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African-American Comics Company Milestone Media Reteams with DC to Revive Its Black Superheroes

By goodblacknews on November 10, 2015

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s… Icon!comic movies7

Or is it Hardware rocketing through the skies, or Static Shock surfing on his big, floating garbage lid?

These three Black superheroes soon will return to a comic book store near you. If all goes well, cartoons, television appearances, movies and toys will follow.

That is the message that Milestone Media and DC Comics has been leaking out, by dribs and drabs, all year long.

hardware-comicIndustry professionals Denys Cowan, Derek Dingle, Dwayne McDuffie and Michael Davis planned Milestone in the early 1990s as an independent, African American-owned and controlled comic book. It launched instead as an imprint of one of the “big two” publishers, with a special arrangement between Milestone and DC. It was hailed as a pioneering event in the comic book world.

Milestone would have total creative control over its comics, retain the copyright to all of its characters and have the final say on merchandising and licensing deals, according to the deal. Marvel and DC, the Coke and Pepsi of the comics industry, had dabbled in creator-owned projects before. But a deal of that size and scope was unprecedented.

The arrangement was “very unique in that it allowed Milestone access to a complete system of distribution and promotion while still maintaining a great deal of independent control over the content of the books,” Jeffrey A. Brown, Bowling Green University professor and author of BlackSuperheroes, Milestone Comics, and Their Fans, said to Urban News Service.

maxresdefaultThe agreement “proved beneficial to both DC and Milestone,” Brown said. It “facilitated the Static Shock animated series,” which ran for 52 epi
sodes on the WB Network from 2000 to 2004. It also “kept the characters alive with occasional appearances in the DC Universe after Milestone closed down.”

Milestone’s comic book line launched in 1993 and went on hiatus in 1997 after giving readers hundreds of individual issues. Why did it shut down? “The various titles published by Milestone had a very dedicated fan following but the glut of new publishers over-saturated the market,” Brown said.

Despite rapid expansion, the American public’s interest in comics waned in the late 90’s, partly due to fascination with the still relatively new internet. Dozens of comic book companies and thousands of comic-specialty retailers went bust.

Now, thanks to television, social media and stronger story lines, comics are in another growth phase. The number of shops has risen and other distribution channels have emerged and improved. You can buy individual issues at comic book stores, digital comics for your tablet — via Amazon or ComiXology — and graphic novels are now seen as a legitimate genre of literature.

Barack Obama Becomes 1st U.S. President to Pose For LGBT Magazine Cover

By goodblacknews on November 10, 2015

President Barack Obama
President Barack Obama, already known as the first U.S. president to advocate for gay rights during an inauguration speech, just became the first Commander-In-Chief to pose for the cover of an LGBT magazine.
Gracing the cover of OUT magazine’s OUT 100 issue as “Ally of the Year” comes as no surprise — Obama is likely to go down in history as one of the most progressive presidents, if not the only one who has fought so tirelessly for LGBTQ rights. Shortly after taking office, Obama signed a bill repealing the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. And in June, after the Supreme Court ruled in favor of same-sex marriage nationwide, Obama delivered an emotional address to the nation, calling it a “victory for America.”

“This is the first time a sitting president has been photographed for the cover of an LGBT title, a historic moment in itself, and a statement on how much his administration has done to advance a singularly volatile issue that tarnished the reputations of both President Clinton and President Bush,” OUT’s editor-in-chief Aaron Hicklin wrote.

Obama granted the magazine an interview that highlighted his own upbringing and how it affects his perspective on equality.

“My mom instilled in me the strong belief that every person is of equal worth,” Obama told Hicklin. “At the same time, growing up as a black guy with a funny name, I was often reminded of exactly what it felt like to be on the outside. One of the reasons I got involved in politics was to help deliver on our promise that we’re all created equal, and that no one should be excluded from the American dream just because of who they are. That’s why, in the Senate, I supported repealing DOMA [the Defense of Marriage Act]. It’s why, when I ran for president the first time, I publicly asked for the support of the LGBT community, and promised that we could bring about real change for LGBT Americans.”

He also discussed how daughters Sasha and Malia have helped him recognize the generational shift in attitudes towards the LGBTQ community, urging for the end of damaging conversion therapy for young people that doesn’t allow them “to be who they are.”

“To Malia and Sasha and their friends, discrimination in any form against anyone doesn’t make sense. It doesn’t dawn on them that friends who are gay or friends’ parents who are same-sex couples should be treated differently than anyone else,” Obama said. “That’s powerful. My sense is that a lot of parents across the country aren’t going to want to sit around the dinner table and try to justify to their kids why a gay teacher or a transgender best friend isn’t quite as equal as someone else. That’s also why it’s so important to end harmful practices like conversion therapy for young people and allow them to be who they are. The next generation is spurring change not just for future generations, but for my generation, too. As president, and as a dad, that makes me proud. It makes me hopeful.”

