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Andre Holland is stepping into the shoes of Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton in the Apple TV+ limited series The Big Cigar. Holland leads a renowned ensemble cast including Alessandro Nivola, Tiffany Boone, PJ Byrne, Marc Menchaca, Moses Ingram, Rebecca Dalton, Olli Haaskivi, Jordane Christie and Glynn Turman. Legendary award-winning actor and producer Don Cheadle serves as director and executive producer on the first two episodes. The Big Cigar‘s showrunner is NAACP Image Award winner Janine Sherman Barrois (Claws, The Kings of Napa) and Winning Time‘s Jim Hecht penned the show’s first episode. According to Apple TV+, the series is based on the magazine article by Joshuah Bearman (Argo), who will also serve as an executive producer. The Big Cigar is the incredible true story of the Hollywood revolution meeting social revolution: it’s a wild caper of Black Panther founder Huey Newton escaping from the FBI to Cuba with the assistance of famed producer Bert Schneider in an impossibly elaborate plan — involving a fake movie production — that goes wrong in every possible way. And somehow, it’s all true. Mostly. The Big Cigar makes its global debut on May 17 with the first two episodes, followed by new episodes every Friday through June 14. Photo Credit: Apple TV+

Kwasi Darko Mensah is a graduate of Morehouse College with a bachelor’s degree in finance and marketing. He has over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, with a wide range of success in creating memorable guest experiences, operations management, venue planning and development. Mensah has held various job titles, including valet attendant, security guard, manager and promoter. However, the first-generation Ghanaian entrepreneur was able to add owner to his resume in 2007 when he and a close friend created the International Parking Company, a service that is still thriving in 2024. For the past twenty years, Mensah has been no stranger to the nightlife industry and has carved out his lane, starting as a valet attendant in downtown Atlanta. Ultimately, working his way up through the distinct levels of the nightlife industry. As Mensah’s knowledge grew within the industry, so did his passion for ensuring that consumers always enjoyed themselves whenever he provided the service. In an interview with The Quintessential Gentleman, Mensah stated that he knew he could play a crucial role in bringing back the 'fun element' to the nightlife scene, which has been missing in Atlanta for some time now. He explained that seeing how the industry has changed over the past decade or so, he wanted to be that positive impact on the nightlife scene that was starting to fade away. Mensah’s impact on the community and the nightlife scene of Atlanta has been nothing short of amazing. Mensah’s commitment to providing quality service has allowed him to stand the test of time, and he’s here to stay, only this time he’s taking on a new role. Mensah has now joined Bloom Bar, an Afro-themed cocktail bar and restaurant that has been setting the standard for vibrant nightlife experiences in Accra, Ghana. As a key business partner, Mensah plays a valuable role in securing Bloom Bar’s journey to the United States and finding its new home here in Atlanta. Mensah was able to help secure the Buckhead location and has now positioned the brand not only to expand but also to thrive. With his ability to interact with people from all walks of life, he will bring that element he’s perfected over the years into Bloom Bar. “The goal is to understand what the athletes, the rappers, and even the day-to-day people are looking for when they visit Bloom Bar and to be able to deliver it,” said Mensah. Kofi Maafo, a well-esteemed CEO in his own right of the Bloom Bar brand knew exactly what he was getting in Mensah when he was brought on to the team and it has been a seamless process during their newly formed partnership. Known for delivering a luxury experience in Ghana, Bloom Bar has set the standard in the nightlife industry for the past six years all while delivering a vibrant experience that allows for its customers to make memories that will last a lifetime. The open-air bar is known for its signature lights, delicious cocktails, and ambiance that will leave all in attendance in awe. Mensah spoke on what it meant to bring a huge piece of West African culture and heritage to Atlanta's nightlife scene, stating, "Being able to partner with Kofi, who is also a first-generation Ghanaian, means everything to me. We love entertainment, and it is intertwined with our culture. We dance, we sing, and we love to have fun. The forefront of the Bloom Bar experience is to bring back that fun aspect that has been missing from Atlanta nightlife for some time now." Bloom Bar’s presence in the hospitality and nightlife industry will allow Mensah to continue providing the strategic insight needed to take the bar to the next level. As for what's next for Mensah and Bloom Bar collectively, Mensah stated, "The goal is expansion and growth, and this project is just a stepping stone to greater things in the future.'"

