Noir horror has come a good distance since the first noir horror, “The Goose’s Son,” in 1940. While this early film and others prefer it hold a crucial place in the history of the genre, there is no such thing as a denying that black horror evolved from offering low cost thrills and cutscene scares to becoming a strong medium for social commentary and alter.

The New Wave of Black Horror Films

Black horror movies have experienced a resurgence lately. And it’s not nearly thrills and kills. These movies are used as vehicles for racial and social commentary, often in complex or nuanced ways.

One of the most prolific black horror directors is Jordan Peele. While he’s widely known for his comedic work on Key & Peele, Peele has carved out a brand new, vital space for himself — and plenty of others — in a genre that has historically lacked black representation. His visionary work in Get Out and This Is Us has solidified his place as a number one auteur in the field. While Peele could also be the biggest name, he’s not the just one. There are loads of black horror movies that deserve your attention.

“Get Out!” (2017)

Jordan Peele’s 2017 hit Get Out is a milestone in the black horror genre. The symbolism is rife as black Chris Washington and his white girlfriend, Rose Armitage, navigate a journey to her family’s secluded estate. Unlike other works that cope with overt racism and prejudice, Get Out explores a more insidious kind that is commonly wrapped in white good intentions.

On the other hand, the auction scene, by which Rose’s father wages a disturbingly quiet bidding war for Chris, is an unabashed depiction of the commodification and exploitation of black bodies. Chris is effectively sold to the highest bidder in a game of bingo that originally seems benign but then, like systemic oppression, seems to be much more sinister.

“We” (2019)

Peele’s follow-up to Get Out was 2019’s Us , which uses horror to dissect a myriad of issues, including class, identity, and social injustice. When a young girl is confronted by her doppelgangers at a carnival, it begins a lifetime of haunting that culminates when she returns to the location along with her family as an adult. The family is confronted by a gaggle of doppelgangers who claim to be called the Tethered.

The imprisoned function a metaphor for the underprivileged and forgotten amongst us. They are similar in every way, yet treated as a lower class of residents deserving of shame and fear. They are unable to dictate their very own lives, and chaos unfolds as they stand up against their oppressors.

“No” (2022)

“Nope” is a horror film with exploitation themes in the entertainment industry. Spectacle and consumption are at the heart of this gripping horror film that follows a pair of siblings attempting to capture UFO footage. They know that capturing and monetizing their discovery may very well be the financial lifeline their ranch needs, however it opens up questions on what it means to commodify something extraordinary for private gain.

Gordy the chimpanzee is one other tragic example of exploitation and what happens when creatures in captivity are pushed to their limits. His massacre at the party is a brutal reminder that everybody – even nature – has a breaking point, and it’s best for everybody not to seek out out what that time is the hard way.

“The Nanny” (2022)

“The Nanny” is a story about how the American dream can often change into a nightmare for black immigrants, written and directed by Nikyat YusuSierra Leonean-American filmmaker. The film weaves together West African mythology and the story of Aisha, a Senegalese immigrant who leaves all the pieces—including her young son—back home to hunt a greater life in New York City.

One of the central themes of “The Nanny” is Aisha’s experience as an immigrant, and watching her struggle as an underpaid and overworked domestic employee reinforces the each day horrors that many immigrants face. Mother Moon is a water deity in West African tradition and effectively serves as one other character in the film. In West African folklore, Mami Wata symbolizes the dual nature of water – its power to lift or drown its inhabitants.

“Angry Black Girl and Her Monster” (2023)

This SXSW Darling debuted in 2023 and was picked up for streaming later that yr. The story reimagines Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein with a young, vivid girl named Vicaria, played by actress Laya DeLeon Hayes. Systemic violence is embedded in the film, as her mother and brother are killed by gun violence.

Vicaria is an incredibly intelligent, hopeful girl who believes she will bring her brother back to life, which might be interpreted as a rejection of the trauma and loss that usually shape young black lives. When her brother is resurrected, his own violent tendencies force viewers to think about how trauma affects survivors and perpetuates the cycle of violence that so many attempt to escape.

The Future of Black Horror

The success of so many dark horror movies proves that it’s not only a genre that’s viable, but one which audiences are desirous to support and explore. Thankfully, audiences don’t must wait too long for an additional dark horror film, as director Jordan Peele has revealed that he has one other project in the works, set to premiere in 2026.

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In the world of skilled sports, representation matters.

For New York Freedom — a WNBA team with a front office comprised primarily of Black women — this team is greater than just a visible statement, it’s a testament to the power and influence of Black women in leadership positions, especially in a league dominated by Black female athletes. As the Liberty soars to latest heights each on and off the court, their success is fueled by a vision that embraces inclusivity, diversity and empowerment of ladies, especially Black women.

This is ClarkeCEO of the New York Liberty, has played a key role in this transformation. Her journey, from her beginnings in the sports industry to becoming one among the few Black women to carry a CEO position in skilled sports, has been nothing in need of inspiring.

In an interview with ESSENCE, Clarke shares how her experiences have shaped her leadership style and impacted Liberty’s success. “From being a former athlete to entering the sports space, first through a sports museum, then a sports magazine, and ultimately the league office, gave me a vantage point where I really had a chance to understand multiple levels and multiple verticals of the industry.”

As a result, her philosophy is predicated on making a work environment that celebrates diversity and encourages people to grow as their authentic selves. She continues: “I always want to be authentic and really intentional with people who come to work as themselves,” Clarke explains.

