It's Leap Day! Take a Leap of Faith!

It’s Leap Day! It’s an extra day in the year that many take advantage of to do something unusual and go out of their comfort zone. Time is precious so why not take the additional hours to do something big, and use Leap Day to take a leap of faith! Why not use this day to possibly:

confront fears

take action on dreams

forgive someone who has hurt you

apologize to someone you have hurt

finally confess your love

decide not to worry

believe for the best even if the situation looks bleak

Go ahead, be risky on Leap Day! Leap and the net will appear! How are you going to take a leap of faith today?

Octavia Spencer Wins at The Oscars!

Congratulations to Octavia Spencer for taking home the Oscar for Best Performance by an Actress in a Lead Role for The Help. The film sparked controversy and has been under fire since its release. Many in the black community have been upset about the stereotyped depiction of black women. The fact the story was written by a white woman, and told from the perspective of the white protagonist, who essentially serves as the “white savior”, has also fanned the flames. However, regardless of the politics behind the film, and Hollywood’s inept understanding of the black experience and how to portray it in its variety Spencer gave an impeccable performance (as did Viola Davis!), and deserves every honor of recognition.

I appreciate the strength and class of Spencer, and how she’s handled being the center of controversy surrounding this film. She has not only had to answer to the media, but according to her own reports, navigate personal attacks from the black community. And from what I’ve seen, she has done that with poise while remaining unapologetic about their choices. And that is what being a black woman, at times in this country, is all about; holding your head high while walking in your own destiny regardless of who “gets it”, or is on your team.

Outside of the controversy surrounding The Help, I do hope (even though it may be naïve), that Spencer’s success will translate into more black women getting their time on the big screen. (And I venture to guess that this is just the beginning for both Spencer and Davis, who I predict will be holding her own golden statue before long.) And I hope we will get more films that feature diverse depictions of the black experience. Because yes, we helped build this country, but we also live, love and dream in it like everybody else.

Just as black maids in the 60’s paved the way for future generations of black women to have more options, I chose to believe that Spencer has widened the path for more black actresses to get more opportunities to tell our stories; the good the bad and the beautiful.

Well done Ms. Spencer! Well done. We love you!

  

'Love Jones' 15 Years Later-Where Are Our Black Films?

Next month will mark 15 years since the iconic black film, Love Jones, was released. It was part of a renaissance in black cinema in the 90’s and early years of the millennium, that appears to be long gone. Grossing only 12 million domestically the film was not a commercial hit (it was actually re-released in the summer due to the success of the sultry soundtrack), but lives on in the hearts of many who fondly remember the poetic romance of Darius Lovehall and Nina Mosley.

Love Jones starred Lorenz Tate and Nia Long, and was written and directed by Theodore Witcher. I got the awesome opportunity meet Witcher at  the New Voices in Black Cinema festival screening. The audience got an opportunity to reminisce about the movie that made a lasting imprint, and gave us a soundtrack that still gets us singing along whenever we hear “Hopeless”, and of course, Lauryn Hill’s “Sweetest Thing”.

When Black Folks Were Cool

Love Jones has earned a place among the “best films ever” list largely due to the way Lovehall and Moseley were depicted in trying to find their way in life and in love. They were young, educated, cultured, black people who mirrored a population of black America that did in fact exist outside The Cosby Show. It was a movie demonstrating that we live just like everyone else. We have friends, jobs, dreams, and particularly, the desire to love. Love Jones, with its astute script that included human and interpersonal complexity, coupled with intelligent humor, was a film reflective of an era when black folks were cool, even without having a black President!

Back in the day in 1997, when the film was released, it was still "cool" to be black. We had genuine swag born out of immense and unique creativity. We still had several black shows on TV, and it was a great time for black music. R&B was R&B! And we were coming up on the burgeoning mix of black musical  genres Neo Soul, where we were just getting to know artists like Erykah Badu. Hip Hop was still refreshing as it was planting its global seeds. Icons like Jay-Z, Lil Kim and Puffy’s whole roster of artists who created images of lux lifestyles were continuing to shape a cultural way of life that has since taken over the world. And varied artists like Kara Walker, with her controversial cut-out images were emerging. Back then we were changing the imagery of what it was to be black in this country. We were being represented as complex, thoughtful, and creatively cutting edge. And we seemed to maintain a willing and yet effortless connectedness to our roots, in our style, our expression and our flow.

