasn’t.
