black creatives
-
A Self-Isolation Joint: In the Age of Corona, Richie Loco Drew Inspiration From Spike Lee
Spike Lee has undoubtedly inspired many up-and-coming black filmmakers; specifically, his role in the independent film circuit and his penchant for addressing race relations in a no-nonsense way has earned him critical acclaim and respect. Much like celebrities who have such a strong personality that they are perfect candidates for comedian impersonations, Lee’s work is…
-
'Thanks Black One': This TikTok Video Perfectly Encapsulates Being the Black Sidekick in a Movie
Remember how it was such a big deal when Neo (Keanu Reeves) finally realized he was “The One” in The Matrix? Take all of the power and acclaim from that feeling, replace it with patronizing stereotypes, add a dash of microaggression and you have, “The Black One,” also known as the Token Black Friend. TV…
-
How Ford Inspired Young Black Girls to Believe They're 'Built Phenomenally' to Create Production Magic
For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a creator. Whether it was making mini-movies with the cast of my Barbie dolls or writing down short stories that often danced around in my head, I’ve always managed to find a way to express the goings-on in my rich imagination. That’s why I…
-
‘I Have No Writers Room…I Write It All’: Tyler Perry’s Diary of a Mad Black Gatekeeper
While Madea may be laid to rest, Tyler Perry isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. To kick off the first official business day of the new year, the 50-year-old writer, producer, actor, and director decided to use his Twitter account to boast about his unmatched work ethic. “So, I don’t know if you know…
-
If You Want to Protect Black Art, Protect Black Critique
I will never forget the day my skin thickened. I was a baby-faced undergrad student sitting in a circle of my literary peers, awaiting my academic doom, also known as the “writing workshop.” My heart raced with an urgent fury and my stomach twisted into a knot only an Eagle Scout could untie. There I…
-
Lee Daniels Has Chosen the Winners of His 3-Day Creative Workshop
The winners of the Lee Daniels Entertainment creative workshop have been announced, hopefully breathing new life into Hollywood! In August, the man who brought you Fox’s Empire and film’s Precious, announced a three-day, creative development experience. The winners of the workshop have been selected: writer, director and self-taught actor Simone Williams; trans actor and singer…
-
Our Lives, Our Style: Acclaimed Lifestyle Brand AphroChic Launches a Magazine for Us, by Us
They’ve been lauded by Elle Decor, launched a web series with HGTV, spoken at Harvard, published a book, designed homes for celebs, developed their own luxury home furnishings line, and are respected by some of the biggest names in interior design. Now, Jeanine Hays and Bryan Mason, the husband-and-wife design team behind the popular lifestyle…
-
Regina King Lands First-Look Deal at Netflix, Proceeds to Sit on the Industry's Iron Throne
Regina (The) King has some prosperous news. Per an official press release from Netflix: Netflix has entered into a multi-year first look deal with director, producer, and award winning actress, Regina King. King’s production company Royal Ties is entering into the first-look deal to produce films and series for Netflix. Her sister, Reina King, will…
-
That Harlem Hustle: Meet Flo Ngala, the Young Photographer Behind Some of Cardi B’s Most Iconic Moments
Flo Ngala’s personality matches her photography—she’s elegant, refined, urbane, but not inaccessible. Her willowy frame ensconced in a vintage pink Ralph Lauren pantsuit, she’s undeniably fly, but her fashionista exterior belies a squishy, uproarious joy, always lurking around the corner and ready to burst out like her broad, cheeky smile. I first met Ngala when she…
-
'The Word Is Ours': Today's Television Is Brought to You by the N-Word, Thanks to Unapologetic Black Creators
It’s a word loaded with pain, injustice, exuberance, exclamation and beyond, all at once. It’s a noun with such stunning versatility, it can be attributed to a person, place, and thing. It’s the impetus of the most intriguing story you’ll hear that day. It’s a verbiage of community and friendship. What’s the word? Nigga. Our…