One of boxing’s greatest heavyweight champions of all time is headed into the WWE Hall of Fame. The late great Muhammad Ali will be celebrated once more for his amazing contributions to the sports world on April 5. The ceremony that will honor Ali will take place in Philadelphia as the WWE will be celebrating its 40th annual WrestleMania weekend. In 1990, Ali entered the International Boxing Hall of Fame as part of its very first class. A three-time heavyweight champion, Ali achieved a sixth-round technical knockout victory over Sonny Liston in 1964 and an eighth-round knockout of George Foreman in 1974. To many, Ali was considered an underdog in both fights; however, in true Ali fashion, he indeed shocked the world. Ali’s presence in the world of sports spanned across the globe, leaving an impact on millions of fans who were able to witness his greatness firsthand. In 1976, Ali participated in an exhibition match against the pro-Japanese wrestling legend Antonio Inoki in Tokyo, in front of 32,000 spectators. The 15-round bout was ruled a draw and was broadcast via closed circuit to over 33,000 people at Shea Stadium, then home of the New York Mets. The buildup before the exhibition included media coverage of Ali appearing on WWF, now formally known as WWE, where he stormed into the ring to challenge WWE icon Gorilla Monsoon. Nearly ten years would pass before Ali would return to the wrestling ring, only this time around, he entered as a special guest referee for the main event match during WWE’s first-ever WrestleMania, which featured Hall of Fame wrestler Hulk Hogan and Mr. T as they faced off against another Hall of Famer, Roddy Piper, and Paul Orndorff. Ali's final ring appearance would come in 1995 when he appeared as the guest of honor at the infamous “Collision” in Korea pay-per-view wrestling event. Ali’s greatness, as you can see, has spanned not only the boxing world but also into the wrestling entertainment business, where he could just as easily put on a show. Ali has been awarded many accolades, which include being an Olympic Gold Medalist earned in 1960. He has also been recognized for his social activism contributions, where he refused to join the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. While he may have been stripped of his heavyweight championship, he won the ultimate goal of standing up for what he believed in. After all the years that have passed, Ali will finally be joining Inoki in the WWE Hall of Fame. During the ceremony at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Ali will be inducted by his widow, Lonnie Ali. The ceremony will be live-streamed on Peacock, beginning at 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT.

For the fourth year in a row, Invest Fest will be returning to Atlanta this August. Invest Fest is a conference organized by the Earn Your Leisure (EYL) podcast hosts, Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings. EYL is a popular podcast that focuses on financial literacy, investing, entrepreneurship, and wealth-building strategies. Known as the Black mecca, Atlanta’s Black entrepreneurship has risen exponentially, becoming a major hub for Black business. “There’s really no place that’s similar to it,” Bilal said during a press conference in Atlanta to announce the financial festival. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens also attended the press conference to share that the city of Atlanta is in full support of the conference and will provide EYL with all the help they need to make this year's Invest Fest successful. Just like the previous year, the conference will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center from August 23 to 25. Unlike conferences from previous years, Bilal said he wanted this year’s conference to focus on the everyday entrepreneur. Yes, there will be celebrities and influencers in attendance, but this year’s conference will prioritize the everyday entrepreneur. During the press conference, EYL presented a $5,000 donation to a local family-owned plumbing company, Head’s Plumbing. Pre-sale tickets are now available and start at $250.

