August 22, 2019
By Lapacazo Sandoval
Contributing Writer
African-Caribbean Actress Stephanie Levi-John, 30, has a crisp, British accent and when she speaks her cadence is peppered with bursts of deep, throaty laughter. The sound of her voice reminds me of joy and I found myself smiling during our phone interview— a necessity because she calls London, England home.
The occasion to connect was to talk about her role in Starz’s new series “The Spanish Princess” in which she plays Catalina (“Lina”) de Cardonnes, the lady-in-waiting to the Spanish Princess.
Teenaged princess Catherine of Aragon, played by Charlotte Hope, daughter of Spanish rulers Isabella and Ferdinand, travels to England to meet her husband by proxy, Arthur Prince of Wales, heir apparent of Henry VII of England to whom she has been betrothed since she was a child. Unwelcome by some, she and her diverse court, including her lady-in-waiting Lina who is of Moorish ancestry, struggle to adapt to English customs.
Audiences have grown accustomed to watching British costume dramas with a uniformly White cast. In Starz’s “The Spanish Princess” the creators decided to resist leaving out two historical characters that were merely mentioned in documents of the period which included Lina and one of Catherine’s soldiers. Instead, in the telling of the story of Catherine of Aragon, they made a point of bringing Moors, who were African, out of historical obscurity and into focus.
“The Spanish Princess” is a British-American historical drama developed by Emma Frost and Matthew Graham. It is based on the novels The Constant Princess and The King's Curse by Philippa Gregory and it is a sequel to the miniseries “The White Queen” and “The White Princess.”
The L.A. Watts Times spoke with Stephanie Levi-John about playing Lina de Cardonnes. Here is an edited excerpt.
L.A. Watts Times: What type of challenges did you experience in playing Catalina (“Lina”) de Cardonnes, the Black lady-in-waiting to Catherine in Spain, and then England, where she ends up on the British court?
STEPHANIE LEVI-JOHN: That’s a great question, but let me start with saying just how grateful I am to be playing Lina. I mean, two years ago, if anyone would have asked me would you like to be in a [British] costume drama shows, I would have just laughed. I mean that’s not going to happen, really, and then, you know, I was made to eat my own words which was refreshing.
LAWT: Did you grow up in a family of actors? How did you decide that you wanted a career as an actress?
SLJ: Solid question. When I was about eight or nine, a childhood friend of mine had been scouted to appear at the National Theatre in a play. So, I went along with her mum to watch her. It was kind of like a lightbulb moment at such a young age: This is exactly what I will do for the rest of my life, purely because someone who looks like me on stage is doing something that I knew I would enjoy. It felt like, ‘Okay, if she can do it, then hopefully I can do it, too.’
LAWT: Thank you for opening that question. Did you see a lot of Black people on the screen growing up in England?
SLJ: Another great question. Let me think. So, I grew up in the ‘90s, early 2000s, and we had some shows like “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and “Sister, Sister” but they were American and so I did feel disconnected because I’m in London and the Black stars that I did see were there in America.
LAWT: I’m impressed with your talent and I predict that once American film directors and casting agents look into your skill level, you will become a very busy lady. What type of training did you receive?
SLJ: Thank you, you’re very kind. Well, I went to Identity School of Acting, where [founder] Femi Oguns created a platform for actors of color to get into the industry.
LAWT: Femi Oguns seems like a very intelligent person. Hats off to Femi Oguns. Sorry, please continue.
SLJ: (Laughing) No, you are right. I mean I didn’t know how I’d be able to navigate myself into this industry, and that gave me the foundation to build a career. I learn by experience. I call myself (laughing) a “work experience girl.” Every job is a new opportunity to learn and I’m receptive to all of it. I’m constantly learning about myself and things that work for me.
LAWT: How did you develop the character, Lina? In the press notes, it mentions that in historical documents there was very little about her.
SLJ: Well there was a wealth of information in the actual script that allowed me to understand and to place Lina historically in that time to figure out the ins-and-outs. I used my imagination asking myself how did she stand? How would she carry herself? This is a story about otherness and being different and coming from one place and trying to resettle in another. It happens today.
