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African-American Actors & Actresses Earn a Record 11 Emmy Nominations Across All Categories

By goodblacknews on July 10, 2014

EMMYS: Record 11 Black Actors & Actresses Nominated Across All CategoriesLast year Kerry Washington and Don Cheadle made Emmy history as two African American actors breaking through the lead acting categories at the same time with nominations.  Not only did they both earn nominations again this year, but a total of 11 Black actors and actresses were nominated across all acting categories — the most since 1977 when Roots racked up nine nominations for its castmembers according to TV Academy stats (Roots wound up winning trophies for Olivia Hope and Louis Gossett Jr).  Last year Washington’s nom for Scandal repped the first in nearly two decades for a black actress, the last being Cicely Tyson in 1995′sSweet Justice. This year, Washington will be running into Tyson on the red carpet as she’s also up for an nomination in the lead movie/miniseries actress category for The Trip to Bountiful. Another big year for Black actors was 1986, when The Cosby Show earned eight acting nominations and a guest comedy actor win for Roscoe Lee Browne. Typically the Emmys, similar to the Oscars, has been criticized for a lack of diversity in the past.

mark evan jackson“It’s a testament to the storytelling that is going on out there,” Andre Braugher, who plays Captain Ray Holt on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, said this morning about the record. “If you look at what Fox is doing with diverse comedies, there’s The Mindy Project and our show. There’s a new dimension of half-hour comedies that don’t depend on stereotypes or the boxes we put people in. I play a gay police captain on Brooklyn Nine-Nine and I’m not the butt of the joke. That’s revolutionary for TV.”
Added Cheadle about the trend, “It definitely reps a widening of the storytelling and more inclusive ideology of the shared stories and experiences we all have. It’s creeping toward something, but there’s still a lack of recognition for other nationalities. It’s definitely better, but it’s not something you can pin too much on as a trend since next year could be lower.”
Of the 11 this year, there’s Washington in Scandal (lead drama actress), Joe Morton also in Scandal (guest actor drama), Cheadle in House Of Lies (lead actor comedy series), Braugher for Brooklyn Nine-Nine (supporting comedy actor), Chiwetel Ejiofor in Starz’s Dancing On The Edge, Idris Elba for Luther (both in movie/miniseries actor category), Tyson in Trip to Bountiful (lead actress movie/miniseries), Angela Bassett in American Horror Story: Coven (movie/miniseries supporting actress), Reg. E. Cathey in House Of Cards (guest actor drama), and Uzo Aduba and Laverne Cox in Orange Is The New Black (both guest actress comedy series).
article by Anthony D’Alessandro via deadline.com

Don Cheadle Bringing Miles Davis’ Life To The Big Screen [PHOTO]

By goodblacknews on July 9, 2014

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Celebrated actor Don Cheadle has always had a fascination with legendary trumpeter Miles Davis. Thanks to a fundraising campaign on Indiegogo, Cheadle will be able to make his directorial debut about the life of one of his favorite artists.
The film titled “Miles Ahead” will focus on Davis’ return to music after a five year absence many call his “silent period.” Miles Davis’ marriage to his first wife Frances Taylor Davis will also be examined in the film.
Cheadle gave fans a first look of the film through an exclusive with Entertainment Weekly Magazine. The photo is of Cheadle in costume as Davis.
article by Jonathan Hailey via theurbandaily.com

Essence’s 20th Anniversary Festival Largest Ever With 550,000 Attendees

By goodblacknews on July 8, 2014

This past weekend’s Essence Festival surpassed its record setting attendance of last year’s 543,000 attendees by 7,000. At the 20th anniversary of the famed festival, more than 550,000 people attended and saw various performances, activities, and speakers throughout the Fourth of July weekend in New Orleans.
“Through a unique combination of entertainment and empowerment programming, the ESSENCE Festival has become the place where we come together to revel in culture and connect to our community,” said ESSENCE Communications President Michelle Ebanks. “In recognition of our 20-year milestone, we are tremendously proud to have offered more curated content than ever before—live in New Orleans for our more than 550,000 festival-goers and available digitally on multiple screens for our ESSENCE community of 11.5 million.”
There were more than 80 performers including such dignitaries as Prince, Mary J. Blige, Lionel Richie, Robin Roberts, Alicia Keys, Steve Harvey and Rev. Al Sharpton.
article by Cedric “BIG CED” Thornton via blackenterprise.com

Beyoncé’s $7M Gift To Houston

By goodblacknews on July 8, 2014

BeyonceAs a proud native of Houston, Texas, Beyoncé is leaving her mark on the city that groomed her to become an international star. The singer’s hometown pastor says the star has donated millions to his church to help the homeless and feed the poor.
In a recent interview with KHOU 11, Rev. Rudy Rasmus said St. Johns Downtown has benefited from Beyoncé’s $7 million gift to the establishment. Despite her superstar status, the pastor explained the Grammy award-winning artist still has a heart of gold.
“She has a global platform and is doing some amazing work and I’m glad she’s a friend of mine,” Rasmus said. “[…] She’s an incredible human being. Has an incredible heart and has been extremely helpful in our mission and our ministry here.”
Rasmus said Beyoncé has kept the ministry near and dear to her heart because she grew up at that very church and entertained the congregation with her musical talents.
“She used to sing right here,” he pointed out. “I don’t remember the song but I do remember she had long braids, tennis shoes and jeans on. A far cry from what she is today.”
article by Camille Travis via uptownmagazine.com

