MOVIE NEWS: Red Tails is officially a BLOCKBUSTER, or is it?!?

Can a movie with a cast of ALL BLACK ACTORS "do well?"
Can George Lucas single-handedly change the plight of black actors/films by paying for a movie with his own money? 
Will audiences venture out to see an action movie that only features African Americans?  


I know you're tempted but don't  just read 'em like they're rhetorical, those are actual questions. 


Can it? 
Can he? 
WILL THEY? 


The above are questions people have been faced with long before Red Tails was released. If Red Tails is the measuring tool, then you can nod your pretty little head in the affirmative.  The reports are in and the movie grossed over $19 million in its weekend debut. 
Thats fantastic, right? 


The movie seems to have beat a Hollywood stereotype but at what cost? 
Would people have gone out to support the movie if George Lucas and the cast, and other famous Hollywood-type folks had not spoken out about the need to keep producing films like this?


Excuse my bluntness but I ::have:: to ask: did people really go see the movie because they wanted to or did people go see it because they of the guilt trip speeches heralded at them? Everybody got in on the promo. I read stories about how President and Mrs. Obama hosted a group of Tuskegee Airmen at a private screening in the White House theater and stars of the movie went around the country treating audiences to free screenings. I'm not knocking the uniqueness of the promo tour because I can appreciate actors who are genuinely interested in the success of their movie. 


What was I saying again? 
Ah! Yes! Red Tails. 


Full Disclosure: When I first heard about the movie, I planned to go see it before I heard about the story of George Lucas having difficulty making films. I wanted to see the film because I LOOOOOVVVEEEE movies centered upon black history. I LOOOOVVVVEEE movies with chocolate eye candy. I go see movies that feature at least one of those things. If I can get a movie with both->>>::swoon:: 


We all know these movies come few and far between. 
This bothers me. It doesn't bother me in the sense that I'm going to protest any studio that doesn't release "black movies." It bothers me the way waiting for my hot water to warm up bothers me. If I don't immediately get what I want, I'm willing to wait. This means I tend to not go to movies that lack the kind of subject matter (and chocolate eye candy) that I love. *Gasps* is that racist? Chill your melons. This isn't the time for you wolf crying heathens to howl at the moon of quasi-racism. If you thought it was, have a seat cuz you're wrong. Besides, I'm not about to explain or justify how I choose to allocate MY money for MY entertainment.


I knew black directors and producers like Tyler Perry *cringe* had issues getting funding but I thought it was due to some form of racism or some conspiracy to perpetuate the idea that black actors in America can't "carry" a movie. Hearing that George Lucas had issues getting funding [George friggin LUCAS] was a shocker. If HollyWEIRD wont' give this man money with his proven track record we might really be in trouble. 


*queue the knight in shining armor*


I would like to tell you that I'm one of the people wondering why we still have this conversation but I'm not naive enough to believe bullsh*t answers. These convos are still happening because African Americans are still not viewed as a powerful people. Yea, I said it! You mad? 


Have a seat with your I just wanna be mad to get attention  mad self. 

What is it REALLY gonna take for Hollywood to see "black" films as viable investments? Your guess is as good as mine. Matta fack, I don't wanna guess. I don't want you to guess either. Wanna know what I want? I want movies with predominantly black casts to not have to guilt audiences into a place where they feel a strong enough desire to pay for the movie. 

I'm happy Red Tails has been able to defy stereotypes. Truly, I am. I'm not satisfied or content just because the reports are good. That still doesn't mean things are gonna change. It might have come in at #2 and made 19 millie but it still didn't make Transformers money. It won't make Avatar money. In a community where money talks and bullsh*t walks (a thousand miles), we still have to speak with dead presidents. 

Bottom line, I don't want to have to go thru another 6 month guilt trip of negative media before hearing a story about a black movie *finally* making big bucks. Go out and support the damn movie people!

Sooo do I think Red Tails broke records? Do I think it SOARED at the box office? Why do you care? Ok that was mean. I'm sorry. I'll end with "no further comment."

What say you? Did you feel the guilty during the promo tours? Have you seen Red Tails? If not, do you have plans to support it? 

