The Black Panther Moves Toward Being the Third Largest Grossing Movie

The buzz was brewing for a long time, and now the anticipated movie is out and set to become the third-biggest domestic grossing movie of all time.   Welcome to Marvel's world of Wakanda based on the comic book, Black Panther. Since the opening of Roots, there has not been a project that has generated  the enthusiasm and passion of people for a Black film. With great cinematography, fabulous scenic design, and gorgeous costumes, Black Panther does not disappoint.

For ages, sci-fi movies were void of any Black characters.  Space travelers could roam from universe to universe, galaxy to galaxy, meet all kinds of strange characters but never run into a brother.  It seemed that Black people were not intended to be a part of the future.

There has been several attempts to bring Black superheroes and comic book characters to the big screen. Characters like Lieutenant Uhura, The Meteor Man, Storm, Orlando Crission, Blankman and Blade sparked an interest in developing Black sci-fi personalities

Finally Black Panther has answered the call for a Black superhero. Black Panther gives us a rich story line with a superhero, a mythical kingdom, an all women royal guard and a showcase of advanced technology.

This is the origin story of King T'Challah, the Black Panther.  With over 200 million dollars invested, this story shows the great creative potential of the Afro-futuristism movement. Using African folklore, pop sci-fi and an appealing sound track, the movie is a visual and sensual treat for movie goers.

For young people who thrive on superheroes, and outer worldly experiences, this maybe their first time encountering a Black superhero who hails from Africa. For parents the movie offers opportunity to dialogue about history.  Even though Black History Month is over, children can still learn about historic figures like Hannibal, Shaka Zulu, Mansa Musa and the Dahomey Amazons. The movie also provides further conversation on the role of women, family conflict,  the decisions we make, and the relationship between Africans and African Americans.

 There is no one movie that can address all the social problems. However, this movie opens up opportunities for  new discussions and questions. Black Panther gives us a lot to talk about, and we will be talking about it for a while.

Recommended for ages 12 + for violence.

Today We Remember the Dream: Martin Luther King Jr. (January 15,1929- April 4,1968)

Today we remember the life of a visionary and man of faith.  Martin Luther King, Jr believed that change was possible, and that our children would have a better life.  He understood the journey to the mountain top was long and hard so even after fifty years his words still resonate with us.

"I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word"

How do we remember and honor Dr. King?  What do we tell our children? How do we teach them today to follow Dr. King's legacy to build and serve their community?

Doodle created by Cannaday Chapman for Google
Google celebrated the legacy of civil rights icon and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Martin Luther King Jr. with a special Doodle that takes inspiration from his historic “I Have a Dream” speech.

Merry Christmas! Happy Kwanzaa! Happy New Year!

Hallmark

Kwanzaa comes at that time of year when we assess where we are going in the new year as a family and community. Kwanzaa gives us seven principles to ponder and guide our moral compass for a another year.  At a time when our values and truths are being challenged, we need to share our stories, our strengths and our history with our children. So let us celebrate our story, our song, our culture.  Habari Gani?

Newsone IS Mapping Black Santa Claus: How And Where To Find St. Nicks Of Color

Looking for a Black Santa just became easier with Newsone's Santa Finder.  Now families can track down a St. Nick of color across the country. From the Pacific northwest to rural Georgia, and a handful of spots in between, the U.S. has more Black Santas on deck than ever before. Visit Newsone to find a Black Santa in your area.

Step Afrika! Performs The Migration Dance at New Victory Theater

This weekend catch Step Afrika in New York at the New Victory Theater - 209 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036,  for a breathtaking performance:

"A beat for every brushstroke, Step Afrika! brings to life Jacob Lawrence's The Migration Series, the landmark collection of paintings about the largest demographic transformation in U.S. history. Fusing body percussion, tap and contemporary dance with live gospel, jazz and blues, the world's first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping uses uniquely American art forms to tell this uniquely American story. Experience the journey of the millions of African Americans who moved from the rural South to the urban North to rebuild their lives in this powerful, polyrhythmic performance of THE MIGRATION."

For a complete listing of Step Afrika! tour calendar visit http://www.stepafrika.org/calendar/

2017 Summer Internship Programs for African-American Students

Summer internships for college students has opened the door for many young people helping them find their calling while gaining professional experience in a field that interest them. Black News.Com has listed the following Top 2017 African-American, Minority and Diversity Summer Internship Programs. For more information visit http://www.findinternships.com/search/label/Minorities

1 – The NBA Internship Program offers college students an exciting opportunity  use their skills and classroom learning within a national sports environment. Learn more at www.findinternships.com/2013/10/nba-internship-program.html

#2 – The NASCAR Diversity Internship Program is a 10-week, full-time, paid summer work opportunity for deserving students with an interest in the NASCAR industry. Learn more at www.findinternships.com/2013/03/nascar-diversity-internship-program.html

 #3 – Black Enterprise Internships are designed to provide real-life work experiences for college students interested in a career in the media industry. Learn more at www.findinternships.com/2013/10/black-enterprise-internships.html

 #4 – The NCAA Ethnic Minority and Women’s Internship offers an opportunity for a minority, female college student to be chosen for a unique two-year internship program. Learn more at www.findinternships.com/2013/10/ncaa-ethnic-minority-and-womens.html

