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‘Black History Captured on Film’: Lincoln ‘Stepin Fetchit’ Perry

by Betti Halsell

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First Black Million-Dollar Actor Lincoln ‘Stepin Fetchit’ Perry Created Doors of Opportunity for the Black Community, but Don’t Speak His Name On Set.  

In the film industry, being labeled a ‘Stepin Fetchit’ is the equivalent to being called an Uncle Tom. How did Lincoln Perry’s movie star character become such a poisonous dagger you ask? Well, that’s a twisted narrative filled with domestic abuse, a murderous son, and his inability to evolve with the social awareness surrounding the Civil Rights Movement…where to begin.  

Perry’s career started off breaking through cemented racial barriers in the film industry, he is widely celebrated for being the first Black actor to make a million dollars. Perry was the first Black talent to be credited in a motion picture in the 1920s.  

Lincoln Perry in Judge Priest (1934)

However, he built his empire in one of the most controversial ways possible, capitalizing on negative stereotypes that led to his ultimate demise. The character he played earned him the title of “the laziest man on earth,” setting the tone for the rest of the world to believe this to be true for all Black people. A possible red flag to reflect on, but Perry continued.  

Getting into his personal life, he went through two marriages. Both women at one point ended up with a broken nose. This led to lawsuits and legal obligation to contribute to child support. It didn’t help that one of his sons grew up only despising the legacy his old man rendered his wealth from. 

Living as the son of the theatrical Uncle Tom, in a time of radical moves to eradicate racial injustice, may have driven Jr. (he definitely wouldn’t like that I called him Jr.) to go on a freeway shooting spree, killing over 20 people before turning the gun on himself. Are you starting to see why we don’t bring this guy up too often? 

It’s been a love/hate, (mostly hate) relationship with good ol’ Stepin Fetchit, on one hand, he did the impossible, on the other hand he slowed down progress for social evolution during an extreme battle for equality. In Perry’s case, you win some, and then you lose it all. To end on a positive note, Perry has been recognized with a Hollywood Star and the NAACP provided him with an image award, assuming we are focused on the ‘breaking barriers’ side of his narration.  

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Cassie Is Pregnant! Baby No. 3 On The Way.

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Cassie is pregnant

Singer and actress Cassie Ventura, known artistically as Cassie, announced her pregnancy on Wednesday. The announcement was shared via a touching social media post featuring a series of intimate photographs with husband Alex Fine and their two daughters, Frankie, 5, and Sunny, 3.

The  “Me & U” singer began dating Fine shortly after her split from Sean “Diddy” Combs. They made their relationship Instagram official in December 2018. The couple announced their first pregnancy, got engaged, married, and welcomed their oldest daughter the following year. Their second child, Sunny, was born in March of 2021.

The most recent pregnancy announcement comes more than a year after the 38-year-old filed and subsequently settled a lawsuit against her ex, Diddy, alleging various forms of abuse during their relationship. Fine has been incredibly supportive of his wife during this time.

The soon-to-be father-of-three also expressed his excitement in a post captioned “Best gift I could ask for.” In his Instagram stories, he revealed that Cassie is six months pregnant.

Congratulations to the happy parents!

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Preacher and producer DeVon Franklin and celebrity trainer Maria Castillo are Engaged! (photos)

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DeVon Franklin engagement

Preacher and producer DeVon Franklin is engaged to his girlfriend, celebrity trainer, Maria Castillo.

Franklin, who announced his split from Meagan Good in December 2021, proposed to Castillo on a Hawaii holiday vacation.

“Finding Maria has been one of God’s greatest blessings in my life, so I wanted the proposal to be as special as our love,” he told PEOPLE magazine. “We went to Maui for vacation, I told her we were gonna do a photo shoot and during the photo shoot I surprised her with the proposal! It was truly a magical moment and I can’t wait to spend a magical life with Maria!” 

The couple reportedly met a year ago when Castillo’s business partner, also Franklin’s friend, introduced them to one another. The two connected over their love for fitness and since that meeting, they’ve been inseparable. 

See the gorgeous engagement photos below, courtesy of People magazine.

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Viola Davis and Angela Bassett are Leading the Oval Office in ‘G20’ and ‘Zero Day’

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Viola Davis and Angella Bassett

Viola Davis and Angela Bassett are set to take on roles that are not only groundbreaking but also reflect a vision of leadership that has been historically underrepresented. Both actresses, known for their extraordinary talents and impactful performances, will portray Black women presidents in two upcoming projects: “G20” and “Zero Day.”

Viola Davis in ‘G20’ on Prime

Viola Davis stars as President Danielle Sutton in the action-packed thriller “G20,” produced by Amazon MGM Studios. Set to premiere on Prime Video on April 10, 2025, “G20” unfolds during an international summit in Cape Town, South Africa, which is suddenly besieged by terrorists. Davis’s character, a former war hero elected on a liberal ticket, must use her military acumen and diplomatic skills to protect her family, her nation, and the world leaders in attendance.

Viola Davis in ‘G20.’

This film marks a significant moment as Davis, who has already achieved EGOT status, steps into a role that showcases her as a leader and an action hero. The story emphasizes her character’s resilience and strategic thinking under duress, offering viewers a thrilling yet grounded portrayal of a Black woman navigating the highest office during a crisis. The film’s director, Patricia Riggen, praised Davis for bringing an unprecedented depth to the role, turning her into a “weapon of mass destruction” in her efforts to combat the threats at the summit.

Angela Bassett in ‘Zero Day’ on Netflix

Meanwhile, Angela Bassett takes on the role of President Evelyn Mitchell in Netflix’s “Zero Day,” a series that delves into the aftermath of a catastrophic cyberattack on the United States. Scheduled to stream from February 20, 2025, the film explores themes of technology, politics, and power, with Bassett’s character navigating the complexities of leading a nation in crisis. In “Zero Day,” the Commander-In-Chief teams up with a retired president, played by Robert De Niro, to unravel the truth behind an attack that claims thousands of lives.

Robert DeNiro and Angela Basset in ‘Zero Day’. Courtesy of Netflix

Bassett, known for her powerful performances in films like “What’s Love Got to Do with It” and “Black Panther,” brings a nuanced portrayal of the presidency, highlighting the challenges of leadership in a modern, tech-driven world. Her role in “Zero Day” is about commanding authority and the moral and ethical dilemmas that come with such power.

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