Writer/Director Love Jones, Theodore Witcher at New Voices in Black Cinema screening

I loved that part in Love Jones when Savon beats the drum as Sheila breaks into African dance right in the middle of a get-together! And I love how brown beauty was appreciated and considered “exotic” enough for Nia Long to be cast as the love interest. Even one of Janet’s iconic posters was prominently displayed outside the record store where Lovehall has his second encounter with Moseley. It was a time when we carried on the legacy of African oratory in coffee houses across the country that even started doing Love Jones inspired poetry slams and open mics, giving unknown talents a chance to be a star for a few moments, pre Youtube. And it was a time when black folks talked about, and saw themselves being, in love. Love Jones had every black woman looking for a "brother to the night" who could be the “funk in your left”.  

What Happened to Black Film?

The film not only captured a space in time, but highlighted a period when we were dope-and we knew it! So what happened to the influx of black films that still lovingly linger in our collective memory? Today’s landscape of black film is comprised primarily of Tyler Perry flicks. What happened to the renaissance in black cinema? There are several theories.

Some say it's due to bootlegging. Another reason, as explained by Witcher, for the noticeable drought in black film over the past few years is that the writers’ strike that that began in 2007 had an impact. In addition, with the recession in 2008 major film companies stopped financing “niche” films the way they used to. Actor Geoffrey Wright, who was also at the screening added that African Americans don’t have the same kind of critical funding models as other countries like Vietnam and Iran, where there is an  inner circle of financial backing. And even if a black filmmaker can get major studio funding for a project, he/she may have to make certain artistic sacrifices to appease studio execs, who largely have no clue about how to accurately portray a black experience. “Getting control over the aesthetic,” is the goal and the battle according to Wright. (Sigh) Will it get better? I hope so. But seems that currently, the way to fill the void in our black cinematic experience is to support independent filmmakers.

Supporting Our Independent Black Filmmakers

I got a chance to screen Single Hills, the feature film debut of writer/director Wilkie Cornelius. The film is about an undefined relationship between a non-committal young man who refuses to grow up (Jay), and an emotionally attached woman (Lisa), who finally decides to grab a hold of her self worth and break out. It speaks volumes of truth, and actually gives a respectful nod to its cinematic predecessor, Love Jones. Single Hills gained its title from the Brooklyn neighborhood, Clinton Hill, a community Cornelius said was comprised of a lot of single, black professionals. It’s a narrative a told in a poetic fashion and shot in areas including Fort Green, the historic Brooklyn mecca for black creativity.

Single Hills doesn’t answer any questions about love, but gives us much to think about in its depiction of an all too familiar situation when souls connect, but one party sees commitment as the end, and the other sees it as the beginning. I have a feeling viewers will see parts of themselves in each character and circumstance. You will also be very entertained by the presence of actor Victor Williams, of King of Queens fame, who serves as the comedic voice of reason.

Single Hills is just one of the projects created by black artists who are keeping black cinema, and better yet, black storytelling alive.  Support this film and other independent artists who continue to give us authentic reflections of ourselves.

So get your Netflix on and revisit Love Jones! It stands the test of time. For more information about Single Hills click here ! 

Do you miss black films? What are some of your favorites?

                                                                                                                                                                                       

Whitney Houston-The Voice, the Life, the Legend

1963-2012

As LL Cool J said in the opener of the Grammys, “We’ve had a death in our family.” Miss Whitney Houston, affectionately known by her family as “Nippy”, has gone home.

Like I was telling a friend of mine, I don’t really have specific Whitney memories as her music served as part of the musical backdrop of my life. I was once (and secretly still am), an aspiring singer. And like most others, who grew up with Whitney’s music, “Whitney was the bench mark in terms of vocal ability,” as Keri Hilson so perfectly stated, echoing my exact sentiments. That is what Whitney represented; excellence.

Before her life became weighed down with personal demons, Whitney broke onto the scene serving up gospel tinged vocals layered on top of pop hits, making her known to the world while keeping her foot planted at home. Whitney was the quintessential crossover artist who could belt out a pop hit and take us to church all in one performance.

I, like many was rooting for Whitney. I was looking forward to her role in the remake of Sparkle and her possible comeback. But sadly, she has been called home. Who knows if this could have been prevented. Was this destined, or did Whitney veer off the path and could not be spared? These are the kinds of questions only The Divine can answer. But one thing is certain; she was one of the most gifted voices to ever grace the earth. And I am grateful she got the opportunity to share her gift with the world.

