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What went right in Regina King’s Netflix movie and what went wrong in Shirley Chisholm’s life?

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The arrival of two movies about ignored African-American political luminaries is telling given Netflix’s decision to release each “Rustin” and “Shirley,” starring Regina King, in the run-up to the 2024 White House race.

Both biopics – one a few civil rights activist Bayard Rustin and the second in regards to the first black woman to be elected to Congress and run for president, Shirley Chisholm — are cut from the identical material. These are serious, honest portraits of what it means to demand space when none is out there.

Although biopics are likely to embellish facts for dramatic effect, Regina King revealed that they’d researched the film thoroughly, acquiring every little thing they might find about Chisholm – documentaries, news footage, articles – but crucial source material was Chisholm’s memoirs.Unbought and unbossed“And”Good fight

Is “Shirley” an accurate portrayal of what really happened during Chisholm’s presidential campaign? Let’s separate fact from fiction and establish the film’s historical authenticity.

She was ridiculed for earning the identical as her white colleagues

Early in the film, one in every of her colleagues – a white congressman – tries to belittle Chisholm by repeatedly expressing his disbelief that she, a black woman, earns as much as he does. He harassed Chisholm each day for earning the identical amount as him – $42,500 (about $263,507 today).

“First of all, if you can’t stand the thought of me being 42.5 like you when you see me enter this chamber every day, disappear,” Chisholm told him. “Disappear until I’m seated so you don’t have to confront me about that 42.5. Secondly, you must remember that I am paving the way for many other people who look like me to achieve 42.5.”

In fact, it really happened. However, not only one, but many white colleagues were amazed that a black woman had as much power as they did, a fact confirmed by Professor Glenn L. Starks, Ph.D., co-author of the book “A Seat at the Table: The Life and Times of Shirley Chisholm.” While the character in “Shirley” could have consisted of several people always antagonizing Chisholm over her salary, Chisholm was noted to have used a particular quote from the 2016 film. “Unbought and Powerless” document.y.

I refuse to work for House of Representatives Agriculture Committee

The film also shows an unhappy Chisholm asking House Speaker John McCormack (Ken Strunk) to transfer her portfolio from the House Agriculture Committee, to which she was assigned, since it doesn’t meet the needs of the voters she serves in Brooklyn’s Black and Puerto Rican district. Demanding a transfer was unusual for a newly elected member of Congress.

Contrary to what the movie “Shirley” would have you suspect, based on the New York Times. article from May 10, 1975“Ms. Chisholm, who wanted education and a job, objected to being assigned to the agriculture department not because she opposed the committee itself, but because she was assigned to its forestry and rural subcommittee.”

Although not explicitly shown in the film, Chisholm briefly served on the agriculture committee. She worked on the food stamp program and helped implement the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) before ultimately being transferred to the Department of Veterans Affairs, which she felt was a greater fit for Bedford-Stuyvesant, which she represented. “There are many more veterans than trees in my district,” she is quoted as saying.

Her touchy relationship along with her sister

“Shirley” highlights the strained relationship between Chisholm and her sister Murial (played by Regina’s real-life sister Reina King, who also co-produced the film). In the film, Murial reveals to his sister that the rift between them is essentially as a consequence of Chisholm being their father’s obvious favorite.

In fact, Chisholm was the oldest of 4 girls. She didn’t maintain close relationships with any of them. It is true that Chisholm had an in depth relationship along with her father, Charles St. Hill. Growing up, he taught her the teachings of Marcus Garvey, and upon his death he left her only a small inheritance. Chisholm used the cash to assist finance her first campaign for the New York State Assembly.

The legacy created a wedge between Chisholm, her sisters and her mother from which the family never recovered. When Chisholm died in 2005, Muriel attended her funeral. Her other living sister didn’t.

Marital discord

“Shirley” taps into the growing marital tension between her and her then-husband, Conrad Chisholm, a Jamaican-born private detective who put his profession on hold to work quietly in his wife’s shadow so she could bask in the highlight.

