If there were a poem to describe the thoughts of independent film producer and director Marc Levin on the 15th anniversary of his gritty film, Slam, it would likely include the phrase “blown away.” Levin is still surprised at the
On the “A” w/Souleo While this time of year calls for giving thanks, spiritual life coach Iyanla Vanzant is focused on forgiveness with her new interactive self-help book FORGIVENESS: 21 Days to Forgive Everyone for Everything. But in her personal
Stax Records was more than a music machine releasing hits by the likes of Otis Redding and The Staple Singers. According to author and music historian Robert Gordon it was also an example of unity in 1960s segregated South Memphis.
On the “A” w/Souleo When the married stars of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” Cynthia Bailey Thomas and Peter Thomas set out to write their joint memoir, Carry On Baggage: Our Nonstop Flight, they didn’t expect to discover new things
When actresses LisaGay Hamilton and Yolonda Ross finished reading the script for two-time Oscar nominee John Sayles’ new film, Go for Sisters, they immediately knew they wanted to be cast in it since they appreciated the script’s sensitivity in dealing
The spirit of the late jazz legend George Duke was with multi-instrumentalist Najee during the recording of his latest album, The Morning After: A Musical Love Journey. Duke’s presence was so strong that it inspired Najee to record a song
Henry Louis Gates Jr. hopes that his latest PBS documentary,” The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross,“ will not only educate the public but also lead to reform in the nation’s public school system. “We need one documentary to show the whole
On the ‘A’ w/Souleo In her private residence, playwright Ntozake Shange is lost in her own world: one made up of words, rhythm and recovery. The writer of the legendary theater piece, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/ When the
On the “A” w/Souleo During an evening inspired by the whimsy of “The Wizard of Oz,” attendees at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center’s (NJPAC) 18th Annual Spotlight Gala didn’t hesitate to delve into less lighthearted topics such as the government
On the “A” w/Souleo The piercing cheers of more than 500 New York City schoolkids trumpeted the kickoff event at Symphony Space for the album, Songs for a Healthier America. Hip-Hop Public Health and the Partnership for a Healthier America,
On the “A” w/Souleo: At this year’s 17th Annual Urbanworld Film Festival, presented by BET Networks, numerous attendees were seeking the funk. One of the event’s most anticipated films, Finding the Funk was screened and brought out stars including George Clinton of Parliament
On the “A” w/Souleo If the influence of Goodie Mob were to be measured solely by the number of contemporary socially conscious Southern hip-hop artists, one might assume that the veteran group from Atlanta left virtually no mark. At least
On the “A” w/Souleo Cancer, alopecia and diversity are not usually synonymous with fashion, yet several events are integrating these topics with their celebration of all things sartorial. Hip-hop pioneer and breast cancer survivor, Roxanne Shante will serve as co-host
On the “A” w/Souleo Before Sheryl Lee Ralph sat down to film her episode of TV One’s hit docu-series, Life After she wasn’t sure where life would take her next. This surprising confession comes from a woman who earned a Tony
On the “A” w/Souleo On the surface two major events held this past weekend could not appear to be further apart. Separated by over 200 miles was the Washington, D.C. kickoff to the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington and in Brooklyn’s
On the “A” w/Souleo Musiq Soulchild is a reinvigorated singer these days and he has Syleena Johnson to thank for the change. The two decided to create a full-length album after a chance encounter at a recording studio where they
On the “A” w/Souleo Melvin Van Peebles has virtually taken on every career imaginable, including being a novelist, journalist, director, playwright, actor, rapper and musician. Now on the cusp of turning 81, he is ready to introduce the world to
On the “A” w/Souleo When Stevie Wonder says “boycott” you take heed. That’s exactly what musical legend Ronald Isley believes since he’s decided to join Wonder’s boycott of Florida following the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of
Adepero Oduye replaces Condola Rashad in Broadway’s The Trip to Bountiful Broadway’s hit revival The Trip to Bountiful recently welcomed a new cast member with the addition of actress Adepero Oduye. In her Broadway debut, Oduye takes on the role
Harlem Arts Alliance Presents: On the “A” w/Souleo When considered unsung, you learn to be grateful for every honor received. For The Legendary Intruders, one of those moments of appreciation occurred at last week’s Motown to Def Jam: Love Train gallery talk where two