Justice has been served, seemingly. Members of the self-described “Goon Squad” were finally sentenced to federal prison this last week after admitting that they, monstrously, “tortured and abused two Black men in a racist attack that left one of the victims seriously injured," according to NBC News. The former deputy of Rankin County Sheriff’s Department, Daniel Ready Opdyke, was sentenced to prison for 17.5 years, while former deputy Christian Lee Dedmon was sentenced to 40 years in prison. Along with four other law enforcement officers, both men pleaded guilty last year, which included civil rights conspiracy, deprivation of rights under color of law, discharge of a firearm amid a crime of violence, conspiracy to obstruct justice and obstruction of justice. All this started with an interaction with Michael Jenkins and Eddie Parker in January 2023, when six officers burst into their Rankin County home without a warrant, assaulting them with stun guns, while forcing them to ingest liquids, punching and kicking them and calling them racial obscenities. Dedmon even fired his gun twice during the incident in an attempt to intimidate the victims, the Department of Justice said in a 2023 news release. According to a statement read by his lawyer, Parker was “severely impacted” by what had transpired, and it “left a scar that will last forever.” “I don’t know if I will ever sleep again at night,” Parker said in his statement. “I am in therapy now and in the future. My mind is all messed up and my emotions are all over the map.” On Jan. 24, 2023, a white person called Rankin County Deputy Brett McAlphin complaining that Jenkins and Parker were staying with a white woman in a house in Braxton, Mississippi, according to the Associated Press. McAlphin told Dedmon in a group text of white deputies who called themselves the "Good Squad.” The Justice Department mentioned that this squad used excessive force and didn't report it. The group would go on to handcuff Jenkins and Parker, poured chocolate syrup, alcohol and milk on their faces, and made them undress to get in the shower together to hide the mess, according to the AP. They then "punched and kicked the victims, forcing them to ingest liquids, assaulting them with a sex toy and shocking them with a stun gun 17 times." They did all of this while calling them racial slurs and telling them to stay out of Rankin County. Hunter Elward, another deputy, removed a bullet from his gun chamber and placed the gun in Jenkins’ mouth only to pull the trigger, which made it click instead of going off. Elward then discharged the gun the second time, and a bullet lacerated Jenkins’ tongue, breaking his jaw. The bullet exited through Jenkins’ neck, and he still has trouble speaking and eating. The then-officers did not offer medical aid. They devised a false cover story and planted a gun on Jenkins. They also destroyed video evidence and submitted false drug evidence to the crime lab and filed false reports. Jenkins and Parker were apprehended on false charges that would go on to be dismissed. Elward was sentenced to 20 years, while Middleton was issued a 17.5-year sentence. McAlpin was sentenced to 27 years in prison and Joshua Harfield, the final member of the gang, was sentenced to 10 years.

“This is the first shoot that I’ve been a part of with an all-Black staff, I never saw that before." Those were the words uttered by Hollywood icon Ernie Hudson during our Turned Gentleman shoot, reflecting on the longevity of his career, where he often found himself as the only Black man on sets. Now, the Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire star is actively contributing to the change in Hollywood by helming Black-led shows such as The Family Business. With a career spanning close to five decades, Hudson's legacy status is finding a new audience with the next chapter in the Ghostbusters film franchise. “I love stories. We learn from them. We are inspired by them,” Hudson says about his career. “I love being a storyteller.” Through his artistry, Hudson has embodied roles that showcased his strength and roles that highlighted his vulnerability. From classic shows such as Little House on the Prairie to cultural-shifting films such as Lakawana Blues, Hudson has been a chameleon on screen. In 1984, the Yale School of Drama alum was forever immortalized into pop culture with the phenomenon known as Ghostbusters. Starring alongside other Hollywood mainstays Dan Aykroyd and Bill Murray, Ghostbusters went on to earn two Academy Award nominations and helped launch countless pop culture references. With 30 years between the first film and its latest iteration, Hudson has witnessed an ever-evolving industry, experiencing both the good and the bad. “Like most things in America, Hollywood has stayed the same, which is driven by money,” Hudson explains. “It has changed in terms of diversity and the stories,” he continues. “Even if you go back 20 years, I couldn’t have imagined the diversity I am seeing in front of and even behind the camera,” Hudson describes the changes in Hollywood. It has been a little over 20 years since Halle Berry won the Oscar for Best Actress, yet she remains the only Black woman to have won in this category. No Black male director has won the Oscar for Best Director, and no Black woman has ever been nominated in this category. With nearly 