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The Great Black Hero – Andscape

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People have complimented actor James Earl Jones’s voice in some ways through the years, mostly noting that his booming baritone gave the impression of our collective conscience. And yet such descriptions fail to capture the depth of how deeply he spoke to us, sometimes fluidly, sometimes ominously, but all the time seemingly nearby.

Jones’s voice was like vinyl, or quite the moment between the needle touching the record and the sensation of the music coming out. It didn’t matter if it was R&B or something more upbeat, Jones had the range to encompass it. When he died Monday at 93, I assumed of him because the on-screen father of princes who would change into kings — Akeem in , Simba in , Luke Skywalker in . But I also considered a few of his lesser-known roles and the way he became a central figure in black culture. Because of his willingness to play black heroes and black on a regular basis people, he became a hero to all of us.

Jones played a sanitation employee within the 1974 film, for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor. It was a movie which may not be made now, because dating a garbage man or a domestic employee with six children will surely be seen as unrealistic. And yet, what’s more real than love at first sight? Than courtship? Than giving every part you have got within the name of affection, even in case you only have dishwashing liquid for bath time or a straightforward record player and two harmless Frisbees? The addition of sugar, honeysuckle and a giant completely happy expression became Jones’s signature, an allegory of the professionalism, seriousness and unmistakable smile he dropped at his craft.

In 1993, nearly 20 years after and lower than a yr before he voiced Mufasa within the animated film, Jones played Earnest Moses in , a concerned citizen whose record collection was rivaled only by his wild wigs. In retrospect, that chutzpah was a measure of the actor’s range. At the film’s climax, because the neighborhood fended off rampant gang activity, Moses brandished his prized record collection, and people black vinyl Frisbees were removed from harmless.


At 6-foot-2, Jones was already larger than life, but his voice made him a tower the ultimate. Making his debut because the voice of Darth Vader in 1977, he’s the dark character most remember, but latest information reveals that Jones was not he paid his due salary. Darth Vader is nothing without his dark voice and haunting breath. I like this franchise and experience the portrayal of Moff Gideon in . Imagine Darth Vader taking off his helmet at the top of the primary trilogy and revealing a face to match that magnificent voice.

Yet his masculinity remained unyielding. How else could one play boxer Jack Johnson, the primary black heavyweight champion, in or Thurgood Marshallfirst black Supreme Court justice? Malcolm X (Jones played the Nation of Islam leader within the 1977 documentary Muhammad Ali) and Paul Robeson (whom he played on Broadway within the 1977-78 season) weren’t beyond Jones’ reach with their radical politics. Jones was not visibly energetic within the civil rights movement, but he said he considers his roles related to racial issues to be his contribution to the fight for civil rightsWith his creativity and kindness he became a job model and representative for lots of us.

Jones once said that Johnson’s story was “more about hubris than race.” What an incredible commentary on a black athlete, let alone black people. Hubris is defined as “excessive pride,” even arrogance. But in a rustic where blacks are treated like second-class residents, how else are you able to rise from the canvas if not by being supremely confident? That’s radical politics, not perfect science. We are a proud nation, and we’re spiritual, because God gives grace to the common-or-garden.

Jones sometimes appeared to speak with a better power. “Remember who you are,” he said from the clouds in . It was a spiritual reminder that completely complemented his son’s redemption story. “The king has returned,” Rafiki said within the movie, which as a baby I assumed was a message to Simba. But with a couple of more years of experience and the freshness of Jones’s departure, I understand that Rafiki was talking about two kings.

It’s incredible—and terrifying—to think that Jones’ story and these stories won’t have happened. He was born in 1931 in Arkabutla, Mississippi, a baby of the Great Depression and the much more dangerous Jim Crow. When Jones moved to Michigan along with his maternal grandparents at age 5, he became nearly mute from first grade through his freshman yr of highschool due to a painful stutter.

“In Sunday school, I was trying to read my lessons and the kids behind me were falling on the floor laughing,” Jones told The Guardian in 2010. “When I went to school, my stuttering was so severe that I stopped trying to speak correctly.”

He was helped by an English teacher who discovered that he wrote poetry and he told him it was so good that he needed to prove he really wrote it by reciting it out loud in front of the category. He recited his poem without stuttering.

Even when Jones famously recited abolitionist Frederick Douglass’s essay on rage and freedom, , it was clear that he couldn’t be contained by childhood trauma or white supremacy. He couldn’t be pigeonholed, which meant that stereotypes couldn’t contain or define him.

He had the voice of God and the range to play any man. What made him superhuman—that stunning, black baritone construct—made him ours as well: an important black hero and hope.

