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Justice Smith on the ‘American Magical Negro Society’ and the ‘insidious, microaggressive’ nature of racism

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Justice Smith is preparing for the premiere of “The American Society of Magical Negroes.” The actor plays the foremost character, Arena, in Kobi Libii’s debut film, which goals to deconstruct the stereotype of the “magical Negro” perceived in the media. TheGrio caught up with Smith ahead of the premiere and talked about the mixed reception to the trailers, what drew him to the project and what he thinks audiences can take away from the film.

Justice Smith attends a screening of “The American Society of Magical Negroes” on March 13 at the Metrograph in New York. (Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

As TheGrio previously reported, ever since the film’s trailer hit the web, the schedule has been flooded with differing opinions about the project. Smith told us the controversy made for some interesting and “fun” press coverage, allowing him to publicly engage with discussions he’s having privately. “It’s a really fun press tour because of all the controversy surrounding it. I feel like these are conversations I have in my private life. I am constantly examining race and colorism… it’s nice to be authentic in a public space.”

“It’s a story about a very diverse experience of what it means to be black in America,” Smith explained. The film depicts a secret black society with magical powers that help make white people completely happy, thus maintaining balance in society. He said Smith’s upbringing allowed him to attach with the script almost immediately.

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“When I read this book for the first time, I saw myself in it,” he said. “I grew up in Orange County, California, a very white place. I internalized a lot of messages from my white peers, which resulted in a lot of shame and a lot of compromise… it was a dark time in my life and it was only after leaving that environment that I was able to find my own, gain personal strength and identify with the community, and I’m very grateful for that. that I now have people in my life who see me.”

“I understood the vicious cycle of this character: ‘I feel uncomfortable in this environment, so my tactic is to reassure, but by reassuring, I allow them to continue to disrespect me, which then makes me feel uncomfortable again,’” he explained. “I knew I could play on those emotional layers.”

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“I was very excited to tell this story because I knew if I had been in this movie growing up, it would have helped me recover much faster,” he added.

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When the film finally hit theaters, Smith expressed hope that audiences would give you the chance to enter the theater and express their opinions after seeing it. “I’m a bit of a hypocrite because I also base my opinions on what I will and won’t see based on trailers, but I also know that my best movie experiences have been walking into a theater without knowing anything about it.”

“I think a lot of people who were involved in that initial reaction might watch this movie with hate and then realize that it’s actually a lot better than they think, which excites me,” he added. “But at the end of the day, if you are a Black person and you don’t identify with that particular Black experience, that’s fine.”

“I love this film because it kind of expands the monolith of what black art can be and speaks to the nuances of the black experience in the sense that it highlights how racism has turned into a subtle, insidious, microaggressive thing,” he says. he stated.

“The American Society of Magical Negroes” premieres on Friday, March 15.

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This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Usher to provide the address of the Emory University class start from 2025 graduates

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It seems that there will not be much that Usher Raymond IV – Better, known to the world, simply as a USher – no. He can sing. He can dance. He can sing and dance while skating. He works. Sells Las Vegas residences. Performs philanthropic work.

And also performs the completion addresses. Usher was utilized by the University in its own yard. May 12 Usher will provide the address at Emory University 180. Ceremony of graduation and shall be awarded with an honorary doctorate in humanitarian letters from the institution. This will not be the first Usher Rodeo with an honorary doctorate; In 2023 Berklee School of Music in Boston He awarded the International Superstar with distinction. He also gave comments then.

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Usher will not be alien to Emory University. His non-profit, New Usher Lookwhich according to the website“He transforms the lives of malnourished youth through a comprehensive program that develops passion, global leaders”, has established cooperation with Emory’s University’s University Goizueta Business School in a 400-hour program helping to prepare teenagers for faculty. Apparently, non-profit influenced over 50,000 students.

“I spent my life following my spark – my passion – and trying to support young people when they find and follow their own passions. I am excited that I have the opportunity to talk to these amazing Emory students who graduate and prepare for imprint in the world – said Usher in Billboard statement.

Usher is one of the most successful musical acts in history, selling over 80 million records, winning many Grammy awards and has toured throughout the world since his profession in the mid -90s. His album “Confessions” from 2004 is the second best -selling album from 2000 and is taken into account by Rolling Stone as one of the best albums of all of all of all.

