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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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An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit

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Lauren Sánchez has apparently gained a popularity for her fashion hits and misses as social media users began following her every move.

Billionaire Jeff Bezos’ current fiancée stepped into the highlight long before she met the Amazon co-founder, after years spent as co-host of “Good Day LA,” a reporter for “Extra” and host of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and he even starred in a number of movies like “Ted 2.”

She faced criticism for posting a sultry selfie in November in a negligee-inspired gown by designer Laura Basca. In October, the 54-year-old again faced backlash when she showed off her latex Halloween costume as Catwoman.

Now, weeks after being deemed “cheap” and tasteless, the founder of Black Ops Aviation has turn out to be a subject of discussion.

Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez shows off a “winter white” look, weeks after critics slammed her busty latex outfit. (Photos: @laurenwsanchez/Instagram, Theimagedirect.com via Page Six)

On December 5, Sánchez and the business mogul attended The New York Times’ DealBook event in New York City. For the occasion, she wore a white Alexander McQueen suit and a white lace corset. The beaming bride-to-be sent two mirror selfies of her outfit, which she signed: “winter white.”

One follower particularly was stunned by the whole look he ejaculated that she was “very attractive and beautiful, gorgeous and stunning, charming and fantastic young lady, sexy, charming, charming and elegant” in the photos that Sánchez took.

Two other people swooned over the photos and wrote: “So chic and elegant!” and “You look great.” But as you would possibly expect from online viewers, not everyone was impressed.

When Page six published paparazzi photos from the trip, the critic commented: “It’s 30 degrees in New York and she gets out of the limo in a white Miami smock, her bra visible to everyone. No taste. Nothing. A cashmere turtleneck, flannel trousers and a wool jacket can be classy.

Someone else sharply asked: “Who can be the first to tell her that she looks tacky and not elegant and refined? Does she even know what sophistication means? A 3rd person noted: “She looks more like she’s wearing a bathrobe.”

Another person wrote in a comment from a licensed pilot: “White means…” possibly referring to rumors that Sánchez and Bezos are scheduled to exchange vows over Christmas. At least one person doubted the couple would have the opportunity to say “I do.” This person said: “This will be the longest engagement ever. They will NEVER get married and we all know why!!!!”

Sánchez told the “Today” show hosts that she was in the process of planning the big day last month. She didn’t comment on speculation about exchanging Christmas vows.

Renewed interest and scrutiny of Sánchez has increased as the pair have been spotted in various locations in recent months. The couple reportedly began dating in 2018. Their engagement was announced five years later, in May 2023. Their upcoming wedding can be a second journey for each of them.

Sánchez was previously married to celebrity agent Patric Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She can be the mother of a son, whom she shares with Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. Bezos was married to the mother of his three children, Mackenzie Scott, for 25 years once they divorced in 2019.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape

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India Shawn is a contemporary muse with a chilled nature, crafting love stories and heartfelt tales in smooth, charming songs. With over a decade of experience in the music industry as a singer-songwriter, Shawn has incredible strength. She was born in Los Angeles, and her musical roots reach throughout the country. Beginning her profession in her hometown, Shawn eventually found herself in Atlanta, where she immersed herself in the city’s deep-rooted R&B scene, further shaping her artistry.

“I transferred to ATL, I was in 10th grade, and that’s when my music journey really started,” Shawn told Andscape. “I met people who were trying to get by, so I ended up recording and learned what songwriting was really early on.”

Before releasing her debut EP in 2012, Shawn wrote songs and collaborated with artists similar to Chris Brown, El DeBarge, Keri Hilson and Monica. In 2013, she gained much more notoriety when Solange Knowles published her song “I’m Alive” on the Saint Heron compilationmarking her as an artist value watching.

Following the release of the single “There Must Be a God” from the Andscape soundtrack, she caught up with Shawn to learn more about the muse behind the vibes.


Singer India Shawn grew up singing in church with her family. “I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” she said.

India Shawn

Name:
India Shawn

Hometown:

Los Angeles

Artistic soundscape

Airy, soft, telling a story, multidimensional, soft, mysterious, atmospheric

The oldest musical memory

Shawn’s soulful sound is deeply rooted in her upbringing, with influences drawn from her childhood memories and the musical culture of her church. “I sing with my sister all the time, and I also grew up singing behind my mom in church. She was the leader of praise and worship. So I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” Shawn said. “I had these little solos in church, and I believe what made me consider in it was that after the service people got here as much as me with tears of their eyes and said, ‘You really moved me while you sang.’ “These early moments of connection with music and audiences laid the foundation for conveying depth and sensitivity through her music.

Influences

For Shawn, music, especially R&B, has all the time held a special place in her life. “Me and my sister are harmonizing in the living room, just picking some of our favorite songs, including for me Mariah Carey, Babyface, Boyz II Men and (and) Brandy,” she said of her early music memories.

Creative process

Shawn often draws inspiration from real-life experiences and relationships that influence her music. She weaves this into the authenticity and atmosphere of her songs, but she didn’t immediately recognize where her inspiration got here from. “It’s funny that it took me so long to make that connection, but I realized that I was telling my whole story and presenting my business through my music,” she said. “It took me two albums to realize, wait a minute, I’m giving people a lot to understand here… these aren’t just songs. This is truly the life I live.”

Challenges and development

As Shawn’s profession grows, so do his moments of appreciation and reflection. “I literally just thought about a very gradual progression of my career. It’s like step by step, but there are more breakthrough moments. My first tour, which was so beautiful, I just knew I could pack a room and people knew my lyrics and sang my songs to me. Those moments that make the waiting not in vain.”

Shawn has plenty of recommendation for up-and-coming singer-songwriters. Her biggest sacrifice? Collaboration is essential. “I think (cooperation) is really why I’m still here. So find your people… you’ll know when it feels right, you’ll have that freedom and fluidity, and you’ll be able to really create things and create without having to think too much.” He also shares the importance of patience. “Just be patient during the journey. This has been a theme throughout my profession. Let it develop. I feel like more things come from being in that flow and being present reasonably than forcing all of it.

Current project

There should be a God”, the lead single from Andscape , now streaming on Hulu, also serves as a teaser for Shawn’s solo album. “(This song) is such a manifestation of God’s love,” she said. “I think when you find yourself in a place of waiting, you can feel very hopeless. So when you see glimpses of God’s love again, or the fact that you know there is a higher power, there is a source that is thinking about you, has you in mind, has a perfect plan for you, it’s just like the clouds parting. And this is the moment, I understand. I understand that I had to go through all this to get here. And that’s exactly what I felt in the studio that day.”

Sheila Matthews is a digital producer at Andscape and a proud HBCU graduate. She believes “Return of the Mack” must have won a Grammy, and her Twitter mentions are open to all debate.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence

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With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is anticipated to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.

Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.

From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.

In case you missed it, take a take a look at 17 of the very best celebrity beauty moments from the week below.

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