Ken J. Makin is a contract author and host of the podcast Makin’ A Difference. Before and after commenting, he thinks about his wife and sons.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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Outrage erupts as Kim Kardashian is called out for allegedly robbing Italians in a new ad campaign

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Black Attorney Responsible for Freeing 17 Federal Inmates Sets the Record Straight After Kim Kardashian Appeared to Get Sole Credit

Fashion mogul Kim Kardashian recently unveiled her SKIMS collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana, which is set to premiere on November 19. However, all attention is focused on the campaign accompanying the new capsule collection.

The Dolce & Gabbana x SKIMS campaign, shot by renowned photographer Nadia Lee Cohen, captures the charm of Sixties Italy and appears to pay homage to iconic Italian actress Sophia Loren. Featuring Kim and her sister Kourtney Kardashian, the visuals are designed to exude vintage charm while fusing fashion with the SKIMS aesthetic.

Black prosecutor responsible for freeing 17 federal prisoners sets record right after Kim Kardashian shows up to get sole credit
NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER Billionaire Kim Kardashian is accused of cultural appropriation after she launched her new Italian-inspired campaign with Dolce and Gabbana. (Photo: Walter McBride/WireImage)

Kim was excited and promoted – we read in several posts on her Instagram, a space normally reserved for brands that pay tens of millions simply to be featured. Her 359 million followers enthusiastically welcomed the project and congratulated her on such a very important transaction.

However, not everyone likes the return to the past in promoting.

Critics at the moment are accusing the Kardashian sisters, who’re of Armenian descent, of once more crossing cultural boundaries. The campaign and two reality stars are accused on social media of appropriating a southern European identity.

When the style bomb is on a regular basis sent promotion, the comments showed how impressed lots of their followers were.

“The way they act culturally is really crazy,” one person said.

Another wrote: “Then no (sic) cosplaying Italians. I mean what race won’t be cosplaying at this point.”

Someone else said of the sisters’ campaign: “It’s always cosplay.”

Another person added: “I hope Italian grandma and grandpa are AI because why are you bothering these people dressed in underwear lol.”

One person wrote on Twitter: “More cultural appropriation from this white Armenian.”

One follower took issue with them comparing themselves to Loren’s fashion style, writing: “They take icons and put their names on them. When you type “Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, etc.” into Google, their names will appear. Keeping them associated with greatness. Sucks lack of originality, wash, rinse and repeat.”

There could also be some truth in associating the Kardashians with a few of the biggest stars in history by dressing like them and in some cases wearing dresses and jewellery that after belonged to deceased stars.

In 2022, Kim wore the identical dress that Marilyn Monroe wore to sing “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” to then-President John F. Kennedy on his forty fifth birthday sixty years earlier. The dress was transparent, with 2,500 crystals embedded in the material.

Historians and owners who worked to preserve the historicity of the dress say she destroyed it. They claimed she returned the dress with the material stretched and located new holes appeared in the clothing. The owners also said that a few of the rhinestones were either barely attached or had fallen off completely.

This is not the only dress the blonde actress has worn in the past few years. She also wore a green sequined Norman Norell gown by Monroe on the 1962 Golden Globes.

Kardashian recently made headlines for wearing an Attallah cross necklace once worn by Princess Diana. Made of gold, silver, amethyst and diamonds, it was the prized signature of the Princess of Wales.

The cross’s original owner, Naim Attallah, who often allowed Diana to wear it, sold it to Kardashian after she won it at auction in January 2023.

Kim first wore the necklace in public on her forty fourth birthday in October, after which on November 2 on the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) 2024 Art+Film Gala.

In addition to facing criticism for dressing like legends, she was accused of appropriating black culture.

One of the persistently she was scrutinized for her inclusion in black culture was when she wore Fulani braids after which said they were from a Seventies white actress who wore them in a 1979 movie “10”.

She hopped on Snapchat and said she was crazy about “Bo Derek Braids.”

Fans were quick to remind her that these hairstyles originated in Africa and encouraged her to learn more.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Denzel Washington takes talk show host to his seat over offensive claims he was an alcoholic – in new clip

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A 2004 interview resurfaces showing Academy Award winner Denzel Washington politely checking the host for alleging research his staff conducted found that he was an

Hollywood legend Denzel Washington has long been known for his dignified presence, each on and off the screen.

In a 2004 aired interview on “The Parkinson Show,” the Oscar winner answered demeaning questions with grace and humor, though the host’s line of questioning seemed to reinforce stereotypes about black men.

The interview, intended to promote Washington’s then-film “Man on Fire,” took a turn when host Sir Michael Parkinson suggested that Washington had struggled with alcoholism and possible gang involvement in his youth.

