January 12, 2017
By Brittany K. Jackson
Contributing Writer
Recently, the Sentinel sat down in an exclusive interview with legendary hairstylist Kenneth Walker, who’s styled for some of America’s most prominent stars. Walker, whose niche is hair design for TV & Film, has done hairstyles for a number of thespians including Marla Gibbs, Denzel Washington, Julia Roberts, Bill Duke, Viola Davis, Janet Jackson, Vivica A. Fox, Michael Ealy, Laurence Fishburne and more. Tall in stature and meek in demeanor, the self-proclaimed “hairdresser,” told us that it was the Watts Riots of 1965 that inspired him to take hold of his passion.
With a desire to help provide for his mother, a domestic, and leave his job as a clothing store salesman, Walker set his sights on beauty school, a tranquil tradeoff to the chaos erupting around him. “I decided, hey I gotta’ help her, because she’s put my brother and I through a lot,” he said. “As horrible as it (Watts Riots) was, it was one of the better things that has ever happened to me,” Walker continued. Ironically, the $25.00 per week Walker made at his then day job was the same amount required for his tuition at Flavio Leimert Park Beauty College. Eventually, Walker’s step out on faith would lead to an opportunity to work with Marla Gibbs on the hit NBC TV series “227”.
As a rising African American hairstylist to the stars, Walker says that back then he was glad to have “suffered the indignity of being that guy”. “It was a movement that I was on, and it was such a great movement,” Walker said.
Soon, Walker would learn that his critical role behind the scenes helped pave the way for how an actor delivers or is perceived in front of the camera. In this sense, Walker hit a goldmine, landing one of his first opportunities to work with Oscar Award-winning actor Denzel Washington for Devil in a Blue Dress. His work on this film led to work on more of Washington’s films, including, Crimson Tide, Philadelphia, American Gangster, and The Great Debaters. Walker says that it was also Washington’s personal vision that contributed to each role’s success. “He’s very, very in to every aspect of his filmmaking,” Walker said. “It was such a great, grand time in my life, just watching him come alive,” he continued.
When it comes to hair styling for TV and film, Walker says that the process is largely collaborative. “I work within the constraints of doing a film, and so I’m dealing with a director, I’m dealing with an actor or actress, so you have to listen to a lot of voices, and then you have to interject your perception of what’s going on,” Walker said.
As for his work on the multi-award nominated film, Loving, Walker says he vividly remembers the controversy surrounding the interracial marriage of Richard and Mildred Loving in the late 1950s, and was excited when he got the call to work on the period piece. In order to transform the hairstyles of the film’s stars, Ruth Negga and Joel Edgerton, Walker says he used a documentary on the Loving’s as his primary source of inspiration. “It was a labor of love and I really had time to get it together,” Walker said of his work on the film.
The 78-year-old, who doesn’t look a day over 60, also shared some poignant advice for the newer generation of rising hair stylists and artists in the field. “Pay attention to old school. Listen, and not only be a good listener, but hear what people are saying,” he stated. “It’s okay to learn from anybody that can teach you anything, and when it turns in to a job, you know it’s not for you,” he said.
“You’ve gotta’ go in to you and know how great you are. You are unique, there’s only one of you. There are a lot of people that do what you do, but not the way you do it,” Walker proclaimed. “Wake up knowing that your blessings are here another day, and you know why they are here another day, because you woke up, and you have the option to make it what you want it to be,” he continued.
For an African American male hairstylist that’s reached many plateaus, Walker says that the legacy he wants to leave behind is simple. “I’ve achieved, and I’ve done really wonderful things, I’ve worked on great movies, I’ve worked on great TV shows, and I feel happy,” Walker said. “In my soul, I’m happy with what I’ve done, and I’m so excited about meeting new people, and new hairdressers and new makeup artists, and that’s my joy,” Walker concluded.
January 12, 2017
Aries
March 21 – April 19
Although you may be eager to fully engage with your responsibilities, another part of you could feel like running away. This might be a time when you'd prefer to do your own thing rather than attend to business matters or ongoing chores. The key is to pace yourself and arrange for times to get out and have some fun. The January 12 Full Moon might be better handled if you take some time out for a massage or other health treatment.
