culture
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Empire Recap: Trying to Build a Dynasty
Warning: This episode, “Without a Country,” may cause mental confusion. Did Cookie’s outfits border on tasteful? I initially chalked it up to Empire Stockholm syndrome. She’s no FLOTUS, but considering her usual getups, Cookie’s business attire was practically sedate. During Hakeem’s auditions for a new girl group, the wannabes showed up in acid-washed daisy dukes…
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The Apollo Theater to Induct 3 Black Comedy Legends Into Its Walk of Fame
In 1969, trailblazing comedian Jackie “Moms” Mabley stood onstage in her trademark floppy hat and flowered housedress and told the audience her slogan for the week. “Quit it if you can’t get it,” she told the crowd to raucous laughter. “If you can do something with it, get it!” The African-American vaudeville-circuit fixture turned Broadway…
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College Planning in Today’s Economy
Before the establishment of the United Negro College fund in 1954, the reality for most African Americans who wanted to go to college was to either come from a wealthy family or get their tuition from private resources or benefactors. Across all racial lines, basic education was reserved for the privileged and college was reserved…
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Andre Royo: From Bubbles on The Wire to Thirsty on Empire
Thanks to The Wire, arguably television’s most underrated series of all time, Andre Royo is affectionately known as “Bubbles” or “Bubs,” the drug-addicted informant. But it’s been some time since he’s been back in the mix in a television series. Although he has a role as Mayor Robert “Bobo” Boston on Amazon’s Hand of God,…
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How to Turn Networking Into Cash
Harriette Cole is the author of the book of meditations 108 Stitches: Words We Live By and a contributing editor at The Root. Follow her on Twitter.
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Review: New Fetty Wap Album Might as Well Be a Long Remix of ‘Trap Queen’
I am a hip-hop head and could sometimes be considered a backpacker a few Tuesdays a month, but I’m far from being a purist. I don’t hate all of this new “rap” the way that people who swear by Black Moon on Facebook do. I listen to Rich Homie Quan and laugh at Young Thug with the…
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Watch: Trevor Noah’s Debut on The Daily Show Was Promising and Will Likely Get Better With Time
Last night, after six months of promos and teasers, Trevor Noah finally made his debut as the new host of The Daily Show with a spotty but promising performance. Noah kicked things off with a series of strong monologue jokes that went over well for the most part. Not surprisingly, he paid proper homage to his predecessor, Jon Stewart, describing Stewart…
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We Do Not Need to Be ‘Saved’ From Empire (or Scandal or HTGAWM or … )
You know those supercool media people who get sent advance copies of entire seasons of certain shows, while everyone else has to watch week-to-week to find out what happens? Well, I am not one of those media people. I fancy myself supercool. But no one sends me s—t. Except requests to review books about natural…
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Work Out, Then Hang Out in the Perfect Black Leggings
Cooler temperatures mean cooler clothes, so you know what that means: time to break out those black leggings. Leggings are definitely the new denim. In fact, last year jeans sales were down 6 percent from the previous year, according to the NPD Group. So if you’re looking for a pair that can go from your…
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The Joke About Mrs. Ben Carson’s Appearance Is No Laughing Matter
There’s a particularly mean meme about presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson and his wife, Lacena, aka Candy, circulating around social media. In the meme, President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are striking at the China state dinner Friday. President Obama is dressed in a well-tailored tuxedo, and the first lady has long, side-swept hair and…