May 07, 2020
By Lapacazo Sandoval
Contributing Writer
Question? Do you subscribe to the streaming platform UMC? It’s the first streaming service for Black TV and film.
Actress Tammy Townsend currently starring as Candance, in UMC’s original dramedy series “Stuck with You” written and directed by Patricia Cuffie-Jones poised that question. I don’t have UMC. I have Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime. I’m not proud of this fact. It’s a mental wrestling match I confess.
Cuffie-Jones’ dramedy “Stuck with You” also stars Timon Kyle Durret (“Queen Sugar), D.Woods, AJ Johnson, and Terrance Green.
“I’m one of the original cast members of Stuck with You,” confessed Tammy Townsend. “I was with creator Patricia Cuffie-Jones when she had the series on the internet.”
Born and raised in California, Tammy Townsend began her acting career in 1985, appearing in episodes of television sitcoms such as “Diff'rent Strokes” and “Charles in Charge.” Her other credits include the NBC daytime soap opera, “Days of Our Lives,” “Family Matters,” “The Practice, “Felicity,” “Walker, Texas Ranger,” “Friends,” and “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.”
It took a while for “Stuck with You” to come to UMC but it speaks to the talent of creator Cuffie-Jones and the direction of the streaming network.
“Stuck With You” explores marriage and relationships, after the honeymoon phase, when you are in that painful spot evaluating if you should leave or stay and not lose your investment.
For at least a decade, Candace (Tammy Townsend) and Luvell (Timon Kyle Durrett) have been an iconic Hollywood couple. But, they find their relationship entering a rocky phase despite releasing a best-selling book and maintaining their public sense of couple perfection, they are anything but. The truth is that they are both struggling. As they continue their journey the question looms — will they stay together for the next part of their journey?
Candace’s assistant Mora (D. Woods), isn’t lucky in love which threatens to undermind her five-year plan and in Luvell’s world, his partner at his non-profit Quasir (Terrance Green) is also experiencing a shifting in his relationship. The question for all of the couples is a larger cosmic question which is this—are you with this person out of comfort or convenience.
“Stuck with You” is relatable because every race, creed, or sexual preference under the sun has to deal with the drama of relationships on the rocks. In this series, Luvell and Candace’s marriage gets tested and tempted. Under Cuffie-Jones direction these characters are allowed their flaws and therefore universally understood.
“Everyone understands the ups and downs of a romantic relationship,” says Townsend. “Stuck with You is basically about a group of couples at different stages in their relationship. I play Candance, the eldest in the group and the one in the longest marriage and part of a Hollywood power couple.”
Over the years the criticism surrounding the lack of programming by and for African-Americans has helped many creative teams get their work completed and distributed. The hashtag #blackexcellence took on a life on its own being used to celebrate everything from births to getting a project funded. And it’s with that idea firmly in place that UMC roared to life.
“I was part of Patricia Cuffie-Jones series when it was a Youtube series,” shares Townsend. “I’ve always played Candance. I’m the veteran of the cast. I’ve worked with her before. She started out writing plays and then she moved into writing for television and she’s pulled me along much like Tyler Perry, who has a core group of actors and as an actress, I’m part of Patricia Cuffie-Jones creative team.”
Patricia Cuffie-Jones — an African American writer, director and editor is arriving a very exciting time to be a content creator. “Two things have happened with Black women as creative content providers,” says Townsend. “African American women are starting to come into their own. We’ve always had business aspirations but we are doing it now. We have different hairlines, make-up lines, wig lines as a few examples … We’ve also shown that in the political world that we are a force to be reckoned with. We are not to be ignored anymore. Also, I think that social media has provided a platform that helps. Issa Rae’s career began on Youtube. We can’t be ignored anymore. It’s a really good time to be a Black woman.”
To learn more about UMC’s series go to : https://umc.tv
April 30, 2020
By Lapacazo Sandoval
Contributing Writer
“Atlanta's Missing And Murdered: The Lost Children” is a five-part documentary series offering an unprecedented look at the abduction and murder of at least 30 African American children and young adults in Atlanta between 1979 and 1981.
In the spring of 2019, the decades’ old investigation into their murders (in Atlanta) was reopened by Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.
Why did it take so long, you might ask? That’s the underlining question that links the five-part documentary. In 1981, former club promoter Wayne Williams was arrested and convicted for the murders of the adults after fibers from his home and car were found on the bodies. Police suspected Williams was responsible for the child murders as well, but there was no evidence.