100 years since its establishment, the Oscars ceremony continues to highlight the uphill battle faced by marginalized groups in Hollywood when it comes to receiving accolades. At the 2024 Oscars, writer/director Cord Jefferson was awarded Best Adapted Screenplay for his work, American Fiction. Like many others who have the opportunity to address Hollywood's shortcomings, Jefferson also spoke out, highlighting the importance of the stories we tell and criticizing Hollywood's perception of the Black community. “It is important that we show our humanity,” Hudson says about Black storytelling and what Hollywood greenlights. The actor emphasizes the importance of telling our own stories, citing Hollywood's perception of us as the reason why certain narratives continue to be pushed. “Those of us who live in these communities know that these stories are not the only stories or necessarily hold the most truth, but that is what they see,” Hudson says. When we start telling our own stories, the world will begin to see us as complete human beings, not interpreted by someone else. The Benton Harbor, Michigan native knows all about representation and creating what we see from theater to television to film. Hudson wrote short stories, poems, and songs growing up, always thinking that his words might one day come to life on stage. After a short stint in the Marine Corps, he moved to Detroit where he became the resident playwright at Concept East, the oldest Black theater in the country. In addition, he enrolled at Wayne State University to further develop his writing and acting skills and found time to establish the Actors' Ensemble Theatre, where he and other talented young Black writers directed and appeared in their works. After graduating with a B.A. from Wayne State, he was awarded a full scholarship to the M.F.A. program at the prestigious Yale School of Drama. Working on his craft has helped Hudson build a career that other actors aspire to. His longevity is the reason why he can still enjoy moments in his career where the iconic role of Winston Zeddmore resonates with die-hard fans. “The extraordinary thing about Ghostbusters is after 40 years, people are still wearing the jumpsuits, they are still singing the theme song… and I am very happy to be a part of it,” Hudson says. Fans will see Hudson’s character evolve in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, a journey the actor is grateful to embark on. “A studio has chosen to take the character Winston from a guy who was just looking for a job [In the first film], to allow him to grow. He's been very successful. Now, he owns the Ghostbusters enterprise, and he's researching and creating ways to take it forward,” Hudson says about his character. “For me, it's just great to see the character not only get older but to really grow to mature and to be accountable.” With audiences eagerly waiting for another season of The Family Business and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire hitting theaters on March 22, Hudson’s icon status is being highlighted by admirers and peers. "When I was a kid, I was told to trust in God… I do think you have to trust the universe. I do think that we're called to do certain things, and when we know how to do better, we can be guided to what we need to be. You can trust that." Ernie Hudson is a living icon whose talent has kept him thriving and his passion has kept him hungry for more. Check out the full interview. Photographer: Corey Guevarra for CYOER Photo Creative Director: BYoungAgency Stylist: Harrison Crite Styling Assistants: Ronald Jeffries, Joseph Mcrae Grooming: Carol McColley

In the ever-evolving music industry, touring has transcended its traditional role as a way of promoting album releases to become a primary source of revenue and artistic expression for musicians. The evolution of technology, coupled with the changing preferences of music enthusiasts, has propelled live performances into the spotlight, turning concerts into immersive experiences. The resurgence of touring not only signifies a lucrative business model for artists but also for the people who handle their bookings and manage them. With the business side of the music industry becoming more popular, one Atlanta university is preparing its students for the newfound interest. Georgia State University now offers a Touring and Concert Management course taught by music industry veteran Richard Dunn. The course will teach students about the relevant financial and business decisions when planning and operating a tour, booking live gigs, event and venue management and interacting with booking agencies and artist managers. Dunn is an Atlanta native with over 20 years of experience in managing artists, booking performances and producing live shows. He has worked with legendary musicians like OutKast, Chaka Khan, Charlie Wilson, Drake and more. He is the founder of the Muddy Water Group and Groovement Inc., an artist management and event production company that helped launch the career of Indie Arie. Dunn serves as the Chief Operating Officer for The Atlanta Voice, one of Atlanta’s oldest Black-owned newspapers founded in 1966 by his grandfather J. Lowell Ware. Before the semester began, we asked Dunn about the course and his thoughts on the industry today. Can you provide an overview of the key topics and skills that students will gain from your course on managing artists, booking performances and handling tours in the music industry? The course is called Touring and Concert Management: Tour Coordination: Booking performances, logistics, budgeting, and coordination of all aspects of a tour. Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with the music business, legal aspects, and industry trends. Promotion and Marketing: Strategies for promoting artists and tours, utilizing digital platforms, and developing marketing campaigns. With your extensive background in the music industry, what motivated you to transition into teaching? How does your practical experience contribute to the course content? The transition from the music industry to teaching was driven by a desire to share practical knowledge and mentor the next generation of music professionals. Teaching allows for the transfer of real-world experience, providing students with insights beyond theoretical concepts. How will the course help students bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in the field of music management and tour coordination? The course emphasizes a hands-on approach, incorporating real-world scenarios and practical exercises. Students will engage in simulated tour planning, contract negotiations and marketing campaigns to bridge the gap between theory and application. Given your experience managing artists, how do you plan to incorporate real-world case studies or examples into the course to enhance students' understanding of industry challenges and solutions? Real-world case studies and examples from my own experiences managing artists will be woven into the curriculum. These examples will highlight industry challenges, decision-making processes, and successful solutions, giving students a tangible understanding of the complexities involved. What is the difference between managing a tour and managing an artist? Managing a tour involves the logistical aspects of planning and executing live performances, whereas artist management encompasses a broader scope, including career development, branding, and overall professional growth. In your opinion, what are the current trends and challenges in the music industry that students should be prepared to navigate after completing your course? Students will be prepared to navigate trends like the increasing importance of digital platforms, the rise of independent artists, and challenges such as evolving revenue models and the impact of technology on the industry landscape. How has social media changed concerts and touring? Social media has revolutionized concert promotion, providing direct engagement with fans, enabling real-time updates, and expanding reach. Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok play a crucial role in creating buzz and enhancing the overall concert experience. How has the pandemic affected or impacted concerts and touring? The pandemic has significantly impacted live events, leading to cancellations, rescheduling, and the rise of virtual performances. The course will address the challenges posed by the pandemic and explore innovative approaches to adapt and thrive in the evolving music industry landscape. In summary, the course aims to equip students with a holistic understanding of concert management and tour coordination, integrating practical experiences and industry insights to prepare them for the dynamic challenges of the music industry. Photo Credit: DepositPhotos.com

Netflix has dropped the trailer for its upcoming series Supacell, which is set to redefine the superhero genre. The upcoming six-part series coming out of Netflix's UK department was written by Andrew Onwubolu also known as Rapman. He is also the lead director. There isn't much published about the plot of the UK-centered series but we do have a synopsis. "A group of ordinary people from South London unexpectedly develop super powers with no clear connection between them other than them all being Black. As they deal with the impact on their daily lives, one man has to bring them together to protect the one he loves — all while avoiding the powerful and nefarious agents that have noticed their special abilities." Supacell stars Tosin Cole, BMF's Eric Kofi Abrefa, Nadine Mills, Calvin Demba, Josh Tedeku, Adelayo Adedayo, Rayxia Ojo, Giacomo Mancini and Eddie Marsan. The latest series is part of Netflix's newest interest in the excitement of British television. "Netflix U.K. is building on success — it’s hard to top the virtuosity and global impact of our existing, award-winning British series — from The Crown, Sex Education and After Life to Top Boy and Fate," says Anne Mensah, Netflix’s vice president of U.K. series. Check out the trailer below. Supacell hits Netflix in June. Photo Credit: Netflix

