Danny Glover is Honeybear in STRIDE

 

Forced to flee 1930′s Chicago and the love of his life, legendary "Stride" pianist James "Honeybear" Powell eventually rolls into a small Midwestern town, where he earns his board playing at the local hangout in the black ghetto of Short Creek.

The year is 1954. Across the tracks, in the lily white part of town, 14-year-old tom-boy and piano prodigy Frances "Frankie" Trumbull first hears Honeybear’s Stride piano on late-night Chicago radio. Haunted by the recent death of her older brother, Frankie is immediately captivated by Honeybear’s music.

She is shocked to discover Honeybear is closer than she could have imagined. But Frankie is forbidden to play this music by her politically minded, racist grandfather. Frankie dares to cross-racial barriers as she searches for spiritual redemption in Honeybear’s life-affirming music. She spends nights hiding outside the Short Creek bar as Honeybear weaves his magical spell.

As Frankie’s grandfather and mother repeatedly reprimand her for her newfound musical interests, Frankie’s father Jack, once an accomplished musician himself, recalls the importance of following one’s dreams. Against a backdrop of small-town racial tensions, Honeybear becomes the unlikely and, at first, unwilling mentor to a young girl who has jazz in her soul. Together this unlikely couple, help each other rekindle all that was important in each of their lives.

Chi McBride gets DRIVING LESSONS

 

SYNOPSIS: A woman is given a second chance at her unhappy marriage after losing her memory. It conveniently helps her forget an interracial affair with her burly next-door neighbor Simon.

Bow Wow and Evan Ross also star in this indie comedy film. 

REVIEW: Live and Become

 

Fundamental issues of ethnic and religious identity and the agony of exile are at the heart of “Live and Become,” an intermittently compelling swatch of recent Israeli history filtered through the experience of an African immigrant.

Yet “Live and Become” exerts a tidal pull. It makes you feel the weight of history, of populations on the move in a restless multicultural world. It makes you reconsider cultural assimilation, a process that may seem to be complete but whose underlying conflicts may never be fully resolved.

Opened last week in Manhattan.

READ THE FULL REVIEW 

L.A. lawmaker first African American woman to lead state Assembly

Assemblywoman Karen Bass received a unanimous vote in the lower house of the Legislature today to become the next speaker of the Assembly, making her the first African American woman to hold the position – one of the most powerful in state government.FULL ARTICLE AT SFGATE.COM

Keyshia Cole’s 3rd Single ‘I Remember’ #1 For 3 Weeks in a Row

Geffen Records recording artist, hit-making singer/songwriter, reality TV show star, and Grammy-nominated force KEYSHIA COLE, continues to deliver the numbers with “I REMEMBER,” her third (3rd) consecutive single from her platinum-selling sophomore CD, JUST LIKE YOU, resting at the #1 spot of Billboard’s “Hot R&B/Hip Hop” chart for the third (3rd) week in a row. Her first two singles “Shoulda Let You Go,” featuring Missy and Lil’ Kim and “Let It Go” also share the #1 on the chart honor. This success comes after the outstanding news of her BET reality show “The Way I Am” taking the #1 spot as the highest rated show in BET history making it the most viewed show ever on the network. The platinum-selling JUST LIKE YOU (Cole’s 2nd consecutive platinum album) is selling an average of 30,000 copies a week making her a current top-seller for Universal Music Group as a whole. “Heaven Sent” makes for the third video from JUST LIKE YOU being shot by video director mainstay Benny Boom. The breezy video being shot in sunny Hawaii on March 4th is based on the soul-stirring “Footprints” poem. The single is produced by Jason Farmer and written by Keyshia Cole.