Taurus
May 21 - Jun 20
The cosmos suggests that there's nothing to fear from striking out into the unknown. However, as someone who likes security and enjoys the pleasures of a comfortable home and steady routine, you might find the present picture a little disconcerting. At the same time, you could be excited about the possibilities it holds for you. With a focus on expanding your horizons, events may conspire to take you in a new direction. You don't have to rush, though. A leisurely pace is just fine.
Gemini
May 21 - Jun 20
Although you might enjoy the freedom to flit around wherever you want, the cosmos may have other plans for you. With the present picture revealing a powerful emphasis on a more intense sector of your chart, you might need to face issues that involve some powerful emotions. And while it would be easier to do anything but confront them, once you do, you might find that layers of anxiety and buried tension begin to peel away. Easy does it, though!
Cancer
Jun 21 - Jul 22
With a Full Moon developing in your sign this week, emotions may have a bigger influence than logic over your decisions. In addition, you may feel someone else is pulling the strings and controlling aspects of your life that you'd prefer to manage yourself. However, the Full Moon phase can be a time when you overreact. When you do approach this person, you'll want to do so in a measured and thoughtful way. Wait until the more intense feelings subside.
Leo
Jul 23 - Aug 22
Although you might like to drop your responsibilities and take some time off, it may not be possible just yet. However, this won't stop you from dreaming. With a very lovely link between expansive Jupiter and restless Uranus, you may enjoy dwelling on thoughts of a vacation that can offers you a change of scene. You may insist that you don't have time, but if you delegate some of your tasks, you could find that you can do it after all.
Virgo
Aug 23 - Sep 22
If a creative project has been subject to delays lately, then Mercury's forward motion can begin to make a difference. And if you have responsibilities at home that demand a lot of your time and energy, a positive alignment hints that you may already have found a way around this. This is good news for you, especially if you have your heart set on making one idea a complete success. Indeed, it may feel like a burden is gradually lifting from your shoulders.
Libra
Sep 23 - Oct 22
You and another may clash over very different ideas on how to tackle a family situation early this week. But with Mercury now resuming its forward motion, it should be easier to discuss this in a more rational and productive way. However, the Full Moon could whip up emotion and drama, so there's a chance that one or both of you could overreact. Allow time for your feelings to settle. It will be easier to find common ground if you do.
Scorpio
Oct 23 - Nov 21
Plans you thought were set in stone could be disrupted, yet you might be pleased about this. If you must attend to responsibilities, you could feel like rebelling and doing your own thing instead. And with the Full Moon encouraging you to leave your comfort zone, sticking with the status quo may seem like the more boring option. However, you might need to knuckle down and get those things done. You'll be free to enjoy yourself once they're out of the way.
Sagittarius
Nov 22 - Dec 21
A focus on your home and family zone can be a time to stand back from life and enjoy spending time with those you love most. While you may have big plans in the offing, you should still take the opportunity for some nurturing and self-care. It seems this is your time to unwind, enjoy a massage or spa treatment, and generally be good to yourself. Those projects you must finish will still be there after you've had a chance to recharge.
Capricorn
Dec 22 - Jan 19
What you want and what your family wants may be two different things. This week, others could expect to be involved in key discussions regarding important decisions. And with a Full Moon complicating events and possibly creating some drama, emotions may be running high. However, this could allow for a release of tension. Once everyone has had their say and things have calmed down, you may find that you can find a harmonious solution that works for all.
Aquarius
Jan 20 - Feb 18
Your instincts can play a part in helping you make the right decisions. With head and heart potentially clashing at the start of the week, you may feel pulled in two directions. Factor into this a rush of emotion caused by the Full Moon and you may find it almost impossible to know what your next steps should be. If you wait until you feel calmer and more centered, you may be able to hear the voice of your intuition loud and clear.
Pisces
Feb 19 - Mar 20
You should feel in your element with both Venus and Mars in your sign enhancing your vitality and perhaps your confidence. And with your social life still very active now, you could be the star attraction at any event as your charisma sparkles more than usual. Go easy with the cash if you're out and about in the coming days, as the feel-good factor could encourage you to spend more than you can comfortably afford, especially after an expensive holiday season.
January 12, 2017
City News Service
Actress Viola Davis received the 2,597th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Thursday January 5, recognizing a film career that has brought her two Oscar nominations and whose latest film has made her a strong candidate for a third.
Meryl Streep, who co-starred with Davis in the 2008 drama “Doubt,” which brought Davis her first Oscar nomination, was among those joining her at the ceremony in front of the Marshalls store on Hollywood Boulevard, across from the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.
