Uncategorized
-
'The Express': Slow and Steady
The Express is a film based on the life of Syracuse University football star Ernie Davis, the first African American to win a Heisman Trophy. But for all of us who are tired of clichéd sports flicks, the film offers something that is not just surprising, but rare: a story about strong and meaningful relationships…
-
What the World Owes Congo
Last summer, the national news media announced the deaths of four gorillas killed in a national park in eastern Congo. A United Nations delegation was quickly dispatched to investigate. As a Congolese living in the United States and hungry for news back home, I was thankful for the coverage. But since my grandparents still live…
-
Trapped in the 'Heart of Darkness'
In late 1874, Henry Morton Stanley—he of the pith helmet and “Dr. Livingstone, I presume?”—set off west from Zanzibar with 356 porters, guides and camp followers, determined to fill in many of the lingering gaps in the map of Africa. Exactly 999 days and about 5,000 harrowing miles later, he reached the Atlantic, having lost all…
-
'I'll Be Voting for Sen. Barack Obama.'
“Because I do what the facts tell me, Captain…” – Capt. Richard Davenport from A Soldier’s Play (1981) The true importance of any political endorsement is debatable. But this one is big, since it involves America’s most recognizable military hero declaring a preference that could help undecided centrist Republicans and independents make up their minds.…
-
The Secret's Out
For countless black moviegoers, Love & Basketball remains a classic. Complete with relatable black leads and an emotional, yet realistic plotline, the film plays for your heart and wins. But this triumph isn’t without tremendous effort. The film, which debuted in 2000, was a labor of love for screenwriter and director Gina Prince-Bythewood, rife with…
-
The Sweet Honey of 'Bees'
On the surface, The Secret Life of Bees, appears to be another film about a group of all-forgiving, African-American women caregivers who come to the rescue of a white girl in distress. However, as directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood (Love and Basketball), the film goes far beyond the typical Mammy fare. Each of the central black…
-
The New West Order
For the last few years, all you needed to know about the NBA West was that the San Antonio Spurs, the Dallas Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns were the best teams and that a slew of other good teams were stuck behind them trying very hard to move up. Then last year Change! came to…
-
Going Half on Homecoming
‘Tis the season for HBCU homecomings. From now through November, thousands of college alumni from historically black institutions will descend on campuses across the South. Employers, please understand why the few African Americans at your workplace are taking Fridays off from now until November. Non-HBCU grads, please be patient with your black college friends who…
-
The Five Ohios
Kendra Reddick lives in Ohio and can’t decide which presidential candidate deserves her vote. Like thousands of voters across the Buckeye State, Reddick is a values voter. She typically only backs politicians who share her conservative, fundamental Christian beliefs. So four and eight years ago, Reddick, a black 42-year-old, middle-school history teacher in Cleveland Heights,…
-
Deep, Dark Chocolate
Hollywood drove Dave Chappelle out of his gourd. He bounced on a multi-million-dollar contract, went to Africa, got his mind right and realized that at the end of the day, hamming it up for The Man wasn’t what he wanted to do. Here’s the problem: Although it was great for Dave’s state of mind, it…