February 08, 2018
By Brittany K. Jackson
Contributing Writer
It seems that we’ve been waiting for the release of the world’s very first Black Marvel film for a while now, but let’s just say, the Marvel Cinematic Universe superhero film “Black Panther” is well worth the wait. Recently, the Sentinel had the opportunity to see the premiere of the film and attend a full-house press day to hear directly from the cast. Not only does the film break ground as the first in Marvel movie history to portray African culture, it also touches heavily on substantive topics atypical of Marvel films; generational wealth, technology, natural resources, women’s power, loyalty, honor and respect.
In case you didn’t already know, the film is directed by Ryan Coogler, the 31 year-old movie-making genius also responsible for creating and directing “Fruitvale Station” and “Creed.” In the span of just a few years, Coogler has remained on a meteoric rise in his filmmaking career, teaching us all the value of hard work and meaningful story telling.
Veteran actor Forest Whittaker, who also stars in the film, says that he is most proud of Coogler for creating socially relevant films that make an impact around the world.
“The moment that I met him and he started to express himself, I could feel the center of what he wanted to communicate to the world,” Whittaker said. “I’m just blown away watching his growth,” he added. Coogler says he feels “incredibly blessed” to have the opportunity.
Now we are certainly not going to spoil the film, but we will let you know that there’s an overwhelming presence of strong women in the film, who just so happen to kick a lot of butt, too. Lupita Nyong’o, who stars as Nakia in the film says that seeing women in this way provides a whole new landscape for viewers.
“What I love about the way this film represents women is that each and every one of us is an individual, unique and we all have our own sense of power and our own agency and we hold our own space without being pitted against each other. I think that’s a very powerful message to send to children, both male and female,” Nyong’o said.
“Oftentimes in movies, we fall in that trap where women, there’s very of few of us, and then we’re against each other, there’s a competitive spirit and this film freezes on that and we see women going about their business and supporting each other. The fact that in this film there’s so many of us, we really get a sense of the fabric of Wakanda as a nation. We see women alongside men and we see how much more effective a society can be if they allow women to explore their full potential,” Nyong’o continued.
As the queen mother Romanda, in the film, actress Angela Bassett said it also placed unprecedented value on the relationship that should always exist between men, women and their families. “In African culture, they feel that there is no king without a queen. In this story, it highlights the queen, the warrior, the general, the young, so I was so proud to have my daughter and my son there (film premiere) last night because in their faces and in their spirit, they were feeling themselves. They stood taller after last night,” Bassett said.
As for the film’s cinematic and 3-dimensional motion graphics, well, you’ll just have to see the film to understand its marvelous glory. Michael B. Jordan, who stars in the film as the sexy villain named Erik Killmonger, says that nothing could have prepared them for what the cast saw on screen during the premiere. “We got a little glimpse of it, but to actually see it on screen, fully rendered, the complete project, it was incredible, it was mind blowing,” Jordan said.
And let’s not forget to mention the real king of the film, King T’Challa, played by “Get On Up” star Chadwick Boseman. In the process of preparing for the role and remaining true to the African roots the character is built upon, Boseman said he was often asked if an audience “could sit through a movie where the main actor spoke with an African accent.” While Boseman noted that many actors are trained from a “European perspective,” he wanted to ensure that his character did not assimilate and that Black and African cultures were well represented in film.
“What is considered great or classical is very often British.
The intonations and melodies inside of an African accent are just as classical as a British one or a European one,” Boseman declared. “All of the emotions and aspects of a character can be shown through that accent and we have to take this opportunity to show that. You have to tell stories and be true to yourself as an artist,” he continued.
Danai Gurira, who is a fierce general warrior named Okoye in the film, says the film was extremely emotional, yet impactful to her Zimbabwean-American roots. “You see the power and potential of where you’re from, but you see how skewed it’s viewed by the world, and how misrepresented it is and how distorted it is received by the world,” Gurira stated. “We see beauty, we see power, we see potential, we see ability, we see resources, but they’re never exhibited. To put it on a Marvel epic scale of exhibition, it really salves wounds in a deep way,” she added.
In the grand scheme of things, “Black Panther” will certainly go down in history as a film that not only shatters records in the world of Marvel Studios filmmaking, but one that also provides Black and African cultures alike with an internal sense of self-worth and value. What rings true is the power we have to own and use our resources once we simply open our eyes and see the possibilities of our futures. To see exclusive footage of the “Black Panther” cast, visit www.lasentinel.net.