African-American museum to open at last

At the entrance of the new Northwest African American Museum, visitors will soon see a lyrical steel-and-terrazzo artwork by Barbara Earl Thomas depicting handprints and the words “Shaped by many hands.”FULL ARTICLE AT SEATTLEPI.COM

Shameless Republican Party Plots Disgraceful Attacks on African American/Female Candidates

While Senator John McCain pledged on Wednesday to treat his opponents “with respect” and said that as the nominee he would “make sure that everyone within my party knows that this has got to be a respectful debate,” the Republican National Committee is testing how far it can go in attacks against a potential woman or African American opponent. [Los Angeles Times, 2/28/08; Politico, 2/24/08] After Politico reported this week that the “Republican National Committee has commissioned polling and focus groups to determine the boundaries of attacking a minority or female candidate,” a new survey directed at college students has come to light that shows an attempt to finesse language to convey sexist and racist stereotypes. In the survey students are asked to rate how strongly they agree or disagree with a series of sexist and racist statements like, “when women lose to men in a fair competition, they typically complain about being discriminated against,” and “I feel threatened when interacting with Black people.” [wonkette.com, 2/26/08] The tactic is nothing new for the Republican Party which has used the same kind of vicious, unethical approach to campaigning for years, from the notorious ‘southern strategy’ aimed at African Americans in the South, to the scapegoating of Hispanic immigrants in recent campaigns and at college campuses across the country. As the Politico noted in its report, the “secretive effort underscores the enormous risk senior GOP operatives see for a party often criticized for its insensitivity to minorities in campaigns dating back to the 1960s.” [Politico, 2/24/08] DNC Chairman Howard Dean, DNC Black Caucus Chair Virgie Rollins, DNC Women’s Caucus Chair Mame Reiley, and College Democrats of America President Lauren Wolfe issued the following joint statement: “It is disgraceful that one of America’s two major political parties would spend money on finding ways to push the envelope in its attacks on African American and female candidates. It is also cynical that college students, the future of America, would be targeted in that effort. This episode is a sad reminder that the Republican Party’s history of divisiveness and intolerance toward minorities and women is alive and well. John McCain owes it to the American people to denounce the RNC’s efforts, and as the presumptive nominee of his party, to put an end to it.”

Barkley staying inside NBA for Turner Sports

Turner Sports said Wednesday it has extended its deal with retired basketball star Charles Barkley, who has worked as a studio analyst for the past eight seasons.FULL ARTICLE AT REUTERS.COM

RIP THE RUNWAY Rocks the World of Fashion

Collections from Sean John, Zac Posen, Apple Bottom, Co Co Ri, and Amaya Swimwear Were Showcased on the Runway to the Musical Performances of Snoop Dogg Missy Elliot, N.E.R.D, Day 26, Trey Songz and Flo Rida Featuring T-Pain BET Networks struts their stuff on the catwalk with the fourth annual fashion and music special RIP THE RUNWAY.

Executive produced by Sean “P. Diddy” Combs and hosted by rapper and featured clothing designer, Nelly and Hollywood’s newest “IT” girl, actress Lauren London, RIP THE RUNWAY premieres Tuesday, March 4, at 10:00 PM*.

Expertly blending today’s hottest performances with the latest in high-end urban fashion, this year’s fashion show over delivers on its theme “Black Fashion. So Fly”. Donned as one of the best dressed hours on television, this year’s RIP THE RUNWAY features the latest collections of Zac Posen, Sean John, Respect M.E. (Missy Elliott Collection for Adidas), Apple Bottom, Qristyl Designs, Monif C, Sixx Foota, and Amaya Swimwear.

It was a family affair for Snoop Dogg and his wife Shante Broadus who launched their clothing lines Rich & Infamous and Co Co Ri. “My wife got her line Co Co Ri and I got my line Rich & Infamous and we’re just trying to come out here as husband and wife and push something out there for the people, something for the males, something for the females, something for the little boys. It’s a group thing right here,” Snoop Dogg told BET.com exclusively.