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This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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The most iconic moments of the beauty of Robert Flack – Essence

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Robert Flack, a valued singer, songwriter and pianist, died on February 24, 2025, at the age of 88. The legendary singer, whose velvety voice again defined the soul and R&B, stays a everlasting icon of elegance, emotions and artistry. With timeless classics, resembling “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and “The First Time Ever and Wis See Your Face”, the singer died the audience captivated the audience along with her ability to weave delicacy and power in every note. Not only will we take heed to her repetitive music, but we won’t stop eager about its most iconic moments of beauty.

In the 70s Robert seriously swayed Afro – a daring statement of being black and proud – during performances at live shows, including the famous Newport Jazz festival. Two years later, she honored the scene of Ronnie Scott in London along with her hair drawn into the band, combined with dramatic long eyelashes, which defined her characteristic appearance. Always to experiment with hair, she also accepted braids decorated with beads, without effort combining style and cultural pride.

Just a few many years quickly forward, and Robert was still turning her head. While playing in Gillette Civil Rights 2010 between Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals, she stunned the navy blue eye shadow, a dark light highlighter and daring red lipstick. The following yr, she performed at Bideawee Ball from 2011 with full rhythm – eyeliner, mascara, highlighter and its characteristic red lips. And in 2020 she performed unforgettable during the 62th annual Grammy Awards, wearing a beautiful curly crown and the same red lipstick that we met and loved.

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In honor of her everlasting legacy, we glance back at some of the most iconic beauty moments of Roberta’s incomparable flack.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Joe Freshgoods X New Balance 992 “Starn Well” is celebrating cooperation

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New Balance, Joe Freshgoods, Chicago

 


Joe Freshgoods selects five years and counts with New Balance because of his latest version 992 “Arged Well”, a tribute to his creative partnership with a characteristic brand of sportswear, which still supports his design talents and a contagious passion.

After Debut On the Joe Freshgoods New Balance 992 website, Chicago Creative is preparing for a wider version of February 28 via newbalance.com and chosen retail sellers. The new edition of the sneakers means the fifth anniversary of Joe of New Balance, milestone after almost stood before closing his now widely beloved and known brand.

The document coming in June 2025 is shared within the history of Joe’s success, from his start as an area Streetwearus brand in his hometown of Chicago to providing New Balance partnership in 2020, when he wasn’t sure find out how to keep his business.

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“He examines how the partnership influenced the global culture of sneakers and development transparency”, Joe common In the announcement on Instagram, “which was more important to me than just doing it about tennis games. This is a real life. ”

The trailer of the documentation offers access to Joe’s journey, presenting his modest approach to success and its influence on the Boston brand of sportswear founded in 1906. Since joining New Balance, Joe Robinson (higher referred to as Joe Freshgoods), a champion with a young history.

Five years later, with 20 Sneakers Publishing House and counting the most recent cooperation of New Balance Joe Freshgoods is a love letter for his creative journey with the Boston brand.

“Sometimes I feel that I shouldn’t be here. But I am here and say, “Oh, I’m good at what I do,” he says within the film.

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Project 992 “Agnish well” attracts the inspiration from the primary cooperation of Joe Freshgoods from New Balance – the edition of New Balance 992 “No Emotions”, also referred to as “heart anatomy”. It was a right away hit and celebrated in the course of the NBA All-Star weekend, and now charges resale prices around $ 3,000.

While the explanations for the New Balance revival may vary, many consider the primary release of Joe 992 to be a catalyst that enlivened the brand. Sneakers have pink and red suede silhouettes placed on an olive mesh base and accented saddle skin on the tongue and rear card.

Four sets of lace are attached, and the box is decorated with unique details reflecting the theme “aging well”. In addition, Joe Freshgoods designed the “Championship Dreams” leather university jacket to commemorate his five -year success as a designer.

“I wanted this jacket to capture the essence of the last five years – each project was a milestone, another closed chapter, another dream,” Joe signature Post on Instagram. “Over time, I had the honor to tell culturally important stories, and this jacket reflects this travel project according to the design.”

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This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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