Dark Girls: A Preview

BLACK is beautiful. 

Below are clips from the upcoming documentary exploring the deep-seated biases and attitudes about skin color---particularly dark skinned women, outside of and within the Black American culture.


Dark Girls: Preview from Bradinn French on Vimeo.

African American women have a unique struggle when it comes to our skintone. It is a struggle difficult to understand and even more difficult to overcome. There are terms like "good hair" and "bad hair" and "light skin" or "dark skin" that add fire to the blazing flame. This is particularly disturbing because these terms are NOT objective. In fact, there are many black women (like myself) who do not fit into either category. Still, there are others who may be put into a different category depending on where they live. A dark skinned person in N'awlins might be considered brown skinned or even light skinned if she moves to DC or Atlanta. Did that just make your head spin?

"She's pretty...for a dark skinned girl"


I can't recall how many times I have heard the above phrase uttered about my sistas but I can say it makes me cringe every time I hear it. It implies so many negative things about women with darker skin tones. As if, a pretty dark skinned girl is the exception. I am a black woman and personally I NEVER knew dark skinned women struggled like this. I am resisting the urge to delve into "shadeism" issues until a later post. My heart goes out to all women who do not wake up feeling beautiful. I cannot imagine how they must feel if their mother or the women in their family made them feel "less than" beautiful from a very early age solely because of their skin color. It is clear the women featured in the interviews have issues with their self-esteem but what bothers me the most is the terrible treatment they experienced from our own people. Teasing someone about something they had no control over is EVIL. I am not sure what it will take for my people to unite and become more supportive of each other but it needs to happen, like yesterday.

Black is beautiful in ALL shades.

Will you be supporting? I'm listening...

MUSIC News: Creative expression or is Rihanna getting a "victim pass?!?"

In Rihanna's new video (for a song I have grown to LOVE btw) there is a graphic depiction of her murdering  in cold blood. Specifically, she is shown gunning down her alleged rapist in a crowded public space and then leaving the scene. I *know* everyone wants to forget that fateful grammy night when the world found out she was Chris Brown's punching bag but I couldn't help but flashback to that time.


I recognize that for some women involved in domestic violence situations they reach a point where they believe their spouse has to die in order for them to escape. The American judicial system calls this "battered woman syndrome." We should not make light of their situation. We should not make light of one's thirst for revenge after another person violently attacks him or her. This is especially true for women who tend to be at a physical disadvantage, which leads to feelings of helplessness. 


Domestic violence is no laughing matter and neither is rape. Thousands of people suffer at the hands of their spouse and hundreds of women become murder victims from domestic violence every year. After watching this video I wondered if it would have been acceptable if Chris Brown released a video where he killed a woman in cold blood? I haven't read many stories about people being up in arms besides The Parents Television Council (PTC)  who said, "Instead of telling victims they should seek help, Rihanna released a music video that gives retaliation in the form of premeditated murder the imprimatur of acceptability." I am not saying we should compare Rihanna's form of artistic expression to people like Lady Gaga or Ozzie Osbourn because her public persona is very different from their persona. Lest we forget that Ozzie used to bite the heads off of bats. I'm no psychic but I guarantee that if the shoe was on the other foot, Chris Brown's career would be OVER. Heavy, isn't it? 


If Rihanna wants to send a message to her fans about how to deal with issues involving violence against women, her message needs to be clear and consistent. In her interview with Barbara Walters about her attack she said she decided to leave Chris Brown alone for good after she realized what kind of message she would be sending to her fans if she went back to him. It appeared she had figured out how to deal with the situation. Her message appeared to be one of forgiveness as she once said she decided to lift the restraining order against him after she realized it was having a negative impact on his career. I am not saying artists should be muted or restricted from addressing certain topics but if you endure a situation like "Chrihannagate" and you chose to respond with a message of forgiveness, preach about that and allow that message to resonate through your actions. I'm not afraid to admit I think some of our youth are weak minded and will follow anything. They follow fake accounts on Twitter and talk to posers pretending to be celebs. Adults do this too. You can choose to deny the truth if you want but I think celebrities who recognize that their audience is vulnerable about certain issues need to be more careful about the steps they take. YES a new video will make you lots of money, but what is the real cost of alluding to violence as a means of executing justice? Do I think this video is encouraging victims to kill their attacker? Heck NO! Do I think the video should be pulled? No.  I am not extreme enough to say pull the video because the damage is done but I do wish people with the kind of influence Rihanna has would be more careful about the material they release. 