Celebrity models included Tocarra Jones (BET Talent, America’s Next Top Model-Cycle 3), Charlie Baltimore (female rapper), Teyana Taylor (singer/rapper Star Track Entertainment), Bianca Golden (America’s Next Top Model-Cycle 9), Camille McDonald (America’s Next Top Model-Cycle 2), Corey Webster (NY Giants), Sam Madison (NY Giants), Brandon London (NY Giants), BET’s own, Rocsi and Terrence, Brandon T. Jackson (Roll Bounce), Lil Snoop (The Wire), Cassie (Bad Boy R&B singer/model), Ezra Masters (international model), Terrell Carter (Diary of a Mad Black Woman), Camille Howard (America’s Next Top Model-Cycle 8), America’s Next Top model winner Jazlene Gonzalez, and show host Lauren London.

RIP THE RUNWAY featured live performances by Missy Elliot, N.E.R.D, Snoop Dogg, Day 26 (Diddy’s latest MAKING THE BAND group), Cheri Dennis, Webbie, Trey Songz and Flo Rida featuring T-Pain.

Farrakhan: Stick With Obama

Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan said Thursday that backers of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama shouldn’t be dissuaded by the senator’s denunciation of Farrakhan during a Democratic debate.FULL ARTICLE AT AP.COM

Black History Month Program Offers Historical, Artistic Presentations

Several state agencies and hundreds of school children today celebrated the many contributions of African Americans during a Black History Month program at the Forum Auditorium in Harrisburg. The theme of this year’s celebration was, “Carter G. Woodson and the Origins of Multiculturalism.” A noted historian and author, Woodson is credited as the founder of Black History Month. “We are thrilled to present a program that highlights the achievements of African Americans, as well as reinforces Carter G. Woodson’s vision of a multicultural nation,” said Cheryl Walker-Davis, program coordinator. Among those intellectuals of the Progressive era, Woodson did most to forge an intellectual movement to educate Americans about cultural diversity and democracy. In 1915, he established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History and by the time of his death in 1950, he had laid the foundation for multiculturalism. The celebration included a performance by The Stuart Sisters, a Philadelphia-based group that presented a theatrical journey of drama, dance, and song in a chronology of African American history and contributions to America. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, the Pennsylvania Department of State, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, the Pennsylvania Department of Banking, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, the Pennsylvania Department of General Services and the Governor’s Advisory Commission on African American Affairs co-sponsored the Black History Month tribute.

McCain, Obama in heated exchange over Iraq

Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama engaged in a pointed exchange over al Qaeda in Iraq on Wednesday.McCain questioned whether Obama was aware of the al Qaeda base. Obama’s response was: “There was no such thing as al Qaeda in Iraq until George Bush and John McCain decided to invade Iraq.”FULL ARTICLE AT CNN.COM

Janet Jackson Poses for Cover of VIBE Magazine’s ‘First-Ever’ Photo Issue

Coming off the heels of releasing her 10th studio album, Discipline, on Tuesday, International Megastar Janet Jackson will appear on the cover of VIBE Magazine’s April 2008 issue. The cover story — on newsstands March 4th — will feature spectacular images of the pop icon for the magazine’s ‘first-ever’ Photo Issue.

Nearly 100 photographers contributed their work to this special issue celebrating different eras in photography. From polaroids to digital cameras, this month’s VIBE takes a journey through hip hop as seen through the camera’s lens. In this month’s cover story, Janet speaks one-on-one with Editor-in-Chief Danyel Smith about her music, her influences growing up, and her relationship with super-producer Jermaine Dupri.

“We worked together and became friends,” she says of her longtime love. “Aside from being amazing, it was the things he’d shared with me. The kinds of things I’d never share with anyone … Not bad — just so far left.” Shot in January by renowned fashion photographer Michelangelo di Battista at New York City’s Milk Studios, the magazine’s exclusive photos show a glamorous Janet in Balenciaga, Vera Wang, and Dolce & Gabanna. This month’s issue will feature a special double cover with two unique cover photos. One cover will be on newsstands while a limited-edition version will be sold only at bookstores and specialty magazine shops.

