Reflections on Japan in Springtime

BLACK OWNED SERIES: Plant-Based Restaurants and Eateries in Chicago

Chicago's has long had a thriving community of African American vegetarians and vegans. Today, many people of color are turning to food as medicine. Whether you follow a strictly plant-based diet or just looking for healthier food options, these Black owned business are a great place to start!

Desserts:

Imani’s Original Bean Pies

• See website for a list of locations
• vegetarian and vegan options availiable 

Jimmy's vegan cookies

• See website for a list of locations

Mindful Indulgences

• online only

SOLD In Local Stores:

Soul Vegan Foods

• See website for a list of locations

Restaurants:

Majani Restaurant

Location:  7167 S Exchange Ave, Chicago, IL 60649

The Original Soul Vegetarian

Location: 203 E. 75th Street, Chicago, IL 60619

Juiceries:

FruVe Express Juicery

• Location: 1108 W. Madison Street, Chicago, IL 60607

Juiced by Shic!

• Location: 14736 S. Pulaski Ave., Midlothian, IL 6044

Revive Cold Pressed Juice

This is the first installment of the YouAreBlackGold.com BLACK OWNED SERIES, highlighting various Black owned businesses in an effort to support cooperative economics. Stay tuned!

Making the Most of Your Visit to the National Museum of African American History & Culture

The grand opening of the  National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) was almost two years ago, but getting your hands on tickets can still be quite a challenge. But luckily, for the entire month of September, entry to the museum will be on a first-come, first-served basis Monday through Friday.

If you haven't heard by now the museum can be very emotionally moving experience, but also overwhelming. The beautiful building, designed by David Adjaye features six levels of galleries that could easily take a few days to explore. With over 36,000 artifacts, documents and media in its collection, it's important that you have a strategy to make the most of your visit.

Like all Smithsonian museums, admission is always free. However, timed passes to visit the museum are required for entry. Same-day timed passes are available on their website beginning at 6:30 a.m. daily. However, veterans, active duty personnel, and first responders do not require a pass to visit the museum and may bring one guest along with them. As mentioned previously, for the entire month of September, individuals may enter the museum on a first-come, first-served basis Monday through Friday.

Here’s 10 tips on how to make the most of your visit to the NMAAHC:

1. Eat a big breakfast (or lunch) before you go. Food is not allowed in the museum, but various food options are available at the museum's Sweet Home Cafe. View the menu here.

2. Take public transportation to the National Mall. Parking in downtown DC can be (an expensive) challenge. Taking the Metro train to the Smithsonian stop is a much smarter option, with the NMAAHC within walking distance. View the Metro map and time schedules here.

3. Check the events calendar and list of special exhibitions before you arrive. Prioritize the exhibits you definitely want to see during your visit. Watching Oprah: The Oprah Winfrey Show and American Culture is the newest.

4. Download the NMAAHC app before your visit. Available for iOS and Android here.

5. Wear comfortable shoes for hours of walking and standing.

6. Bring bottled water. It is allowed in the museum.

7. Arrive about 15 minutes before your scheduled ticket time.

8. Pack light. There is no coat check so be prepared to carry your coat or bag with you throughout the museum.

9. Start on the top floor and work your way down. This is the best strategy to avoid the crowds if you don't want to waste time standing in line for the lower-level galleries.

10. Don’t try to read every artifact’s description. Every item in the museum is intriguing, but you won't get to see much if you try to read every detail. Use your first visit to get an overview and dive in for more detail on a future visit.

Fountain inside the NMAAHC's Contemplative Court

 (photographs by Leah Castleberry)

Spike Lee’s Most Underrated Films

This past weekend, Spike Lee’s latest joint, BLACKkKLANSMAN, produced by Jordan Peele, opened in theatres nationwide. The film is based on the true story of Ron Stallworth, the first African American detective to serve in the Colorado Springs Police Department, who infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan in 1978. The film, starring John David Washington (son of long-time Spike Lee collaborator Denzel Washington), won the Grand Prix award at the Cannes Film Festival last May and received great reception from critics.

The film also ties in a number of references to racism in the Trump era, leaving you saying "did you catch that?!" in the theatre. BLACKkKLANSMAN also makes several direct references to the deadly white supremacist protests and counter-protests in Charlottesville, Virginia; BLACKkKLANSMAN premiered on the 1-year anniversary of the protests. 

