Posted in A Professor's Thoughts..., Feature Spotlight, On The Radar

New Social Media Project Alert!!

Launched on November 17th, 2022 myself and a few VCU student-staff members student staff members Sanaa Banks, Raiat Haque, and Asia Heath launched a new virtual project, “Black Girl Magic in Media”!

With the release of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, the anticipated FX series Kindred, the emergence on online Black & Brown shopping directory (Harlem Fashion Row) created by a Black woman Brandice Daniel , and so much more Black Girl Magic is in full effect…I would even say overload!!

Black Girl Magic in Media is a “curated site that shows the vast, creative representations of Black girls and women in media.” This project was launched in response to the many reactions after “The Little Mermaid” trailer dropped. While there were numerous reactions of excitement and joy, sadly (but not surprisingly) there were quite a few visceral reactions. Thus, the light bulb went off and I wanted to make sure I played a part in changing the narrative of how Black girls and women in the media are truly magic!!

Through out the week this space will provide an array of features including: spoiler-free television and film reviews, “Black Girl Magic” Highlights, monthly staff picks, recommended book, television, and film lists!!

So if you want to hop on the ride, check us out on Instagram at @blackgirlmagicinmedia !! And if you would like to contribute your thoughts on Black Girl Magic, please feel free to share here! You never know we might feature you :-)!

~Dr. G

Posted in Dr. G's Weekly Hot Topics, On the Desk..., On The Radar

Dr. G’s Weekly Hot Topics!!

As we walk into December let’s check out some new and exciting things happening in the world!! Check out this week’s goodies below:

A new children’s book that discusses grief and healing, the Many Shapes of Clay: A Story of Healing by Kenesha Sneed.


SNEAK PEEK-First images of the upcoming Luther film from Netflix!! I am SOOOO ready!! Luther is set to be released in March 2023. #LutherFan

Idris Elba in “Luther” Photo Credit: Netflix
Idris Elba in “Luther”, Photo Credit: Netflix

As archaeologists recover remains from the “Clotilda,” visitors can now prepare to visit the forthcoming Africatown Heritage House in Mobile, Alabama. As described by Mobile County commissioner Merceria Ludgood, the museum is “a collaborative effort to share the long-doubted, inspirational story of the Clotilda, its captives, and their unique place in the history of this country.” The Africatown Heritage House is set to open in the Spring of 2023. In the meantime, to learn more about Africatown and the Clotilda, check out the Netflix documentary “Descendant” .


Running, the arts, and PhiladelphiaMural Miles is a nonprofit running and art curation group, running (pun intended) on a “mission to inspire human potential through community fitness and art.” And their inaugural mural “Equilibrium,” was unveiled this past Thanksgiving weekend. The piece depicts two local runners, Aaron Leon Nixon and Valentina Viana, in stride alongside birds and a dog. Through this mural and other it is sure to spark a movement. To see the mural you can access it at 638 Christian St. in South Philadelphia.

“Equilibrium” artist Eric Okdeh Photo Credit: Mural Miles

Lastly, a new exhibition featuring photographs and artifacts from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture collection will be on display (opening December 2nd), Spirit in the Dark: Religion in Black Music, Activism, and Popular Culture. Visitors can check out the exhibition until November 2023 in the Earl W. and Amanda Stafford Center for African American Media Arts (CAAMA) gallery. As noted by NMAAHC, “The exhibition spotlights the presence of religion in African American popular culture through three sections [Blurred Lines: Holy | Profane, Bearing Witness: Protest | Praise, Lived Realities: Suffering | Hope], providing a visual exploration of religion’s shadow in both the sacred and secular through images and artifacts.”

Photo Credit: National Museum of African American History and Culture

 

Posted in New Trailer Alerts!!, On The Radar

Weekly Trailer Alerts!!

Last day of the month and I’m bringing you a few goodies!! Getting you ready for your Holiday binging sessions and a few new year treats!! Check them out below:

Riches (Streaming December 2 on Prime Video)

Kindred (Streaming December 13 on FX/Hulu)

1923 (Streaming December 18 on Paramount +)

Babylon (In theaters December 23rd)

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (Streaming on Netflix December 23rd)

Magic Mike’s Last Dance (In theaters February 10, 2023)

John Wick: Chapter 4 (In theaters March 23rd, 2023)

Posted in Feature Spotlight, On The Radar

#BlackPanther:WakandaForever Celebration Week-In Their Own Words!

Today’s celebration is about showcasing various interviews with the director and cast members…Nothing like hearing the thoughts and feelings from those involved. Check them out below:

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever star Tenoch Huerta on what he learned as Namor in the MCU
ScreenRant interview with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever star Lupita Nyong’o discussing her character Nakia and how she has changed after losing T’Challa, and her ties to Shuri and Ramonda.
ScreenRant interview with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever star Danai Gurira breaking down Okoye’s emotional arc and her relationship with the royal family.
ScreenRant interview with Black Panther:Wakanda Forever director Ryan Coogler as he talks Chadwick Boseman’s Legacy & Talokan’s Origins
Behind-the-scenes featurette from director Ryan Coogler
Behind the scenes footage

Tune in tomorrow for the next #BP:WF goodie!!