Janet talks about her musical influences: “My influence came from my family. And I used to listen to … all the classics. But was there a major influence, someone whom I studied? No.”

Janet talks about working with a new group of producers on her latest project: “I listened to the songs and I immediately fell in love with them. This sounds like something Jimmy and I would do … this sounds like something from a past album, so it’s still me.”

Janet on growing up in her household: “I remember being a kid and they’d come over … you take so much for granted…. you’re not thinking about the fact that it’s Marvin Gaye over all the time, or Diane or Smokey.”

Janet expresses her feelings about Jermaine Dupri: “Married or not, it’s not important … I feel like it’s it …. It’s been about eight years. He’s just a sweetheart. Truly a good-hearted person.”

Janet on being a responsible child in the entertainment business: “One of the major things was my work ethic, since I was a kid … I never had my mother wake me up … I’d get myself up everyday. It never struck me … that’s a lot of difficulty for a 10-year-old … I don’t know if it’s something in the genes, or from watching my brothers, seeing them working hard.”

Janet’s answer when asked ‘if everything was more fun when she was younger’: “No … It’s still fun.”

In celebration of VIBE’s “first-ever” Photo Issue, producer Jermaine Dupri and actor/comedian Mike Epps offer an up-close and personal look at their own personal photo collections. From candid behind-the-scenes shots to private family flicks, readers will get to see these celebrities like they’ve never seen them before.

This month’s VIBE also takes a closer look at the recent trials and triumphs of hip hop superstar Busta Rhymes. His explosive performance skills have kept him close to the center of hip hop for almost two decades, but close friends of the artist are now voicing concerns as Busta faces mounting police pressures and criminal charges.

Killer ex-cop gets 57 to life after jury spares him

Jurors spared the life of a former Canton, Ohio, police officer who killed his pregnant girlfriend and tearfully asked them for mercy. A judge then sentenced him Wednesday to 57 years to life in prison.FULL ARTICLE AT CNN.COM

Five Milestone Documents in Black American History

Before Black History Month closes, Paul Finkelman, legal historian and editor in chief of Milestone Documents in American History (Schlager Group, 2008), says we should take a moment to feel the impact of African American history. The best way? Study these five essential documents that show the pace of civil rights over the course of 100 pivotal years: 1. Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857) – The Court’s most important decision on slavery. Missouri slave Dred Scott claimed freedom when his master took him to the Wisconsin Territory, where slavery had been abolished. In a 50-page opinion, Chief Justice Roger Taney said Scott was still a slave and declared that blacks were “so far inferior that they had no rights which the white man was bound to respect.” Taney’s decision infuriated northerners and helped lead to the election of Abraham Lincoln as president in 1860. 2. Emancipation Proclamation (1862) – Undeniably a tool used by Lincoln to vanquish the South, the proclamation freed slaves in Confederate states but not those in the Union. Nevertheless, it inspired some 200,000 black soldiers and sailors to enlist in the Union army and navy – a significant surge in manpower for the North. 3. Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) – A result of Plessy’s arrest for refusing to sit in a train car assigned for “colored” people, this case is one of the most repudiated the Supreme Court has ever decided. It greased the wheels for segregation and Jim Crow laws by establishing the doctrine of “separate but equal.” 4. Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954) – This landmark case declared that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional and marked the beginning of the end of the Supreme Court’s sanctions of state-sponsored segregation. The first decision authored by Chief Justice Earl Warren, the case revealed the new, more activist role that the Court would take in protecting civil rights under his leadership. 5. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” Speech (1963) – King was the final speaker at the massive March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Speaking in front of the Lincoln Memorial, King departed from his prepared text to deliver his most memorable words – “I have a dream” – and shared his vision of a country free of racial hatred. Eclipsing the remarks of all other speakers that day, the speech is among the most quoted American public addresses. To read the full texts of these landmark documents, visit http://www.schlagergroup.com.

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