Long before the hashtag #Blacklivesmatter the frustrated Black Atlanta community banded together to do what the police would not or could not, they went to literally search for the Black missing children and found several, dead in areas mind you, that had just “searched.”
The series tells the inside story of this shocking tragedy, shedding new light on the horrific killings through exclusive archival material as well as interviews with those closest to the children and investigation.
The pace of the series is methodical. It tracks the story from the initial disappearance and discovery of two murdered teenage boys to the terror that progressively gripped the city, ultimately building to the indictment and prosecution of 23-year-old Wayne Williams, who was found guilty of murdering two adults while also being linked to the murders of 10 children. Days after Williams was sentenced to two life terms, most of the children’s cases were closed and attributed to Williams, without ever going to trial.
Without ever going to trial? Does something feel fishy here, does something feel undone? Does something make you ponder if an innocent Black man was shut away for crimes he did not commit?
There was a rush by Atlanta officials to officially close the case (why?) which produced more questions that remain unanswered, including how the victims’ family members – along with so many others in the Atlanta community – have a reasonable doubt of Williams’ guilt.
Years and years of no suspects, is that possible? The series says no, in fact, the documentary series points to alternate suspects (smart) and highlights the biases that may have tainted the original investigation.
I think you are following the importance of “Atlanta’s Missing And Murdered: The Lost Children.” For those of us that care about Black people being murdered, correction, Black children and young people being murdered, and almost forgotten, it’s more than stimulating entertainment. It’s an opportunity to see how America operates.
Through never-before-seen footage, interviews, and court documents, the series brings new evidence to the table while pushing new questions, important questions, related to the racial tensions and political clashes that brought Atlanta to a boiling point during this tragedy.
As terror runs through Atlanta parents stop letting their kids play outside and then the investigation becomes a circus. To wit in October 1980, Dorothy Allison, a self-proclaimed psychic, arrives and promises there will be no more murders now that she’s there (she lied). Bill Cosby made public service announcements advising kids not to get into anyone’s car. The late Michael Jackson and boxing legend Muhammad Ali gave money for rewards. Then New York City’s Guardian Angels show up to offer tips on how people can protect themselves.
The documentary perfectly captures the anxiety and the vulnerability which ran deep.
And then we look at the social impact of the Black churches in a terrified and furious community. Paranoia becomes King and Queen. Rumors swell about mutilated genitalia. Conspiracy theories grow like weeds in an unattended garden. Was it the Atlanta police department. Was it the government? Remember, America is run by liars and we stand on conquered land, made fertile by the blood of African slaves. And people are then reminded about the Tuskegee experiments (Black people as guinea pigs). Then they bring up a child porn ring run by pedophiles living and working in the Black community. One of the most disturbing sequences is the images — boxes and boxes—of underage nude photographs, including some which may be of some of the victims. Who killed these Black kids? Was it someone the kids trusted? Williams, a known local, a self-proclaimed talent scout. He becomes a person of interest after a 16-year-old musician disappears on his way to a recording studio.
Anthony Terrell, brother of one of the victims, Earl Terrell, believes that the interest and this series could have real consequences. His thoughts are used in the trailer for “Atlanta’s Missing And Murdered: The Lost Children”; offering this: “If they pursue this, it’s going to destroy the Atlanta name for a while. It would turn Atlanta into the real Atlanta.”
I don’t want to say that “Atlanta’s Missing And Murdered: The Lost Children” is great storytelling (it is) or that it holds your attention (it does) because it's about life and death which is too important to minimize. Could this happen again, in other states in America? It has happened in other states in America but it's the people of Atlanta, folks like you and I, that would not let it rest. That's a powerful take away from the five-part series.
The other take away is a creative look at race and politics in America which may answer why there are so many producers on the project. Here is the full credit block executive produced and directed by Sam Pollard, Maro Chermayeff, Jeff Dupre and Joshua Bennett for Show of Force; produced by Saralena Weinfield for Show of Force; executive produced by Mike Jackson, Ty Stiklorius and John Legend for Get Lifted Film Co. in association with Roc Nation. For HBO: supervising producer, Sara Rodriguez; executive producers, Nancy Abraham and Lisa Heller.
“Atlanta’s Missing And Murdered: The Lost Children” now playing on HBO.
April 30, 2020
Aries
MAR 21 - APR 19
There is nothing you can say that will convince someone you love to love you back. If you're in an unrequited love situation, the best course of action is to walk away. It can be brutal when someone sends mixed signals that they care for you but aren't emotionally available for a relationship. You hold out with hope that someday this person will magically be ready to embrace you. However, if that person has already made it clear that it's a "no," wasting your time on unrealistic thoughts is only keeping you from meeting the real soulmate you're meant to be with. Don't cheat yourself, Aries!