With this latest loss, and including our Nick Ashford, Heavy D, Etta James, Don Cornelius and earlier this month David Peaston (a lesser known but powerful singer), among others, it’s as if black history is vanishing before our eyes. But in our most recent and tragic loss of Whitney, the super-star, I am using this sad moment as a reminder to never give up or give in to our challenges. No judgment on Whitney, but life can hard-very hard at times. And we must do our best to stand tall in the dark, even if we are standing in tears. And let us, as human beings help others when we can, ask for help when we need it, and receive it when we get it. 

Reach out, reach in, reach higher.

I wish Whitney’s family peace over time in this period of extreme grief. R.I.P. --Rest in Power Whitney. You are missed. You are loved.

Some of my favorite Whitney songs are:

Exhale 

Heartbreak Hotel

I Believe in You and Me

I Have Nothing

I Wanna Dance With Somebody

I’m Your Baby Tonight

Saving All My Love

So Emotional 

Where do Broken Hearts Go

You Give Good Love

What do you want to share about your musical relationship with Whitney?

Macy's Celebrates Black History Month and Honors Romare Bearden!

Macy’s is celebrating Black History Month by honoring the 100^th birthday of one of our most prolific artists, Romare Bearden. In partnership with the Romare Bearden Foundation there will be satellite exhibits featuring the artist’s work at Macy’s in varied cities. There will also be pieces by other artists inspired by Bearden.

Though he was mainly known for his paintings that largely featured a collage style, as well as his photography, Bearden was a true renaissance man. He also expressed his talent through theater, poetry, dance and even song writing.

It was a great opportunity to go to the New York City Macy's Herald Square event and see some of the artists work, learn more about his legacy, and hear jazz ensemble, The New Cookers perform some of Bearden’s music. Varied activities are featured at other locations.

The New York event runs through February 12. So if you plan to get some shopping done over the weekend, check it out! (And if you buy at least $50 worth of merchandise-at any participating location, you can get a free scarf featuring one of Bearden's most revered pieces, "The Lamp".)

Click here to find out if this stellar event is happening at a Macy’s near you!

Check out a photo of the artist and some of his work below!

Disclaimer: I have received a gift from Everywhere for my post!

Roland Martin Gets Suspended From CNN Over "Gay Bashing" Tweets

CNN correspondent Roland Martin has been suspended after controversial tweets he made during the Super Bowl were deemed by many, particularly the anti-defamation organization, GLAAD as gay bashing. Some of Martin tweets included:

If a dude at your Super Bowl party is hyped about David Beckham's H&M underwear ad, smack the ish out of him! #superbowl

And an earlier tweet read:

Who the hell was that New England Patriot they just showed in a head to toe pink suit? Oh, he needs a visit from #teamwhipdatass

Many are saying Martin is known for going rogue on Twitter and feel his tweets in this matter have been taken out of context. Others feel the suspension was unwarranted. Actor Don Cheadle responded on Twitter:

Suspending Roland Martin for tweeting? Is that the best way to deal this issue? How about, keep your job and open dialogue with a prolific

twitter contributor. The knee jerk reaction only polarizes opinions and does nothing to further education or perspective. #missedopportunity

However, I suspect Martin was not only suspended for his tweets, but for his history of anti-gay rhetoric, spurred by his religious beliefs, which were at least in part, chronicled in a Huffington Post article by Editor-at-large of Gay Voices , Michelangelo Signorile . 

When I first heard of this controversy and then read Martin’s explanation, stating he frequently tweets about soccer, I bought it, not wanting to believe Martin would at the very least jeopardize his career with anti-gay language. But then I remembered Martin’s wife is a minister and that he himself at one point was studying Theology and therefore re-thought my position on Martin’s stance on homosexuality, figuring his religious beliefs color his perspective. And though I feel Martin is anti-gay (his apology was carefully crafted and political), to be fair, I don't believe he supports violence against the gay community.

I don’t agree or disagree with CNN’s decision to suspend Martin. I think this is how these kinds of situations are handled in media. If you are going to play in the big leagues, you have to play by the rules. And defaming or the perception of defaming any group of people, particularly over a period of time cannot go unaddressed. When you get to Martin’s level your public voice is arguably no longer your own. You represent a brand. Right or wrong, that is the game, and by now Martin should know how to play. And for those who say this is racial, I disagree. 