LAWT: You are right. That’s a great way of looking at “The Spanish Princess.”
SLJ: You know, what I wanted, more than anything, is to treat the memory of this woman who was just a line in a history book with the utmost respect and dignity.
LAWT: Preach.
SLJ: (Laughing) She’s not subservient. She is a woman with emotion. I just want to stay true to that. I did not want to make her a caricature, I wanted to make her as human as possible.
LAWT: Now, let’s talk about you for a minute. Can you do a flat, American accent?
SLJ: Yes, I can do a flat American accent.
LAWT: Oh my God, you can do a flat American accent. What is it about you British folks, is it something in the water? Is it a secret gift from the Queen of England to all of her subjects?
SLJ: (Laughing) A gift from the Queen … yes… that might be it.
LAWT: What type of roles do you want to play?
SLJ: A villain. A proper female villain. Some type of female assassin.
LAWT: Do you want to work in America?
SLJ: That’s the goal.
LAWT: What type of directors would you like to work with?
SLJ: Wow, I would have loved to have worked with [the late] John Singleton. I recently connected with casting director Kim Hardin.
LAWT: You should connect with director-screenwriter Dallas Jackson, he credits John Singleton with opening the door to him being a director.
SLJ: Really? I will, and thank you. I would love to do more films about Black people from other eras. Understand? I mean we tend to associate people of color with certain eras of time and eradicate them from others.
LAWT: As if we didn’t exist outside of slavery?
SLJ: Exactly. That is why I was so drawn to the character of Lina because she existed, as well as other people who accompanied Catherine of Aragon on her voyage to England. Hopefully, this show will encourage people to learn more about people of color not only in British history but how we impacted history around the world.
LAWT: Stephanie Levi-John I see big things for you, and congratulations on “The Spanish Princess” being renewed.
SLJ: Thank you.
August 22, 2019
Aries
MAR 21 - APR 19
Aries, if you're single, this is your time to hit the gym and hit it hard. Why? Venus moves into your 6th House of Health and Work this Wednesday, and wherever Venus is moving around in your chart indicates potential places to meet your next great love. In the health sector, you might very well find that sexy someone breaking a sweat while lifting weights or maxing out a cardio workout. You can just as easily make a love connection sitting in the waiting room of a doctor's office for a routine appointment. Or, it's possible that a work romance is about to blossom. Go for yours!
Taurus
APR 20 - MAY 20
You couldn't avoid love if you tried, Taurus. Not these days, anyway. Last week sexy Mars moved into your romance sector and this Wednesday, Venus, your ruler, joins the party. With the two cosmic lovers both taking up space in the most pleasure-centered part of your chart, there is no other option than to make it your business to have fun in life. And you'll be having plenty of fun with someone who makes your knees weak! A gorgeous conjunction between Venus and Mars on Saturday will truly make your love life sizzle. Single? This could be the day you meet your match.
Gemini
MAY 21 - JUN 20
If you're single, this is definitely the week to attend any and all family gatherings. Why? Venus, the ruler of your true love sector, will move into your 4th House of Home and Family on Wednesday, somehow roping your clan into your love life. This can happen in many ways. A relative might set you up with someone, or you could meet someone while attending a family function. If you've been dating someone for a bit, then this might be the week you make those all-important family introductions. You might also be ready to play house with your lover and see what it's like to live together. Spoiler alert: You'll be very happy!
Cancer
JUN 21 - JUL 22
If you're single, keep your eyes peeled for "new blood" moving into your neighborhood. There's every indication that someone special is about to become a neighbor. He or she might move into your apartment building, on your block, or be helping one of their relatives move into your area. This person will appear to be so relaxed and capable of anything that you'll be instantly intrigued. Get to know each other -- he or she is worth their weight in gold! If you're in a relationship, you're likely to enjoy productive conversations with your mate about everyday life matters. It won't feel like boring discussions either -- in fact, you'll love how easy it is to work together.
Leo
JUL 23 - AUG 22
You've had some heart-stopping moments in love over the last few weeks, Leo. This week, although it might seem to calm down in terms of loud, passionate fun, you might find yourself reflecting on just how amazing the person you're with makes you feel. You're with someone who clearly values you, respects you, and makes you feel like a million bucks. Honestly, Leo, that's all you've ever wanted: to have someone who sees all of the amazement you are, and to celebrate your greatness accordingly.
