Netflix
-
Pharrell to Executive Produce Netflix Docuseries Centered Around Gospel Music
As if it were possible, it appears that Pharrell is in an even more creative space than usual. The music and entertainment mogul confirmed on Sunday at the virtual Essence Festival program “Get Lifted” that he will be teaming up with Netflix to present Voices of Fire. The show is billed as a docuseries centered…
-
Colin in Black & White: Ava DuVernay and Colin Kaepernick Team Up for New Netflix Dramatic Limited Series
The man we’ve grown to know as the professional football player who took a knee in protest against police brutality is giving us a peek into the young boy whose experiences started it all. Colin Kaepernick and Ava DuVernay have partnered up in a new Netflix dramatic limited series called Colin in Black & White,…
-
Animated Allies: Kristen Bell and Jenny Slate Step Down From Cartoon Roles So They Can Be Voiced by Black People
The year 2020 is full of unexpected plot twists, one of which has been Hollywood taking accountability and attempting to actually right the wrongs of the past—after being thoroughly called out on social media about it, that is. This time, we’re honing in on Black creators in animation, specifically those who work in voiceover (V.O.)…
-
#BlackAF Is Getting Blacker AF With Season 2 Renewal at Netflix
What’s Blacker than Black AF? I guess we’ll find out because Kenya Barris’ Netflix comedy #BlackAF has been renewed for Season 2. In case you’ve been living under a rock with no social media connections, Netflix breaks down the show: From Kenya Barris, the Emmy nominated creator of black-ish, comes #blackAF. Loosely inspired by Barris’…
-
Pharrell Williams, Kenya Barris to Reportedly Develop Juneteenth Musical for Netflix
Kenya Barris and Pharrell Williams are in the developmental stages of a full-fledged Juneteenth musical, which will have a home on Netflix. Per Deadline, the collaboration is hush-hush for now, however, the site’s sources say that this Juneteenth musical is different from the one they initially announced back in 2018. “Williams will produce this project…
-
Netflix CEO Donating $120 Million to HBCUs and the United Negro College Fund
Netflix CEO Reed Hastings and his wife Patty Quillin will donate an allotted total of $120 million to HBCUs and black scholarship funds. Spelman College, Morehouse College and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) will each receive $40 million. “There are many good places to donate, but the [historically Black colleges and universities] are 150…
-
Dave Chappelle Discusses Police Brutality, Candace Owens and More in Netflix Special 8:46
In a new (and surprise) Netflix comedy special, Dave Chappelle is back and as usual, has his finger on the pulse of America. In the special 8:46, which was uploaded to YouTube for free on Thursday evening, the iconic comedian discusses the national protests stemming from George Floyd’s death and a slew of other pressing…
-
Demand for Dear White People and When They See Us Skyrockets During George Floyd Protest Era
Dear white people, do y’all see us today? According to data sent to The Root by Parrot Analytics, apparently more people are eager for commentary on race and police brutality because demand for two Netflix projects, Dear White People and When They See Us has gone through the roof. As we’re living in an era…
-
The Hollywood Black Squares: A Reckoning on Whether Solidarity With Black Lives Matter Is Fact or Fiction
In the ongoing fight for the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, black boxes and squares are Hollywood’s deus ex machina. From Studio Binder: Deus ex Machina is when a hopeless situation is suddenly solved by an unexpected occurrence. It is a contrived plot device often used in film or novels. It is an easy way…
-
In a Rare Show of Solidarity, Competing Hollywood Heavyweights Join Forces in Support of Black Lives
In the outcries following the now-countless incidents of police violence upon black America, what is often most deafening is the silence—from non-black friends, influencers, politicians and, perhaps most importantly, from those who have the kind of massive platforms that actually reach into American homes and sway public opinion. The viral video of the murder of…