I think if Martin was white he would still have been suspended. This is not a race issue, it’s a human rights issue. With violence against the gay community still very prevalent in our society, language that appears to promote it, particularly by public figures is under a microscope.

I hope this serves as a wake-up call for Martin, and that if granted the opportunity to return to CNN, he goes back with a renewed perspective on how to use his voice. And I am happy to hear Martin is meeting with GLAAD. And frankly I think GLAAD should have called for a dialogue with Martin before calling for his suspension. But again, this is how these types of things go down. And without the threat of losing his job, it's possible Martin may not have offered an apology (as political as it was), or have agreed to speak with the organization. All in all, it will be very interesting to see how this all shakes out.

What do you think of Martin’s suspension?

Ten of the Top Classic African American Fashion Icons!

As African Americans we have not only helped build this country but in addition to our labor, our ingenious inventions and creations, we are also historic tastemakers and creators of culture. From our music to our lexicon and our overall style. Whether we are ballin'  or on a budget, we know how to keep it fierce and fresh to death! Here are ten of the top classic African American fashion icons!

Billie Holliday's iconic voice was matched by her memorable style that is still emulated and celebrated today! We get reminded of Miss Holliday whenever we see a woman rocking a flower in her hair with class.

Billy Dee Williams, or as I like to call him, "Mr. Smooth", is one the first black, male sex symbols of our time! From Lady Sings the Blues, to Mahogany, to Star Wars, and even Colt 45 baby! Mr. Williams has been representing black men with sleek coolness for decades!

What can we say about Diana Ross but that she's the original BOSS Lady! From The Supremes to her stylish role in Mahogany to her fashionable offspring Tracee Ellis Ross, fashion is in this woman's blood!

Wow! Harry Belafonte was and is not only one of the most handsome men to ever grace a movie screen, but we can't forget his memorable island influenced fashion. And with his continued civil rights activism he shows us how real men keep it classy!

Diahann Carroll is one of our original brown beauties who served up sophisticated style in Julia and gave us "Oh no she didn't!" fierceness in  regal, beaded gowns and those "I mean business" shoulder pads on Dynasty as Dominique Deveraux. And Ms. Carroll still delights in classic glamor on occasion on White Collar.

 

 

 

Who can take a sunrise, sprinkle it with dew? The Candy Man, aka Sammy Davis Jr. can! Mr. Davis showed the world that Rat Pack cool wasn't just reserved for white America. He was the quintessential example of how to be refined, "on trend" and chic.

Lena Horne was one of our first black, female sex symbols. Her stunning good looks glowed whether she was wearing a floor length frock, or a more casual look, as seen here. She proved that real style is versatile.

I mean, can you even take it? Prince is the ultimate "Sexy Mutha-shut yo mouth!" What other man can pull of a thong and leg warmers, reminiscent of his Dirty Mind days, to ruffled shirts and high heels, to a tuxedo style funk? (Um, I can't think of anybody.) Prince has held it down, vacillating between androgyny and full-on sensual fire! Whoo! Somebody get some water!

Grace Jones was Lady Gaga and Madonna before either of them knew what was going on. Starting as a model and morphing into a singer and style icon, Jones has always gone H.A.M. when it comes to fashion. And she remains one of the most influential images in pop culture.

Awww, our MJ! Michael Jackson is still, even as he sits with the angels he remains the most recognizable star in the universe! From his glitter  glove, to his chapeau, to his overall King of Pop vibe! His fashion imprint is indelible! We love you Michael!

What do you think about this list and classic African American fashion icons?

It's Black History Month! Looking Back and Forging Ahead!

It’s Black History Month! In addition to looking back over our struggle, celebrating our achievements and reminding ourselves of our contributions to the world, I’d also like us to look ahead. Let’s keep reaching for the seemingly unattainable and making things that once were believed to be out of our realm of reality, come to fruition. Let’s harness our collective power and continue to shine! 

One of my favorite quotes is from revered dancer and choreographer Bill T. Jones: "You have all the power you are willing to take." Take it and run with it!

In recognition of our dear friend who we have lost, Don Cornelius, who gave our music a legendary platform to be celebrated on Soul Train, for Black History Month and beyond, I wish you all “love, peace and soul”!

photo courtesy of blue mountain