Connect with us

Entertainment

The Great Black Hero – Andscape

Published

on

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
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Entertainment

Dolly Parton Enrages Beyoncé Fans with Controversial Comments Supporting CMA’s Decision Not to Nominate ‘Cowboy Carter’

Published

on

By

‘Get Out Here, B—ch, You Ain’t Stealin’ Mine’: Dolly Parton Has Strong Feelings About Beyoncé

It’s been over every week and Beyoncé fans are still outraged after learning that the singer’s album “Cowboy Carter” didn’t receive any nominations on the upcoming Country Music Awards.

But now the Beyhive’s fury has been stoked as country veteran Dolly Parton has had her own thoughts on the snub. The 10-time Grammy winner seemed to query whether Beyoncè’s lack of nominations was “intentional.”

“Get Outta Here, B—-ch, You Won’t Steal From Me”: Dolly Parton Has Strong Feelings About Beyoncé’s Performance of Her Country Classic “Jolene” (Screenshot: @dollyparton / Instagram ; Photo: @beyonce / Instagram )
Dolly Parton is seemingly defending the CMA Awards after Beyoncé failed to receive a single nomination for her album “Cowboy Carter.” (Photo by @dollyparton/Instagram; @beyonce/Instagram)

In the September 17 issue of Variety interview, Parton said, “Well, you never know. There are so many great country artists that I think probably in the realm of country music, they probably thought, well, we can’t leave out some of these guys who spend their whole lives doing this. But I didn’t even realize that until someone asked me that question.”

Parton, often known as a rustic music legend, is credited twice on the “Cowboy Carter” project. In the primary instance, Parton lent her vocals to the ninth track, “Dolly P,” which serves because the intro to the second track, Beyonce’s version of Parton’s 1973 hit “Jolene.”

The second song Parton participated in, titled “Tyrant,” is a rustic meets R&B track. In fact, Parton’s performance earned her first place on seven Billboard charts — six of that are R&B.

“But it was a great album,” the 78-year-old continued. “She can be very, very proud of it, and I think everyone in country music welcomed it with open arms and thought it was good.”

Parton concluded her thoughts on Queen Bey’s lack of nomination. She said, “So I don’t think it was a matter of exclusion, of intentionally doing it. I think it was just more of what the country charts and country artists have been doing, who have been doing it all along, not just a special album.”

Irate fans responded to Parton’s response, which was reposted on The Jasmine Brand’s Instagram.

“What do you expect from a woman on yt?” said one commenter. Another shared, “I love Dolly but stop talking crap. The new country slogan should be for white people only.”

“I love my Aunt Dolly but they only did this to send her a clear message,” wrote a 3rd fan.

A fourth fan chimed in: “Goodbye Dolly, with respect. We already know why and YOU KNOW TOO ‼️”

However, others seemed to agree with Parton and debated whether Beyoncé’s album must have earned the “diva” a CMA nomination. “I love Cowboy Carter, but She’s not completely wrong. Special album vs. shutting out someone whose only genre is country,” one fan wrote.

A fourth person said: “Beyonce herself said it’s not a country album. If it’s not country, why does the CMA have to add it to their categories? We need to stop seeking acceptance from people who will never give it to us.”

This is in reference to a post Beyoncè made in March, just 10 days before the discharge of “Cowboy Carter.” In the caption of the post, the “Obsessed” actress confirmed, “This is not a country album. This is a ‘Beyoncé’ album.”

She previously opened up in regards to the origins of the album, which took her five years to create. “It came from an experience I had years ago where I didn’t feel welcome,” the Houston native said, noting her performance with the Dixie Chicks — now often known as The Chicks — on the 2016 CMAs.

That same 12 months, Beyoncé was invited to perform the song “Daddy’s Lessons”, which was her first country song from her sixth studio album, Lemonade.

Sure, Queen Bey received loads of praise for her performance, but she was reportedly met with boos from the audience and racially aggravated attacks online. However, the “Run the World” singer didn’t let the mean comments and hate get her down.

Instead, she created an album that touched on all musical genres.

Continuing her post, Beyoncè said, “The criticism I faced when I first entered the genre forced me to push beyond the limitations that were placed upon me. Act II is the result of challenging myself and taking the time to bend and combine genres to create this body of work.”

