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‘American Son’ Sheds Light on Being Black in America

by Kimberly Jones

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American Son, originally a Broadway play turned short film, debuted on Netflix this past
weekend. The film stars Emmy Award-nominated actress Kerry Washington as Kendra Ellis-Connor searching for information about her son while dealing with a failed interracial marriage. Washington stars opposite Steven Pasquale who plays her estranged husband Scott Connor, an FBI agent and a member of a military family with the utmost respect for all members of law enforcement.

The entire film takes place in a waiting area of the Miami police precinct when the couple’s
eighteen-year-old son goes missing after an incident with a police officer. Although the identity of Connors’s son Jamal was never revealed, the dialogue through the entire film gave a good back story into who Jamal was. A young man with a good head on his shoulders in search of his identity trying to navigate through young adulthood.

American Son told the story of being black in America from different perspectives while also dissecting many layers of issues people of color experience daily. The fact that the Connors were in an interracial marriage added to the complexity of the issues the couple was facing. Kendra (Washington) could relate to Jamal more because she understands the relationship between black men and cops, and how one wrong move can be fatal and life-changing. Her husband Scott (Pasquale), on the other hand, is arrogant and ignorant when it comes to race relations. Both parents agree that they did what was best for their son and provided him with the tools to survive in the real world. The breakdown is that the couple had two very different versions of survival, Scott worries that his son’s friends are having a negative effect on him and doesn’t want Jamal to represent himself as“too urban”.

courtesy of Netflix

Perhaps the most stand out moment of the film is when Scott reveals that he doesn’t even like his son’s name. He is blinded by his ignorance. ‘Jamal’ is a black name and he never liked it but went along with Kendra’s decision. This further confirms some of the mother’s concerns about her son and how his own father can judge him just from his name alone. During a conversation Kendra has an epiphany about her marriage and asks Scott, why did he approach her when they first met? She questioned his reasoning for wanting to pursue a relationship with a black woman at all, especially since Scott’s new girlfriend is white. He quickly reassures Kendra that he sincerely cared for her and that the new girlfriend did not mean much to him. The situation with Jamal led them to have this difficult yet necessary conversation.

The overall message in the film is that no matter where a child is raised or what fancy schools he or she may attend – when that child is out in the world, the only thing that matters is skin color. There is basically no way to prepare for discrimination and life-threatening situations that may arise at any time for a black person in America. It can also be difficult for white people to understand how severe police brutality is. It is not something that is blown out of proportion, it is a very real problem.

The film left audiences with a somber tone and feeling defeated. Perfectly titled American Son, this is a very familiar tragic story that we see in headlines all the time. This is a reminder that there is no such thing as equal justice in our country.

American Son is now available for streaming. You can watch the trailer below.

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Film & TV

Disneyland Launches 70th Anniversary Celebrations, Brings Even More Fun & Joy To The Most Magical Place On Earth

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Disneyland

Last Friday, May 16, Disneyland launched their 70th Anniversary celebrations and we had to check out all the fun. After arriving and settling in at the Disneyland Hotel, we headed straight to the welcome center, which was set up at Disney’s Grand Californian. The welcome center served as a one-stop shop to grab our credentials and tons of great merch – then it was off to California Adventure Park for the new Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!

Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration
“Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” parade at Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, Calif. (Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort)

This parade featured many of our favorite characters from Luca, Turning Red, Up, The Incredibles, Monsters Inc, Coco and Toy Story. After the parade we had a few hours until our dinner plans so we headed to Guardians of the Galaxy Breakout ride — which is definitely something you want to do on an empty stomach. The ride features some pretty serious drops, so anyone with motion sickness should be forewarned. That said — we had a ball and are now adding this one to the list of rides we’ll be returning to over and over again for every Disneyland/ California Adventure park trip.

Next stop was the Incredicoaster — which is one of our favorite rollercoasters at ANY park. So much fun and the view of the park from the top is amazing. Pixar Pier is such an incredible feature — but honestly California Adventure Park is just a vibe all its own anyway.

Never ending fun at the Most Magical Place On Earth

After such satisfying thrills, we were starving so we headed to Downtown Disney District for a quick dinner at Naples Ristorante. The Caesar salad and shrimp penne hit the spot, along with a spicy margarita style cocktail. We’d packed in so much fun already, but there was no time for a nap. Next we headed to check out the Disney Junior: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! Show. This one is designed for the kiddos and there is a big carpet where everyone sits as Mickey and Minnie go looking for their friends Goofy and Pluto and bust out some dance moves along the way. There are also some special treats like bubbles and fake snow that make for great entertainment for the little ones in the audience. This was so much fun, but the fun wasn’t done!

“Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!,” at Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, Calif. (Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort)

There’s nothing like Pixar Pier at night — and we had the perfect viewing spot facing the Mickey Ferris Wheel to watch the new World of Happiness show featuring an intro by the Muppets and appearances from the Inside Out characters. The colorful projection and light show plays out over the bay at the pier, with lights dancing on top of the water and projecting out into the sky. There’s some amazing effects with smoke and fireworks and it’s the perfect way to close out the night.