The film also tells the story of Shirley’s early friendship with Arthur Hardwick Jr., who was tasked with managing the funds of her barebones campaign. The two married in 1977.

It really happened. Shirley and Conrad married in 1949. Their divorce was finalized in 1977. “He was so stable, really brilliant, caring, a good cook. Just a really solid person.” said Anastasia Curwoodwriter of “Shirley Chisholm: A Champion of Black Feminist Power Politics.”

Curwood continues: “Her second husband was someone she met very early in her political profession in the New York State House of Assembly. She recognized him. She said she immediately thought he was handsome. They had some banter, but they were each married, and then 10, 12 years later, his wife died and he was suddenly single. At this point, like I said, she was established, she had a profession, she’s not attempting to run for president. I believe she was able and willing to take that risk of becoming a divorcee and marrying the one who I consider truly was the love of her life. It seemed that she was truly in love along with her second husband.

Barbara Lee Mentoring

As depicted in the film, Chisholm first met Barbara Lee in the center of her 1972 presidential campaign. While Chisholm had a profound influence on Lee, who became a firebrand congresswoman herself, she was not as clueless because the Netflix film initially portrays her.

A single mother and college student (which “Shirley” is right about), Lee – who was instrumental in boosting Chisholm’s candidacy – began her political profession before she met Chisholm.

He’s suing TV stations

With the assistance of her national student coordinator Robert Gottlieb (Lucas Hedges), who was also a law student, Chisholm sued the tv networks for denying her the right to seem in the Democratic debates together with the opposite two 1972 Democratic presidential candidates, Hubert H. .Humphrey and George McGovern.

“Shirley” understood the incident well – Chisholm’s team sued and they wonwhich can make it not possible for media giants to disregard it.

Visiting George Wallace after the assassination attempt

As depicted in the film, Chisholm actually met along with her adversary, segregationist Alabama Governor George Wallace, in the hospital after he was nearly fatally shot and paralyzed during a political rally in May 1972. Visit with Wallace, who himself ran for president of the yr this yr, was highly controversial and against the desire of her allies. But as a devout Christian, Chisholm believed in forgiveness.

However, the film’s portrayal of this event is a bit too dramatic and makes one think that perhaps the 2 became close friends, which is just not true.

I’m on the lookout for support for the Black Panthers

In the film, Lee arranges a gathering between Chisholm and the Black Panther Party’s defense minister, Huey P. Newton (Brad James), on the Los Angeles home of actress Diahann Carroll (Amirah Vann), hoping to realize their support. Such a gathering took place, and although Newton was skeptical about Chisholm’s easy politics, her stance on the Black Panthers, and her visits to Wallace in the hospital, she manages to persuade him of all the great they will do together for the community and gets the Black Panthers’ support her campaign.

Getting stabbed in the back by key allies

“Shirley” shows that two of Chisholm’s key allies, Ron Dellums (Dorian Missick) and Walter Fauntroy (André Holland), on whom she was counting heavily, switched sides on the last minute, giving all their delegates to McGovern as an alternative. That’s true. It was due to their betrayal that Chisholm needed to withdraw her candidacy and drop out of the race. Although this shook her faith, she and Dellums continued to work closely together for years afterward, because the film’s post-credits recall.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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The art collector left his mark on TheGrio’s Masters of the Game

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In the next episode of Masters of the Game, hosted by Touré, we introduce you to Shirley and Bernard Kinsey, an influence couple who’ve dedicated their lives to preserving African American history through art and artifacts. Through greater than 50 years of marriage and a shared passion for education and history, the Kinseys have built one of the largest and most influential private collections of African American history in the world.Kinsey collection— making them true champions of history, art and cultural preservation.

