Ava DuVernay On Trump’s America: ‘Art Will Be Our Weapon’
The filmmaker talks diversity and the power of art in ESSENCE. Ava DuVernay has landed her first solo cover of ESSENCE magazine, and she’s opening up about what it means to be a successful black woman director in the current social landscape.
The filmmaker, who grace has enjoyed a stellar year with her critically acclaimed documentary “13th” and her OWN television drama, “Queen Sugar.” Her next feature film, “A Wrinkle In Time,” based on the novel of the 1963 same name, is set to premiere in April 2018.
In a behind-the-scenes video for the new March 2017 issue, DuVernay, who hired an all-women lineup of directors for “Queen Sugar,” talked about the importance of creating new opportunities in the entertainment industry for others like her.
“I know so many amazing artists that it just is wrong that only a few of us might be singled out,” DuVernay said. “Whenever I get an opportunity I’m trying to amplify those other people because it’s no fun being at a party by yourself.”
In response to the new crop of stellar black movies and TV shows that have come out in the last several years (including “Atlanta,” “Insecure,” and “Moonlight,”), DuVernay said that there is still work to do to make sure it’s not a trend, but change.
“We’re not there yet. It remains to be seen,” the filmmaker explained.
“So in the meantime, we need to do the work. And I think the work is even more important now in this era. It’s going to be important for artists of all kinds who are forward thinking ― particularly women, and particularly people of color, and particularly black people... Art will be our weapon.”
DuVernay’s full interview in ESSENCE will hit newsstands on February 17.
#RHoA: Phaedra Parks Says Apollo Nida Wants To Remain Married And Is Appealing Divorce;
Phaedra Parks ruffled a few feathers during her appearance on Watch What Happens Live, dropping shady comments about the status of Apollo Nida’s engagement with calls from viewers
The first caller asks if Phaedra speaks to Apollo Nida. She says “Yes, he just sent me a text last night.” Phaedra says their relationship is cordial but Andy isn’t convinced. She adds, “Well, he is appealing the divorce and he still wants to remain married, so…” Andy is shocked and mentions the girlfriend. Phaedra corrects, “He has a fiance but he didn’t say that in court. He said he didn’t have a fiance.” Messy Messy. I’m sure Apollo’s fiance will have a few words to say about that.
A caller asks Phaedra if she misses her friendship with Kandi and she flat out says “no.” Andy says it makes him sad to hear it. Phaedra says, “it’s been three years since we’ve had a conversation.” She adds, “I’m cordial, there’s pleasantries because we are in the same circle, but we haven’t had a serious conversation since my baby was seven months old.”
A viewer asks how Apollo could even send Phaedra a text when he’s in jail, does he have a phone? Phaedra coyly says “I don’t know. He sent me a text.” Andy seems disbelieving so she asks if he wants to see it. He claims to believe her. I guess time will tell.
The Secret Weapon To Taraji P. Henson's Sleek Peek-A-Boo Bob Is Only $6
Hairstylist Tymothe Wallace is the man behind Taraji's Grammy Awards look.
With a fresh undercut tucked under her signature bob, Taraji is adding a little edge to all of the red carpets she’s hitting this season. But upkeep for a cool cut isn’t always easy…unless of course, you have a glam squad on your side.
Taraji’s "mane" man, Tymothe Wallace, tells you ladies how to keep it in all in order. SIMPLY WASH WISELY
Co-washing has become a default for many of us, but Tymothe says that it really depends on your hair type. If you have fine hair, co-washing is ideal. If you have medium to thick hair, alternate between co-washing and your regular cleansing regimen.
New Music: Listen: Teedra Moses Shares Unreleased Song “Kiss Me Slow”
More Valentine’s Day goodies have been coming through, and we are lovin’ this sweet lil’ treat from Teedra Moses.
As a V-Day gift to her fans the R&B songstress dug into the vault and unleashed a short-but-sweet song titled “Kiss Me Slow.”
“Take your time, here’s my waistline / Grab tight and hold me close, when you kiss me slow,” she sings on the lush, romantic track.
“An unreleased record presented as a Valentine’s Day gift to all my love ones,” wrote Teedra with the release. “Thank u for always supporting me and giving me the kinda love that keeps me pushing! You guys are such a light in my life. i love you
😘 wishing you the best day ever!!!”
Take a listen HERE
New Hip Hop Video: Jidenna – ‘The Let Out’
With just two days before The Chief arrives, Jidenna unleashes a music video for his single “The Let Out” featuring Nana Kwabena.
The clip begins at a dinner table, where the Wondaland rapper is enjoying some chicken and conversation. But in between chats, he’s also trying to make an escape for a night of fun out on the town.
Once he is finally able to leave the house, the Chief hops in a Honda Civic and rolls out with his loved ones. Jam-packed, one of his friends even has to ride to the club in the trunk.
Once he arrives, it looks like the club is letting out. This means a party breaks out in the parking lot, with Jidenna dancing on top of the car and girls walking around with heels in their hands. The fun continues until the cops show up and shut things down.
Originally released earlier this month, “The Let Out” features Quavo. However, the video version omits his verse entirely.
Listen HERE
Jidenna’s long-awaited debut, which drops Friday, is set to feature tracks including “Chief Don’t Run,” “Little Bit More,” “Bambi,” and “Long Live the Chief.”
Come Inside Solange’s Post Grammy Bash
Solange Knowles celebrated her first Grammy Award for ‘Best R&B Performance’ with an intimate celebration. Solange’s hubby Alan Ferguson was in attendance, along with sister Beyonce and hubby Jay Z and Kelly Rowland. Check out a few of the pics!