Season two of the revival of She’s Gotta Have It, a modern twist on Spike’s sexy 1986 debut film of the same name, will be released on Netflix this fall. He also produced and directed a series of documentary shorts for Uber, Uber Presents Da Republic of Brooklyn. Spike’s recent projects have re-introduced Lee to a new generation.

While Spike is best known for his now classic films of the late 80s and 90s his production company, 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks, has produced everything from commercials to documentaries in its 40-year history.

These are some of Spike Lee's most underrated works beyond Do the Right Thing (1989) and Malcolm X (1992)…

Bamboozled (2000)

This satirical drama offers a social commentary on race in America in the early 21st century that is now more relevant than ever. Starring Damon Wayans, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Savion Glover, Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def), Tommy Davidson, Paul Mooney, and Michael Rapaport.

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When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts (2006)

Four-part documentary series premiered on HBO, chronicles the experiences of various New Orleans residents during and after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

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Crooklyn (1994)

This film, written by Spike's sister, Joi Lee, follows a family living in 1970s Brooklyn through the eyes of a nine-year-old girl named Troy. Starring Zleda Harris, Alfre Woodard, Delroy Lindo, and Isaiah Washington.

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4 Little Girls (1997)

This HBO documentary tells the true story of the four young African American girls who died in the bombing of 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama on September 15, 1963. Commentary provided by many of the girl's parents, siblings, and childhood friends.

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Get on the Bus (1996)

A group of black men from all walks of life travel by bus from Los Angeles, California to the 1995 Million Man March in Washington, D.C., organized by Minister Louis Farrakhan. Starring Ossie Davis, Hill Harper, Bernie Mac, Isaiah Washington, Wendell Pierce, and Harry Lennox.

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What's your favorite Spike Lee Joint? Leave a comment below.

These Current Exhibitions at the Art Institute of Chicago Document the Black Experience

The Art Institute of Chicago has consistently been ranked among the top museums in the world. It is also one of the oldest and largest art museums in the country and it can take a few visits to take it all in.

There are a number of resources that make the museum's world-renowned collections are accessible to all:

• General admission is free to Illinois residents every Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. throughout the year. Admission is always free for children under 14.
• You may also use the Chicago Public Library's Kids Museum Passport for free admission for a group of up to four people, as long as you have at least one child with you. Just check out the Art Institute Passport from your local library branch as you would a book. 
• Reduced general admission pricing is also available for students and seniors. Learn more about ticket pricing on the Art Institute website.

The exhibitions listed here are currently on display, showcasing the beauty of the African diaspora and the international Black experience.

Cauleen Smith: Space Is the Place (A March for Sun Ra)

Through August 5, 2018

Smith employed a cinema verité–like style to capture the Rich South High School marching band performance of an experimental composition by pioneering composer and performer Sun Ra.

Volta Photo: Starring Sanlé Sory and the People of Bobo-Dioulasso in the Small but Musically Mighty Country of Burkina Faso

Through August 19, 2018

This exhibition brings together photography and popular music of the West African country to present an immersive experience of a young nation negotiating its various identities.

Charles White: A Retrospective

Through September 3, 2018

Over 80 paintings, drawings, and prints come together to trace Charles White’s four-decade career from his emergence in Chicago through his mature work as artist, activist, and educator.

 

Never a Lovely So Real: Photography and Film in Chicago, 1950–1980

Through October 28, 2018

Providing a poetic survey of photographers and filmmakers who worked in neighborhoods across the city from the 1950s through the 1970s, this portrait of Chicago speaks to its allure and its brutality.

See a complete list of 300 works throughout the museum by African American artists here.

Learn more about the Art Institute's collection of African art here.

(Exhibition descriptions and images are from the Art Institute’s website.)

Where to Hear Free Outdoor Jazz in Chicago This Summer

Chicago has long been known for its vivbrant Jazz scene. The beautiful summer weather provides the perfect atmosphere to experience the city's most talented musicians live!  Make it a date with a picnic in the park or a visit to a world-class museum and its sure to be an unforgettable experience. All of the following events are FREE and open to the public!

Museum of Contemporary Art’s Tuesday on the Terrace SerieS

• When: every Tuesday, June–September, from 5:30–8:00 pm

• Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

• Pro Tip: Arrive early and visit the museum too! Tuesdays are always FREE for Illinois residents. Free tours of the museum are also offered daily. Find the list of exhibitions currently on display here.

Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Millennium Park Series

• When:

  • June 14, 2018, 6:30pm - "Chicago Immigrant Stories" (World Premiere)

  • July 16, 2018, 6:30pm - "Hope in Action: Celebrating Nelson Mandela's Centennial"

  • August 29, 2018, 6:30pm - "Chicago Legends and Lions" - opening the 40th Annual Chicago Jazz Festival

• Where: Millennium Park, 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602

• Pro Tip: Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and food for a picnic!

Dusable Museum 2018 Sounds of History Jazz Series

• When:

  • July 18, 2018 - “Sax in the City” featuring Ray Silkman, Audley Reid & Isaiah Collier  

  • August 15, 2018 - “A Tribute to the Ladies of Jazz & Blues”

• Where: DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E 56th Pl, Chicago, IL 60637

• Pro Tip: Definitely bring your lawn chairs and snacks; come early to claim your spot!

Art Institute Thursday Night Jazz in McKinlock Court

• When: every Thursday in June and July, 5:00–8:00pm

• Where: Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603 (Museum Cafe)

• Pro Tip: Visit the museum exhibits too! Admission to the Art Institute is free to Illinois residents every Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00pm

Navy Pier: WATER COLORS PRESENTED BY CIBC

• When: every Friday July 6 - August 24, 6:30pm

• Where: Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 (Lake Stage in Polk Bros Park)

JazzCity2018: Celebrating Von Freeman’s 95th: 12th Annual Latin Jazz Festival

• When: July 13 - 15, 2018, 7:00pm

• Where: 

  • Humboldt Park Boathouse, 1301 N. Sacramento Blvd, Chicago, IL 60622

  • Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

40th Annual Chicago Jazz Festival

• When: August 24 - September 2, 2018

• Where: 

  • Millennium Park, 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 6060

  • Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602

  • Other venues across the city listed here

Jazzin at the Shedd

• When:

  • September 5, 12, 19, 26, October 3, 10; 5:00 - 9:00pm - Free for all Illinois residents with valid ID!

  • Other dates available throughout the summer, but NOT FREE. See the full Jazzin at the Shedd schedule here

• Where: Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605

• Pro Tip: Admission to the aquarium is also FREE for Illinois residents on these September and October dates. 

Can’t Miss Summertime Chi Events 2018

updated July 11, 2018

If you’ve ever been lucky enough to experience Chicago in the summertime, you know it’s a truly unforgettable experience. The winter is long, so we really know how to apprecite the good weather. Whether you live in the Chi or you'll be visiting sometime this summer, here's a list of events celebrating Blackness that you'll want add to your calendar!

26th Annual African/Caribbean International Festival of Life

• July 6 - 8, 2018

• Union Park, 1501 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60606

• General Admission: $25, 3-Day $75 (tickets must be purchased at the gate)

28th Annual Chosen Few Picnic & Festival

• July 7, 2018

• Jackson Park 63rd Street at Hayes Drive, Chicago, IL, 60637

• General Admission: $30

Taste of Chicago: Black Star (Yasiin Bey and Talib Kweli)

• July 13, 2018, 5:30pm

• Grant Park, 337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601

• Lawn seating FREE, seated tickets start at $18

DuSable Museum 41st Annual Arts and Crafts Fair

• July 14 - 15, 2018

• DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E 56th Pl, Chicago, IL 60637

• Admission: FREE

Soulful Chicago Book Fair

• July 15, 2018, 10am - 8pm

• 61st Street, between Cottage Grove & King Drive

• Admission: FREE

Taste of Chicago: George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, BJ the Chicago Kid

• July 15, 2018, 4:30pm

• Grant Park, 337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601

• Lawn seating FREE, seated tickets start at $18

Bronzeville Art District Trolly Tours 2018

• 3rd Friday of each month: July 20, August 17, September 21, 6pm 

• Featured Stops:

  • Gallery Guichard and the Great Migration Sculpture Garden
  • Bronzeville Artists Lofts
  • Faie Afrikan Art
  • Little Black Pearl and Carver47
  • Blanc Chicago Art Gallery

  •  South Side Community Art Center

• Admission: FREE

15th Annual Silver Room Block Party

• July 21, 2018, noon - 10pm

• Harper Court, 1506 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615

• Admission: FREE

Block Party Film Festival

• July 21, 2018, noon - 10pm

• SCHEDULE:
  • 12pm: Carmen Jones (Otto Preminger, 1954) 
  • 2pm: Mahogany (Berry Gordy, 1975)
  • 4pm: Daughters of the Dust (Julie Dash, 1991) 
  • 6pm: Rock Rubber 45s (Bobbito Garcia, 2018) with director Bobbito Garcia and Cinema 53 curator Jacqueline Stewart
  • 8pm: Touki Bouki (Djibril Diop Mambéty, 1973)