“World of Color Happiness!” at Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, Calif., (Sean Teegarden/Disneyland Resort)

The following day we had lunch in Downtown Disney at the Vista Parkside Market. We tried so much good food, but the chicken sandwich from GG’s Chicken Shop and the beef dumplings from Seoul Sister were my favorite. We also sampled a butterfly pea flower coconut vanilla slushie called The Monarch from Sip + Sonder, the Black woman owned coffee café there that serves lattes, fresh treats, frozen drinks and Caribbean-inspired bites at Parkside Market. Co-founders Amanda-Jane Thomas and Shanita Nicholas were on site answering questions.

“It’s been cool to see the expansion in a space that has such a wide variety of visitors,” Nicholas told Hollywood Melanin about bringing Sip + Sonder to the Downtown Disney District. The venue is their third, with other locations in Inglewood and Downtown Los Angeles.

“It’s a place of joy and that’s so centered in the company’s ethos,” Nicholas added. “Having joy, sharing joys even when there are difficult times, you can infuse joy with family and friends and community, Disneyland and joy go together.”

We can’t wait to go back and try The Hummingbird, Sip + Sonder’s Jamaican Sorrel Slushie.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif. (Sean Teegarden/Disneyland Resort)

Once we got properly fueled up it was time to hit Disneyland, where we caught the Celebrate Happy Cavalcade, another day-time parade which now features some new characters, before hitting Space Mountain and Indiana Jones for some thrills, we did Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and got soaked!

A little water didn’t stop us from turning up at The Happiest Dinner on Earth over in Fantasyland, where we ran into some of our favorite creators. After dinner we previewed the Tapestry of Happiness projection show and then caught the Paint the Night Parade – so cool – Ariel’s float was our favorite. A trip to Disney is never complete without fireworks and the Wondrous Journeys Nighttime Spectactular at Sleeping Beauty’s Castle was the perfect way to close out.

Thanks for having us Disneyland!

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Film & TV

Mara Brock Akil’s ‘Forever’: A Modern Reimagining of Judy Blume’s Classic That Will Make You Feel All The Feels

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Forever on Netflix

Mara Brock Akil’s highly anticipated series adaptation of Judy Blume’s iconic 1975 novel ‘Forever’ has officially landed on Netflix. Premiering on May 8, this eight-episode drama reimagines the groundbreaking young adult novel for a new generation, set against the vibrant backdrop of Los Angeles in 2018.

Featuring a stellar cast including Lovie Simone, Michael Cooper Jr., Karen Pittman, Wood Harris, Xosha Roquemore, Marvin Winans III, and Niles Fitch, ‘Forever’ explores the exhilarating and awkward journey of first love through the lens of Black teens. Here’s why this series is a must-watch and how it honors Blume’s legacy while resonating with today’s audiences.

'Forever' on Netflix
Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr. as Keisha and Justin in ‘Forever’/ courtesy of Netflix

‘Forever,’ A Timeless Love Story, Reimagined

Judy Blume’s ‘Forever’ is a cornerstone of young adult literature, celebrated for its honest portrayal of teenage romance and sexuality. Originally published in 1975, the novel broke barriers with its frank depiction of a young woman’s sexual agency, making it both a beloved classic and a frequent target of censorship. Mara Brock Akil, known for creating television hits like ‘Girlfriends’ and ‘Being Mary Jane,’ brings her signature authentic storytelling to this adaptation. By setting the series in 2018 Los Angeles and centering Black teens Keisha Clark (Lovie Simone) and Justin Edwards (Michael Cooper Jr.), Akil ensures the story feels relevant to modern audiences while preserving the emotional core of Blume’s work.

Akil’s adaptation delves into themes of identity, intimacy, and self-discovery, capturing the rollercoaster of adolescence. As Keisha, a confident track star with big dreams, and Justin, a nerdy athlete with ambitions of his own, navigate their romance, the series highlights the universal joys and challenges of first love. The 2018 setting allows Forever to address contemporary issues like social media and evolving cultural norms, making it a poignant reflection of today’s youth.

Forever on Netflix
‘Forever’ cast (L-R: Xosha Roquemore, Lovie Simone, Wood Harris, Karen Pittman, Michael Cooper Jr., and showrunner and executive producer Mara Brock Akil attend the Los Angeles premiere/ courtesy of Netflix

A Powerhouse Cast and Creative Team

The series features an impressive ensemble, with Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr. delivering standout performances as Keisha and Justin. Additional cast members, including Karen Pittman (The Morning Show), Wood Harris (The Wire), and Xosha Roquemore (The Mindy Project), add depth to the narrative, portraying family and friends who shape the teens’ journey. Marvin Winans III and Niles Fitch round out the cast, bringing nuance to this coming-of-age tale.

Behind the scenes, Akil serves as showrunner and executive producer, joined by Blume herself. Regina King directed the pilot and serves as the series’s executive producer.

Why ‘Forever’ Resonates Today

Forever arrives at a time when authentic representation in media is more critical than ever. Akil’s decision to center the plot around Black teens addresses a gap in mainstream storytelling, offering a narrative where young Black characters are given whole, complex lives. The series’ exploration of self-love as the foundation for lasting relationships adds a layer of emotional depth, resonating with viewers of all ages.