January 18, 2018
By Shaquille Woods
Contributing Writer
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and TV One held a town hall discussion and screening of the new documentary Two Sides on Saturday January 13 at the First AME Church.
The documentary, executive produced and narrated by Academy Award winner Viola Davis, shines light on police brutality from both the perspective of the victim’s family and law enforcement.
The first episode involved the death of Eric Garner. Garner died from an illegal chokehold from a police officer. Footage from the killing ignited the “I Can’t Breathe” movement across the nation.
Roland Martin, journalist and television host, moderated the panel. The panel consisted of Two Sides producers, local law enforcement, victim’s family members and political leaders.
Julius Tennon, who also executive produced with his wife Viola Davis, described the overall intention for the documentary.
“We got involved with this projection simply because what is happening around our country,” said Tennon.
“It’s always important to highlight these situations and figure out how to have a conversation.”
The most prominent panelist was Garner’s mother Gwen Carr. She spoke passionately about the social injustice involving her son.
“Seems like all the officer has to say is I feared for my life. If the shoe were on the other foot, this wouldn’t happen. You don’t see any cases where a civilian harms a police officer getting off no matter what the situation is,” said Carr.
Topics involving police accountability, body cameras, and unprosecuted law officials echoed throughout the dialogue.
Retired Los Angles Police Department officer Charles Gaithier shared his views from a law enforcement perspective.
“What I saw was inconsistent to what we were trained. We were taught to provide quality services not danger. It paints us all negative,” said Gaithier.
The panel majority agreed police are not held accountable but attorney Larry Hanna offered a different standpoint.
“I do see officers fired when they do something wrong especially in Los Angeles. I think the department does come forward publically when the officers do something wrong,” said Hanna.
This sparked a response from panelist Melinda Abdullah who argued police are not held to a strict degree of accountability. Abdullah, professor and Chair of Pan-African Studies at California State University, shared the inconstancies of Hanna’s statement.
“There have been three hundred murders in Los Angeles at the hands of police in the last five years, not a single officer has been charged in those cases. Let’s stop pretending there isn’t a problem,” said Abdullah.
The four part docuseries airs Jan 22 on the TV One channel. For more information, visit the TV One website.
January 18, 2018
Aries
March 21 – April 19
Things seem to be progressing well for you, and this trend continues over this week with a sterling set of influences aiding your journey to success. Now can be an opportunity to make that big push you’ve been dreaming of, especially as the new moon is perfectly placed to aid you in your quest and help your plans blossom. There is a shift to a lighter and more easygoing zone that encourages you to socialize and enjoy mingling with others, which can be beneficial.
Taurus
May 21 - Jun 20
You seem to be able to accomplish so much when you join forces with others. This week, a very dynamic aspect involving upbeat Jupiter and intense Pluto could see you taking a step forward that has positive consequences for the future. And with a sizzling new moon encouraging you to leave your comfort zone, things are certainly looking good. A shift in focus to your sector of goals and ambitions on January 17 could mean that you’re ready to take on new responsibilities.
Gemini
May 21 - Jun 20
Something you’ve desired for a long time could come to fruition this week. Or you might have an opportunity to get moving on a plan or business idea that could be very lucrative. Still, it would help to keep your feet on the ground and not have too many expectations. With lovely Venus entering your sector of far horizons on January 17, followed by the sun on January 19, you could feel moved to research travel options or anything else that lets you unwind.
Cancer
Jun 21 - Jul 22
Connecting with or working alongside others can be a very positive and lucrative experience. With a sparkling aspect between lively Jupiter and intense Pluto, much can be accomplished when you team up with others on your wavelength. And the new moon in your sector of relating can help any endeavor get off to the best possible start. As the week progresses, your attention could shift to business affairs and financial matters, and you might be ready to sort out any key issues.
Leo
Jul 23 - Aug 22
This week, you might be ready to take a step forward toward a health or work goal that you have been researching for some time. The willingness to do so will certainly be there, and combined with a new moon, you can get things off to the best possible start. This could be an especially busy time, but there is a shift in focus from January 17, when luscious Venus enters your sector of relating, followed by the sun on January 19. This could see you enjoying more social activities.
Virgo
Aug 23-Sep 22
Romance, creativity, and leisure activities seem to be a major focus. This week, though, a very special aspect could see you acting on an idea whose time has come. This might be a creative opportunity that takes your business or work to a new level, and so it could be very important to you. With a new moon urging you on, this could be one of the best times to make your move. From January 17, health and fitness could also be a priority.