A 2004 interview returns in which Oscar winner Denzel Washington politely tests the host over claims that tests conducted by his staff showed he was an "alcoholic." (Photo: Ivan Romano/Getty Images)
A 2004 interview returns in which Oscar winner Denzel Washington politely tests the host over claims that tests conducted by his staff showed he was an “alcoholic.” (Photo: Ivan Romano/Getty Images)

The exchange began with Parkinson stating that Washington didn’t need to “explore” the alcohol facets of his character due to his own alleged experience. He played the role of a person named John W. Creasy who struggles with alcoholism. He attempts to take his own life while battling his past actions as a former CIA agent and Force Recon Marine.

(At) some point in your life you were in danger of becoming an alcoholic. Isn’t it?”

“Me? Right now as we speak!” Washington responded, surprised by this assumption.

Parkinson then explained by asking about Washington’s younger years.

Washington, remaining calm, replied, “When I was younger? Well, I think we were all in danger, but we didn’t know it. When Parkinson pressed on, citing “research” and articles about Washington’s past, the daddy of 4 laughed, replying: “Really? I higher read them.

The British broadcaster continued by suggesting that after his parents’ divorce, Washington “went off the track” by drinking and hanging out with the flawed crowd. The actor responded by admitting that he was offended and acting like a young man, but it surely wasn’t about drinking.

“I was already hanging out with the wrong crowd before they got divorced,” he said, adding: “I believe it had more to do with not a lot drinking, but just getting offended about it, attacking — entering into fights, things like that. Just a bit of kid who didn’t understand what was happening and was taking it out on whoever was nearby.

When Parkinson asked if he was in a gang, the New York native revealed the reality about his difficult background, sharing that the majority of his friends from his youth “were killed or went to jail.”

He praised his mother for having “the common sense to get me out of it” and sending him to a personal school, which, satirically, was “where all of the alcoholics and drug addicts really were. Little did she know.

“The rich kids had all the drugs,” Washington added. Later he laughed and said, “Mom, I never smoked a cigarette until you sent me to school.”

Many individuals who saw the 20-yr-old’s interview commented on Washington’s handling of the interview.

“Denzel was classy, ​​he could get angry with Micheal’s questions about alcoholics and his parents, but he’s too cool for that,” one person wrote, and one other commented. “The interviewer was just rude and he knew it, and Denzel knew it. Yes, Denzel was very witty and fashionable in the top.

A 3rd comment clearly stated, “Denzel is the boss.”

It just wasn’t concerning the comments about drinking and gangs, other parts of the interview seemed to piss off the actor and viewers.

“The look Denzel gives him 9:08 was like, “Oh, you f—,” one commenter said, a nod to his role as crooked detective Alonzo Harris in 2001’s “Training Day.”

Someone else said: “The subtle art of ridiculing an interlocutor who asks stupid and false questions. Tastefully presented here by Denzel.”

One fan was clear: “I’ve never heard of him being an alcoholic.”

Although Washington didn’t talk about drinking excessively, he often talked about his journey, the challenges of his youth, and the support systems that guided him, including his involvement with the Boys and Girls Club of America.

He also credited Sidney Poitier as a mentor, teaching him about privacy and self-respect. In a 2012 interview with GQ, Washington recalled Poitier’s advice: “If they see you without spending a dime all week, they will not pay to see you on the weekend. … If you walk past the magazine section in the supermarket they usually’ve known you all of your life, there is not any mystery about it.”

This wisdom shaped Washington’s approach to fame and public life, emphasizing the importance of secrecy and honesty.

The “Malcolm X” star’s down-to-earth approach to life was also evident in other public interactions.

After Will Smith’s controversial slapping incident on the 2022 Oscars, he was seen advising the West Philly native and telling him, “Be careful at the best of times, that’s when the devil comes for you.” This message reflected Washington’s belief in remaining calm and honest even under pressure.

He also allegedly uttered words of reproach to Sean “Diddy” Combs while he and his wife attended one in all his exclusive parties. The “Training Day” actor saw something he didn’t like and reportedly snapped at Bad Boy’s director, “You don’t respect anyone,” before storming out.

Known for embodying dignity, Washington rarely allows his temper to surface, but he isn’t afraid to express himself when mandatory.

When paparazzi accosted him outside the Museum of Modern Art in New York, Washington turned and said calmly but firmly, “You’re talking to a man right now. … How about… respecting me?” He let the person know that respect was crucial thing and even offered a smile to relieve any tension.

Throughout his profession, Washington managed to balance humility with strength, demonstrating that respect, humor and honesty were the cornerstones of his personality.