Virgo
AUG 23 - SEP 22
You're finally ready to have your moment in the Sun, Virgo! After a long stretch of flying under the radar and doing everything in life undercover (including your love life), you're being seen, heard, appreciated, and adored. This Wednesday, Venus enters your sign and remains here through September 14. You'll have amazing powers of attraction during this time, so if you're single, it's on! If you're in a relationship, then you're likely to enjoy a stretch of time where you're truly happy with your mate. In fact, love and passion unite on Saturday when Venus and Mars are conjunct in your sign. Enjoy the sparks!
Libra
SEP 23 - OCT 22
Everything about your love life is about to become quieter. If you're in a relationship, then the passion is about to dial down a bit, but only for a while. Consider that these next few weeks are a signal for you and your partner to focus more on your spiritual connection together as well as any potential trouble spots in your relationship. You might benefit from couples counseling if you've hit a true rough patch. Another possibility is that you've decided to go deep diving together into healing the wounds of your relationship. Lots of private time will work wonders to achieve this.
Scorpio
OCT 23 - NOV 21
You'll love how much support you're feeling from those in your social circle this week, Scorpio. Venus moves into your 11th house on Wednesday -- the area of your chart connected to all friends and group acquaintances. Your friends might be able to help you figure out a way to work on any problems you might be having in your current romantic situation. Take the advice of the most practical allies you have -- they won't steer you wrong. In fact, they will be able to objectively let you know where you're wrong as well as where your partner might be wrong. That will help you tremendously.
Sagittarius
NOV 22 - DEC 21
Your lover is making you look good these days. With Venus moving to the top of your chart on Wednesday, he or she has the ability to help you get ahead professionally. Perhaps your sweetie knows someone in your industry with major clout and can set you up with an interview. Or, it's possible that your partner has a fabulous head for business and the two of you will brainstorm ways to improve your cash flow and streamline your work routine. All of this doesn't sound very romantic, but it will definitely make you fall even more in love.
Capricorn
DEC 22 - JAN 19
You and your sweetheart might be planning a major trip abroad. In some cases, the two of you might be ready for an even greater adventure and have decided to completely relocate to another country. How exciting! There's something about a brand-new experience together in a faraway land that appeals to both of you. One of you might have a work opportunity that includes international travel and doesn't want to leave the other behind. Happily, it seems to work out in a way that you won't have to. Career and educational prospects abroad can be pursued without sacrificing love. You are blessed.
Aquarius
JAN 20 - FEB 18
If you're completely single, you might want to prepare yourself. It looks like a deeply intense sexual encounter is possible for you this week. It doesn't seem to be with a stranger either -- you would already know who this person is. You could have even been in a relationship with him or her before, or you might work together. If you're open to it, Aquarius, there is every indication that it will rock your world. Wow! If you're in a relationship, there are just as many sparks flying, but you'll also have the added bonus of hearing positive news from your mate about money. Nice!
Pisces
FEB 19 - MAR 20
You've definitely got your focus on partnership matters, Pisces. Last week Mars moved into your relationship sector, giving you the motivation to work on a love connection. This week, Venus enters the same area of your chart, adding to the potential to achieve harmony through the conflict you're setting into motion. Yes, it's a "break up to make up" type of energy, but don't worry, the making up looks absolutely breathtaking. A Venus-Mars conjunction in your relationship sector on Saturday is all about sexy love. Enjoy!
August 22, 2019
By Lapacazo Sandoval
Contributing Writer
This is an unbelievable true story. It’s so outrageous that if a screenwriter had attempted to write this into a screenplay, they would be shot down in seconds citing that no one, in their right mind, would believe this story.
