Cynthia Erivo
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Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr. and Harriet Cast Talk Their Visions of Freedom
Let there be no ambiguity: Harriet is a film about freedom. Despite the many critiques of the film, I think it’s fair to say that you might leave the Kasi Lemmons-directed movie feeling “good.” I did. Perhaps it’s because the film intentionally steers away from the slave narrative, despite centering a woman who was once…
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Cynthia Erivo to Portray Aretha Franklin in First-Ever Authorized Limited Series About the Queen of Soul
Fresh off the heels of Harriet, Cynthia Erivo will be portraying another beloved woman in black history—Aretha Franklin. According to Variety, Erivo will be taking on the role of Franklin in National Geographic’s third season of Genius, an anthology period drama. “Aretha Franklin has been a source of inspiration for me since I was a…
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Up Where We Belong: Zendaya’s All-Black Glam Squad Named One of the Top 15 in Hollywood
Black-on-black-on-black….that’s the color scheme on one of the two covers of the Hollywood Reporter’s “Glam Squads” issue, featuring its seventh annual list of the Top 15 most influential hairstylists and makeup artists. And black-on-black-on-black is also the composition of Zendaya’s team, which includes tress-whisperer Ursula Stephen and face-maker Sheika Daley (Zendaya’s all-black squad is led…
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Urbanworld 2019: How Kasi Lemmons, Vondie Curtis-Hall and Henry Hunter Hall Continue a Creative Legacy in Harriet
Before she departed this earth, Harriet Tubman’s last words were, “I go to prepare a place for you.” When I hear such a powerful phrase, I can’t help but think of the concept of legacy. When you leave this earth, what will you leave behind that defines you? Will it carry on through your children?…
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I'm Glad the Harriet Tubman Biopic Is on Its Way, So Some of You Can Finally Learn About the Underground Railroad
The trailer for the biopic about Harriet Tubman—called Harriet—recently hit the internets; the movie hits theaters in November. The film (perhaps controversially) stars Cynthia Erivo in the role of the most famous Harriet of all time. I have no facts to back up that statement but I feel it in my soul so I’m going…
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Watch: Cynthia Erivo Brings the Fight for Freedom to Life in Harriet Trailer
The canceled series Underground breathed new life into the saga of Harriet Tubman. Now looking to delve further into the courage and determination that fueled one of the most important figures in American history comes Harriet, produced by Charles D. King’s MACRO, New Balloon and Stay Gold Features. From the official press release: Based on…
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The Glow Up Goes to NOLA, Day 3: That Voodoo That Essence Fest Do
As our days in New Orleans progress, it’s easier and easier to see why the Essence Festival has chosen the city has its home for almost all of its 25 years. Aside from the beauty, history, and incredible food, there is an unparalleled warmth and hospitality among its people, who have made us feel welcome…
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Lizzo Tosses Her Hair, er, Hat in the Ring to Play Ursula in Little Mermaid as Melissa McCarthy Said to Be Disney’s Pick
Upon hearing the news Friday that Disney had someone else in mind to play the sea witch Ursula in the highly anticipated live-action version of The Little Mermaid, Lizzo quickly made it known for one and all to see that Disney should surely, “Pick me!” After taking to Twitter to attach a sad emoji face to…
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Stage Presence: The Stars Show Out for the 2019 Tony Awards
Feathers, tulle, velvet, yards of train and even more star power; the theatrical community celebrated its biggest honors Sunday night at the 73rd Annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. While black talent didn’t take home all the Tonys we’d hoped, we nevertheless made a major showing on the red…
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'She's Small Like Me': First Look at Cynthia Erivo as Harriet Tubman
As film is a visual medium, it makes sense that buzz heightens once the audience gets a peek at movie stills, photo shoots or other behind-the-scenes photos connected to a film. Such is the case with Harriet, an upcoming biographical drama from Focus Features, chronicling the story of Harriet Tubman, who helped free hundreds of…