Entertainment

The recent passing of legendary manga artist Akira Toriyama has sparked an outpouring of tributes from fans worldwide. As the creator of the massively influential Dragon Ball series, Toriyama leaves behind a towering legacy in the worlds of anime and manga. But for myself and many other Black fans, Toriyama's work represents something even more profound and personal - yet also more complex and fraught. I still vividly remember the […]

As we celebrate Women's History Month, it is essential to recognize the often overlooked contributions of Black women to shaping American popular culture. One such example is the story of Esther Jones, a young Black performer whose unique style and talent played a significant role in creating the iconic cartoon character Betty Boop. This article sheds light on Jones' legacy and the broader issue of cultural appropriation in the entertainment […]

In the ever-evolving landscape of independent cinema, an upcoming, crowdfunded film is poised to challenge conventions, spark meaningful conversations, and push the boundaries of storytelling. "Bluegum," the ambitious and thought-provoking project conceived by writer and director Poetry Salaam, takes an unconventional approach to exploring the complexities of the Black experience by reimagining the iconic Black Panther Party as a group of vampires during the turbulent 1970s. The project's successful Kickstarter […]

“Black Belt,” by Archibald J. Motley Jr., is being lent by the Hampton University Museum.Credit...Estate of Archibald John Motley Jr., via Bridgeman Images The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City hosts a monumental exhibition titled "The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism," from February 25 through July 28, 2024. This exhibition marks a significant exploration into the Harlem Renaissance, showcasing around 160 works that delve into the multifaceted ways […]

In television history, few series have left as indelible a mark as "The X-Files." Premiering in 1993, the show, created by Chris Carter, quickly became a cultural phenomenon, blending the intrigue of paranormal and extraterrestrial investigations with the compelling dynamic of its lead characters, FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. Over its original run, "The X-Files" captivated audiences with its blend of science fiction, horror, and drama and set […]

Megan Thee Stallion, synonymous with fierce swagger and an unapologetic celebration of femininity in the rap game, has become an emblematic figure in the music industry. Her rise to stardom was meteoric, marked by chart-topping hits and a Grammy Award that attest to her prowess as a hip-hop artist. Yet, Megan's influence extends beyond music; she is a cultural force, embodying the spirit of a generation that defies boundaries and […]

Seydou (Seydou Sarr, in gray) crosses the desert in Io Capitano. Greta De Lazzaris/Cohen Media Group One of the interesting things about this year's Academy Awards race for best international feature is that in three of the five nominated movies, the filmmakers are working in cultures and languages different from their own. In Perfect Days, the German director Wim Wenders tells a gently whimsical story of a man cleaning public […]