“I cannot believe my life right now,” Davis told the crowd. “That Meryl Streep spoke at my Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony with my handsome husband, and a beautiful daughter and my family, my representatives ... It’s like my life flashing before my eyes, and all I can say is God has blessed my life in abundance.”
She noted that the ceremony was being held in the midst of Hollywood’s awards season, when all of the attention is on winning.
“It’s so great to take time out to just really be with people you love and to embrace your work,” she said. “So thank you everyone who’s come. I am so appreciative, Hollywood Walk of Fame, everyone at Paramount — you guys have been great. My life is good.”
Davis’ other Oscar nomination came in 2012 as best actress for her portrayal of heart-broken but stoic maid Aibileen Clark in the civil rights-era drama “The Help.”
Davis has received Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award nominations for her portrayal of the wife of Denzel Washington’s character in “Fences,” a role that brought a second Tony.
Davis received her first Tony in 2001 for her role as a 35-year-old woman who is forced to fight for the right to abort an unwanted pregnancy work in another play by August Wilson, “King Hedley II.”
Davis is also the recipient of an outstanding lead actress in a drama series Emmy for her starring role in ABC’s “How to Get Away with Murder,” the first black actress to receive the award.
The ceremony came two weeks before the midseason premiere of “How to Get Away With Murder.”
Born Aug. 11, 1965, in St. Matthews, South Carolina, and raised in Central Falls, Rhode Island, Davis began her acting career in theater after graduating from The Julliard School. She made her Broadway debut in 1996 in “Seven Guitars,” which was also written by Wilson.
Davis’ other stage credits include the Roundabout Theatre Company’s 2004 off-Broadway production of Lynn Nottage’s play, “Intimate Apparel,” which brought her an Obie award.
Davis made her film debut in the 1996 publishing family drama “The Substance of Fire.” She received an Independent Spirit Award nomination in 2003 for her performance in “Antwone Fisher.”
Davis’ extensive film credits also include “Suicide Squad,” “Won’t Back Down,” “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close,” “State of Play,” “Law Abiding Citizen,” “Eat, Pray, Love,” the Steven Soderbergh-directed films “Solaris,” “Traffic” and “Out of Sight,” and “Syriana,” which Soderbergh produced for director Stephen Gaghan.
January 05, 2017
The Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center (BHERC) hosts its 23rd Annual African American Film Marketplace and S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase January 13-15, 2017 at Raleigh Studios, 5300 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, California 90038 presenting 60 short films, over 55 Filmmakers, Q&A and discussions with Independent African America filmmakers.
Friday, January 13, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. BHERC’s Opening Night Reception and Award Gala honoring entertainment professionals and presenting the best independent short Filmmakers at Harmony Gold Preview House, 7655 W. Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90046.
Saturday, January 14, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. to noon, Billie J. Green, Director of the BHERC Youth Diversity Short Film Festival, presents the young filmmakers of tomorrow. These aspiring filmmakers study the craft at local arts organizations and High Schools in the Los Angeles Community. This portion of the Festival is Free to the Public for supporting our youth.
January 14 & 15, 2017 from 12:00 noon until 8:00 p.m. each day, the S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase will feature the artistry of emerging African American Filmmakers by screening short films. The screenings will include blocks of short films with extensive Q&A with directors, cast and crew immediately following. Closing the Festivities on Sunday night includes the classic Soul Food & Film Reception at 9:00 p.m. For a complete screening schedule, visit www.BHERC.org.
Founded in 1996 by Sandra Evers-Manly, BHERC is a nonprofit, public benefit organization designed to advocate, educate, research, develop, and preserve the history and future of Blacks in film and television. Celebrate the artistry by supporting our filmmakers, with diverse topics, stories, techniques and broad themes multi-layered with humor, drama and reality.
The costs include: Opening Night Festivities $55; a Block of Films is only $15 for students with ID and $20 for the general public; All Day Pass $50; Closing Night Reception $25 (Soul Food & Film); and Weekend Pass (includes Opening Night, All Day Pass for films, Closing Night Reception, T-Shirt and BHERC Commemorative Bag) $150.
For complete information, please visit www.BHERC.org or call (310) 284-3170.
LIKE us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter & Instagram, be active, engaged and inspired… Festival Contact: John Forbes 310-284-3170 @ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. & Media Contact: Publicity4you 818-749-9695 @ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.