Libra
Sep 23 - Oct 22
The coming week could see you forging ahead with a major plan on the home front. The new moon in Capricorn can be a great asset in this regard, so it would certainly be worth taking that first step. At the same time, it would be helpful to keep your feet on the ground and be mindful of costs. As the focus shifts to your sector of leisure and pleasure on January 17, you can get great enjoyment from creative hobbies and romantic opportunities.
Scorpio
Oct 23 - Nov 21
Your mind may be working overtime, but this could be the reason that so many opportunities are now showing up for you. One could become a priority when benevolent Jupiter aligns with potent Pluto in your sector of communication this week. The new moon in this same zone encourages you to share your plans with others to get the support you need. However, the focus shifts to home and family affairs on January 17. It’s time to indulge in some self-care and pampering.
Sagittarius
Nov 22 - Dec 21
An idea that may have come to you in a dream or as an intuitive nudge seems to take on greater importance this week. With expansive Jupiter, your guide planet, aligning with powerful Pluto, this can be an opportunity to take things to the next level by thinking about how you can make it a reality. The new moon in your personal financial zone can help you kick-start this process. Communication and interaction become important from January 17, with some sterling encounters opening new doors for you.
Capricorn
Dec 22 - Jan 19
The week ahead could be a turning point for you, with a wonderful aspect between adventurous Jupiter and intense Pluto paving the way for positive developments. There is also a new moon in your sign encouraging you to step out and act. As it’s the best moon of the year for you, using it to help you fulfill a dream can bring the rewards you’re hoping for, especially at this auspicious time. From January 17, money and finances could become more of a priority.
Aquarius
Jan 20 - Feb 18
Listening to your gut feelings can be the way ahead this week, particularly if you’re about to launch a major project. As positive Jupiter aligns with fervent Pluto, your instincts could play a big part in how matters unfold. Also, there is a very positive focus as luscious Venus and the sun move into your sign on January 17 and January 19, respectively. This can feel like a rebirth and a chance to get going on other projects that have been on the back burner.
Pisces
Feb 19 - Mar 20
Your social life continues to be busy, and you seem to be deriving so much enjoyment from it. This week brings a golden opportunity to bring a dream to life, especially if you collaborate with friends or others on your wavelength. A new moon in your sector of friendship means this could be the perfect time to kick-start such a project. The focus shifts to a more secluded sector of your chart on January 17. The coming four weeks are a time to relax and reflect.
January 18, 2018
City News Service
A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame honoring the nine-time Grammy-winning singer Mary J. Blige was unveiled Thursday January 11, on her 47th birthday.
Rap mogul Sean Combs and music producer Andre Harrell joined Blige in speaking in the 11:30 a.m. ceremony in front of the Eastown apartment complex on Hollywood Boulevard.
The star is the 2,626th since the completion of the Walk of Fame in 1961 with the first 1,558 stars. The ceremony was livestreamed on walkoffame.com.
Blige has recorded eight multi-platinum albums, sold more than 50 million albums and received 31 Grammy nominations in a career that began with her multi-platinum 1992 debut album “What’s the 411?” and included the Top 10 hit with “Real Love.”
Blige was born on Jan. 11, 1971 in the Bronx, a borough of New York City, and was raised in Richmond Hill, Georgia, and Yonkers, New York.
Blige was discovered when an amateur recording of Anita Baker’s “Caught Up In The Rapture” that Blige made in a mall recording booth made its way to Harrell, then the president and CEO of the hip-hop and rhythm and blues label Uptown Records, who promptly signed her to a contract.
Blige’s second album, “My Life,” released in 1994, featured the hits “I’m Going Down,” “Mary Jane,” “I Love You,” and the title track, which became a signature song for her.
Blige won her first Grammy in 1996 for best rap performance by a duo or group for “I’ll Be There For You/You’re All I Need To Get By,” a collaboration with Method Man. She won her first solo Grammy in 2003 for best female rhythm and blues vocal performance for “He Think I Don’t Know” from her album, “Dance For Me.”
Blige’s other hit singles include “Not Gon’ Cry,” “Love Is All We Need,” “Seven Days,” “All That I Can Say,” “Family Affair” and “Just Fine.”
Blige began her acting career in 1998 with an appearance on The WB comedy, “The Jamie Foxx Show.” Her first film was the 2001 independent film, “Prison Song.” She received best supporting actress Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards nominations for her portrayal of the wife of a 1940s Mississippi tenant farmer (Rob Morgan) in the period drama “Mudbound.”