What do you think? Is Rihanna's newest release getting a pass or is it creative expression people are taking too far? 


I'm listening...

HUSL Today presents: 7 dirty phrases you should not say in the office

Image source: http://www.cartoonstock.com/lowres/rmo0552l.jpg
Today is George Carlin's birthday. In his honor I decided to create a list of 7 dirty phrases  Young Professionals should avoid. Thus, instead of 7 dirty words you can't say on TV,our list is 7 dirty phrases you should not say in the office (without starting a juicy rumor).

"There are 400,000 words in the English language, and there are 7 you can't say on television."-George Carlin 

1. "I heard the boss is having an affair with his secretary"

2. "I heard Sheila's husband cheated on her."

3. "I overheard Jill saying she's going to quit."

4. "Did you hear about [insert name here]? I heard he got fired." 

Read more to discover the last 3 phrases.  

Out the door...inspirational quote to start your day

Good Morning friends!!! TGIF! Give yourself a hug you've made it through another work week (assuming you work M-F)!

It would be borderline treason and I would probably lose my black card if we allowed Black History Month to end without quotes from the ultimate talk show diva Oprah "you told Harpo to beat me" Winfrey!

"Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down".

"Whatever you fear most has no power - it is your fear that has the power."

"Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure."

-----Oprah "Lady O" Winfrey

It was especially difficult to narrow the list down of inspirational Oprah quotes mainly because she is a walking inspiration. Feel free to share your favorite Lady O quotes.


Hit the ground running!

African American firsts

Its safe to say that today's African American firsts focus on inventors

Elijah McCoy (1843 - 1929) invented an automatic lubricator for oiling steam engines in 1872. The term "the real McCoy" is believed to be a reference about the reliability of Elijah McCoy's invention.

Garrett Augustus Morgan (1877 - 1963) invented, among many other things, a 3-way automatic stop sign, which he sold to General Electric. It was used in the U.S. until the 3-light traffic sign was developed.

Otis Boykin (1920 -1982) invented electronic control devices for guided missiles, IBM computers, and the control unit for a pacemaker.

George Carruthers (1939 - ) invented the far ultraviolet electrographic camera, used in the 1972 Apollo 16 mission. This invention revealed new features of Earth's far-outer atmosphere and deep-space objects from the perspective of the lunar surface. Carruthers was inducted into the National Inventor's Hall of Fame in 2003.

James West's (1931 - ) research in sound technology led to the development of foil-electret transducers used in 90% of all microphones built today and in most new telephones being manufactured. West holds 47 U.S. and more than 200 foreign patents on microphones and techniques for making polymer foil-electrets. He was inducted into the National Inventor's Hall of Fame in 1999.

Please join HUSL Today is honoring these African American inventors who have impacted all of our lives. Are there any inventions that you are particularly fond of? Consider the comment section your platform to share them with your friends.

Have a great Monday my friends!

Talented Genration Salutes

Langston Hughes

James Mercer Langston Hughes, (February 1, 1902 – May 22, 1967) was an American poet, novelist, playwright, short story writer, and columnist. He was one of the earliest innovators of the new literary art form jazz poetry. Hughes is best-known for his work during the Harlem Renaissance. He is also best known for what he wrote about the Harlem Renaissance, "Harlem was in vogue."

Hughes' life and work were enormously influential during the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s alongside those of his contemporaries, Zora Neale Hurston, Wallace Thurman, Claude McKay, Countee Cullen, Richard Bruce Nugent, and Aaron Douglas, who, collectively (with the exception of McKay), created the short-lived magazine Fire!! Devoted to Younger Negro Artists.

In his work he confronted racial stereotypes, protested social conditions, and expanded African America’s image of itself; a “people’s poet” who sought to reeducate both audience and artist by lifting the theory of the black aesthetic into reality. Moreover, Hughes stressed the importance of a racial consciousness and cultural nationalism devoid of self-hate that united people of African descent and Africa across the globe and encouraged pride in their own diverse black folk culture and black aesthetic.

