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HOLLYWOOD SPOT LIGHT

“Blood Brothers”

Chez Hadley

For three pivotal years, Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X forged a brotherhood that would not only change both men but change the world. Blood Brothers: Malcolm X & Muhammad Ali tells the extraordinary story behind that friendship –and the ultimate falling out– of two of the most iconic figures of the 20th century. In this new feature-length documentary from producer Kenya Barris, director Marcus A. Clarke offers a fresh perspective by using insider voices and never-before-seen footage to chart this most complex of friendships, tracing the near simultaneous and symbiotic rise of the charismatic and outspoken Olympic champion who charmed the nation, and the ex-conturned intellectual revolutionary who railed against oppression. Said Clarke, “Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali are two of the most iconic and revered African Americans of the twentieth century, and yet the depths of their friendship and the influence they had on each other is largely unknown. Blood Brothers provides a deeper understanding into what made these two men tick, the intense role faith played in their bond and ultimately how their budding friendship came to an abrupt end.” The documentary –inspired by the book “Blood Brothers” written by Randy Roberts and Johnny Smith–features interviews with Malcolm X's daughter, Ilyasah Shabazz, Ali's brother, Rahman, and his daughters, Maryum and Hana along with Cornel West and Al Sharpton.

Blood Brothers premieres Sept. 9 on Netflix.

OUT THIS MONTH

The Card Counter September 10

The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain • September 17 Queenpins September 17

Infinite September 24

Q&A

Marlon Wayans

Hometown: New York, NY Age: 49 Big Break: In Living Color Marlon Wayans is an actor, producer, comedian, writer and the youngest of ten talented sibblings. His films have grossed over $1-billion globally and include “White Chicks”, “Scary Movie”, “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra”, “Fifty Shades of Black” and “Sextuplets”. Wayans starred with his brother Shawn on “The Wayans Bros”, which was the WB’s highest rated comedy and now airs in syndication. He currently stars in the Aretha Franklin biopic, Respect, opposite Jennifer Hudson. His standup special, Marlon Wayans: You Know What It Is, premiered on HBO Max last month.

On playing Ted White, Aretha Franklin’s first abusive husband, in Respect:

The Queens Are Coming to

ABC: Life may somewhat imitate art in ABC’s new series about four 40-plus women who were once part of a 90’s hip-hop group with the October 19 premiere of Queens starring Eve, Brandy, Naturi Naughton and actress Nadine Velazquez. The musical series focuses on the women trying to jumpstart their career after a lengthy hiatus from the business to the doldrums of everyday life. The key to its success, says Eve, will be a focus on authenticity. “We just want to be as authentic as we should be,” Eve said. “We’ve lived that time and we come from that time, so it was something that was important to us. There will be moments from then like when people are listening to the music and they see our outfits, our hair, everything– we want them to be taken back to that time.

“In the series, the 42year old rapper turned

HOLLYWOOD BUZZ actress rediscovers her hip-hop roots along with the magic the fictional girl group created in their heyday. The music (with Swizz Beatz as the series musical exec producer) is said to be great enough to put them back on the charts for real and will quite possibly land them on the charts. “I am actually hoping that this will be a great way to dip my toes and my whole body back into music without having the actual pressure of an album,” Eve adds. 2021 L.A. Focus/ September 12 Eve

On the Subject of Black Queens

Jada Pinkett is set to exec produce a docu-series about African Queens that has received a two season order from Netflix. Each season will key in on a different queen, kicking off with Cleopatra. Season two will highlight Njinga, the fearless 17th century warrior queen of Matamba and Ndongo, in modern day Angola, known for her blend of political and diplomatic skill with military prowess. “As the mother of a young Black woman, it is immensely important to me that she learns the lessons of the

African Queens who paved the way for our success and the success of generations of Black women,” said Pinkett Smith. “I am very passionate and excited about bringing the stories and lessons of these powerful women to light in order to showcase their strength, leadership, and undeniable influence on history.”

Pinkett just wrapped production on The Matrix 4, which is scheduled for release this December.

