Black Art, Music & Literature
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.