Taurus
APR 20 - MAY 20
With Mercury moving into your sign, you'll be able to clearly express yourself in all ways, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. You might even feel impulsive on Thursday when Mercury collides with Uranus, also in your sign. It'll be impossible to hold your tongue now if you've been keeping something to yourself that you really want to express to your mate. This might have positive consequences, but it may also ignite a firestorm that you'll have to put out. Remember, once you say something you can't take it back, so be careful! If you're single and looking around online for your next date, you might find an unexpected match this week. Exciting!
Gemini
MAY 21 - JUN 20
This week, you're just not seeing things clearly in the love department, Gemini. Although Venus is in your sign, she'll square off with Neptune by Sunday, creating nothing but confusion and second-guessing in matters of the heart. You might be tempted to compromise yourself in some way, all in the name of love. Careful, don't do anything that you know may damage your reputation, especially professionally! That means being very cautious about how much you discuss your personal life to those who are influential in your career. Judgement that hurts you is possible.
Cancer
JUN 21 - JUL 22
Sudden changes in your social life might have ramifications for your love life. If you're in a relationship and you and your partner have certain couple friends, it's possible that you'll hear news about them splitting up. This will happen out of the blue and it might leave you and your mate feeling torn up. Make sure that another couple's problems don't bleed into your relationship, Cancer. It's not necessary. In other news, if you're single, it's possible that you'll be crushing on someone you see as extremely spiritual or intellectual, a real guru. Be careful. This looks like a fantasy more than anything else.
Leo
JUL 23 - AUG 22
The last thing you want to do is get your friends involved in your love life. If you're in a relationship, then it's possible that confiding in a pal about your romantic troubles or confusion will do more harm than good. This friend might talk to your significant other and try to be a mediator for you -- without you knowing. Although his or her intentions might be good, it's only going to make you feel invaded. If you're single, this won't be the week to let a friend coax you into connecting with someone they know. Again, their intentions might be pure, but the person they're thinking of isn't exactly what he or she seems. Pass on it, Leo.
Virgo
AUG 23 - SEP 22
Relationships are blurry this week. Being idealistic and wanting to see the best in your lover is one thing, but you're only hurting yourself when you choose to remain blind to potential deal-breaker situations. It's possible you'll discover something about your mate that leaves you feeling extremely disappointed. The most frustrating part to you about this is that the writing was on the wall the entire time -- you just chose not to look. If you're single, you might find yourself fantasizing about a grand love affair with someone you hold in high regard. Don't get too lost in your reverie, Virgo.
Libra
SEP 23 - OCT 22
A snap decision about joint finances is possible for you and your partner this week. At first, it might appear to be reckless and sudden. However, when you look deeper into it, it seems that your partner does indeed have an absolutely brilliant idea with a real leg to stand on! It's worth listening to, Libra. If you're single, it's very possible that you'll connect with someone and feel an immediate chemistry. It could be so electrifying that you find yourself unable to think about anything other than this person. Take it easy!
Scorpio
OCT 23 - NOV 21
On Monday, Mercury moves into your partnership sector and makes an exact conjunction to Uranus by Thursday. As a result of this lineup, it's possible you and your partner will start out discussing one way of handling a family or real estate matter, only to completely change your plan by Thursday. It could be unnerving, but the end result will be much better than you could have anticipated, so be open to this change. If you're single, you're really feeling vulnerable this weekend. Don't allow yourself to be swept away by someone who is too good to be true, Scorpio! This person is not all that he or she seems.
Sagittarius
NOV 22 - DEC 21
For some reason, it looks like a family member is causing all sorts of confusion about your love life. This relative might find some hidden information about your partner and feel as if he or she needs to bring it to your attention. Another possibility is that you and your partner are just not seeing clearly when it comes to domestic decisions. Avoid them. If you're completely single, then you might feel that for now, it's for the best. You have too much to handle on the home front anyway.
Capricorn
DEC 22 - JAN 19
Mercury enters your romance sector on Monday, making it certain that one way or another, love is on your mind. Interestingly enough, you might struggle with a fear of striking up a conversation with someone you have your eye on near Tuesday Mercury squares off with Saturn. Don't worry, it's just a temporary paralysis. By Thursday, your tune is changing entirely thanks to Mercury meeting up with Uranus. A surprise conversation is in store, Capricorn! You might also make a sudden decision about your love life.