Wonder Years in Black

Later this month (September 22), ABC will debut its long-awaited revival of “The Wonder Years”, this time centering on a Black middle class family in Montgomery, Alabama in the late ‘60s. Elisha “E.J.” Williams stars as Dean Williams, the 12-year old boy whose coming of age story is the backdrop of the series narrated by Don Cheadle and also starring Dule Hill and Saycon Sengbloh as his parents. Given its timing toward the tail end of the civil rights movement, the series will touch on some key historical moments, including the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Said Hill, “As tragic as Dr. King’s passing there’s still so much tragedy that’s gone on between now and then that’s still happening right now. That’s what’s been interesting to me about exploring this time period: if you see the trauma and you see the hurt, you also see the strength of the people from that time and you reflect on where we are now and you see that same strength, that same power, and the same fortitude to press forward that has always been there for people who look like me.”

Steve Harvey to Star in New Courtroom Comedy

ABC has greenlit a 10-episode order for a courtroom comedy series with the working title, Judge Steve Harvey. The series–with Harvey appearing as judge, jury and star, will highlight a variety of conflicts and characters ranging from small claims cases to larger disputes with the comedian ruling out of his own life experiences and common sense. Casting is currently underway for the one hour show that is slated to bow on the network in 2022… In other TV news, Kevin Hart has signed on as one or four new guest sharks on the 13th season of “Shark Tank”.

Family Matters: Zoe Kravitz is officially a single woman now that the divorce of her 18-month marriage to Karl Glusman has been finalized. The actress who filed for divorce just two days before last Christmas is now romantically linked to Channing Tatum. “It was a lot of soul searching because we are so different,” said Marlon. “I’m not an abusive man. I’m not a jealous man. I’ve been loved by my parents, my brothers, and my sisters. I really don’t come from that world. So I had to create and imagine, and really understand why someone would hit a woman they love. And that’s because damage people damage people. He was insecure, and he was trying to be the man again. I thought it was a chance to play someone sexy, dangerous, damaged, insecure. It's a different look for me.

On his own treatment of women:

“I have always been a respectful and protective man when it comes to my sisters, even my real sisters. I took care of my momma until her last breath. Any woman that has seen me with my momma said, ‘I need to be with him.’ I pick up my momma up, I grab her by the hand, put her in the car, get her out the car, take her to eat, read the menu for her because she couldn’t see good, order her food, wipe her mouth when we were done, pay the check, walk her to the house, grab her mail, kiss her forehead, and wait for her to go on her balcony and wave at me before I pulled off. So, you’re talking about a person that has nothing but love and it always starts with your momma, your first love.”

On the mantra he lives by:

The most important thing in your world is everyone else but you ... but take care of you so you can take care of others.

On work ethic:

Proud to be doing my best work and the harder I work, the better I get. My mentality is “I’m never there”... always working to get there.

On Maturing:

When I first started, it was about being cutting edge; crazy, offensive comedy. I was trying to make people laugh in their gut in a way that they haven't laughed since they were 14 years old. Over time, you mature. You find that story, the thing that you're more attracted to. Not the jokes. I want to be like the greats–the Robin Williams, Jim Carreys, Eddie Murphys of the world–who are very strong comedic talents, but man, when they act, they act.

On a possible sequel to his 2004 hit film, “White Chicks”?

“I think White Chicks 2 is necessary. I think we’ve tightened up so much that we need to loosen our ties a bit and laugh a little bit. I don’t think Hollywood understands what a juggernaut White Chicks 2 would be. The world just keeps giving us more. White Chicks 2 is writing itself.

JENNIFER HUDSON dazzled in this purple sequins Dolce & Gabbana gown AUDRA MCDONALD sported this taupe tea length dress SAYCON SENGBLOH turned heads in this flower-patterned dress

JORDIN SPARKS showed off her curves in this black print mini

KIMBERLY SCOTT brought cultural flair with this African Pattern maxi

Eye On Gospel

CeCe Winans & Kirk Franklin Among Top Dove Award Nominees

Last month, the Gospel Music Association announced nominations for the 52nd annual GMA Dove Awards and among the top nominees were CeCe Winans with five nominations–including “Gospel Artist of the Year” and “Contemporary Gospel Song of the year”–and Kirk Franklin with four–including “Gospel Artist of the year” and “Song of the year”.