According to data from the Pew Research Center, black-owned small businesses represent only 3% of entrepreneurship in the U.S. Although the number of black entrepreneurs is constantly growing, they still face numerous problems, including the lack of access to funding, partnerships, and mentorship. The challenges faced were especially visible during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Small Business Credit Survey showed that 92% of reports of difficulties with running companies were made by people of color. The trend to support black-owned businesses is becoming increasingly popular in America, allowing startup owners to establish financial independence for themselves and their families and bring new employment opportunities to the market. In the article, we have described the reasons for investing in black-owned businesses and proved why this is so important. Why Support Black-Owned Businesses in the U.S. Unfair lending practices have plagued Blacks for years. The formal end of the racial discrimination in lending came with the Community Reinvestment Act becoming law in 1977. This resulted in significant progress for black businesses and the whole black community. However, the challenges with getting access to capital and mentors still exist. Small business owners of color face numerous difficulties finding lenders wanting to work with them. Supporting black-owned businesses in your area not only forces economic good but also reduces a significant racial wealth gap and continues Black culture. By purchasing their goods, you provide opportunities for black business owners to demonstrate their worth to potential lenders and increase their company's representation and visibility. Top 4 Ways You Can Support Black-Owned Businesses While many black-owned businesses still encounter numerous problems, especially when it comes to finding an investor, there are many ways you can help them overcome the difficulties. Herein, you can explore these options. 1. Investing in Black-Owned Businesses While many Black Americans struggle with getting business resources, the best way to help is to patronize their company. Providing an investment will enable the founder to get started and foster the business's development. Consult with a business coach or another financial expert to explore the best ways to invest in startups. Business loans are the main financing option used to cover expenses related to providing a company. However, the problem with finding a reputable provider is still accurate. How to tell if a loan company is legit? Checking the details, like whether the company has a physical address and requires advance payment, can help you avoid dealing with illegitimate lenders. Furthermore, you can conduct a search of your local BBB website or contact your state's financial registration agency or banking oversight agency to ensure the company is registered. 2. Becoming a Customer If you don't have an opportunity to provide startup funding to small-business owners of color, another great place to start is to shop at their companies. Depending on your budget, you can find black-owned businesses on sites like Black Business Greenbook and ByBlack. 3. Business Promotion One of the best ways to help the business is to share your positive opinions about it. If you are a famous person on the Internet, promote the company you like on your social media channels. Other options to raise the visibility of a business and strengthen its position include writing reviews on sites like Yelp and describing your experience with it. 4. Building Relationships While most newly appeared companies have numerous problems, they typically don't have enough time to promote themselves and build their network. So, you can help black entrepreneurs by forming valuable relationships. A great idea is to invite them to present their goods and services in various community groups or join relevant business networking events and organizations. If you have valuable business contacts, share them. Many organizations, such as Coalition to Back Black Businesses, Black Founders, or Black Business Association, offer support to minority-owned companies and help them build an inclusive future. Why Are Black-Owned Businesses Important? Black-owned startups continue to face numerous hardships caused by discrimination and prejudice. If you'd like to help them thrive and overcome the obstacles to success, there are many ways to do so. From becoming a company's customer and sharing your positive opinion about their work on your social media accounts to direct investing - there are a lot of available options to support newly appeared companies in fighting against discriminatory policies.

Ernie Hudson is back as a Ghostbuster for the fourth time, reprising his role as Dr. Winston Zeddemore in the latest film Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. Hudson originated the role in the first Ghostbusters film in 1984. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is a direct sequel to the 2021 film Ghostbusters: Afterlife. According to Sony, the premise of the film follows the Spengler family who have decided to leave Summerville, Oklahoma, and go back to where it all started — the iconic New York City firehouse — and help the original Ghostbusters, who've developed a top-secret research lab to take busting ghosts to the next level! But when the discovery of an ancient artifact unleashes an evil force, Ghostbusters new and old must join forces to protect their home and save the world from a second Ice Age. Hudson reunites with Dan Aykroyd and Bill Murray in the newest installment. Recently in promoting the film, Hudson appeared on The Tonight Show with costar Murray, musician Ray Parker Jr., and host Jimmy Fallon to perform the Ghostbusters theme song using mini classroom instruments. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire arrives in theaters nationwide on March 22.