 #5 – The Minority Access Internship Program offers spring, summer and fall internships for college sophomores, juniors, seniors, graduates and professionals. Learn more at www.findinternships.com/2013/05/minority-access-internship-program.html

 #6 – Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Internships are available for college students pursuing undergraduate associates or bachelors degrees. Learn more at www.findinternships.com/2013/09/congressional-black-caucus-foundation.html

 #7 – Explore Microsoft Internship Program is for current college undergraduate minority students pursuing a degree in computer science or software engineering. Learn more at www.findinternships.com/2013/04/Explore-Microsoft-Internship-Program.html

 #8 – BET Networks Internships provides paid internships for both undergraduate and graduate college students at five different locations.  Learn more at www.findinternships.com/2013/09/bet-networks-internships.html

#9 – The UNCF/NAACP Gateway to Leadership Internship Program is a 10-week paid summer internship for undergraduate students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Learn more at www.findinternships.com/2013/04/uncf-naacp-gateway-to-leadership-internship-program.html

#10 – Google Internships is rated No. 1 by Forbes as the best internship opportunity for college students interested in a career in software engineering. Google offers an open culture and rich learning experience as well as good pay. Learn more at www.findinternships.com/2013/02/google-internships_15.html

#11 – The TV One Internship Program is open to full-time or part-time students attending an accredited college or university with an interest in a career in the media industry. TV One, one of the largest African American cable networks. Internships are offered to undergraduate college students in the Fall, Spring and Summer. Learn more at www.findinternships.com/2013/09/tv-one-internship-program_12.html

#12 – Oracle offers a 8-week, paid internship for students who attend one of the 39-member historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The internships help students to gain knowledge and experience in the field of technology. Learn more at www.findinternships.com/2014/01/oracle-diversity-internships_95.html

#13 – The National Urban League Summer Internship Program offers internships to students who are interested in a career in the non-profit industry. The program provides an 8-week paid internship for college students in either New York City or Washington, D.C. Learn more at www.findinternships.com/2013/04/national-urban-league-summer-internship_8.html

#14 – The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) offers internships to minority students interested in pursuing a future career in journalism. Applicants selected for a 10-week internship will be offered positions in print, broadcast or online disciplines at selected news organizations across the country. Learn more at www.findinternships.com/2016/11/nabj-internships.html

#15 – The Essence Communications Internship is a 9-week, paid internship is open to both undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in a career in the media industry. Candidates must have a strong interest in issues among African American women. Learn more at www.findinternships.com/2013/10/essence-communications-internship_73.html

#16 – The Multicultural Advertising Intern Program (MAIP) offers a full-time summer work experience for college students pursuing a career in advertising. Eligible students must be Asian/Asian American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino, Black/African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Multiracial or Multi-ethnic. Learn more at www.findinternships.com/2013/05/multicultural-advertising-intern-program_5.html

#17 – Merck offers 9-11 week internships are available to college students in the areas of research & development, sales & marketing, information technology, human resources, communications, finance and legal, as well as internships in biology and chemistry. Learn more at www.findinternships.com/2013/03/merck-internships_1.html

#18 – General Motors offers internships in the areas of communications, finance, information technology, marketing, engineering, manufacturing, health and safety. The internships offer a paid opportunity for students to receive a challenging work experience in the automotive industry. Learn more at www.findinternships.com/2013/04/general-motors-internships_33.html

#19 – DELL Computers offers 10-12 week internships during the summer for undergraduate and graduate students in the areas of marketing and sales, finance and accounting, IT and more. Internships provide real-world experience for college students while they are still in school. Learn more at www.findinternships.com/2014/01/dell-internships_9.html

#20 – PricewaterhouseCoopers offers more than 700 internships each year across 29 countries for college students majoring in accounting and finance. Students will work with highly skilled professionals and receive a realistic insight into the accounting and finance profession. Learn more at www.findinternships.com/2013/03/pricewaterhousecoopers-internships_67.html

Black Girls Code

Celebrating Women's History Month

According to Nielsen's Report, "African American Millennials are driving social change and leading digital advancement. They are more likely than all Millennials to say they are among the first of their friends/colleagues to try new technology products."  They are also the main consumers of smart- phones and users of the internet.  Unfortunately when it comes to finding employment in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) related careers, African Americans especially women lag behind other groups. Black Girls Code was created to address this discrepancy. Anyone who has seen the movie, Hidden Figures knows that African American women have played an important role in the development of NASA and other science projects. Now Black Girls Code wants to inspire a new generation to make their mark.  

Their vision is to provide "African-American youth with the skills to occupy some of the 1.4 million computing job openings expected to be available in the U.S. by 2020, and to train 1 million girls by 2040." Kimberly Bryant, the founder of Black Girls Code believes that their first aim is "to increase the number of women of color in the digital space by empowering girls of color ages 7 to 17 to become innovators in STEM fields, leaders in their communities, and builders of their own futures through exposure to computer science and technology." 

They provide workshops and hackathons across the country where young girls can learn coding, create digital programs and find a supportive community. This weekend their chapters in Dallas and New York will have special events for young girls followed later by events in Atlanta, Boston, Miami and the Bay area. To get more information and register for programs visit their site. 

Good news, young Black men will not be left out, there are plans for a Black Boys Code in the future.