The CMA Awards will air on November 20 at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mMFIOGsIdA


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
Continue Reading

Entertainment

Fans Concerned Over Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Strange Public Behavior Raises Health Concerns

Published

on

By

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is probably the most famous and talented basketball stars. He left the NBA because the all-time leading scorer and broke records that LeBron James had already broken.

That’s why many individuals expressed concern after a video of Abdul-Jabbar and his slow movements while interacting with fans was reposted.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s appearance at Fanatics Fest left fans asking questions on the NBA legend. (Photo: @kareemabduljabbar_/Instagram)

Internet personality Darren Jason Watkins Jr., higher often known as IShowSpeed, met the Basketball Hall of Fame inductee at Fanatics Fest NYC 2024 in August.

Show speed broadcast live his experiences at a New York event for sports fans and collectors; and photographs of the 19-year-old streamer interacting with Abdul-Jabbar on TikTok.

“Yo, Kareem! Yo, Kareem! Kareem!” iShowSpeed ​​​​shouted repeatedly as he approached the 77-year-old sitting on the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan.

It took a moment for Abdul-Jabbar to show around, after which the YouTuber said, “Hey, what’s up, man? Nice to meet you. My name is Speed. I’m a big fan of yours.”

The six-time NBA MVP hesitated for a moment, but then reached out to shake Speed’s hand and replied, “Thank you.”

When the clip went viral last month, many commenters focused on Abdul-Jabbar’s appearance.

“I hope Kareem is okay, he looked a little out of it” wrote one in every of the TikTok users.

On one other TikTok videoone fan wondered, “Damn, is Kareem good?”

One joker said, “Bro hasn’t been the same since Bron broke his points record.”

Others took issue with the best way IShowSpeed ​​addressed the basketball legend and blamed IShowSpeed ​​for the awkward exchange.

“For fuck’s sake Speed, show some respect,” one person wrote. An analogous comment read, “Kareem ignored him. ‘Yo Kareem’ for an older man is wild.”

Another person defended Abdul-Jabbar, responding: “He’s known for hating it when people approach him in public.”

Another follower said: “Let’s not forget Kareem is old, old, lol he’s old, don’t you think he’ll be old.”

Abdul-Jabbar, 77, has battled a variety of medical issues throughout his life. The former “Dancing With The Stars” contestant has battled prostate cancer and leukemia. He was also diagnosed with a cardiovascular condition that required quadruple coronary artery bypass surgery.

In an interview with NIH Medline Plus Magazine, he explained that he had symptoms of “shortness of breath, fatigue, and dizziness” that he didn’t take seriously until 2021, when he became dizzy and unable to face on his own at a baseball game. He was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation shortly thereafter.

“I was ultimately diagnosed with atrial fibrillation when my symptoms sent me to the hospital. I was surprised because I didn’t know what AFib was before my diagnosis,” Abdul-Jabbar revealed.

“I’ve since learned that AFib is the most common type of irregular heart rhythm, which prevents the heart’s lower chambers from filling completely or pumping enough blood. Blood can pool in the heart, which increases the risk of blood clots forming and can lead to stroke and other heart complications,” he continued. “In fact, people with AFib are about five times more likely to have a stroke.”

He added: “I also had to accept that I could no longer do everything I did before.”

In December 2023 former Lakers player underwent medical procedure for a broken hip suffered after a fall at a concert in Los Angeles. His business partner, Deborah Morales, publicly thanked the Los Angeles Fire Department and UCLA Hospital staff for his or her help.

Kareem Abdul Jabbar was scheduled for all three days Fanatics Fest NYC 2024 from August 16-18. Participated in autograph sessions, photo ops and panels.

“Just got back from a long weekend in NYC for @fanaticsfest. Best sports show ever! Got to meet so many friends and hang out with so many fans. Thanks to the @fanatics team for all the new memories!” Written by Abdul Jabbar on Instagram.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mMFIOGsIdA


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
Continue Reading

Entertainment

Gary Owen walks away from ex-wife’s shocking alimony demands, months after claiming he needed a new man in his life

Published

on

By

gary owen joke about ex-wife

Comedian Gary Owen has once more opened up about his personal life amid his legal dispute with ex-wife Kenya Duke.