Art collectors

The Kinseys have long believed in the transformative power of education. For them, educating others means sharing the wealthy history of African-American culture through art and historical artifacts. Their collection includes works by iconic artists corresponding to Ernie Barnes, Charles Alston and Beauford Delaney, nevertheless it is their collection of rare historical documents that really stands out. Among their treasures is a heartbreaking nineteenth century letter delivered by an enslaved girl who couldn’t read – she was sent from one plantation to a different under false pretenses. The next work of their collection is Zora Neale Hurston’s brave and hilarious letter to her ex-husband, through which she asks him to remain out of her life endlessly.

From humble beginnings to becoming one of the most influential black couples of our time, Toure’s conversation with the Kinsey family takes us on a journey through the depth, resilience and radiance of African-American culture. Their collection not only preserves history, but in addition inspires future generations to inform their very own powerful stories, making the Kinseys true masters of the game. Don’t miss this episode of “Masters of the Game” at 8 p.m. ET on Friday and 1 p.m. ET on Saturday on TheGrio Cable Network.

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Simone Biles torn apart after giving George Strait’s wife a ‘vulgar look’ while fans came to her defense

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Did Olympic gymnast Simone Biles cut George Strait’s wife’s eyes on the Country Music Awards?

Some people think so after a viral video of Biles, 27, showing her frustration within the audience on the 58th annual CMA Awards on November 20.

In several clips circulating online, the 27-year-old gave Strait’s wife, Norma Strait, a “dirty look” on the annual awards show where her husband was honored with the John Paul II Lifetime Achievement Award. Willie Nelson.

The seven-time Olympic gold medalist asked viewers if she had glanced out of the corner of her eye on the Lifetime Achievement Award winner’s wife through the 2024 CMA Awards. (Photo: @simonebiles/Instagram)

“Does anyone know if there is a dispute between Simone Biles and George Strait’s wife?” – one in all the X users asked on the evening of this system.

X’s post included a clip of Biles looking nervous as Norma and other attendees danced in the gang on the Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony tribute performance.

The tribute to the “King of Country Music” featured country stars Lainey Wilson, Jamey Johnson, Miranda Lambert and Parker McCollum. Additionally, Chris Stapleton joined Strait on stage to walk through the “Honky Tonk Hall of Fame” to conclude the segment.

Speculation about Biles’ possible disdain shown on the CMA Awards has turn into a topic of debate online, with fans and critics taking sides in the controversy.

“I watched it live and wondered the same thing, and then death looked up and down, she definitely hated!” answer on X platform he stated.

Original X poster he replied“As long as I’m not the only one who saw it.”

However, the legendary gymnast had her defenders. For example, user X sent“He’s probably just watching her reaction (honestly) without thinking about the cameras.”

“Nothing happened” – another person he argued. “George Strait’s wife doesn’t care about messy things like that. It looks like Simone could have a resting face. She wasn’t the one black person either. There are many Black people in country music, from singers to musicians.

Similar entry To read“I saw it and cringed, it’s just her face, but she should politely decline if she doesn’t like country music.”

Another fan he wrote“She probably saw the camera give attention to George Strait’s wife and just looked around curiously. I do not think she’s giving a mischievous have a look at all, she just looks like she’s noticed that the camera is specializing in the people next to her.

Despite questions on Biles’ on-screen response, the multiple-time world champion expressed her excitement to attend the 2024 CMA Awards on the day of the event.

Biles reposted photos from the evening on her Instagram Story. In one photo, shared by hairstylist Justin Revenge, the Olympic gold medalist showed off the short red dress she wore to the red carpet, in addition to the silver off-the-shoulder dress she wore to the CMA Gala.

The star of the Netflix docuseries “Simone Biles Rising” appeared at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville to present the Female Vocalist of the Year award to country singer Lainey Wilson.

Lainey Wilson won the Female Vocalist of the Year category, beating out fellow nominees Kelsea Ballerini, Ashley McBryde, Megan Moroney and Kacey Musgraves.

Biles herself had a successful 12 months as an athlete. The Texas native won 4 medals on the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, bringing her profession total to a record 11 victories for an American gymnast.