Focus Features has released the satirical comedy, The American Society of Magical Negroes, this past weekend. The film follows Aren, portrayed by Justice Smith, a young man navigating the intricacies of modern life. His world is turned upside down when he is recruited into a clandestine society with a peculiar mission: to make white people's lives easier. The mysterious organization, aptly named The American Society of Magical Negroes, unveils a hidden layer of society where magical abilities are harnessed for a cause both absurd and bold: Black people dedicating their lives to making white people's lives easier. The studio had an uphill battle to find an audience for the film, which stars David Alan Grier, An-Li Bogan, Drew Tarver, Michaela Watkins, Rupert Friend, Aisha Hinds, and Nicole Byer. From the title to the plot and trailer reveal, the backlash was quick. During a conversation while promoting the film, Smith and Kobi Libii, writer and director of the film, spoke about understanding the backlash. "We've got natural leaders who dropped the ball a lot as an industry," Smith says about the relationship between Hollywood and the Black community. "A raised eyebrow is very understanding and other aspects of that reaction." Smith also explains that the film is "satire" and that presents its own set of challenges with finding an audience and meeting expectations of having a "Black Hogwarts." "They're typically using those superpowers for a fight bigger than systemic racism," Smith says about stories showing Black people with elevated superpowers. But Libii was intentional about the story he wanted to tell. "As a culture. I think we're pretty good at telling stories about overt racism, slavery stories, legal discrimination because they're visual. But the more common microaggressions are incredibly hard to pin down," Libii shares. "Kinda one of the things I hope to do with this story of trying to make that almost intangible, invisible quality of racism, tangible and visible." As Cord Jefferson said during a press conference after winning the Oscar for American Fiction, "[A] story with Black characters that's going to appeal to a lot of people doesn't need to take place on a plantation. Doesn't need to take place in the projects. Doesn't need to have drug dealers in it. Doesn't need to have gang members in it." Yes, The American Society of Magical Negroes is not about Black people fighting "evil" with magic. It's also not a film about a Black man using magic to fall in love with a non-Black woman. At the film's core, Libbi is providing another perspective of a life that many Black people experience every day: living in a world where their mere presence gives white people discomfort. That's the story and the message he is trying to shed light on. Despite opening with a little over $1 million at the Box office and a rotten tomato score of 30%, Smith remains hopeful. "I believe the film will be extremely nourishing for the Black community...But it requires being open to a different kind of film that is nourishing differently than other films are. I'm just hopeful that the community will give it a chance and see it because I believe once they do, they'll find it nourishing in different ways than the movie many were hoping for." The American Society of Magical Negroes is now playing in theaters. Check it out and let us know what you think.

Over the decades, Haiti has been struggling due to a myriad of developments. One of which is powerful nations stealing and digging up its resources when the lights aren’t being used, which causes earthquakes and an abundance of disarray, according to folks that used to live in Haiti. All of that has built up to this situation: The country is now facing “an increasingly dire humanitarian emergency,” and the president is stranded in Puerto Rico, while the people starve and live in fear of rampant violence, according to NBC News. Additionally, Haiti’s prime minister, Ariel Henry, has agreed to resign when a transitional government is “brokered by other Caribbean nations and parties, including the U.S.” Still, the idea of a “transitional government brokered not by Haitians but by outsiders is one of the main reasons Haiti, a nation of 11 million, is on the brink” according to humanitarian workers and residents who have wanted for Haitian-led solutions. “What we’re seeing in Haiti has been building since the 2010 earthquake,” said Greg Beckett, an associate professor of anthropology at Western University in Canada. But what is happening in Haiti and why? Following democratically elected President Jovenel Moise being assassinated in 2021, Henry, who was prime minister under Moise, assumed power, and he had the support of several nations. And when Haiti failed to hold elections several times – Henry said it was due to logistical problems or violence – protests against him started to happen. So, it was announced that elections would be postponed once more, to 2025, but armed groups were already active in Por-au-Prince, which is the capital, dialing up violence. Even before Moise’s assassination, these armed groups were in existence alongside politicians who used them to do their bidding, which was anything from intimidating the opposition to collecting votes. But the dwindling of the country’s elected officials is a real thing, and this has resulted in rebel forces engaging in excessively violent acts, taking control of at least 80% of the capital, according to a United Nations estimate. According to Politico, the Biden administration sent top Republicans in Congress its plan for helping Haiti. Last year, the U.S. pledged $300 million to the United Nations multinational mission, which would involve 1,000 Kenyan police officers deploying to Haiti to try and quell the chaos caused by armed groups. Photo Credit: DepositPhotos.com