And yet…
A 19-year-old, African-American man, on January 24, 2007, was arrested on his South Philly doorstep. His name is Robert Rihmeek Williams aka Meek Mill. What happened next, he doesn’t recall. In the Amazon Prime miniseries,“Free Meek,” Williams says that police beat him so severely that he kept losing consciousness. Caught in a nightmare without a chance to wake up when he does, he’s faced with 19 drug, assault, and firearms charges—including the allegation that he’d pointed a gun at a cop. Let’s pause and ponder these allegations for a moment. He, a Black youth, pointed a gun at a police officer and did not die in a hail of bullets? Here is where a Hollywood studio executive would highlight the unbelievable aspect of the fantastical tale.
And yet … because of financial reasons, Robert Rihmeek Williams opted for a nonjury trial and was convicted on seven counts despite a lack of evidence and received a two-year prison sentence.
Welcome to American justice if you are poor, Black and Brown.
The absurdity of the situations just gets worse. He’s sentenced to eight years of probation supervised by an African-American, female, Judge Genece Brinkley, known for being tough. But there is more, Brinkley seems to have been personally obsessed over this case, pulling the strings of Robert Rihmeek Williams’s life like he was a puppet on a stage. She gave him more than a decade of legal drama, including additional time behind bars.
This is a real story. Imagine how many people have suffered and are suffering in prisons because injustice is as common for Black and Brown people—especially Black men in America—as air is to lungs. This story is front-and-center in the new documentary, “Free Meek” because Robert Rihmeek Williams willed himself to become the successful rapper, Meek Mill, who’s collaborated with Rick Ross, argued with Drake and dated Nicki Minaj. Impacted by poverty, racism and mass incarceration, his relationship with his music (hip-hop) and the corrupt criminal justice system in this country has brought more attention that we, as a country, need to transform the broken system.
“Free Meek” is direct in giving the gory details. It does not flinch. It’s produced in part by his record label, Roc Nation, with a clear goal, which is to vindicate Meek Mill (32) and to demand permanent changes that could help those that are suffering similar fates across the country. It’s a tall order because the criminal industrial complex is corrupt from the top to the bottom. http://www.avaduvernay.com/13th.
In this compelling documentary mini-series and we get the story first-hand from Meek Mill, Roc Nation, including founder Jay-Z and his loyal family. There were so many times his career was damaged because of the corrupt legal system—you understand just how rigged the system is. You can see—clearly—that it’s designed for people to fail and return to prison.
Since this is a series, we see the broader issues of the millions of people caught in the probation system. For those of us that have never had to deal with the crocked system in “Free Meek,” we are shown has just one relatively minor conviction can lead to a lifetime of going in and out of prison. Why? Because of probation violations and how a judge can rule over a person’s life. In Meek’s case, it was the strange behavior of Judge Brinkley whom he claims, in her private chambers, asked him to record a remix of Boyz II Men’s “On Bended Knee” where she would receive a shot out. (The judge denies it).
But the series goes much deeper pointing out the role that dirty cops played in his initial arrest in 2007.
Angry? Confused? Outraged? Good.
It took an entire team of private investigators to dig through the garbage to get Meek Mill free and this after he returned to prison in 2017. Judge Brinkley (a Black woman) then sentenced him to an additional two-to-four years in prison for popping a wheelie on a motorcycle in New York. It gets deeper, even though authorities there had dropped the charges against him.
Are you shaking your head?
On July 24, 2019, Robert Rihmeek Williams aka Meek Mill’s original conviction was finally overturned.
The REFORM Alliance was formed in the aftermath of Mill's controversial two-to-four-year prison sentence for technical probation violations in November 2017. This unjust ruling spurred an international #FreeMeek campaign, resulted in his release on bail in April 2018 and ultimately raised awareness to the issues within the American criminal justice system.
The REFORM Alliance is committed to advancing criminal justice reform and eradicating laws and policies that perpetuate injustice in the United States. To achieve that objective, REFORM will pass probation bills at the state level, use media to amplify the need for comprehensive reform and build an inclusive, bipartisan alliance of leaders who share a vision for ambitiously and efficiently transforming the criminal justice system.
“Free Meek” is executive produced by Eli Holzman, Aaron Saidman and Erin Gamble for The Intellectual Property Corporation; showrunner Michael John Warren; Isaac Solotaroff and Paul Solotaroff; and Shawn Carter, Desiree Perez and Patrick Reardon for Roc Nation.