Langston Hughes was one of the few black writers of any consequence to champion racial consciousness as a source of inspiration for black artists. His African-American race consciousness and cultural nationalism would influence many foreign black writers, such as Jacques Roumain, Nicolás Guillén, Léopold Sédar Senghor, and Aimé Césaire. With Senghor and Césaire and other French-speaking writers of Africa and of African descent from the Caribbean like René Maran from Martinique and Léon Damas from French Guiana in South America, the works of Hughes helped to inspire the concept that became the Négritude movement in France where a radical black self-examination was emphasized in the face of European colonialism.

Langston Hughes was not only a role model for his calls for black racial pride instead of assimilation, but the most important technical influence in his emphasis on folk and jazz rhythms as the basis of his poetry of racial pride. In 1930, his first novel Not Without Laughter won the Harmon Gold Medal for literature. Hughes's first collection of short stories came in 1934 with The Ways of White Folks. He received a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1935.

Langston Hughes died of complications from prostate cancer in May 22, 1967, in New York. In his memory, his residence at 20 East 127th Street in Harlem, New York City, has been given landmark status by the New York City Preservation Commission, and East 127th Street has been renamed "Langston Hughes Place."

Here is another one of my favorite poems from Hughes:

What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up

like a raisin in the sun?

Or fester like a sore--

And then run?

Does it stink like rotten meat?

Or crust and sugar over--

like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sags

like a heavy load.

Or does it explode?

Check out a montage Nike created for the 2008 Beijing Olympics:

A Selected Bibliography

Poetry

Ask Your Mama: 12 Moods for Jazz (1961)

Collected Poems of Langston Hughes (1994)

Dear Lovely Death (1931)

Fields of Wonder (1947)

Fine Clothes to the Jew (1927)

Freedom's Plow (1943)

Montage of a Dream Deferred (1951)

One-Way Ticket (1949)

Scottsboro Limited (1932)

Selected Poems (1959)

Shakespeare in Harlem (1942)

The Dream Keeper and Other Poems (1932)

The Panther and the Lash: Poems of Our Times (1967)

The Weary Blues (1926)

Prose

Good Morning, Revolution: Uncollected Social Protest Writings by Langston Hughes (1973)

I Wonder as I Wander (1956)

Laughing to Keep From Crying (1952)

Not Without Laughter (1930)

Remember Me to Harlem: The Letters of Langston Hughes and Carl Van Vechten, 1925-1964 (2001)

Simple Speaks His Mind (1950)

Simple Stakes a Claim (1957)

Simple Takes a Wife (1953)

Simple's Uncle Sam (1965)

Something in Common and Other Stories (1963)

Tambourines to Glory (1958)

The Arna Bontemps-Langston Hughes Letters (1980)

The Big Sea (1940)

The Langston Hughes Reader (1958)

The Ways of White Folks (1934)

Drama

Black Nativity (1961)

Collected Works of Langston Hughes, vol. 5: The Plays to 1942: Mulatto to The Sun Do Move (2000)

Don't You Want to Be Free? (1938)

Five Plays by Langston Hughes (1963)

Little Ham (1935)

Mulatto (1935)

Mule Bone (1930)

Simply Heavenly (1957)

Soul Gone Home (1937)

The Political Plays of Langston Hughes (2000)

Poetry in Translation

Cuba Libre (1948)

Gypsy Ballads (1951)

Selected Poems of Gabriela Mistral (1957)

Translation

Masters of the Dew (1947)

For his contributions to African American culture and his inspirational literary works, Talented Generation salutes Langston Hughes!

On THIS date in black history

February 8, 2010

1865 - The first African American major in the United States Army is a physician, Dr. Martin Robinson Delany.

1871-Justina Ford ,an African-American physician and humanitarian was born. As a doctor breaking down barriers for Blacks and women, Ford also worked as a humanitarian: her expertise in gynecology, obstetrics, and pediatrics was often provided to low-income and indigent people of all races. She delivered over 7000 babies during her distinguished practice of more than 50 years.