The Ohio-born artist posted a recording of his performance at Helium Comedy Club in Philadelphia online on Wednesday, September 18.

Owen is wearing a black Patriots T-shirt and a black cap. He says at first of the clip, “At one point, my ex-wife was asking for $44,000 a month in alimony.”

Gary Owen Ex-Wife Joke
Comedian Gary Owen believes his relationship with ex-wife Kenya Duke could be higher if she had a man in her life. (Photos: @garyowencomedy/Instagram, @trulykenya/Instagram)

“That’s a lot,” he added, before the group quickly responded by cheering throughout the room.

Owen told Shannon Sharpe on “Club Shay Shay” that he filed for divorce from Duke in 2021 in Ohio before she filed shortly thereafter in Los Angeles, citing infidelity. About two months later, Duke filed more paperwork looking for $44,000 in child support from Owen to assist her and their children financially support themselves.

Responding to his audience, Owen said, “I would never do that. If the tables were turned and she made more than me, I would never say, ‘I want $44,000 a month. No.'”

“I know what my dick is worth at this point in my life,” he said, as someone from the group interrupted, shouting, “Bullshit.”

Eventually Owen understands what a number of the women in the audience are saying, because the clip cuts to him telling certainly one of them, “Why did you say I was lying?”

Reenacting the scenario, he described what happened step-by-step, saying, “I heard you say it was $44,000. I would never ask for that. And you said, ‘You’re lying.'” He then asked the girl, “Do you think I would do it?” She replied, “Yes. I think a man would do it, yes.”

The explanation that the girl was talking about men in general looked as if it would bring him some relief. He jokingly said, “A man, yes—I wouldn’t do that.”

However, one other woman challenged Owen further, saying, “Yes, you would,” to which he replied, “No, no, no, no, I wouldn’t,” and so they began exchanging views.

The father of 5 ended the conversation by joking: “We have some fierce women here in Philadelphia. I’ll tell you that right now.”

Turning to the lads in the room, he said, “My God, guys. What the hell is wrong with women in Philadelphia?” Before hanging up, he said, “Women with bitterness here. Stop being so angry. Go to McDonald’s, take your kid.”

Gary posted a short clip to his Instagram and deleted it inside two hours. The clip remains to be available on YouTube, where commenters had plenty to say concerning the heckler in the audience.

One person said, “If she tells you what YOU would do? …she’s crazy!”

Someone else said: “Goddamn it, she’s mad at the world.”

The last time Owen spoke out about her or their kids, Duke criticized her ex-husband online. This time, nonetheless, it’s unclear whether she encouraged him to delete the Instagram post.

But it’s clear that the Meet the Blacks actor often draws inspiration from his real life. During a comedy performance in July, an audience member asked if he and his ex were getting along, and Owen said they were “polite. But yeah, I wouldn’t say we’re best buds.”

“I just need someone to fuck her. I think that would do the trick,” he said, hinting at something that may ease the strain between them. “Like fuck her in the ass. She’ll probably think, ‘How are you, Gary?’”

The former couple had been married for 18 years. Since filing for divorce, Owen and his two adult children, daughter Kennedy, son Austin and Duke older sonEmilio, who was adopted by the comedian, have been estranged, with his ex-wife repeatedly claiming Owen was a “loser” who abandoned her and their children and stopped caring for them financially in April 2021.

Duke also suggested that the “Think Like a Man” actor cheated on her multiple times, which he admitted, and he knows exactly why his children want nothing to do with him.

But Owen has since bounced back and, with his fiancée Brianna Johnson, welcomed twins, Royal and Rome, into the world.

As for Duke, she doesn’t appear to regret divorcing the “Comic View” stand-up. She told Hype Comedy, “His cheating on her or whatever he did there has nothing to do with me. It’s his fault, right? So I never felt responsible. Like someone could say, ‘Maybe it’s best to have left sooner.’

Duke admitted that she could managed her money higher through the marriage. In spousal support documents, she said, “Twenty-three years ago, I gave up a promising career as an account manager to solely support Gary and his career.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mMFIOGsIdA


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
Continue Reading
Advertisement

OUR NEWSLETTER

Subscribe Us To Receive Our Latest News Directly In Your Inbox!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Trending