You can read the full interview here.

article by Christina Coleman via newsone.com

Queen Latifah, Jermaine Dupri Team up for New Hip-Hop Lifetime Series "The Rap Game"

By goodblacknews on November 9, 2015
Queen Latifah and Jermaine Dupri (photo via thegrio.com)
Queen Latifah and Jermaine Dupri (photo via thegrio.com)

Queen Latifah and Jermaine Dupri are on the hunt for the next big hip hop sound in the industry.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the duo is putting in work on a new unscripted series called The Rap Game.  The eight-episode series will follow five aspiring young artists navigating the vast Atlanta hip hop scene and mentored by some of the greatest names in the game.
Dupri, who acts as producer on the show, has tapped the likes of Usher, Ludacris, Da Brat, T.I. and Silento to help guide the pupils each week, showing them how to better hone their crafts.
The goal for the young hopefuls is to secure a record contract with So So Def.
article by Matthew Wright via thegrio.com

Student and Faculty Protests Over Mishandled Racist Incidents Cause University of Missouri President Tim Wolfe to Resign

By goodblacknews on November 9, 2015

Professor and Playwright Suzan-Lori Parks Wins the 2015 Gish Prize for Excellence in the Arts

By goodblacknews on November 9, 2015

Award Winning Playwright and Professor Suzan-Lori Parks
Award Winning Playwright and Professor Suzan-Lori Parks

Suzan-Lori Parks, who teaches creative writing at the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, has been chosen as the winner of the 2015 Gish Prize, established through the will of the late actress Lillian Gish. The prize, considered among the top honors in the arts, comes with a cash award valued at $300,000.
The Gish Prize Trust said that Parks’ work “challenges contemporary conceptions of race, sexuality, family and society, and is distinguished by its striking wordplay, vibrant wit, and uninhibited style.” Parks will be honored at a ceremony on November 30 at the Public Theater in New York.
Parks is a graduate of Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts. She is a former MacArthur Foundation “Genius Award” winner. Professor Parks was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 2002 for her play “Topdog/Underdog.”
article via jbhe.com

W.E.B. Du Bois Medal Recipients Honored at Harvard for Contributions to African American Culture

By goodblacknews on November 9, 2015
DuBois Medal recipient Nasir “Nas” Jones (PHOTO BY KAYANA SZYMCZAK FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE)

Awarded since 2000, the Du Bois Medal is Harvard’s highest honor in the field of African and African American Studies. It is awarded to individuals in the U.S. and across the globe in recognition of their contributions to African American culture and the life of the mind.

The Hutchins Center for African & African American Research hosted the celebration at Sanders Theatre. Ali picked up the honor earlier in September, but a video of his presentation played during the ceremony. Last year’s honorees included Shonda Rhimes, Maya Angelou, and Harvey Weinstein.

article by Meredith Goldstein via bostonglobe.com; additions by Lori Lakin Hutcherson

Malia Obama, Zendaya Coleman, Amandla Stenburg Named Among TIME Magazine's Most Influential Teens

By goodblacknews on November 8, 2015

Influential teens Malia Obama, Zendaya Coleman and Amandla Stenburg (photo via theculture.forharriet.com)

Three of our all-time favorite black girls have been named to TIME’s annual 30 Most Influential Teens list. Malia Obama, Zendaya Coleman, and Amandla Stenburg are honored by TIME for their “accolades across numerous fields, global impact through social media and overall ability to drive news.”
The oldest First Daughter, Malia, is described as a “full-fledged cultural icon” by TIME. That title is perfect for the first daughter whose fashion choices and college visits are followed by millions of Americans. Like her parents, this 17-year-old Obama has big things ahead of her.
Former Disney Channel star Zendaya Coleman earned her spot on the list for emerging as a positive voice and role model for girls everywhere. She unapologetically reminds the media body positivity. In this year alone she eloquently schooled E!’s Giuliana Rancic for mocking her dreadlocks at the Oscars and shared unretouched photos from a magazine photoshoot.
17-year-old Amandla Stenburg lands a spot on TIME’s list for being a bold active critique of pop culture. Earlier this year the talented actress known for her role as Rue in “The Hunger Games” made the video “Don’t Cash Crop My Cornrows” which detailed cultural appropriation in pop culture and went viral. Not only is Amandla a talented actress and pop culture critic, she is also a musician and author.
Congratulations to these young women! We can’t wait to see the continued impact they will surely have on society!
article via theculture.forharriet.com

LeBron James is Wearing Shorter Shorts to Be a Better Role Model for Kids

By goodblacknews on November 8, 2015

LeBron James in shorter shorts as compared to last season (photo via twitter.com)
LeBron James in shorter shorts as compared to last season (photo via twitter.com)

