October 10, 2019 

By Lapacazo Sandoval 

Contributing Writer 

 

This film begins with a scene that Black and Brown people know all too well. Alicia West (Naomie Harris), minding her business, out for her morning run, is pulled over by a pair of white cops, who begin roughing her up for no reason. The situation grows tense but then one of the cops pulls out her ID and discovers she's a fellow officer, a rookie in her third week on the New Orleans police force. No apology offered, they let her go, muttering some nonsense that she (in her running clothes) fit “ the description" followed by "You know how it is.”

 

I call it what it is which is racism. Alicia knows it as well, you can tell by the brimming rage and humiliation that’s on her face. Directed by Deon Taylor we get off to a promising start. 

 

Eager to earn her place, Alicia volunteers to take a night shift from her partner, Kevin (Reid Scott), during which she witnesses a triple murder committed by Police officers who don’t plan on being caught. Too late, maybe, since she’s captured the whole crime on a body cam and now has the evil undercover officer Terry Malone (Frank Grillo), as well as Darius (Mike Colter), and a group of Lower 9th Ward criminals trying to find and silence her. Here’s where it gets tricky, she has to get the bodycam footage back to her precinct, upload it to the interdepartmental cloud and expose the killers.

 

This is life and death with corruption at every turn and being an African-American woman, on the police force, Alicia has few people she can trust, including the residents in the community she's sworn to protect. She’s one of them, dressed in the blue uniform and almost everyone looks at her with deep distrust. Desperate, she turns to Mouse (Tyrese Gibson), a grocery store owner who helps in her initial escape then becomes her only confidante.

 

Early on, a police officer threatens Mouse in his store at gunpoint so he understands the danger Alicia is facing is real.

 

There are enough situations to make a tight thriller, unfortunately, Taylor lets the movie drag letting the suspense dissipates, like air from a balloon. That being said, the director cares and understands what the film is really about. The movie also looks great thanks to the work of the cinematographer Dante Spinotti.

 

This is a crime thriller with a clear good guy (or, her gal) and of course, Alicia wins. She’s a strong woman of color, with righteous justice on her side. It’s a movie, not real life.

 

 The acting is good. The direction is fine. Could it have been better? The answer is yes.

 

Reviewed at Urbanworld 2019 (Spotlights) - 104 minutes

 

“Black and Blue” starring Naomie Harris, Tyrese Gibson, Frank Grillo, Mike Colter, Reid Scott, Beau Knapp, Nafessa Williams. Directed by Deon Taylor.

October 10, 2019

Aries 

MAR 21 - APR 19 

You might feel as if you're no longer in control of your emotions this week. Venus will move into your 8th House of Intimacy which may trigger intense feelings of possession or even obsession over someone you desire. In the deepest shadow expression of this transit, you might even find yourself stalking this person. If you're in an established relationship, then feelings of insecurity might be heightened, especially if you sense that your mate is keeping secrets from you. A Full Moon in your sign on Sunday is what will heighten all of these extreme reactions. Handle with care.

 

Aries 

MAR 21 - APR 19 

There isn't much stability in your love life this week, but there will certainly be plenty of stimulation. Venus moves into your partnership sector on Tuesday to help support an intense bond between you and your mate. You both want to own each other, but it is possible that a healthy attachment can come out of this enhanced need to enmesh. Ironically, a Venus-Uranus opposition on Saturday demands that the only way you'll truly feel connected to your mate is if you let go. It's the rubber-band effect. Pull back, and watch your lover come crashing right into you.

 

Gemini 

MAY 21 - JUN 20 

Your love life situation might affect your health this week. If you're in a situation that feels out of control, this will especially be the case. You might find yourself unable to sleep or focus on work or your daily routine because of the endless loop of obsessive thoughts and feelings running through you. If you're feeling this upended about a romantic situation, then it's time to recognize that something isn't right. Love and relationships should add to your happiness, not drain you. You know this is true. Something has to change.

 

Cancer 

JUN 21 - JUL 22 

If your love life has been a snooze fest lately, you're about to wake up. Venus moves into your romance sector this Tuesday and, until November 1, you'll have the most delicious prospects to attract someone your way with magnetism and a sexy allure that's impossible to resist. In fact, you might not fall in love, Cancer -- you might very well find yourself completely addicted to this person! On Saturday, Venus will oppose Uranus, making it likely that a sudden turn of events will take place in your love life. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!

 

Leo 

JUL 23 - AUG 22 

Domestic bliss is what you want, but this week, it might not exactly be what you get. Venus moves into the area of your chart connected to home and hearth. This will somehow connect your love life to your clan. Unfortunately, on Saturday, Venus will oppose Uranus, the ruler of your partnership sector. A sudden action on the part of your mate could rattle you. If you're dating someone and have been trying to take things slow, your lover might give you an ultimatum. He or she may want to meet your family or move in with you. Are you ready?

 

Virgo 

AUG 23 - SEP 22 

You're not interested in shallow conversations with your partner, that's for sure. You want depth and intensity and you won't be afraid to broach a subject that you know will make your mate uncomfortable. Leaning into this discomfort is the only way you and your partner can strengthen your bond, but it's not going to be easy to achieve. Your partner's knee-jerk reaction may be to run the other way or try to avoid heavy dialogue. Keep persisting. Eventually, you'll win.

 

Libra 

SEP 23 - OCT 22 

A Full Moon in your partnership sector this Sunday is likely to bring a turning point to your love life. Your partner might feel a stronger urge to maintain his or her independence and, if you've been relying on your mate for your happiness, then this is likely to backfire now. Your partner might express a desire to take a break, but it doesn't have to be this extreme -- he or she might simply need a personal timeout. Giving your mate space is the only way to hold on to your connection now. In the meantime, focus on you.