• Harper Theatre, 5238 S Harper Ave, Chicago, IL 60615

• Admission: FREE

Special Olympics 50th Anniversary Celebration Concert with Chance the Rapper, Usher, Smokey Robinson + More

• Jul 21, 2018

• Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island, 1300 S Lynn White Dr, Chicago, IL 60605

• Tickets start at $37

Pitchfork Music Festival

• Day 3: Sunday July 22, 2018

• Lauryn Hill, Chaka Khan, DRAM, Noname + more

• Union Park, 1501 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60606

• Single Day Ticket: $75, 3-Day Ticket: $175 

Millennium Park Summer Film Series: Get Out

• July 24, 2018, 6:30pm

• Millennium Park, 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602

• Admission: FREE

• bring your blanket, chairs and snacks!

Bantu Fest 2018

• July 28, 2018

• Midway Plaisance, 1130 Midway Plaissance (Near 60th & Ellis), Chicago, IL 60637

• Admission: FREE

24th Annual Black Harvest Film Festival

• August 4 – 30, 2018

• Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N State Street, Chicago, IL 60601

• tickets and festival passes available at the Gene Siskel Film Center box office starting July 20th  

89th Annual Bud Billiken Parade

• August 11, 2018, Parade: 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM, Festival: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

• Parade Route: South on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, starting from Oakwood Boulevard to 51st Street, Continuing on Elsworth Drive (in Washington Park) from 51st Street to Garfield Boulevard (55th St.), Ending on Garfield Boulevard (55th St.) and Elsworth Drive

• Admission: FREE

2nd Annual Taste of Black Chicago

• August 18, 2018

• 7351 S. Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL 60649

• Admission: FREE

DuSable Museum Movies In The Park: Black Panther

• August 18th, 2018, 7:30 PM

• DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E 56th Pl, Chicago, IL 60637

• Admission: FREE

40th Annual Chicago Jazz Festival

• August 30 - September 2, 2018

• Millennium Park, 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602

• Chicago Cultural Center,  78 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602

• Admission: FREE

African Festival of the Arts

• August 31 - September 3, 2018

• Washington Park, 5100 S. Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago, IL 60615

• Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 at the gate

Happy 60th Birthday, Prince: A Purple Tour of Minneapolis

What a better way to bring African American Music Appreciation Month (formerly known as Black Music Month, renamed by President Obama in 2009) to a close than by recognizing and celebrating one of music's greatest icons. Earlier this month, Prince would have celebrated his 60th birthday. Although he was not big on birthday celebrations himself, I decided to take a trip to his hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota that week in his honor. This trip was one of my most memorable ones domestically or internationally. 

Prince was so proud to be from Minneapolis and the city had a huge impact on his development as an artist. If you ever have the opportunity to take a quick trip to the Twin Cities, I highly recommend you make these stops a priority!

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Paisley Park

Paisley Park was Prince’s personal playground. He had this 65,000 square-foot facility built in Chanhassen, Minnesota in the 1980s. It includes music studios, a sound stage and his NPG Music Club where he would host parties and events. Prince recorded most of his albums here, and so did many other artists such as Stevie Wonder, James Brown, and Celine Dion. The soundstage was used to film several music videos and the film Graffiti Bridge, the sequel to Purple Rain.

Unfortunately, photos are strictly prohibited inside, but touring the massive space and seeing everything from Prince’s handwritten songs and Grammy collection, to his outfits and doves (yes, I saw Prince’s actual doves! 🕊) is something you must experience for yourself.

Grafitti Tunnel

Since Prince’s passing, fans have covered the walls of the Riley Creek tunnel into a tribute to the music icon—some are even calling it the new “Graffiti Bridge.” The tunnel runs between Paisley Park and Lake Ann Park, so it is a must stop if you are visiting Paisley Park as well.

Prince Mural at Chanhassen Cinema

This 40-foot mural by New Zealand artist Graham Hoete, was painted on the wall of the Chanhassen Cinema, not long after Prince’s death.

First Avenue & 7th Street Entry

If Paisley Park was Prince’s first creative home, First Avenue was his second. This club is where Prince got his start in the Minneapolis music scene. Many of Purple Rain’s club scenes were filmed here, helping catapult the venue to legendary status.

The walls of the club are covered with silver stars and the names of musical acts from all genres—from Rock to Hip-Hop—that have performed here over the years. After Prince’s passing, his star was painted gold in his remembrance.

