Night School Review

In a time when media provide us with our daily dose of stress, Kevin Hart's new movie, "Night School" gives us an opportunity to take a break.  This is humor with a message. Teddy Walker played by Kevin Hart is looking for a second chance to correct some serious blunders.  For him a second chance involves going back to school for his GED.  Along the way there is a lot of funny banter between him and his classmates, and lots of slapstick between him and his teacher played by Tiffany Haddish. Hart uses his humor to address issues like learning disabilities, job inequality and the importance of being honest especially to yourself and your loved ones. So lessons are learned and messages sent to stay in school, cherish relationships, check your values and never give up. 

Although this movie is rated PG-13 there is some raunchy language so parental discretion is advised especially for younger children. Check out the trailers before going.

Happy Centennial Birthday, Mandela!

July 18, 1918 - December 5, 2013

There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children. 

Nelson Mandela

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/