By George Kevin Jordan, AFRO Staff Writer Gordon Parks has left an indelible mark on Black culture and the broader contemporary culture. Born in Kansas in 1912, the renowned photographer documentarian, filmmaker and author has created works that challenged the stereotypical narratives of Black culture that mainstream media sometimes portrayed. For him, the camera was his […]
Category: Arts & Culture
Posted inArts & Culture, ENTERTAINMENT, HBCU, NEWS, Washington D.C. News
Howard Fine Arts Professor Shows How African Dance Chronicled History
By George Kevin Jordan, AFRO Staff Writer Dance as viewed through our modern lens is centered on entertainment. You can hardly look at a music video, sports game or viral clip that doesn’t involve the latest dance move of the moment. Thanks, Odell Beckham Jr. Dr. Ofosuwa Abiola, professor of Africana Dance and Performance History at […]
Posted inArts & Culture, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, ENTERTAINMENT, TV and Film
In ‘Beale Street,’ A Radiant Portrait of Young Black Love
By Jake Coyle, AP Film Writer Barry Jenkins years ago went on Etsy to have a James Baldwin quote embroidered onto his leather phone case. The line so resonated with the filmmaker that it’s also spoken in Spanish by a character in his short film “Chlorophyl.” Jenkins no longer has the case but when the Baldwin […]
Posted inArts & Culture, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, ENTERTAINMENT, Music, TV and Film
Nancy Wilson, Grammy Winning Jazz Singer, Dies at 81
By ANDREW DALTON and HILLEL ITALIE, Associated Press Nancy Wilson, the Grammy-winning “song stylist” and torch singer whose polished pop-jazz vocals made her a platinum artist and top concert performer, has died. Wilson, who retired from touring in 2011, died after a long illness at her home in Pioneertown, a California desert community near Joshua Tree […]
Posted inArts & Culture, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, ENTERTAINMENT, Religion, TV and Film
ArtsCentric Musical Retells the Most Famous Story of All
By Renee Foose, Special to the AFRO Literary great Langston Hughes was known for telling stories of everyday life. He captured the life of Black people through poetry, plays, and writings using common vernacular. His work inspired generations of young artists including the founders of Baltimore based ArtsCentric. Scenes from Black Nativity (Courtesy photo) ArtsCentric, […]
Posted inArts & Culture, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, ENTERTAINMENT, Music
Young Musician Tariq Al-Sabir Talks The Wire and Why He Believes Stevie Wonder is the Greatest
By Nadine Matthews, Special to the AFRO Baltimore born and raised composer and vocalist Tariq Al-Sabir found himself attending Hollywood premieres in high school but wasn’t as fazed by it as his Mom was. After singing the the opening theme for the fourth season of HBO’s crime classic The Wire, he attended the star-studded premiere. […]
Posted inArts & Culture, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, Baltimore News, ENTERTAINMENT, NEWS
LIVING FOR THE WEEKEND
By Valerie Fraling, Special to the AFRO “How can I say thanks for the things you have done for me. Things so undeserved yet you give to prove your love for me. The voices of a million angels could not express my gratitude. All that I am and ever hope to be I owe it […]
Posted inArts & Culture, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, ENTERTAINMENT, TV and Film
Nick Cannon Sees Irony In The Way Oscars Handled Kevin Hart
By GARY GERARD HAMILTON, Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — Nick Cannon isn’t just defending his friend and fellow comedian Kevin Hart over the Oscars hosting controversy. He’s also going after the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences itself. Cannon was one of many cheering the decision to appoint Hart as host of the Feb. […]
Posted inArts & Culture, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, ENTERTAINMENT, Media, NEWS, TV and Film, Washington D.C. News
Smollet Siblings Whip Up Family Recipes for the Holiday
By Micha Green, AFRO Washington, D.C. Editor, mgreen@afro.com Smollet siblings, Jazz and Jake, sister and brother to actors Jussie Smollett and Jurnee Smollett-Bell, are bringing family traditions and delicious eats to audiences through the TV ONE special, “Living By Design Holiday Special.” Jazz and Jake in a screen grab for the new show, “Living By Design Holiday […]
Posted inArts & Culture, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, ENTERTAINMENT, TV and Film
With Kevin Hart’s Downfall, Hosting the Oscars Got Harder
By LINDSEY BAHR, AP Film Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) — The “most thankless job in town” just got even more difficult. The Oscars have a longstanding host problem, but Kevin Hart’s swift downfall over old anti-gay tweets has led to bigger questions about the gig and the liability of social media histories. In this Dec. […]
Posted inArts & Culture, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, ENTERTAINMENT, TV and Film
‘Black Panther,’ ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ Among AFI Awards Honorees
By The Associated Press LOS ANGELES (AP) — “Black Panther,” ”A Star Is Born” and “Mary Poppins Returns” are among the American Film Institute’s top 10 films of the year. AFI announced its selections for the 19th AFI Awards Tuesday, recognizing works deemed culturally and artistically significant by a jury of AFI trustees, scholars and […]
Posted inArts & Culture, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, ENTERTAINMENT, Music
Cardi B, Pharrell, Kanye Draw Crowds During Art Basel Miami
By KELLI KENNEDY, Associated Press MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Royalty, Real Housewives, and the fathers of two Kardashian babies were among the celebs that fanned out across Miami for a week of glamorous Art Basel parties toasting the world’s best artists. Cardi B, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Travis Scott, Pharrell and Meek Mill performed. […]