The Liberty’s rise to fame, especially this season, shouldn’t be only a result of outstanding results on the field, but additionally deliberate strategies implemented behind the scenes. Clarke attributes that success to the exertions and dedication of many individuals, each past and present, who’ve nurtured the league over the years. “It’s been a work in progress,” he says. “There are a lot of people who have put in a lot of time and effort, really nurturing and working to cultivate and grow this league, putting the players first.”

A concentrate on elevating female athletes has been a cornerstone of the WNBA’s growth, and Clarke is particularly happy with the ways Black women have led the way in shaping the league’s identity. “Black women are cultural contributors,” she said, noting that the WNBA’s 80 percent Black athletes reflect a league that thrives on the influence of Black women each on and off the court. “What we wear, what music we listen to, what’s beautiful, what’s cool, is often led by Black women,” Clarke added. In this fashion, the Liberty, under Clarke’s leadership, reflects the influence and leadership of Black women in the broader culture.

The Liberty have grow to be not only a basketball team but a cultural force in New York City, and their home at Barclays Center has solidified their presence in one among the most diverse cities in the world. That move to Brooklyn was pivotal, transforming the fan experience and aligning the Liberty brand with the city’s wealthy cultural landscape. Clarke summed up the change by saying, “The atmosphere in the arena has just changed in such a way… We represent something that actually goes beyond basketball.”

As the Liberty chases its first WNBA championship, Clarke is concentrated on sustainability — ensuring the momentum the team has built isn’t only a moment, but a long-lasting legacy. “My focus right now is just sustainability and making sure this isn’t just a moment — that this momentum becomes the norm,” Clarke explained. Part of that strategy includes progressive partnerships like the recent deals with Barclays and Bumble, in addition to the direct-to-consumer streaming service, Liberty Live, which lets fans connect with the team in latest ways.

But perhaps the most vital aspect of Liberty’s success is the impact they’re having on the next generation of athletes and fans. Clarke believes Liberty’s presence and leadership, especially in New York, has a ripple effect that extends far beyond the court. “Our community efforts are very, very focused on encouraging young women and girls to play basketball and empowering women and girls through a variety of self-esteem and character-building initiatives,” Clarke said.

The opportunity to steer New York Liberty as a Black woman hasn’t escaped Clarke. She recognizes the challenges of breaking down barriers, but she also feels it’s her responsibility to create space for others. “Leadership development and diverse hiring are two-way streets,” Clarke says. “While it’s an organizational responsibility … I would encourage young women, especially Black women, to be prepared. To be ready for the moment … and not wait until you have all the credentials.” Her advice is to be self-employed and never be afraid to take risks in industries where representation stays limited.

As the Liberty proceed their quest for WNBA dominance, the importance of Black women leading each on and off the court can’t be overstated. From Clarke’s progressive leadership to the undeniable talent of their players, the New York Liberty are a primary example of what happens when diversity is a priority at every level of the organization. And in a league where Black women players make up the majority of the roster, it’s imperative that their voices are usually not only heard, but given the opportunity to steer.

In a world where sports often set the tone for culture, the New York Liberty are proving that representation matters just as much at the top because it does on the field. Clarke’s leadership is a model for what the way forward for skilled sports can seem like—one where Black women aren’t just a part of the conversation, they’re leading it.

Just like Denzel Washington and his wife Pauletta Washington, Angela Bassett and her husband Courtney B. Vance, and Viola Davis and her husband Julius Tennon, Samuel L. Jackson and his wife LaTanya Richardson Jackson have been married for quite a while now and have successfully managed to keep their marriage as private as they need.

Having been married for 44 years, many would call this couple couple goals. But like all marriage, things weren’t at all times perfect within the Jackson household.

Jackson, who recently appeared in AARP Magazine, opened up about what he and his wife have done to keep their marriage going for greater than 4 a long time.

He he said, “A lot of tolerance, because everyone has flaws, and not giving up when it would be easy to give up. In my marriage, I did some shit that’s crazy, you know? She did too, in her head, or whatever in reality, but you have to say to yourself, ‘Is this a crime to break up? Or do we just have to spend some time together and figure this out?'”

Another tip Jackson gave for a long-lasting marriage is to accept who your partner is. He continued, explaining, “Or there are certain things that you learn to ignore in people — that she learned to ignore in me. And one of the things she had to accept is that I’m going to go to work. I’m going to go to work all the time until, you know, it’s time.”

His exertions paid off, as he starred in greater than 120 movies, from animated and PG movies to Marvel sci-fi and action-packed fare. In 2000, his on-screen performances earned him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and in a 2018 survey, he was even named probably the most influential actor of all time. But glitter wasn’t at all times gold for the Oscar winner.

In the Nineteen Seventies, when his profession was just taking off, Jackson struggled with drug addiction, something he credited his wife with saving him. In 2022, the “Incredibles” star he said People claimed he was not LaTanya’s husband and the daddy of their daughter Zoe Jackson.

He said: “I basically moved into the basement of our brownstone. I was like a basement troll and every once in a while I would come upstairs and hang around to do something. I was addicted and crazy.”

Jackson decided to end it after his wife and daughter found him unconscious on the kitchen floor after making cocaine on the stove.

In an interview with “60 Minutes,” Jackson shared details about that day, saying, “I didn’t have a chance to smoke, and the next day I was in rehab,” and, “I wasn’t kicking and screaming, I was tired.”

The “Pulp Fiction” star quit drugs in 1991.

As for LaTanya, Jackson said, “I give her credit because she could have just taken Zoe and left and ended things with me. But she didn’t. That’s a greater love than I’ll ever know.”