Schmitt Music Mural

In 1977, Minnesota-based photographer Robert Whitman took several photos of a young Prince, who was then on the rise in the Minneapolis music scene, looking for a record deal and in need of a press kit. The Schmitt Music mural, located in downtown Minneapolis, was one of the sites of their shoot. View all of Whitman’s Prince photo’s here. 

“Prince From Minneapolis” exhibit at Weisman Art Museum

In a nearly year-long celebration of Prince’s legacy, the Weisman Art Museum displayed an exhibit entitled “Prince from Minneapolis.” This exhibit featured various artistic creations in tribute to the artist while highlighting the ways in which the city shaped Prince as an artist. (This exhibit is no longer on display.)

"I Would Die 4 U" mural by Rock "Cyfi" Martinez (2017)

Prince bicycle by independent frame builder, Erik Noren of Peacock Groove; winner of Best in Show and Best Theme Bike at the 2017 North American Handmade Bicycle Show.

"Le Petit Prince" series by Troy Gua

"Grego Morphing into Prince" (2008) by Burhan C. Dogancay

1987 portrait by Minnesotan seed artist, Lillian Colton. Materials: timothy, canola, poppy, bromegrass, and grits

The Prince Piano

The mpls downtown council featured “Pianos on Parade”, 25 uniquely designed pianos for the public to play throughout downtown Minneapolis. This Minneapolis music-themed paino, featuring Prince and seveal Minneapolis musicians who were influenced by him, was placed outside of the MacPhail Center for Music.

Stone Arch Bridge, crossing the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, was built in 1883 and is for pedestrian crossing only.

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Further reading on Prince's life and legacy:

I Would Die 4 U: Why Prince Became an Icon by Touré 

Prince: A Private View by Afshin Shahidi, forward by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter

Dig If You Will the Picture: Funk, Sex, God and Genius in the Music of Prince by Ben Greenman

 

Prince Rogers Nelson

June 7, 1958 - April 21, 2016

(all photographs taken and owned by Leah Castleberry)

Hottest Movies of the Summer: 'For the Culture' Edition

Breaking In

Now Playing!

Starring: Gabrielle Union, Ajiona Alexus

Genre: Suspense/Thriller

Gabrielle Union stars as a woman who will stop at nothing to rescue her two children being held hostage in a house designed with impenetrable security. No trap, no trick and especially no man inside can match a mother with a mission.

SuperFly 

Now Playing!

Starring: Trevor Jackson, Jason Mitchell

Genre: Action/Adventure, Suspense/Thriller

Cocaine kingpin Youngblood Priest realizes that it's time to get out of the game after surviving a violent attack from a crazed rival. Hoping for one last score, Priest and his partner travel to Mexico to arrange a deal. The career criminal now finds himself trying to outmaneuver the cartel, two corrupt police officers and all the double-crossers that threaten his path to freedom.

Uncle Drew

In Theatres June 29, 2018

Starring: Kyrie Irving, Lil Rel Howery, Tiffany Haddish, Shaquille O'Neal, Chris Webber

Genre: Comedy

Desperate to win the Rucker Classic street ball tournament and the cash prize, Dax stumbles upon the man, the myth, the legend UNCLE DREW (NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving) and convinces him to return to the court one more time.

The First Purge

In Theatres July 4, 2018

Starring: Lex Scott Davis, Maris Tomei, Y'Ian Noel, Luna Lauren Velez

Genre: Suspense/Thriller

Behind every tradition lies a revolution. Next Independence Day, witness the rise of our country’s 12 hours of annual lawlessness. Welcome to the movement that began as a simple experiment: The First Purge. To push the crime rate below one percent for the rest of the year, the New Founding Fathers of America (NFFA) test a sociological theory that vents aggression for one night in one isolated community. But when the violence of oppressors meets the rage of the marginalized, the contagion will explode from the trial-city borders and spread across the nation.

Sorry to Bother You

In Theatres July 6, 2018

Starring: LaKieth Stanfield, Tessa Thompson, Danny Golver, Omari Hardwick

Genre: Comedy, Sci-Fi/Fantasy

In an alternate present-day version of Oakland, telemarketer Cassius Green discovers a magical key to professional success - which propels him into a macabre universe.