These days Cleveland Cavaliers’ superstar LeBron James is sporting smaller game shorts and a tighter-fitting jersey as a way to help shape the future.
The four-time MVP has done some self-reflecting in recent years. He’s observed the changes in the NBA, which led to questioning himself: Am I doing all that I can? Am I truly leaving my imprint on not only the game, but also the league?
“I’m always thinking about ways I can be of help,” James told cleveland.com. “That’s what it’s about, making sure you’re doing your part.”
James has proven to be more than just an athlete, as he’s the most socially conscious athlete of this generation with his willingness to voice his opinion on issues of the day.
His personal objective is making a difference, on the court or off of it.
This season he trimmed his uniform shorts by a couple inches, and had his jersey made snugger than in years past. He had expressed to those close to him he wants to leave the baggy look behind and place a renewed emphasis on professional appearance when it comes to the size of his uniform as well as his pregame and postgame attire.
When he arrives for work at The Q, he typically wears a sportcoat. It’s his way of reaffirming that it’s a business atmosphere. Professionalism and conduct were a main focus of the Cavaliers’ pre-regular-season team meeting in late October.
As James is the biggest name in the league and arguably in all of sports, he feels an obligation to shift the minds of kids on what is considered fashionable and acceptable. The kids who will play in the NBA in the future look to today’s players as role models.
When it’s all said and done, if James goes down as the best basketball player of all-time and that’s the extent of it, he’d consider that a failure of a career.
Growing up in Akron, he has seen the effects of poverty and a lack of education. He’s witnessed how senseless murders affect families for generations and he’s seen the effects of people who could have had an influence doing nothing to put a stop to it.
“I have a calling, man,” James told cleveland.com. “Everything I do is for the people I love. I was just brought up that way.”
James can’t force change, but he can force people to think and take notice. It’s pretty cool to dress professionally, and he wants everyone to know that.
article by Chris Haynes via cleveland.com

HISTORY: Schomburg Center Digitizes Jim Crow Era "Green Books" Created to Help Black Travelers Avoid Racist Towns and Businesses

By goodblacknews on November 8, 2015

Green Book (photo via Schomburg Center Archive)
The Negro Travelers’ Green Book (photo via Schomburg Center Archive)

Before the Civil Rights Act was passed in 1964 — and decades before the Internet and smart phones existed — black travelers relied on the “Green Book” to find hotels, restaurants and other establishments willing to accept their business.
The travel guide was published between 1936 and 1966 to help black motorists avoid racial harassment, arrest and violence as they traveled through the U.S. during the Jim Crow era.
All but two of those editions — the inaugural edition in 1936 and the one from 1952 — have been digitized and posted online by the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, reported DNA Info.
“Carry The Green Book with you. You may need it,” reads the cover of the 1949 edition, followed by a quote from Mark Twain: “Travel is fatal to prejudice.”
Victor Green, a U.S. Postal Service worker, started publishing the books from his New York City apartment after his wife decided they should scout all the black-friendly businesses on the way to visit her family in Virginia.
“The idea crystallized when, not only himself but several friends and acquaintances complained of the difficulties encountered; oftentimes painful embarrassments suffered which ruined a vacation or business trip,” wrote Novera C. Dashiell in the spring 1956 edition.
Green and other mail carriers shared their experiences in racially segregated America, and they helped black travelers avoid “sundown towns,” where they weren’t welcome after dark, and other racist areas or businesses.
“It’s not just which places are clean and which places serve good food — it’s places that you would be welcomed and you would be safe,” said Maira Liriano, associate chief librarian at the Schomburg Center.
The books were immediately popular, and they serve as a fascinating document of mid-century cultural history.

Dove Embraces Diversity With "Love Your Curls" Campaign and New Curly-Haired Emojis

By goodblacknews on November 8, 2015

Dove has been receiving all the praise lately after the launch of its “Love Your Curls” campaign that was released earlier this year in an effort to get women to love their curly hair textures.
Now, the beauty brand is expanding on that campaign and bringing its love for diversity to your fingertips. As of Nov. 4, in the App Store and on Google Play, emoji lovers can download the 27 new curly-haired emojis that come in various skin tones and hair lengths. According to Dove’s commercial, only four out of 10 curly-hair girls feel they are beautiful. Recognizing the power in representation, Dove’s VP of Marketing Rob Candelino knew it was up to the company to fill the void.
“Knowing how prevalent and widely used emojis have become, it was saddening to us [that] there remained no reflection of curly hair in the official keyboard, even after recent updates,” Candelino tells Mashable. “The best part about using emojis is being able to express a feeling, thought or sentiment with an icon that is representative of you.”
In addition to the new emojis, Dove has partnered with Twitter to ensure that every time someone tweets #LoveYourCurls, a curly-haired emoji will appear.
Dove’s digital communication updates are among many new additions added to the campaign, as the brand has also launched empowering videos and a children’s book full of poems and stories that encourage women to celebrate their natural curls.
article via Courtney Connley via blackenterprise.com