Aquarius
JAN 20 - FEB 18
When it comes to love, you may feel like you're in over your head this week. Venus is still in your true love sector, granting you plenty of romantic opportunities, and that by itself is a beautiful thing! Singles are getting attention and coupled Aquarians are feeling the love as well. However, Venus will square off with nebulous Neptune this week, making you second-guess everything about matters of the heart. Are you with the right person? Is the grass greener somewhere else? Is the person you love being genuine? Do you even want a love relationship right now? All you have are questions but no answers. It's OK. Marinate.
Pisces
FEB 19 - MAR 20
If you're in a relationship, then communication between you and your mate is about to become much livelier. Mercury enters your message sector on Monday and will meet up with Uranus, the planet of innovation, by Thursday. You and your mate could have an "aha" moment together as you engage in a conversation about finances or the direction of your love life. You both agree that it's time to try something new, but you'll manage to do this in a grounded manner. It's a win! If single, you might not want to share your romantic ideals with a family member. They will only crush your dreams, Pisces.
April 30, 2020
By Lapacazo Sandoval
Contributing Writer
“Bull” marks director Annie Silverstein’s debut. It’s set in Houston and follows Kris, a troubled 14-year old-girl (Amber Harvard) whose mother is in the state penitentiary, and Abe, an ex-bull rider (Rob Morgan) way past-his-prime who is barely making his living working the weekly rodeo circuits. Both damaged beings are at a crossroads in their lives—very different but none the less the form an unlikely bond and attempt self-discovery before it is too late for them both.
Can you teach an old dog new tricks? It’s a theme loosely explored in the film as it pushes deeper into the story.
We first meet Kris taking care of the family dog, giving her grandmother (Keeli Wheeler) an insulin shot and making the best of economic hardships. Kris is shouldering more than a child her age should. Her mother is in prison, and she’s forced to help raise her little sister (Keira Bennett). No surprise that she fights at school.
One boring, lonely night, trying to impress classmates, Kris breaks into the home of Abe, a hard-drinking and painkiller using former rodeo star whose been relegated him to now just wrangling bulls rather than riding them.
Furious Abe calls the police but takes pity on Kris who later helps him clean up.
Over the start of their journey, the two begin to form a silent bond. An unspoken understanding that they both need someone. She begins to tag along with him meeting other black rodeo workers and their families.
She quickly forms a bond and decides that she wants to ride, starting with riding “the barrel,” a mechanical device that simulates the experience of riding a wild, bucking bull. Kris is hooked. A lifeline to cling to a necessary break from her bleak routine.
When she attends her first rodeo, she falls in love and starts hammering Abe with questions about life as a bull-rider.
Slowly he responds to her curiosity and gives her a few lessons and it’s here that the friendship (and the story) begins to develop.
There is no mutual rehabilitation by a “supernatural negro” like seen in Oscar-winning “Green Book,” here the film's approach toward race is rarely addressed. The casual racism that swirls around these characters is a copy-cat (almost) of how racism envelopes Americans. It’s like air … always there.
At its heart “Bull” is about the necessary work that is needed by every human being that has decided to change their life. Yes, it’s daunting. Growth is often unpleasant but it makes space for the unexpected.
The acting is solid with young Havard delivering an even and believable performance. Necessary since the magnetic Morgan fills every frame with his character’s presence.
All-in-all “Bull” draws the viewer into the heart of the story where they can cherish the tender moments. We feel when Kris visits her dysfunctional mother (Sara Albright) in jail. We connect when she’s bonding with her sister and confiding with new friends. We cheer her new connection with rodeo buddies watching her slowly grow. These moments are necessary to bring the full story of “Bull” to life.
One of the jewels in “Bull” is the simple, straight forward way that the director, Silverstein, has decided to tell the story. Raising the question of what can a 14-year-old white girl learn from a middle-aged black ex-bull-rider?
Much like cowboys who work the circuit, the film approaches the story with the same methodical slow build with each trying to find their footing, so to speak.
There is inherent suspense in the film as the larger questions loom which are will they find love and mutual respect? Is that even a possibility given their age and race differences?
Director Silverstein’s story has managed to sidestep several clichés keeping her pacing strong allowing the film to patiently enfold. “Bull” is not a perfect film but it’s smart and made with tenderness.
“Bull” directed by Annie Silverstein. Screenplay by Annie Silverstein, Johnny McAllister. Starring Rob Morgan, Amber Havard, Yolonda Ross, Sara Albright, Keeli Wheeler, Keira Bennett, Steven Boyd.
On-demand and digital- May 1, 2020.