 

Scorpio 

OCT 23 - NOV 21 

Are you feeling the butterflies in your stomach yet? They might be good ones, but they could just as easily be the kind that makes you nauseous. Venus will move into your sign on Tuesday. Your powers of attraction will be even more intense than usual and you'll feel like "leveling up" when it comes to your love life. The trouble with this is that, on Saturday, Venus will oppose Uranus. With this happening in your partnership sector, it's possible that your mate will have a bout of jealousy or an unexpected reaction to your advances. If you're single, however, this might indicate a sudden opportunity for romance.

  

Sagittarius 

NOV 22 - DEC 21 

Matters of the heart might become quieter this week, but certainly not boring. In fact, the level of intensity is likely to go through the roof. Venus will move into your 12th House of Privacy on Tuesday, which places all romantic matters behind the scenes until November 1. Since Venus is in Scorpio, however, there is so much sexy mystery happening and you're about to dive deep into it. An obsession for someone you can't have might consume you now, so be careful. If you're in a relationship, you and your mate are likely to have quite the time behind closed doors. Yum!

  

Capricorn 

DEC 22 - JAN 19 

If you're already exhausted with the non-stop changes in your love life since March, when Uranus entered your romance sector, then you might want to skip reading this horoscope! If, however, you're up for another exhilarating adventure, then here we go... On Saturday, Venus will oppose Uranus, bringing a certain turn of events to your love life. A friend you thought was just a pal might make a sudden advance toward you. You might also have an opportunity for a casual hookup with a friend. Take it or leave it, it's up to you.

 

Aquarius 

JAN 20 - FEB 18 

Your boss or a person with considerable clout in your industry might have feelings for you that are way more intense than you ever could have imagined. He or she might even be in love with you and, until now, you just didn't have a clue. This week, however, all of that will change. This person may suddenly reveal intense emotions for you in a way that makes you excited and uncomfortable all at once. Now that this Pandora's Box has been opened, what will you do? That is the question.

  

Pisces 

FEB 19 - MAR 20 

A feeling of deep connection in love is possible this week, and it will go way beyond the physical bond you share with your mate. Your partner will have the ability to help you expand your horizons when it comes to deep subject matter. This can be anything from his or her view on life after death to the psychic realm or even a religious or spiritual perspective. You'll heartily eat up whatever your lover wants to feed your mind and soul this week. It will be unexpected but oh so delicious.

October 03, 2019 

By Cora Jackson-Fossett 

Contributing Writer 

 

An array of talented local and national artists will headline the Brenda Marsh-Mitchell Gospel Stage at the 14th Annual Taste of Soul Family Festival on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., on Crenshaw Blvd., from Barack Obama Blvd. to Stocker Ave., in South Los Angeles.

 

 

Gospel mega-producer Warryn Campbell and his wife, Grammy award-winner Erica Campbell, will play leading roles as Taste of Soul co-chairs of both the festival and the gospel stage.  Warryn will bring his “My Block” roster to perform, which includes musical luminaries JoiStaRR, Jason McGee and The Choir, Lena Byrd Miles and The Walls Group.

 

 

Local quartet group, the Zion Messengers, will also take the stage bringing the sounds of ole’ school religion to Crenshaw Blvd. The Zion Messengers are featured on Snoop Dogg's “Bible of Love” gospel CD. In August 2018, the group was nominated for a Dove Award.

 

 

Also, a portion of the program will highlight popular regional vocalists and choirs recruited by Pastor Kelvin Sauls of Sauls Enterprises and Ricardo Mowatt of Mowatt Entertainment.

 

 

According to Taste of Soul creator and Sentinel Executive Publisher Danny J. Bakewell, Sr., “The Taste of Soul Gospel Stage will always have a special place in my heart.  The Brenda Marsh-Mitchell Gospel Stage is named in honor of the first Taste of Soul and Mothers in Action president and my dear friend and longtime assistant, Brenda Marsh-Mitchell. 

 

“To watch this stage grow along with Taste of Soul, from a small stage in front of the Sentinel office, to a premier stage drawing thousands of God-fearing, spiritually-grounded fans of gospel music right here on Crenshaw Blvd. is certainly a blessing,” he said.

 

“To have gospel music superstars like Erica and Warryn Campbell as hosts and co-chairs of the gospel stage and of Taste of Soul is a dream come true. 

 

 

I cannot say thank you enough to both Erica and Warryn as well my friend, Pastor Kelvin Sauls, who together have made the Brenda Marsh-Mitchell Stage one of the premier annual stages that our people look forward to each and every year. 

 

 

I know Brenda is smiling down from heaven on us all this year and every year,” insisted Bakewell.

 

 

“Our mission is to make a joyful noise unto the Lord through gifted artists and quality music that embodies the vision and spirit of Brenda,” noted Sauls.

 

 

“We’re looking forward to taking the good news of Jesus Christ from the sanctuary to the streets and I promise that the experience will be entertaining, exalting, energetic and epic!”

 

 

Christian comedian J-Red and KJLH’s Aundrae Russell will return as emcees for the first half of the musical production. 

 

 

 

The performers include Shari Demby, Pastor Desmond Pringle, Angela Polk, the Jubilant Voices ensemble of Holman United Methodist Church, and the Los Angeles Inner City Mass Choir. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excited about the Brenda Marsh-Mitchell Gospel Stage, Sauls said to the community, “Join us as we give God the highest praise, amplify God’s love, and multiply our love for one another.

 

 

 

 

Come for a blessing and leave blessed to be a blessing!