Black History Month: Honoring Ourselves and Our Ancestors

Welcome to Black History Month 2022! For the past 2 years we have experienced some very challenging times. Many of us have experienced lost, separation and pain. Our community has been devastated in many ways because of Covid, violence and economic hardships. Many pillars of our community have been lost. Grandparents, parents, teachers, medical professionals, family and friends who have supported us and our community are no longer here. Even if we have not been touched personally there is still a collective grieving as a community.  This month gives us an opportunity to thank God, honor our ancestors and inform our children. Our history shows us that we have the resilience to heal and rebuild when we love and support each other. Let our light shine.

Martin Luther King Day: Daring to Dream

 "Everybody can be great ... because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love."

 “Daring to Dream: The Radical Imagination of a New Generation” is the theme for the 2022 Martin Luther King Jr. Day. To honor King’s memory, since 1994 this federal holiday has also been celebrated as a day of service. How would our world look like if everyone did his part to build a better world. The website for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service encourages people to think of the holiday as “a day on, not a day off” by volunteering for local causes. MLK inspired millions of people in his lifetime and continues to inspire us to this day. Across the globe, activists look to King for inspiration and courage. Modern movements for racial equality and justice, such as the Black Lives Matter movement, are extensions of the work that he started.  Join with people around the country to make a difference especially this year with so many families in our country and around the world affected by Covid.  Visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service for ideas and opportunities to volunteer.  Days of Service help to raise awareness, mobilize volunteers, and provide individuals with an opportunity to engage and build new connections, and help nonprofits find support for their programs. MLK Day of Service is intended to empower individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers, create solutions to social problems, and move us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a “Beloved Community.”

American Masters Debuts Documentary on the Life of Alvin Ailey

Alvin Ailey's "Revelation"

American dance will never be the same because of the incredible work of Alvin Ailey. Young adults can learn about the awe inspiring work of this genius in a documentary shown on PBS. American Masters: Ailey is a portrait of the legendary choreographer Alvin Ailey (1931-1989), a trailblazing pioneer who founded his influential studio Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1958 at age 27. The documentary traces the full contours of this brilliant and enigmatic man whose search for the truth in movement resulted in enduring choreography that centers on the Black American experience with inimitable grace and power. His choreography was rooted in memories of blues and gospel music, juke joints, and church exemplified by iconic works like "Revelation" and "Lazarus." Opening the series’ 36th season, American Masters: Ailey premieres nationwide on PBS (check local listings), pbs.org/ailey and the PBS Video app.

10th Annual Schomburg Center's Black Comic Book Festival

 

The Schomburg Center's for Research in Black Culture 10th Annual Black Comic Book Festival starts Thursday, January 13 through Saturday, January 15. 

From Wakanda to West 135th Street—join them online! The Black Comic Book Festival starts in just two days. Check out their schedule of virtual panel discussions. Register now and join the festival online starting on Thursday.

The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture - 515 Malcolm X Boulevard (135th St and Malcolm X Blvd) New York, NY 10037. Phone: 917-275-6975.https://www.nypl.org/locations/schomburg

Holiday Books for African American Children

This holiday season, we might still feel locked down by Covid but that doesn't mean we can't have good family time reading and sharing some wonderful holiday stories.  Fortunately, there is a wide variety of books featuring Black stories and characters. Here are a few books to add to the home library.

Carla and the Christmas Cornbread - by Carla Hall and illustrated by Cherise Harris. 

Carla Hall, my favorite TV chefs inspires young children with a story from her childhood. In this heartwarming tale from her childhood, superstar chef and TV host Carla Hall shares the story of young Carla, who eats a sugar cookie meant for Santa on the night before Christmas and then tries to make things right.  Christmas is Carla’s favorite holiday of the year. She goes to her grandparents’ house and eats grandma’s special recipe—a perfectly delicious cornbread. She listens to her grandpa Doc’s marvelous stories about traveling the world. And, best of all, she spends lots of time with her family. But how will Santa know to stop at their house if they don’t leave him a midnight snack? With her grandmother’s help, Carla comes up with a plan, but will it be enough to save Christmas?