Winans was nomined for her latest CD, Believe For It, which occupied the #1 slot for seven consecutive weeks on the Billboard Gospel charts for best album, while the single, “Never Lost” made its way to the #1 spot at Gospel Radio.

Said Winans, “I’m thankful that the God of the universe gives us a voice to Praise Him. My prayer is that the success of “NEVER LOST” only brings honor and Glory to our Lord!” Winans and Franklin will face some pretty stiff competition in the category of “Gospel Artist of the year” from fellow nominees Jonathan McReynolds, Travis Greene and Tasha Cobbs Leonard. Other multiple nominees included Lecrae, Travis Greene, Jonathan Nelson and Marvin Sapp.

“We are thrilled to welcome back an in-person Dove Awards this year and equally excited about our impressive list of nominees,” GMA president Jackie Patillo said in a statement. “As we continue to celebrate the immense creativity and diversity within our community, we’re looking forward to an awards program this year’s nominees deserve.”

The two-hour broadcast of the GMA Dove Awards will be held in Nashville on October 19 and aired on TBN on Friday, October 22. A partial list of nominees is included beloe: Traditional Gospel Album of the Year: Jekalyn Carr–Changing Your Story Ricky Dillard–Choirmaster Marvin Sapp–Chosen Vessel Jonathan Nelson–Reunion Fisk Jubilee Singers–Celebrating Fisk (The 150th Anniversary Album) Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year: PJ Morton–Gospel According to PJ Koryn Hawthorne–I Am Brian Courtney Wilson–Still Mali Music–The Book of Mali DOE–DOE Gospel Worship Album of the Year: CeCe Winans–Believe For It All Nations Music–Come Alive Rich Tolbert Jr.– Never Be Defeated Kelontae Gavin–The N.O.W. Experience Various Artists–Vashawn Mitchell Presents Africa Worship Contemporary Gospel Song of the Year Pastor Mike Jr–I Got It Dante Bowe–Joyful CeCe Winans–Never Lost Koryn Hawthorne–Speak To Me Tamela Mann–Touch From You Traditional Gospel Song of the Year Jekalyn Carr–Changing Your Story Anthony Brown & Group Therapy–Help Maranda Curtis–I Made It P.J. Morton, featuring J. Moss–Repay You Melvin Crispel III–Wonderful Is Your Name

Travis Greene’s Oil & Water

Five-time Grammy nominated gospel hit maker Travis Greene is joined by an all-star lineup of guest vocalists–including Anthony Hamilton, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Kierra Sheard, Todd Dulaney, Mali Music, Le’Andria Johnson, Kirk Franklin and John P. Kee–on his latest album, titled Oil + Water.

The idea behind the album was to highlight God’s use of oil and water as a reminder of Him as the source to supply anything and everything believers need, beyond even what can be imagined.

Greene recently marked the five-year anniversary of Forward City, the church he and his wife, Dr. Jackie Greene, co-founded and co-pastor in Columbia, SC to reach the churched and unchurched everywhere.

L.A.’s Own Jason McGee & The Choir Celebrate “Power”

Following an astounding debut on Space Jam 2’s movie soundtrack and recent Stellar Award nomination for “Contemporary Choir of the Year”; L.A.-based gospel artist, Jason McGee & The Choir are celebrating the release of their new album, Power.

“This project was designed to reach the hearts of our listeners with hope. After such a turbulent year, we’ve all shared common experiences that have brought us to a crossroad. We want to encourage people that they can find joy in believing again”, said McGee., who is one of the gospel music industry’s leading choir directors.

Produced by Gerald Haddon and Marcus Hodge, the album–featuring guest vocalist Lisa Knowles-Smith on the lead single, “It’s Not Over”, marks the first full length release on Warryn Campbell’s My Block label. Finally, on a sad note, the gospel community is paying tribute to Lee Williams—founder of the award-winning Lee Williams and the Spiritual QC's– who passed last month. He was 75.