Andre 3000 Embodies the Spirit Of Jimi Hendrix In “All Is By My Side” (TRAILER)

By goodblacknews on July 5, 2014

andre-3000-jimi-hendrix
Andre 3000 / Jimi Hendrix

Music and movie fans alike have been waiting anxiously to see Andre 3000 star as legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix. While the film “All Is By My Side” hits theaters on September 26th, another trailer has been released, theurbandaily.com reports.
“All Is By My Side” follows Hendrix’s life for one year, 1966 to 1967. That was the pivotal year Hendrix went from a backup guitarist at a New York nightspot The Cheetah Club to making a name for himself in the London music scene and finally his breakout moment at Monterey Pop Festival.  The film was written and directed by Oscar winner John Ridley, who is currently executive producing the new drama series “American Crime” for ABC.
Check out the official trailer for “All Is By My Side” below:

article by Lori Lakin Hutcherson (follow @lakinhutcherson)
 

Award-Winning Director, Writer Alton Glass Makes History at the 18th Annual American Black Film Festival, ‘CRU’

By goodblacknews on July 4, 2014

Alton Glass
Los Angeles, CA — Director, writer, producer Alton Glass made history at the 18th annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) held in New York City this June.  Glass and his ensemble won awards for his engaging and heartfelt drama, “CRU”, making history by winning all nominated categories.
The award-winning film “CRU” tells the story of four high school best friends whose lives are dramatically changed after a near fatal accident, and when they reunite 18 years later they discover a set of past and present secrets that threaten to alter the course of their future.
The drama won the following awards in each nominated category:
* Grand Jury Prize for Best Director – “CRU,” Directed by Alton Glass, award and $5,000 prize provided by Cadillac
* Grand Jury Prize for Best Screenplay – “CRU,” written by Alton Glass and Oliver W. Ottley III, award and $5,000 prize presented by the Time Warner Foundation
* Grand Jury Prize for Best Narrative Feature – “CRU,” Written by Alton Glass & Oliver W. Ottley III, Directed by Alton Glass, Executive Producer Courtney Triggs, Produced by Danny Green, Alton Glass, Matthew Hatchette and Oliver W. Ottley III, award presented by BET Networks
* Audience Award for Best Film – “CRU,” Written by Alton Glass & Oliver Ottley III, Directed by Alton Glass, Executive Producer Courtney Triggs, Produced by Danny Green, Alton Glass, Matthew Hatchette and Oliver W. Ottley III, award presented by Nielsen
* Grand Jury Prize for Best Actor – Keith Robinson for his performance in “CRU,” award presented by UPTOWN Magazine
CRU stars Keith Robinson, Richard T. Jones, Harry J. Lennix, Melissa DeSousa, Sammi Rotibi, Antwon Tanner, Alison Eastwood and Jermaine Crawford.
Glass was overwhelmed with excitement over the history-making accomplishments. “I’d like to thank Jeff Friday, ABFF team, sponsors, my Mom who is my biggest supporter and film-lovers for supporting me and TeamCRU”, says Director/Writer/Producer Alton Glass while receiving back-to-back honors at the ABFF awards ceremony.
For more information on “CRU” or Alton Glass, visit www.glassrockent.com
article via blacknews.com

JET Magazine Launches New Digital App

By goodblacknews on July 1, 2014

jetdigitalmag_cover
The African-American community collectively mourned when Johnson Publishing announced earlier this year that it would no longer print “JET Magazine”. Black Twitter exploded with grief over popular magazine features like the “Beauty of the Week” and “JET Weddings” when readers every where believed they’d never see their faces printed in the book. But no so fast! In a daring and exciting move forward, the JET Magazine Digital App is available right now for free download (in-app purchases and subscriptions available).
Chicago’s own Keke Palmer graces the cover of the new digital APP announcing her new talk show, “Just Keke,” airing on BET. The trusted pocket-sized mag is better than ever in a downloadable interactive app that features 360 degree views of your “JET Beauty of the Week”, audible playlists of the top songs of the week, and JET weddings lives on in the “Love” section, dedicated to both celebrity and real people love stories. The new interactive mag features long form investigations, celebrity features and interactive fashion features for the stylish person on the go.
Digital Editorial Director Kyra Kyles shares her hope for the future. “I am so very excited about this app launch, as I feel it will allow us to stretch the boundaries of storytelling and offer readers a very dynamic platform that reflects their interests. I’m honored to be part of carrying the JET legacy and trusted brand into the future of media.”
Ebony and JET Magazine have anchored the Black community for decades and their forward movement into the digital space shows the power of Black media in the ever changing digital landscape.
Download it here:https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/jet-digital/id883558819?ls=1&mt=8
article by Leigh Davenport via newsone.com
 