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Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – A Beautiful Tribute and Captivating Sequel (Review)

Written by Tiara Henley

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Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

The Kingdom of Wakanda is welcoming audiences back following the loss of King T’Challa. Tragically, Chadwick Boseman (the only actor to portray T’Challa in the Marvel Cinematic Universe) passed away in 2020 from a years-long private battle with colon cancer. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever serves as a beautiful cathartic tribute to his legacy and reminds viewers of his prodigious impact on the franchise. Though the future of the Black Panther movie franchise was uncertain following Boseman’s death, the newest installment builds upon the foundation he collaborated to create. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is emotionally charged, poignant, shocking, and brilliantly executed. This is one movie that should not be missed. The storyline is authentic; it renders visibility to new cultures and serves up some much-needed healing. It’s sure to be one of the year’s biggest stand-out films.

A scene from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (Marvel)

With the emergence of Namor (The Sub-Mariner, played by Tenoch Huerta Mejia), ruler of a mythical underwater nation, Wakanda and its inhabitants must protect themselves from his threats as well as the usual threats posed by government agencies.

The story focuses on the people who were closest to T’Challa. Not as a means of creating a hierarchy and presenting women to be more superior or efficient to men, but to face the reality of those who would be most affected by the loss of the King. Undoubtedly, the women in the franchise prevail at upholding the eloquently cultivated world that we all fell in love with in the original Black Panther. As if these women weren’t amazingly captivating already, there is an extra element of depth gifted to onlookers as we see Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Shuri (Letitia Wright), Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o), Okoye (Danai Gurira), and the Dora Milaje expose emotionally driven versions of themselves. These ladies are hot-blooded, vulnerable, temperamental, reactive, and every other emotion that lies within the scope of human expression. We also get a genuine depiction of every stage of grief, with each character processing the tragedy uniquely. These processes will resonate with viewers who have lost loved ones and those fans who feel the loss of King T’Challa and Chadwick Boseman personally. The arch of storytelling through Black Panther: Wakanda Forever gives each spectator permission to heal. This was truly the version of the story that made the most sense.

Riri Williams and Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) / Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (Marvel)

Producer Nate Moore recently explained that the movie is not all about grief, though, “It’s also sometimes joy, sometimes humor. It is all of the emotions anyone feels with any profound loss.”

Like most great Marvel films, the audience can embark upon moments of joy and laughter to break up the tension. The creators manage to present a film that allows us to deal with the bereavement of a character we love so profoundly while also providing comedic relief. We owe a great deal of gratitude to Dominique Perry (Iron Heart), who is sure to be a breakout star following this portrayal. Cameos and bombshell revelations in the plot are sure to keep audiences engaged. The story also doesn’t lack action. With entrancingly choreographed routines, Gurira and Alex Livinalli (Attuma) give us one of the most satisfyingly intense fight scenes to date.

Okoye (Danai Gurira) and Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett) / Black Panther Wakanda Forever (Marvel)

Danai revealed during a press conference, “It was a lot of work. The beauty of it is you’re seeing how we had to find the psychology in it while working together. So, there’s a lotta storytelling that has to go into the story being told. And I’m one of those people that’s like, from day one, I’m like, show me my fight, show me my fight so I can learn it now.”

While many brilliantly executed qualities stand out in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, one of the most notable is attention to detail in the representation of cultures. The depictions of ceremonious practices amongst African cultures are represented in funeral processions and the garments that adorn the people of Wakanda. Further, the introduction of Namor, the Sub-Mariner, into the franchise yields exposure to Mayan mythology and Mexican culture through the wardrobe, symbols, and art pieces of the Talokan characters. Aside from being an extraordinary storyteller, a distinguishing facet that director Ryan Coogler continues to bestow is the provision of self-awareness for minorities through tidbits of history. Intertwining locations such as Chicago (United States), Aztec, Maya, Haiti, and Africa, his artistic choices aim to further unify Pan-African, Latin, and Indigenous people.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Namor/ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (Marvel)

“It’s all about culture,” started Mejia, who plays Namor. “Culturally, we are a part of indigenous roots, so embrace those roots and honor these two sources. The main sources in Latin America are of African and indigenous roots and are really important.”

Ultimately, producers Nate Moore and Coogler decided that Wakanda was the most important preservation when tasked with rewriting the script after Boseman’s passing. A precedent of greatness was established with Wakanda’s first depiction in the 2018 release of Black Panther. Maintaining that precedent became a priority for all the creators involved.

Moore discussed key focuses of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and the choice to carry on following Boseman’s untimely departure stating, “I think relatively soon, it was determined that this amazing ensemble of characters and this world that had been created onscreen needed to continue… And keeping the idea of a celebration of Wakanda and the character at the forefront, in addition to the grief that, of course, is gonna come with that.”

This installment of Black Panther exudes the assertive notion that Wakanda is here to stay and truly is Forever!

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will be released exclusively in theaters on November 11th, 2022

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