“The First Cut Is The Deepest”— Domestic Violence & the Strong Black Women Stereotype

CHEZ HADLEY

Contributor

For all of the progress made in messaging and legislating against domestic violence, many still believe there are instances where a man is justified in hitting a woman. An estimated 8,300,000 Californians will experience physical violence, rape and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetimes, according to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey in 2010. More recent national figures put the number closer to 1 in 3 and the isolation that has come with the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an explosion of cases. In the Black community, the numbers are even more staggering, with Black women being murdered by men at almost three times the rate as white women in 2018. Some experts classify violence as “entrenched in Black culture” and tied ironically enough to the strong Black woman stereotype. Dr. Cathia Walters, a licensed clinical psychologist, says, “Violence is entrenched in the Black culture because it’s rooted in history. From enslavement to emancipation to our struggle for civil rights, all this violence was there. With all the injustices the framework was laid. So, with the violence we see today, we have to acknowledge the system of dehumanizing a group of people and we have to understand that a foundation of inequity is the root.” Dr. Walters explains that historically the strong Black woman is described as the protector, keeper of secrets, even at one’s own detriment. “She is that woman that puts others first, the matriarch, the one that guides. And all this plays into the violence against black women”. In the 50s and 60s, he pointed out, Black men and women worked together, and Black communities were thriving. Then the whites came in and started breaking down communities. Black men were no longer able to work or were doing menial jobs and no longer became the bread winner of their families. Where white men were able to provide for their households letting their women stay home. Black men lost that role. As Black men were emasculated many became depressed and we start to see the rise of the black women taking over as head of the household, because it’s about survival. Men often feel intimidated by this and felt the need to take their power back, sometimes through violence. Dr. Aleese Moore-Orbih, incoming director of the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence says, “In a system that has traditionally tried to kill people of color who are brought up with generations of disempowerment. When things are out of control most of the time, you attempt to control it with violence. For Black and Brown men, masculinity is determined by power. They have spent a lifetime trying to prove their power to their communities.” Activist Feminista Jones wrote in an essay for Time magazine. “For Black women, a strong sense of cultural affinity and loyalty to community and race renders many of us silent, so our stories often go untold. One of the biggest related impediments is our hesitation in trusting the police or the justice system. As Black people, we don’t always feel comfortable surrendering ‘our own’ to the police.” In fact, Black women are often reluctant to call the police because of the past injustices they have witnessed or experienced and to make matters worse, Black women are also routinely arrested when trying to defend themselves against an abusive partner. Tina Rodriguez, a domestic violence activist with Community Action Partnership of Madera County says, “It’s been hard for Black women during COVID. I’ve talked to my Black sisters and they’ve said that they are stuck at home and afraid to call the cops because they don’t want them to kill their partner and the kids be left without a father.” Rodriguez also shares that there is an automatic effort to identify black women as criminals even in death, “Black women that are killed by their partners are given background checks before their loved ones are notified of their death. Sending the perception that somehow they were responsible for their own death.” Dr. Walters teaches how we move away from “strong” Black woman to “whole” Black woman “by putting ourselves first. She says, “It’s about selfcare and establishing healthy boundaries. Have compassion for yourself. By loving yourself you can teach others how to love you.” But, Jackson Katz, an anti-sexism educator says, “Domestic violence is a men’s issue not a women’s issue.” In his “Ted Talk: Violence Against Women — It’s a Man’s Issue”, Katz asks, what’s going on with men? “Ending domestic violence” he continues, “begins in the locker room and around the poker table, with men stepping up to say,” Hey, I don’t like that kind of talk” when they hear women being demeaned Katz says. “It’s the culture that needs to change.”

This article is the sixth in a eight- part series on domestic violence in collaboration with California Black Media and the Blue Shield of California Foundation. It explores how individuals, families and organizations in our community can seek creative solutions to work through the host of problems that stem from intimate partner violence. For more information, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit: www.thehotline.org.