They all look NICE!
Amanda Bynes denies pregnancy and engagement rumors.
Hmm….Amanda Bynes says the person spreading pregnancy rumors about her is a big fat liar.
The former child star, 30, returned to Twitter for the first time in six months Tuesday to shoot down speculation apparently sparked by the user of a separate account, who Bynes claims has been impersonating her.
I am not @persianla27. I am not getting married and I am not pregnant. I don’t understand why twitter won’t take @persianla27 down.
— amanda bynes (@amandabynes) February 14, 2017
Back in 2013, Amanda Bynes the same woman who was stalking Drake on social media! Click Here if you missed the story. Also, Amanda dated rapper Kid Cudi click Here if you missed the story…
The same year Amanda went to rehab.
The “Hairspray” star finished her inpatient stint at a Malibu facility and is now living at her parents’ house in Thousand Oaks, Calif., while attending outpatient treatment “at least four times a week” and planning a return to school, her mom’s lawyer told the Daily News.
“She was released within the last couple of days. She’s made great strides in her progress and everyone felt it was time,” lawyer Tamar Arminak told The News Thursday.
The former Nickelodeon stars is back and she is exposing the darkness of Hollywood. In her latest rant Amanda spills the tea about her boss at the time imprecated her at the age of 13 and more stuff. She refuses to be silence anymore. Which makes me believe the same thing may have happen to Orlando Brown a former child hood star. If love your children do not send them to Hollywood.
Read from the bottom up.
LOL!!!
Emmett Till Courthouse To Be Converted Into A Museum
Mississippians will finally have the teen’s tragic story memorialized from start to horrendous finish.
A University of Kansas professor is spearheading a project to memorialize the vicious lynching of Emmett Till in Mississippi at the courthouse where his murder trial took place.
HBCU Buzz reports that David Tell, an associate professor of communication studies at Kansas, helped to create the “Emmett Till Memory Project,” an interactive site that depicts 51-geographical sites related to the Till case.
The outlet reports that this research will be the foundation of the exhibits at the Tallahatchie County Courthouse, where Roy Bryant and J.W. Milam were tried and acquitted in Till’s death in 1955.
The Tallahatchie County Courthouse, in Sumner, Mississippi, will display content on screens directing visitors to the sites involved in the Till case, including the grocery store where Till supposedly whistled or touched Bryant’s wife and the place in the Tallahatchie River where his body was found, brutally beaten and shot.
Though an all-White jury found the two men not guilty after about an hour of deliberation, Bryant and Milam, who died in 1994 and 1980 respectively, later admitted to the crime in a Look magazine interview. They were protected from any further prosecution because of “double jeopardy.”
Till has been in the news of late thanks to Carolyn Bryant’s (now Carolyn Donham) admission that “she lied when she testified in 1955 that Emmett Till touched her,” which set the whole chain of events leading to Till’s brutal lynching in motion.
Bryant Donham is currently 82 years old and resides in Raleigh, North Carolina. She most likely will never be charged for lying under oath because the five-year statute of limitations has long expired.
RCA Records Drop Fantasia?
Rumor has it that RCA Records dropped R&B Diva Fantasia Barrino. This TEA has not been confirmed, but that evil Sandra Rose is reporting it. Fantasia and executives at the label fell out last year after she was forced to do her own promotion for her single “Sleeping With the One I Love” off her 5th studio album, The Definition Of…
In an interview over the summer, Fantasia recalled promoting the single at radio stations and begging DJs to play it. “You have to take control over your own destiny,” she said.
The 32-year-old powerhouse singer changed management after her album release was delayed for nearly a year.
Contract or not she’s still a winner. Make sure you catch her on the road with Johnny Gill and Chare Wilson!
Chance the Rapper Announces Spring 2017 Tour Dates
Chance the Rapper is spreading the love this Valentine’s Day with the announcement of his spring 2017 tour.
Following his successful Grammy weekend, Chance took to Instagram to deliver the news with a photo of the tour dates, which spans from April through June as well as one October date. The caption in part reads, “thank YOU GUYS for everything.”
At Sunday night’s award show, Chance took home three Grammys for best new artist, best rap album, and best rap performance, also delivering a show-stopping medley of “No Problem,” “Blessings,” and “All We Got” fused beautifully with a gospel choir.
Chance the Rapper performs onstage during The 59th Grammy Awards at Staples Center on Feb. 12, 2017 in Los Angeles.
Chance is also slated to perform at multiple upcoming music festivals, such as Boston Calling, Governor’s Ball, Firefly and many more.
View Chance the Rapper’s tour announcement and dates below.
Get your tickets!
Matt Damon Dishes on His 'Ocean's Eight' Cameo!
Matt Damon is opening up about his cameo in the upcoming movie Ocean’s Eight.
The 46-year-old actor appeared in the original Ocean’s Eleven franchise alongside George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and others.
“I haven’t filmed it yet. I was actually supposed to film it this weekend. It’s just quick, a little cameo,” he told Collider. When asked if the cameo would tie into the other movies, he said, “I think I’m there for exposition. But, we’re all about girl power. We want to see what these ladies do and I’m really excited to see [it].”
“I haven’t shot anything at this point, but I think I’m gonna do a little cameo,” Matt told Extra.
EGGPLANT NATION: Taylor Pt #2
Taylor’s Back with more! So you know what to do to see more. Just CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PICS and remember they’re NSFW!
DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT OWN NOR ALTER any images posted on this blog. All images are found online or submitted.
You’re Welcome!
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘DIAPER DANDY’
I guess that’s one way to prepare for the coming of Aunt Flow.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND ALL!
EFREM