Charlotte and the Nutcracker: The True Story of a Girl Who Made Ballet History by Charlotte Nebres (Author) and Alea Marley (Illustrator).
A reimagined and modern take on the holiday favorite, this picture book weaves together the classic Christmas tale of The Nutcracker and the true-life story of 12-year-old ballerina Charlotte Nebres, the first Black girl to play Marie in the New York City Ballet’s production. The only thing Charlotte loves as much as ballet is Christmas. So, when she gets the opportunity to play Marie in the New York City Ballet's The Nutcracker, she leaps at the chance. Then the hard work begins, dancing takes practice. There are hours of her learning to adjust her arms, perfect her jumps and perform in front of an audience. Her joy and fear all become magnified. Will she be able to accomplish her goals and perform at Lincoln Center? The 12-year-old Nebres says she remembers being inspired by Misty Copeland becoming the first African-American female principal at American Ballet Theater. With the support of her family, Charlotte provides youngsters with an inspiring story about family, dance, and holiday cheer.

The Nutcracker in Harlem by T. E. McMorrow  (Author) and James Ransome  (Illustrator

This jazz-inspired reinvention of The Nutcracker is a worthy tribute to the dreamlike wonder and magic of the Christmas season. In this original retelling, set in New York City during the height of the Harlem Renaissance, one little girl finds her voice as a musician thanks to her enchanting adventures with a magical toy. An author’s note at the end provides additional information about the history of the Harlem Renaissance, and about the author’s inspiration for this musical retelling.

The Night Before Christmas: An African American Retelling by Noland Nixon (Author), Angela Y. Nixon 

Written by teen Noland Nixon, this book is sure to spread joy and cheer to your family story times. The Night Before Christmas is an African-American retelling of Clement Moore's classic holiday poem, complimented by illustrations of an African-American family.

Santa in the City by Tiffany D. Jackson  (Author), Reggie Brown (Illustrator)

It's two weeks before Christmas, and Deja is worried that Santa might not be able to visit her--after all, as a city kid, she doesn't have a chimney for him to come down and none of the parking spots on her block could fit a sleigh, let alone eight reindeer! But with a little help from her family, community, and Santa himself, Deja discovers that the Christmas spirit is alive and well in her city.

Silent Night (The Christmas Choir) by Lara Hawthorne (Author)
Celebrate the magic of Christmas with this beautifully illustrated book, based on the world's best-loved carol. Rediscover the Nativity Story in all its glory—from quaking shepherds to heaven-sent angels—as the song lyrics are brought to life on every spread.

The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Andersen  (Author), Jerry Pinkney  (Illustrator)

The luminous art of three-time Caldecott Honor recipient Jerry Pinkney transforms the nineteenth-century Danish girl of Andersen's tale into a child plucked straight from America's melting pot, shedding new light on the invisibility of the poor among the prosperous-a circumstance as familiar in Andersen's day as it is in our own.

Grace at Christmas by Mary Hoffman  (Author), Cornelius VanWright (Illustrator)

Grace loves Christmas - acting out the nativity story, opening presents, celebrating with Ma, Nana and Paw-Paw. But this Christmas Nana announces they will have visitors from Trinidad. Grace is horrified! She does NOT want to share the day with another little girl she doesn't even know. But after some wise words from Nana, Grace's generous spirit shines through. And in the end, as they all share a special surprise, Grace thinks it could be the best Christmas ever! 

Amazing Peace: A Christmas Poem by Maya Angelou  (Author), Steve Johnson (Illustrator), Lou Fancher (Illustrator)

In this beautiful, deeply moving poem, Maya Angelou inspires us to embrace the peace and promise of Christmas, so that hope and love can once again light up our holidays and the world. “Angels and Mortals, Believers and Nonbelievers, look heavenward,” she writes, “and speak the word aloud. Peace.”

The Real Santa by Nancy Redd  (Author), Charnelle Pinkney Barlow (Illustrator)

Join one Black family on their journey to discover what the real Santa looks like in this joyous tale celebrating identity, family and holiday cheer, from the New York Times bestselling author of Bedtime Bonnet.

I Got the Christmas Spirit by Connie Schofield-Morrison  (Author), Frank Morrison (Illustrator)

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and a mother and daughter are enjoying the sights and sounds of the holiday season. The little girl hears sleigh bells ringing and carolers singing. She smells chestnuts roasting--CRUNCH! CRUNCH! CRUNCH!--and sees the flashing lights of the department store windows--BLING! BLING! BLING! She spreads the spirit of giving wherever she goes. And when she reaches Santa, she tells him her Christmas wish--for peace and love everywhere, all the days of the year.

Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Kwanzaa by Carolyn Otto  (Author)

Celebrate Kwanzaa continues the spectacular Holidays Around the World series by focusing on this African-American holiday, which falls during the festive, gift-giving season and is celebrated by families, communities, and schools throughout America. With succinct, lively text and beautiful photographs, the book celebrates African-American culture and helps us to understand and appreciate this special holiday.