1894 - Congress repeals the Enforcement Act, which makes it easier for some states to disenfranchise African American voters.

1898- The “Grandfather Clause” was enacted for voting purposes. It was a legal and constitutional mechanism passed by seven Southern states during reconstruction to deny suffrage to black Americans. It meant that those who had enjoyed the right to vote prior to 1867, or their lineal descendants, would be exempt from educational, property, or tax requirements for voting. As a result, even if they met all the requirements, they were not allowed to vote.

Because the former slaves were not granted that right until the adoption of the Fifteenth Amendment in 1870, these clauses worked effectively to exclude Blacks from voting and assured the vote of many impoverished and illiterate whites. In 1915 the Supreme Court declared the grandfather clause unconstitutional because it violated equal voting rights guaranteed by the Fifteenth Amendment.

1924-Joe Black, an African-American baseball player in the Negro Leagues and author is born. He became the first Black pitcher to win a World Series game

1925 - Marcus Garvey is sent to federal prison in Atlanta, Georgia for mail fraud in connection with the sale of stock in his Black Star Line. His prosecution was vigorously advocated by several prominent African American leaders, including Robert Sengstacke Abbott and others. Garvey was railroaded because of the power he had amassed over the African American population of America.

1925 - Students stage a strike at Fisk University to protest the policies of the white administration at the school.

1944 - Harry S. McAlpin of the "Daily World" in Atlanta, Georgia, is the first African American journalist accredited to attend White House press conferences.

1965 - Dr. Joseph B. Danquah, Ghanaian political leader, joins the ancestors. He had been the leader of the United Gold Coast Convention, a political body which had pressed the British for a gradual relinquishing of colonial rule.

1968 - Gary Coleman is born in Zion, Ohio. He will become a child actor portraying "Arnold" in the television series, "Different Strokes," which aired from 1978 to 1986. Go ahead and say it "What you talking bout Willis?"

1968 - Highway Patrol Officers kill three South Carolina State University students during a demonstration in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Students are protesting against a whites-only Orangeburg bowling alley.

1970 - Alonzo Mourning is born in Chesapeake, Virginia. He became a basketball star at Georgetown University and went on to play for the NBA Charlotte Hornets, New Jersey Nets and later the Miami Heat.

He was praised for his courage for making a comeback after undergoing a kidney transplant and years later winning his first NBA Championship with the Miami Heat in 2006.

1984 - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar of the Los Angeles Lakers scores 27 points

while leading his team to a 111-109 victory over the Boston Celtics. Abdul-Jabbar passed Wilt Chamberlain's NBA career record of 12,682 field goals.

1986 - Oprah Winfrey becomes the first African American woman to host

a nationally syndicated talk show.

1986 - 5' 7" Spud Webb, of the Atlanta Hawks, wins the NBA Slam Dunk

Competition.

1990 - CBS News suspends resident humorist Andy Rooney for racial

comments he supposedly made to a gay magazine; Rooney denies making the comments.

1995 - The U.N. Security Council approves sending 7,000 peacekeepers

to Angola to cement an accord ending 19 years of civil war.

1995- This date observes National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID).

2000 - Edna Griffin, an Iowa civil-rights pioneer best known for integrating lunch counters, passes away at the age of 90. In 1948, Griffin led the fight against Katz Drug Store in downtown Des Moines, which refused to serve blacks at its lunch counter. Griffin staged sit-ins, picketed in front of the store and filed charges against the store's owner, Maurice Katz, who was fined. The Iowa Supreme Court then enforced the law which made it illegal to deny service based on race. She organized Iowans to attend the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1963 march on Washington, D.C., and helped start the former radio station KUCB. On May 15, 1999, Des Moines' mayor proclaimed "Edna Griffin Day." On February 5, 2000, Griffin was inducted into the Iowa African American Hall of Fame.

Source: http://www.informationman.com/today.htm

Movies to watch in honor of black history

If you're under 30 you did not get the opportunity to grow up during the Civil Rights Movement. That is why it is imperative that you take the initiative to learn about what life was like before the world was blessed with your presence. In some cases, it is difficult to fully grasp what all the hoopla is about because we were not there. Hopefully this segment can allow you the opportunity to learn more about the fight for equality.