However, Vice President Kamala Harris couldn’t replicate Biles’ success because the Democratic presidential candidate in 2024. Harris lost to former President Donald Trump within the nationwide election.

Biles publicly called on current Democratic President Joe Biden to take a stand on behalf of American women before Republican MAGA leader Trump enters the White House on January 20, 2025.

“Mr. Biden, you need to stand up, straighten your back and shake some things up before you go… xoxo women of America,” the Olympian wrote on Twitter on November 6 in response to the election results.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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What do you know about Cynthia Erivo?

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Cynthia Erivo, Wicked, Cynthia Erivo controversy, Black Hollywood, theGrio.com

With the discharge of Wicked fast approaching, it’s protected to say that Cynthia Erivo is on fire straight away.

The film adaptation of the Broadway musical (which is an adaptation of a best-selling novel based on one other novel) is about to open to over $175 million worldwide this weekend, and Erivo has just landed a significant deal.

Universal Pictures has struck a first-look cope with its production company Edith’s Daughter, Deadline reported.

“Having spent the last three years working with Donna Langley, Peter Cramer and the Universal team on Wicked, I have experienced first-hand the love and fearlessness with which they tell stories and uplift narrators,” said Erivo. “I am absolutely delighted to take the next step in our cooperation under our first-look agreement. This is not only a milestone for my production company, but also a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of diverse voices in film. I can’t wait to bring our visions to life and share them with the world!”

However, some could also be just discovering the 37-year-old from Stockwell, London (where she was born right into a family of Nigerian immigrants) or may don’t know about her background and profession to this point. There’s quite a bit to like about the Emmy, Grammy and Tony winner – and much more to grasp beneath the surface. Below we have gathered some things you have to know about Erivo, including some very necessary ones.

He is a Broadway sensation

Before Erivo became a star of the silver screen, she made a reputation for herself on the stage. The actress’ breakthrough role was the role of Celie within the musical adaptation of “The Color Purple” on Broadway. From 2015 to 2017, she delivered critically acclaimed, groundbreaking performances, winning the 2016 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.

She has played several iconic black characters

Aretha Franklin, Harriet Tubman and Recy Taylor are black American historical figures immortalized on screen by Erivo, who has played all of them in movies. Shortly after her Broadway run in 2017, Erivo played Taylor in “The Rape of Recy Taylor.” She then starred as Tubman within the 2019 film “Harriet.”

In 2021, Erivo played Franklin within the National Geographic anthology “Genius: Aretha”. While critics praised her performance, Franklin’s family had a special tackle the project, claiming she was never consulted and even felt “disrespected” by the production team.

He is a queer icon

Earlier this yr, Erivo received the Schrader Award from the Los Angeles LGBT Center as a self-proclaimed member for her talent and support of the queer community.

“Acknowledging that I am queer publicly – especially in the public eye – means taking a risk to claim my freedom,” she said in her speech through which she agreed to return out as queer later in life. “It seems we prefer to see the world in black and white rather than accept the difficult (but beautiful) complexities of our humanity.”

Although it has never been explicitly confirmed, Erivo has long been considered one half of a fairly powerful Black Hollywood power couple, as she is commonly seen at red carpet events alongside fellow industry heavyweight Lena Waithe.

He has a novel sense of fashion

From shaving her eyebrows to her signature long and ornamental nails, Erivo is understood for her daring sense of fashion. Her uniqueness was even incorporated into her makeup for “Wicked.” The makeup artist used stencils to attract eyebrows and add freckles. Meanwhile, a special shade of green face and body makeup was developed to make Erivo’s melaninated skin appear “clearly” on screen, and the shade was named “Cynthia Green,” the film’s makeup artist said People Magazine. It’s value noting that despite the hours-long application process required day by day for months of filming, she also said that Erivo “never, ever, ever complained.”