My First Kwanzaa: The Pan-Afrikan Holiday by Britney House 

During the seven days of Kwanzaa, we celebrate the importance of family, friends, and community. This warm and lively introduction to a very special holiday will help even the youngest children join in!

My Family Celebrates Kwanzaa by Lisa Bullard (Author), Constanza Basaluzzo (Illustrator)

Kwanzaa traces its origins to the American Civil Rights era. Critical thinking questions and fast facts prompt young readers to engage with this special narrative and learn all about Kwanzaa.

Soulful Holidays: An inclusive rhyming story celebrating the joys of Christmas and Kwanzaa by Ciara L Hill (Author), Christian Krabbe (Illustrator)

Cozy up together with this charmingly illustrated family book told in easy-to-read memorable rhymes. Through this heartwarming tale, children and families all over the world can experience the magic of Christmas and the true essence of Kwanzaa. Read about the food, songs, cultural decorations, and more! The catchy couplets in this dazzling picture book will delight readers with the inclusive traditions of families who honor one or both of these incredible holidays.

My First Kwanzaa  by Karen Katz  (Author, Illustrator)

A simple way for the very young to get acquainted with Kwanzaa. During the seven days of Kwanzaa, we celebrate the importance of family, friends, and community. This warm and lively introduction to a very special holiday will help even the youngest children join in!    

Ada Twist, Scientist Brought Black Girl Magic to Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Black Girl Magic graced the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade when Ada Twist, Scientist made her historic debut at last Thursday's parade.  Ada Twist, Scientist was introduced in 2016 as a book series written by Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Roberts.  The stories have expanded to a series on Netflix  created by  Chris Nee of Doc McStuffins, and produced by Higher Ground Productions, owned by President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama.  In the series, this inquisitive little girl, Ada, trades in her play clothes for a lab coat as she conducts scientific experiments with her two best friends as they explore how the world around them works. On Thanksgiving, she set off on her first parade adventure along with Grogu (Baby Yoda) and Paw Patrol. With a pen tucked under her ear, and wearing her signature lab coat, Ada shows us the magic of science all around us. Hurrah for Black Girl Magic! Now girls all over can see themselves represented as scientists.

Films for Black Children Revisited

 Just a few years ago, there were only a hand full of children's films with a Black protagonist but with the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement doors are opening to more opportunities. I was always frustrated that it was easier to find a purple, green or orange character in children's films and literature than a Black child. Today new projects are being developed to fill that gap. All children need to see themselves reflected in the books they read and in the movies they see. They need to identify with the characters and heroes, and know that their stories are important. Hopefully, these new projects will amplify the dignity and diversity of African American culture. Here is a few samplings of new animation and live action projects that are expected in the future.

Kerry Washington will be executive producing an original movie based on the book by Janae Marks, 'From The Desk Of Zoe Washington.' The Scandal star is working with Disney Branded Television to develop an original movie based on Janae Marks’ critically acclaimed book of the same name. Like the award-winning novel, the film will center on middle-schooler and aspiring pastry chef Zoe, a young girl who makes a connection with her incarcerated father. After he proclaims his innocence, Zoe “begins to learn about systemic racism” and works to “set her biological father free.” “Marks’ book does a beautiful job of delicately weaving together the challenges and triumphs of life and the enormity of social injustice and systemic racism through the lens of an almost-seventh grader,” said Ayo Davis, executive vice president, Creative Development and Strategy, Disney Branded Television. “This is a perfect example of the type of premium storytelling that will not only entertain but will touch our audience on many levels as they see these topical issues reflected on the screen.”

Netflix has commissioned Karma's World, a new animated musical series from rapper Chris “Ludacris" Bridges. Aimed at children ages 6-9, the series is about a young Black girl finding her voice and using it to change the world. Originally inspired by Bridges' oldest daughter, Karma, it is based on the interactive educational website of the same name created by Karma’s World Entertainment in 2009.  Karma’s World follows 10-year-old Karma Grant, an aspiring musical artist and rapper with big talent and an even bigger heart. Smart, resilient, and deeply empathetic, Karma pours her soul into songwriting, channeling her feelings into whip-smart rhymes with passion, courage and her signature brand of humor. In this series, Karma is only beginning to grasp the incredible emotional power that words and music can have. She doesn’t just want to share her music with the world...she wants to change the world with it. The series will feature original songs "which tackle issues such as self-esteem, body positivity, discrimination, creativity, expressing emotions, friendship, family, leadership, celebrating differences and more." Ludacris is the creator, and executive produces the project. 

