We Celebrate International Day of the Girl

In 2011, the United Nations declared October 11 International Day of The Girl. The resolution stated, "Empowerment of and investment in girls are key in breaking the cycle of discrimination and violence."  

Today women are releasing their fears and finding their voices. As we work to empower young women, this day allows us to celebrate their new strength, their resilience and their dreams.

Cardi B's Bronx Fairy Tale Features Books of Color

Sometimes celebrity lifestyles can be extravagant and over the top. At other times they can cause us to pause and think. Cardi B can definitely be over the top, but she seems to be liked by both old and young. Maybe, people admire her ability to be herself and follow her own dream. This year she had her baby against all the advice that it would ruin her career, then she canceled her tour and took time out to be a mother. I was impressed that her glitzy Real Bronx Fairy Tale themed baby shower showcased “Bardi Baby Book Library,” featuring classic Latina and African-American children’s books. Titles like Guess How Much I Love You?, Hip Hop Alphabet, I Am Enough and Islandborn graced the Bardi Baby bookshelves. All little Black and Latino child who come into this world deserve books with characters that look like them and reflect their culture. And a baby shower is a great place to start their book collection. 

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?