Whitney 

In Theatres July 6, 2018

Starring: Whitney Houston, Bobby Brown, Bobbi Kristina Brown, Cissy Houston

Genre: Documentary

Whitney Houston broke more music industry records than any other female singer in history. With over 200 million album sales worldwide, she was the only artist to chart seven consecutive U.S. No. 1 singles. She also starred in several blockbuster movies before her brilliant career gave way to erratic behavior, scandals and death at age 48. The documentary feature Whitney is an intimate, unflinching portrait of Houston and her family that probes beyond familiar tabloid headlines and sheds new light on the spellbinding trajectory of Houston’s life. Using never-before-seen archival footage, exclusive demo recordings, rare performances, audio archives and original interviews with the people who knew her best, Oscar®-winning filmmaker Kevin Macdonald unravels the mystery behind “The Voice,” who thrilled millions even as she struggled to make peace with her own troubled past.

The Equalizer 2

In Theatres July 20, 2018

Starring: Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Bill Pullman

Genre: Action/Adventure, Suspense/Thriller

Robert McCall serves an unflinching justice for the exploited and oppressed, but how far will he go when that is someone he loves?

The Darkest Minds

In Theatres August 3, 2018

Starring: Amandla Stenburg, Skylan Brooks, Mandy Moore

Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantas

When teens mysteriously develop powerful new abilities, they are declared a threat by the government and detained. Sixteen-year-old Ruby, one of the most powerful young people anyone has encountered, escapes her camp and joins a group of runaway teens seeking safe haven. Soon this newfound family realizes that, in a world in which the adults in power have betrayed them, running is not enough and they must wage a resistance, using their collective power to take back control of their future.

Blackkklannsman

In Theatres August 10, 2018

Starring: John David Washington, Adam Driver, Topher Grace

Genre: Drama

From visionary filmmaker Spike Lee comes the incredible true story of an American hero. It’s the early 1970s, and Ron Stallworth (John David Washington) is the first African-American detective to serve in the Colorado Springs Police Department. Determined to make a name for himself, Stallworth bravely sets out on a dangerous mission: infiltrate and expose the Ku Klux Klan. The young detective soon recruits a more seasoned colleague, Flip Zimmerman (Adam Driver), into the undercover investigation of a lifetime. Together, they team up to take down the extremist hate group as the organization aims to sanitize its violent rhetoric to appeal to the mainstream. Produced by the team behind the Academy-Award® winning Get Out.

Go to the movie theatre once a day, every day for only $9.95/month with MoviePass! 

(synopses from Fandango & IMD)

New Books by Black Authors to Add to Your Summer Reading List

Who doesn't love a great summer read? So far, 2018 has been an awesome year for book releases by black authors.  Consider this list as a supplement to our 2018 Reading List posted earlier this year:

Heads of the Colored People: Stories by Nafissa Thompson-Spires

The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row (Oprah's Book Club Summer 2018 Selection) By Anthony Ray Hinton

Well, That Escalated Quickly: Memoirs and Mistakes of an Accidental Activist  by Francesca Ramsey

What Truth Sounds Like: Robert F. Kennedy, James Baldwin, and Our Unfinished Conversation About Race in America by Michael Eric Dyson

Children of Blood and Bone (Legacy of Orisha) by Tomi Adeyemi

Not That Bad: Dispatches from Rape Culture by Roxane Gay

This Will Be My Undoing: Living at the Intersection of Black, Female, and Feminist in (White) America by Morgan Jerkins

When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir by Patrisse Khan-Cullors

So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo

Feel Free: Essays by Zadie Smith

Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower by Brittney Cooper

Creative Quest by Questlove

Whats on your reading list this summer? Leave a comment!

NOLA Tricentennial: A Visual Love Letter to 'The City That Care Forgot'

300 years of a culture like no other in the world...

New Orleans, Louisiana

1718-2018

All Photos by Leah Castleberry

These Unforgettable Maya Angelou Quotes Are Words to Live By!

This year, Dr. Maya Angelou would have celebrated her 90th birthday!

She became the first African American woman best-selling author of a non-fiction work with the release of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sing in 1969, considered an American classic. She would go on to release six additional books in here series of autobiographies. A dancer, singer, writer, director, and actress, she was the quintessential artist and a truly "Phenomenal Woman." President Barack Obama honored her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011.

You can stream her documentary Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise for free here until April 30th. 

In remembrance of her and the many gems she left with us, here are just a few of Dr. Angelou's quotes that are worthy of reflecting on regularly and integrating into our daily lives:

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

“Nothing will work unless you do.”

"Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it."

“When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.”

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”

"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style."

Dr. Maya Angelou

(April 4, 1928 - May 28, 2014)

images from https://www.mayaangelou.com