Netflix Family has released the trailer for their new animated preschool television series Ada Twist, Scientist. Based on the children’s book Ada Twist, Scientist written by Andrea Beaty and illustrator David Roberts. This new series getting the all-star treatment is created by  Chris Nee of Doc McStuffins, and produced by Higher Ground Productions, owned by President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama. The series was recently renewed for a second season!

New Disney Junior series, Eureka, is set to debut later this year.  Starring Ruth Righi, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Lil Rel Howery and Javier Muñoz, Eureka! tells the story of a young girl inventor who is way ahead of her time. Utilizing creative out-of-the-box thinking, she designs inventions and contraptions in the hopes of making the world a better place and moving her prehistoric community into a more modern era. With the help of her supportive parents, teacher, best friends—Pepper and Barry—and beloved pet mammoth Murphy, Eureka is learning to embrace that she is not ordinary … she’s extraordinary.

The Ironheart series at Disney Plus has tapped Chinaka Hodge to serve as head writer. She is a screenwriter, poet, playwright, and educator. Her past television writing credits include the Apple reboot of “Amazing Stories,” as well as the TNT series adaptation of “Snowpiercer” starring Daveed Diggs. She is also a founding member of the hip hop collective The Getback along with Daveed Diggs and others.

Ironheart will star Dominique Thorne as Marvel character Riri Williams, a genius inventor and the creator of the most advanced suit of armor since Iron Man.  Riri Williams was first introduced in the Marvel comics in 2016, the creation of writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Mike Deodato. In the comics, she is a 15-year-old MIT student who reverse engineers Iron Man’s armor in order to create armor of her own. Iron Man, a.k.a. Tony Stark, eventually took notice and gave her his encouragement to pursue the life of a superhero.

Netflix is turning Sulwe, the bestselling children’s book by Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o, into an animated musical, the latest move by the streamer to bolster its feature animation slate.  Sulwe, written by Nyong’o with illustrations by Vashti Harrison, follows Sulwe, a child who has skin darker than anyone she knows.  “Sulwe was born the color of midnight,” the book begins and all she wants is to be beautiful and bright. One night, she is visited by a shooting star sent by the Night and embarks on a magical journey where she learns the eye-opening story of the sisters Night and Day. The book tells a story about colorism, self-esteem and learning that true beauty comes from within.

Kalia Love Jones inspired by a speech from former first lady Michelle Obama, created and directed a short film, The Power of Hope which was nominated for a NAACP Image Award. Now at fourteen years old, she is inspiring young people to follow their dreams. Jones’ animated film is about an ambitious young woman who was at the verge of giving up on her dreams because her mother was ill, however, the words of Michelle Obama was her motivation to keep going for gold.  She won the Youth Visionary Award at the Pan African Film Festival and the Outstanding Achievement Award for Best Female Young Filmmaker at the Indie Short Fest. 

 Jones funded the majority of the production by herself. She worked odd jobs, recycled for family and friends, and saved her earnings to produce her film. “I started with the idea, writing the story and creating the characters,” Jones said, adding that she used some of her favorite women leaders as inspiration for the story. “There’s a lot, but I think some of my favorites would be women who work in the film industry, like Rebecca Sugar, Ava DuVernay or Oprah, because I want to be one of those women (someday).”

The greatest lesson Jones wants to share with the world is that we are all capable of achieving greatness once we believe in ourselves. She wants to impact the world positively and hopes the film inspires young people to face all adversities headstrong as they pursue their dreams.

See the film https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrRL6yFdSpg

Lady Buckit and the Motley Mopsters  marks a major milestone in Nollywood by becoming the first animated feature film in Nigeria.  The plot follows the story of a precocious, adventurous little girl called Bukky who enjoys solving math and logic problems with her father but finds herself in a wildly unfamiliar territory. There she encounters a band of highly unusual characters who change the course of her life. Using a distinct and striking style of animation, little Bucky stands out as a lovable and attractive character. This children fantasy film is conceived by Blessing Amidu and directed by Adebisi Adetayo. Celebrated as Nigeria's first feature animation, Netflix is now negotiating to distribute it in the states.

http://motleymopstersmovie.com/

Super Sema follows the adventures of an extraordinary young girl Sema and her twin brother MB on their mission to protect their African town of Dunia from the villainous Tobor. Sema knows that with determination, creativity, and a helping hand from the amazing world of science and technology, anything is possible!  From their Secret Lab, they code world-changing apps, create energy from waste, engineer solutions for their community, develop virtual worlds, and might even launch a space rocket, but be home in time to print 3D pizzas!