She doesn’t suffer fools

Social media was abuzz this week with response to actor/podcast host Dax Shepard’s invasive query about Erivo’s signature elaborate manicure, specifically how he moves through it while using the lavatory. When footage of her interview with Shepard hit the Internet, many individuals were quick to sentence its inappropriateness, asking her how she wipes herself while having very long, jeweled nails.

“My answer is that no one wipes their ass with just their fingers. You use wipes, right? And you wipe it off,” she replied calmly.

Erivo further expressed her annoyance with this query; the one she had exhibited before.

“I understand, it annoys me. Come on, guys,” she said. “I understand, but I’m a functioning adult and I’ve never walked around smelling like… you know.”

People participating within the discussion found this query rude, disgusting and invasive. It can also be, as Erivo identified, unoriginal. In response to this viral exchange, some have responded by demonstrating how they adapt these very human processes to long fingernails – and shockingly, it’s just about the identical process we have all been doing since potty training. It’s really not that complicated.

Cynthia Erivo Recalls Her Reaction to Fan-Made 'Wicked' Poster: 'I Probably Should have Called My Friends'

He has some questionable tweets in his search history

When it was announced in 2018 that Erivo would play Harriet Tubman within the biopic “Harriet,” the British actress’s seemingly problematic comments made years earlier about the language of Black Americans inevitably resurfaced. As previously reported by theGrio, this compounded existing questions about the choice to forged British-born Erivo because the historical African-American hero, given what some perceived as a disdain for African-American culture.

“As for the tweets, they were taken out of context, giving me no room to explain what they meant – and they weren’t actually mocking anyone,” she explained on the time: Complex reported. “It was not intended to be (offensive) at all. It was to celebrate a song I (wrote) when I was 16.”

Speaking further about the controversy during an event on the Toronto International Film Festival, she said: “I actually have never… never spoken negatively about people because I don’t desire to; I don’t desire this energy to be passed on to others.”

She continued: “I do not think it’s good for us in any respect; I do not think it serves any purpose apart from to bring negativity into my life and yours, and I just don’t desire that.

Perhaps he has some tension with the band in “The Color Purple.”

For unknown reasons, Erivo claims she was not invited to a special screening of the musical “The Color Purple” for family and friends, which was also attended by other members of her Broadway forged. It’s a bit strange that the Tony-winning revival star wasn’t on the guest list. When asked about her apparent rejection in the course of the interview and whether it reflected her initial considerations for Celie’s role within the film adaptation, Erivo suggested she couldn’t talk about it.

Despite every little thing, he’s capable of admit his mistake

Erivo can have had mixed emotions previously as a result of questionable comments or her unwavering passion for her craft, but she is ultimately capable of admit when she was incorrect. In the lead-up to Wicked’s premiere, fan-made art got here to light that edited the film’s poster to look more like the unique Broadway Playbill, obscuring Erivo’s direct gaze with the brim of her witch hat. The actress was initially very offended, but later admitted that she can have overreacted.

“I think for me it was a human moment…” she later explained. “I probably should have called my friends, but I’m fine.”

Cynthia Erivo accepts Los Angeles LGBT Center award for speech on freedom to 'be different'

After all, she is an expert

Say what you want, but Cynthia Erivo is robust and talented. He can also be a one that is alleged to place the nice of the team ahead of his personal glory. During a recent appearance on “Cutting room floor” podcast, she described her technique of coming into harmony together with her “Wicked” co-star Ariana Grande and the way the 2 worked together to create a unified sound fairly than resorting to diva-like behavior in an try and outshine one another.

For example, although she and Grande have very different voices, Erivo noted that what they’ve in common is way more necessary.

“I think what connects us is the way we hear music, so we can hear each other,” she explained. “And the beauty of singing with someone who can also hear is that you follow each other back and forth. We can find ways to make our textures and sounds make sense, and that’s really hard with humans.”

Erivo added: “It also signifies that you found someone completely selfless because they care about working with you, and being an element of that’s essentially the most amazing thing. When you find someone who’s committed to creating sound together, (there may be) no ego.

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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