OWN Picks Up Reality TV Show Starring Flex Alexander and Shanice Wilson That Showcases Black Love And Family

By goodblacknews on June 29, 2014

OWN-has-ordered-eight-more-episodes-of-Flex-and-Shanices-reality-show.-www.naturallymoi.com_-300x200Oprah Winfrey’s OWN Network has picked up a new reality series coming this fall titled, “Flex and Shanice.”
The show— which features the dynamic family life of “One on One” actor Flex Alexander and his wife, R&B singer Shanice Wilson — aired a test-episode on May 31st and garnered great audience numbers. According to Multichannel News, almost 500,000 people tuned in, which was a 25 percent increase in viewers in the 10PM time-slot compared to last year. The special was the night’s number one program for African-American women between ages 25-54 and 18-49, reported Eurweb.
“Saturday nights on OWN have become the place to be for viewers seeking great family entertainment, and we are pleased to share the newest members of our family with our audience,” said Sheri Salata, OWN co-president. “Flex, Shanice and their big, loud, loving brood are not unlike many families today who have combined resources in order to get through some tough times. Seeing how their love, laughter, and enduring faith in one another makes even the most challenging of days worthwhile is both entertaining and inspiring. We think our viewers are really going to connect with them.”
The reality show will not only focus on family, but will also delve into the financial issues that Flex and Shanice have experienced over the years. Flex sat down with Yahoo Music and said that the series will display some of the ‘ups and downs of the [entertainment] business.’ “You’re making money. You think it’s just going to continue to go on…and then reality hits, and you’re looking like, ‘Wow, there’s nothing in the account,” said Flex.
OWN’s Saturday nights will also include “Iyanla: Fix My Life,” “Six Little McGhees,” “Deion’s Family Playbook,” “Life With La Toya,” “Welcome To Sweetie Pie’s” and “Raising Whitley.”
article by Kacie Whaley via naturallymoi.com

R.I.P. Emmy-Nominated "Designing Women" Actor Meshach Taylor

By goodblacknews on June 29, 2014

meshach-taylor

Meshach Taylor, the actor best known for playing the only male character on the popular television show “Designing Women,” died on Saturday at his home outside Los Angeles. He was 67.  The cause was colorectal cancer, his agent, Dede Binder, said.

“It is with love and gratitude that we sorrowfully announce that our darling, amazingly brilliant and dynamic, Meshach, the incredible father, husband, son and friend has begun his grand transition,” the family said in a statement.

Mr. Taylor played Anthony Bouvier, an ex-convict who became a partner at a design firm in Atlanta with four women on the CBS sitcom that ran from 1986 to 1993. He was nominated for an Emmy Award in 1989 for his role on the show.

In a career that spanned more than three decades, he appeared in films and onstage, including his screen debut in the 1978 movie “Damien: Omen II,” roles in the 1987 film “Mannequin” and on the television shows “Dave’s World” and “Buffalo Bill.”  He has appeared regularly in television dramas since, including the series “In the Heat of the Night,” “Hannah Montana,” and “All of Us”.  He recently appeared in two episodes of the television drama “Criminal Minds.”

In 1998, Mr. Taylor played Lumiere in “Beauty and the Beast” on Broadway. Earlier, he performed at the Goodman Theater in Chicago, where in 1985 he played Jim, the runaway slave, in “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”

“The eldest of three children of two former college professors, Taylor, a precocious child, first learned acting technique as a survival skill. ‘The kids called me the Professor, and I got beat up a lot,’ he says. ‘So I dummied up until I got into the 11th grade,'” the profile read.

“Even when he didn’t have any money, he always had style. He was on the cutting edge of men’s colognes, and he was always buying yachting magazines and GQ,” actor Joe Mantegna told the magazine.

He is survived by his wife, Bianca Ferguson, four children and four grandchildren.

article via CNN and nytimes.com

Karyn Parsons ('Fresh Prince's' Hillary) Raising Funds for Animated Doc on First Black Prima Ballerina

By goodblacknews on June 29, 2014

Karyn Parsons, best known for her role as Hillary in the TV show “Fresh Prince of Bel Air,” is raising funds for a new animated short about Janet Collins, the first black prima ballerina and soloist to ever perform at NYC’s Metropolitan Opera. In Collins’ journey, she overcame many great obstacles; at the age 15, the young dancer was asked to join the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, but only if she performed in whiteface.
After refusing to dance in whiteface, Collins went on to become a renowned Prima Ballerina, winning awards for her performances on Broadway. In 1950, Collins was honored with the Best Dancer of Broadway title, making Collins a pioneer in this industry for paving the way for other black dancers and companies such as Alvin Ailey and the Dance Theater of Harlem.
The short story will be narrated by actor/comedian/producer Chris Rock and presented by Parsons’ founded award-winning organization Sweet Blackberry, whose mission is to educate kids on the achievements of African Americans with inspiring true stories.
So far, the project’s Kickstarter page shows 18 days left to go in the campaign, with over $16,000 already pledged of its $75,000 goal.
For more information on Sweet Blackberry, click here to see the Kickstarter video and contribute!
article by Vanessa Martinez via Shadow and Act