Sema is a 10-year-old African girl with an extraordinary ability to change the world! She uses her imagination, technology and a heavy dose of determination to save the day and protect her community from the evil Tobor. On her adventures, you can catch Sema making fun inventions in her Secret Lab with her twin brother MB. Created by Kukua from South Africa. episodes of this series can be viewed on You Tube visit their website for more information https://www.supersema.com/characters/

According to Entertainment Weekly, Matthew A. Cherry's beloved 2019 Oscar-award-winning short film Hair Love is officially becoming a 2D animated series on HBO Max called Young Love! Based on the bestselling children's book of the same name, Hair Love beautifully illustrates the relationship between a little girl named Zuri and her dad, and was created by Cherry to normalize Black hair. The short resonated with people everywhere, especially fathers who found themselves in similar situations."

The new show “will focus on millennial parents Stephen and Angela, daughter Zuri, and pet Rocky as they juggle their careers, marriage, parenthood, social issues, and multigenerational dynamics all while striving to make a better life for themselves.”  Cherry, a former NFL player turned director and the author of Hair Love, is thrilled that HBO ordered 12 episodes of the show. A release date has not been set.

Walt Disney Animation Studios and the Pan-African entertainment company Kugali revealed their partnership on the Sci-Fi Series Iwaju at the Annecy Animation Festival. The new series is set in a futuristic version of Lagos, Nigeria,  During the presentation, the show’s creators revealed a sneak peek at their futuristic vision of Lagos, a sprawling mega-city that straddles a lagoon and is divided into a densely populated mainland and a more affluent island. “That physical separation…means that we have a very unique set-up for storytelling already built into the DNA of the real-life Lagos,” said Kugali co-founder and Iwájú cultural consultant Tolu Olowofoyeku. Writer-director and co-founder Ziki Nelson said the creative team was “building a futuristic world rooted in the contemporary setting.”

Though details of the storyline and its main characters are still under wraps, Nelson said the plot would focus on the inequality that is a “feature of everyday life in Nigeria,” as well as “challenging the status quo.” “It’s really about that inspiration, or aspiration and desire, to try and engineer society in a more positive way." Inspired by the continent’s diverse histories and cultures, the 10-part anthology is an action-packed collection of sci-fi and fantasy stories that will present bold visions of advanced technology, aliens, spirits and monsters imagined from uniquely African perspectives. Oscar-winning director Peter Ramsey (“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”) will serve as executive producer.

Disney+ has announced the upcoming anthology series, Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire. It is a collection of 10 original, animated films helmed by creators from Zimbabwe, Uganda, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and Egypt. This animated anthology "brings together a new wave of animation stars to take you on a wildly entertaining ride into Africa’s future. Inspired by the continent’s diverse histories and cultures, these action-packed sci-fi and fantasy stories present bold visions of advanced technology, aliens, spirits and monsters imagined from uniquely African perspectives."  The films will premiere in late 2022 on Disney+. 

Marsai Martin of “Blackish” and her production company, Genius Entertainment have received the greenlight  from Disney Channel to produce the pilot, Saturdays, a comedy about a young girl and her competitive roller skating crew. Saturdays follows Paris, who has been honing her skills on the cool parquet floor of Saturdays, a local skating rink owned and operated by a former ’90s hip-hop back-up dancer. With its neon lights, galaxy-painted rink and killer D.J. spinning the latest music, Saturdays is the place to show and prove. Paris is the leader of a skate crew and is determined to take them all the way to the top. However, she has sickle cell disease, and when it flares up, it’ll take every ounce of determination to prove the doubters wrong, including her concerned family.  

The Wonder Years is an American coming-of-age comedy television series inspired by the 1988 series of the same name.  It is set in the late 1960s and takes a nostalgic look at the Williams family, Black middle-class residents of Montgomery, Alabama, through the point of view of imaginative 12-year-old Dean. Elisha  "EJ" Williams stars as Dean Williams, and Don Cheadle lends his voice as the narrator for the series as the adult counterpart of Dean. Dulé Hill stars as Bill Williams, Dean's father. The series premiered on ABC Television's 2021–22 season.

That Girl Lay Lay is a new comedy television series  created for Nickelodeon staring video artist Alaya High, who is otherwise known as Lay Lay. She plays an artificially intelligent phone avatar that comes to life in the form of a human teen girl.  Gabrielle Nevaeh Green stars as Sadie a young teen who is struggling to adjust to school and needing a best friend to talk to.  Sadie wishes that Lay Lay, an artificially intelligent avatar from a personal affirmation app, were real and could help teach her how to stand out. When her wish comes true and Lay Lay is magically brought to life, they navigate life as teenagers and discover who they truly are, all while trying to keep Lay Lay's identity hidden.