Posted in New Trailer Alerts!!, On The Radar

Weekly Trailer Alerts!!

With one holiday down and two more on the way, film and television is prepping us for what we will be soaking up next! This week I have a few trailers for you to put on the calendar to prep you for your Thanksgiving and Christmas viewing pleasures! Check them out below:

The Santa Clauses (Streaming on Disney + November 16)

Disenchanted (Streaming on Disney+ November 18th)

Fantasy Football (Streaming on Paramount+ November 25)

Season 3-Blood & Water (Streaming on Netflix November 25)

Three Pines (Streaming on Prime Video December 2)

Season 3-His Dark Materials (Streaming on HBO Max December 5)

Posted in Feature Spotlight, On The Radar

#BlackPanther:WakandaForever Celebration Week!! Art Out Loud!!

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words!!

In preparation for the November 11th release of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Marvel partnered with three artists across the United States and asked them to create murals to connect to the film!

The cities featured include Los Angeles, Chicago, and Harlem. Check them out below:

Artist Lilia LiliFlor Ramirez (McBride and Whittier Blvd., in East Los Angeles, CA)
Artist Rahmaan Statik (Chicago, IL)
Artist Vincent Ballentine (280 Malcolm X Boulevard, Harlem, NY)

Representin’ for the East, Midwest, and West Coast!! Stunning work!!

Tune in tomorrow for the next #BP:WF goodie!!

Posted in Feature Spotlight, On the Desk...

#BlackPanther:WakandaForever Celebration Week-Photo Shoot Ready!!

Just a little cover shoot for the fans!!

Today’s tribute/celebration is a collection of magazine covers featuring many of the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever cast members!! Simply stunning!!

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever cast members [Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Dominique Thorne, Dominique Thorne, Danai Gurira, & Lupita Nyong’o] on the November/December 2022 issue of “EBONY”

Angela Bassett on the November 2022 issue of “Essence”

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever cast members [l-r Angela Bassett, Letitia Wright & Tenoch Huerta] (above) and tributes to Talokan and Wakandan culture (below) on the November 2022 issue of “Empire”
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever cast member Lupita Nyong’o, Letitia Wright, & Danai Gurira [above] and individual covers [below] on the November 2022 issue of ELLE
Lupita Nyong’o on the cover of The Hollywood Reporter

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever cast members Angela Bassett, Winston Duke, Danai Gurira, Lupita Nyong’o, Dominique Thorne, Letitia Wright, and Tenoch Huerta on the cover of “Entertainment Weekly”

Michaela Coel on the cover the November 2022 issue of “VOGUE”

See you tomorrow for the next #BP:WF goodie!!

Posted in Feature Spotlight, On the Desk..., On The Radar

It’s “Black Panther: WakandaForever” Celebration Week!!

We are in countdown mode for the premiere of Marvel Studios Black Panther: Wakanda Forever!! So everyday this week I just want to drop some information that relates to the film to get you ready!!

Today, to get you hype I’m dropping the the official film playlist for you from Spotify!! This past Friday (11/4) the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Music From and Inspired By soundtrack, executive produced by director Ryan Coogler’s Proximity Media was released, it features over 40 international artists recorded in Lagos, Nigeria, Mexico City, London and Los Angeles. 

The soundtrack includes a plethora of Black and Brown artists such as Rihanna, Burna Boy, Tems, Fireboy DML, OG DAYV featuring Future, CKay featuring PinkPantheress, E-40, Alemán featuring Rema, Blue Rojo, Snow Tha Product, and more.

In addition to the playlist, listeners will be able to take part in immersive options, which includes in-app Black Panther-inspired coded puzzles and exclusive clips from the cast detailing their superhero songs to the Black and Latin artists inspiring them daily.

Check out the full playlist here:

Tune in tomorrow for the next #BP:WF goodie!!

Posted in New Trailer Alerts!!, On The Radar

Weekly Trailer Alerts!!

Not gonna waste anytime, its the first week in October and I got some new new that’s ready for you to hit play!! Check out this week’s new trailers below:

The Midnight Club (Streaming on Netflix October 7th)

The Winchesters (Streaming on The CW October 11th)

A Friend of The Family (Streaming on Peacock October 6th)

Season 19-Grey’s Anatomy (Streaming on ABC October 6th)

Season 5-All American (Streaming on The CW October 10th)

Shantaram (Streaming on Apple TV+ October 14th)

Season 2-The White Lotus: Blossom Circle (Streaming on HBO Max October 30th)