Parkinson can have wanted to get some juicy or controversial commentary from the actor, possibly comparing him to other stereotypes about black men. Still, Washington’s measured responses only reinforced his status as a real gentleman in Hollywood… one who is not easily fooled by intrusive questions.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Kanye West’s wife Bianca Censori fumes after going braless at Disneyland days after panties party in Japan

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According to Daily mailYeezy’s architecture chief arrived at the theme park in Anaheim, California, wearing a cream sleeveless minidress, white leggings, white rain boots and a white long-sleeved top.

Censori was dressed more modestly than the standard leather outfits. However, the previous Australian model decided to go braless with two friends at the Disneyland Resort.

Stylist Gadir Rajab shared a photograph of Censori, Christian VelasquezAND Dion Lee at Disneyland on his Instagram story. Rajab also posted clips of them on various rides.

MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 23: Kanye West and Bianca Censori attend the Marni fashion show during Milan Women's Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2024-2025 on February 23, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo: Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 23: Kanye West and Bianca Censori attend the Marni fashion show during Milan Fashion Week Womenswear Fall/Winter 2024-2025 on February 23, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo: Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images)

TMZ reports that Censori and her entourage paid for VIP treatment, which included a personal guide and expedited access to resort attractions. The VIP package reportedly costs around $500-$700 per hour.

During their trip to Disneyland, Cesori and the crew visited Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, and Cars Land. They also rode the Matterhorn Bobsleds roller coaster.

Censori has grow to be a lightning rod on the web, normally because of her typically risqué wardrobe. Daily Mail commentators had so much to say concerning the celebrity’s latest braless public outing.

“I’ve heard of girls being thrown out of Disneyland for wearing more clothes than Bianca. Why isn’t she treated the same way and thrown out?” one person interrogated.

“At least she knew this nonsense (which she does entirely by choice) wouldn’t be washed out at Disneyland. I’ve never seen her with clothes on!” one other comment was read.

In response to the proven fact that Censori was at the park without West, the commenter wrote, “He sure looks happier without him around!” Another person agreed, writing, “Only once have I seen her smile. And he is not there.”

Former model Bianca Censori and her friends received the VIP treatment during their visit to Disneyland. (Photo: @gadirrajab/Instagram Story)

Someone else suggested: “It’s a family friendly place! Lots of little kids! Has she no sense of place!” A 3rd person asked: “Why does an adult visit Disneyland without children? To me it’s just weird.

A like-minded person added: “Why do they let her walk around like that in front of the kids?? Disneyland has a very strict dress code.”

Disneyland website imposes a dress code on guests. For example, visitors are prohibited from wearing clothes that “reveal excessive amounts of skin that may be considered inappropriate for a family environment.”

Additionally, bare feet are considered inappropriate attire in “The Happiest Place on Earth”. Previously Censor he went barefoot during a Disneyland date with Kanye West in April 2024.

Censori walked through the park seven months ago with bandages on her feet. She also wore a beige bodysuit covered with brown fabric. West was wearing a white hoodie and grey sweatpants.

Censori’s newer recordings in Japan with West feature her in plain, near-nude clothes. She was filmed wearing a black bra, black cheek-baring shorts and a black belt.

Barely dressed, Censori and her husband were in a dimly lit nightclub in Tokyo last week. The couple danced to the rap star’s performance “Problematic” track from his collaborative album “Vultures 1” with R&B singer Ty Dolla $ign.

Despite rumors of a possible divorce, Censori and West recently traveled to Japan together. The 47-year-old Grammy winner traveled to Asia as a part of his “Vultures” tour, and Censori joined him later.

in October TMZ reports that the Wests are going through a “difficult phase” in their marriage. The outlet claimed that Bianca returned to Australia to spend time along with her family while Ye remained in Japan.

Censori and West are said to resolve any marital problems with nude marriage counseling. The “Jesus Walks” rapper apparently enjoys being naked in private.

“He and Bianca started therapy naked. Apparently they feel more liberated and can completely bare their soul when they are undressed,” source revealed Radar on the Internet.

The insider continued, “People assume it’s just Bianca walking around with no clothes on, but behind closed doors Kanye is actually embracing his own fetish for being in the buff.”

West and Censori married in a personal ceremony in December 2022. A month earlier, Ye had finalized his divorce from his first wife, reality television personality and businesswoman Kim Kardashian.

There was speculation that Censori and Kardashian had animosity. The bad blood allegedly stems from Censori’s interactions with West and Kardashian’s 4 children – North, 11, Saint, 8, Chicago, 6, and Psalm, 5.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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