Do the Right Thing (1989) - A classic Spike Lee joint. It is set in Brooklyn during a steamy summer and it takes a look at urban life and all the anger and racial tension that goes along with it.

Summary: One of the characters requests that Sal, the proud owner of the local neighborhood pizzeria, place some photos of great African Americans on his "Wall of Fame." Sal sees no reason to change his ways. It's his place and he will do what he wants, and he insists on keeping the wall dedicated to great Italian Americans, even though the neighborhood is predominantly African-American and his audience and patrons are African Americans. Buggin Out is outraged. He insistently goes around the neighborhood urging a boycott of Sal's to see his request come to fruition peacefully but persuasively. Curious about what happens next? Watch the movie!

Its use of 'Fight the Power' coupled with unique fashion statements makes for an entertaining night in. This is arguably Spike Lee's best movie as it landed him an Academy Award nomination for best screenplay. However due to the nature of the movie, it may be inappropriate for young children.

This weekend would be a great time to set aside family time to watch this great film! Especially if you're in the path of that wretched winter storm.

Enjoy!

Out the door...inspirational quote to start your day

Today's quote is from the beautiful Ms. Halle Berry.

"Beauty? Let me tell you something - being thought of as 'a beautiful woman' has spared me nothing in life. No heartache, no trouble. Love has been difficult. Beauty is essentially meaningless and it is always transitory."
-Halle Berry

Ms. Berry's words inspire me to focus on my inner beauty. What do they mean to you?

Great Movies to watch in honor of Black History Month

Carmen Jones (1954)

It was groundbreaking as one of the only movies with an all black cast released during the 50's, and it would help pave the way for many movies with all black casts to come. It is also the movie for which Dorothy Dandridge earned her historical Academy Award nomination for best actress. You can't miss the on screen chemistry between Dandridge and Harry Belafonte. It is a modern adaptation of the classic opera Carmen and it may become one of the most steamy musicals you'll ever see.

You can watch the trailer below. Trust me, you will NOT be disappointed!

Congrats are in order!!

Talented Generation would like to congratulate Ms Caressa Cameron from Virginia who won the 2010 Miss America title on Saturday night. The 22-year-old broadcast journalism student beat 53 hopefuls to win a US$50,000 ($70,000) scholarship.

In her interview segment, she urged children to "expand your mind, go outside and get to see what this world is like". This is great advice for those who are more likely to stay inside rather than experience all the world has to offer. There is so much to experience, open your mind and explore!

Congrats Caressa!!!

Source

Tell us how you REALLY feel...

Welcome back to the place where you can post blatantly honest and blunt comments without fear of persecution. No hold's barred! This is your chance to say what you want and tell us how you REALLY feel!



Background: TLC has a new show called "One big happy family" which centers around the Coles, a dangerously obese family that has made a vow to slim down and change their lifestyle. The combined weight of the 4 member family is 1377 pound: Mother, Tameka weighed in at 380 lbs.; Father, Norris is 340 lbs.; 16-year-old daughter Amber was 348 lbs. and Shayne was 308 lbs. The family is pictured above. Based on the way the family is portrayed some say it is furthering the negative stereotypes about the attitudes and behaviors of African American people. Others argue it can offer a glimmer of hope to other obese Americans with similar struggles who need motivation to change their lifestyle.

So beautiful people of HUSL Today, tell us how you REALLY feel about the Big Happy Cole family! Do you tune in?

Remember you can remain anonymous!

Be Young;
Be Professional;
Be Great!

In case you missed it...PANTS ON THE GROUND *giggles*

Just in case the quote of the day doesn't already have you in the good mood, this video is sure to give you a good laugh. I'm still laughing! 62 year old General Larry Platt, you have earned a HUGE "C'mon son!"

Sing with me:
“Pants on the ground, pants on the ground, lookin’ like a fool with your pants on the ground
With the gold in your mouth, hat turned sideways, pants hit the ground
Call yourself a cool cat, looking like a fool, walkin’ downtown with your pants on the ground!”

Enjoy friends!

Be Young;
Be Professional;
Be Great!