strong black lead
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Post-Presidential Flex: New Netflix Producers the Obamas Unsuccessfully Woo Will Smith, but May Have Sealed a Deal With Denzel
You win some, you lose some; that’s the lesson the Obamas are learning as newly minted producers for Netflix. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the dynamic duo has been moving full-throttle into their Hollywood hustle via their Higher Ground productions, already set to release the documentary American Factory, their first film on the streaming network,…
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Tiffany Haddish, Blair Underwood and More to Join Octavia Spencer in Netflix's Madam CJ Walker
Talk about “Strong Black Leads”! It looks like Netflix’s Madam C.J. Walker, co-produced and starring Octavia Spencer in the titular role, will have a star-studded cast. Our friends at Shadow & Act report that Tiffany Haddish, Blair Underwood, Carmen Ejogo, Garrett Morris and Kevin Carroll will all be appearing in the four-part limited series when…
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Angela Bassett and Patricia Arquette, Mama Said Name That Tune for Otherhood
What happens when your kids grow up and motherhood becomes something unrecognizable? Otherhood, The new film starring Angela Bassett, Felicity Huffman and Patricia Arquette will give a glimpse into the lives of mothers who feel forgotten. The film also stars Jake Hoffman, Jake Lacy, (an oft-shirtless) Sinqua Walls, Heidi Gardner and is directed by Cindy…
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It's 'A Thin Line' Between What's New and Black on Netflix in July 2019
Before we begin, how is it already July? As in, we’re in the later half of the year. What is time?! Anyway. A new month means new black content at Netflix, via its Strong Black Lead. The black-centered platform has been recently dedicated to licensing classic films for us to enjoy. Basically, being heroes. Next…
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ABFF 2019: How Beats Tackles Chicago Crime and the Curious Case of Anthony Anderson's Forehead Acting
Chicago is a city that has been thrust into the abyss of exploitation, as national media has been lured by the city’s crime-ridden headlines. But what of the people who make up the city? What of their stories? What makes them tick? After all, the people are the heart of any city, in my opinion.…
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Janet Mock Makes History by Becoming the 1st Black Trans Woman to Sign Deal With a Major Studio
On June 19, 1865, history was made and the last enslaved black Americans gained their independence. Today, 154 years after emancipation, Janet Mock made history by becoming the first black trans woman to establish an overall deal with a major studio. Obviously, I did not jest when I wrote that the cast of Pose is…
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Dear White People, How You Like Your Grits?
OK, OK, OK, I have a confession—the headline is a tad misleading as I don’t really care how white people like their grits or whether they know what a grit is. This is really about that Justin Simien show on Netflix. Ha! Gotcha! Today, June 19, also know as Juneteenth, is the historic day which…
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The Black Godfather: Clarence Avant and the Successful Six Degrees of Separation
Life begins with a number and ends with a number. It’s a phrase often repeated by music executive Clarence Avant, almost like a mantra. And it couldn’t be more true, not only in Avant’s industry but in his personal life as well. When it comes to the number of lives Avant has touched throughout the…
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'Sweetness, Flowing Like a Faucet; Body Banging, No Corset': What's New and Black on Netflix in June 2019?
June, also known as the halftime show of the year, is here—and that means more Strong Black Leading content from Netflix! And the blackest headliner is… Carmen: A Hip Hopera This 2001 made-for-TV movie helmed by the legendary Robert Townsend should be in everyone’s entertainment catalogue, and now Netflix has scooped the licensing rights! Like,…
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Black Excellence: Kenya Barris and Rashida Jones to ‘Flip the Family Sitcom’ on Netflix
If you thought Kenya Barris had already redefined the black family sitcom for a new generation with ABC’s Black-ish, think again. Netflix has just announced the first offering from his recently inked overall series deal, and the writer-producer will now also become one of the network’s “strong black leads.” Barris will star and executive produce…