Prime members can stream Free Meek exclusively via the Prime Video app for TVs, connected devices including Fire TV, mobile devices and online at www.amazon.com/freemeek. Members can also download the series to mobile devices for offline viewing at no additional cost to their membership. The series is a global release and available onPrimeVideo.com for Prime Video members in more than 200 countries and territories.
August 22, 2019
By Saybin Roberson
Contributing Writer
The creators of “Black Love” on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network Codie and Tommy Oliver are back to share more love as their family grows and their show returns for a third season.
Codie Oliver, the creative brain behind the television series had the idea with her for years due to her desire to want to see true, positive Black love on television, highlighting Barack and Michelle Obama as a major inspiration for the visualization of “Black Love.”
“I want to create a place for Black love stories to live,” Codie stated. “It was born out of my need for hope as a single woman.”
After meeting Tommy at a Sundance Film Festival in 2013, the couple quickly began discussing the possibility of creating the show, as well as tending to their budding new romance. Within months, they begin conceptualizing the project, putting in hours of work to build both as a unit and business partners.
“The second we started talking about it, all the reasons why it made sense for me, were obvious. All the reasons why it made sense as something to share with people were obvious, and as such, it didn’t need the validation of anybody or anything else,” Tommy said of his reasons why he was sold on the idea one Codie shared it with him. “It was just a really cool idea, that would be helpful for me and I’m certain other people would appreciate it, so let’s just do it.”
Together they began creating a purpose and life they hadn’t expected to come about, however they trusted in their visions and focused on love. Just months after meeting, the two moved in together around the same time they begin the ground work on the “Black Love” project. By Fall of 2014, the two were engaged and had begun filming.
“This came entirely out of something we care about, this is something that we need, something that would be helpful to us as we embark on this relationship,” Tommy shared. The project was picked up by OWN post the film festival, which was also Codie’s number one choice for television networks.
Now, in season three and parents of three, the couple has learned a tremendous amount of knowledge regarding love and marriage. “Our evolution of a couple, and as a family has grown as the season and series have grown,” Codie states, “in that process, we learn new things to bring up to couples, new things to ask about to listen for.”
“In all of that i’ve learned there really is no shortage of topics to discuss in black love and ways to shape the conversation that we openly air on OWN.”
Codie shares her favorite aspect of season three is the couples abilities to share their truth about the work that comes with being married.
Since their first interview they have been able to make friends and build relationships with couples featured on “Black Love,” another aspect that creates meaning behind their show. The bubbly couple shared many jokes, hinting at a future podcast and the idea of getting in front of the camera for their series, a possible consideration but the two truly love their role as producers.
“There’s so many people who contribute different things and were open and honest and vulnerable and there’s no way to answer that,” Tommy says when asked if there is a favorite couple. Both agree, the show fulfills its purpose, both good and bad, the multifaceted views of love in a Black narrative.
“We both feel as excited and encouraged, the need for us personally is still there and the conversations that we’ve had as a result for the show and the platform, show us that there is still a real need for this information and entertainment and vulnerability, as such, we don’t plan on stopping,”Tommy explains the feeling they both share of the progress they’ve made. Codie adding to it, “this is why we do events like the Black Love Summit, Clips & Conversations Tour and why we launched blacklove.com,” she says, “these are conversations we should be having in real time with people who are hearing them and have questions.”
The future for “Black Love” is brighter than ever, as their brand grows the love also grows to never ending heights. Season three features multiple couples, including celebrity couples such as, Terry and Rebecca Crews, David and Tamela Mann, and Kandi Burress and Todd Tucker.
“Our goal was to show Black people in loving relationships, but also to show all of the worst things that could happen in a marriage and how to get through them,” said Codie, citing “Black Love” the series as a form of therapy or couple counseling if an honest and open conversation follows.
Black Love airs every Saturday at 9pm on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. You can catch past episodes on the OWN application and on BlackLove.com, where you can also find more information on the show and past seasons couples.
Follow the show and it’s producers on Instagram @BlackLoveDoc, @CodieCo (Codie Oliver), and @ProducerTommy (Tommy Oliver)