Activism
PBS: Freedom Riders (Documentary)
February 28, 2016
Wow. Another moment in American History that just so happens to fall into the Black History category. You know how when someone gets in over his head and exclaims, “I did not sign up for this!” Well, in the first few minutes of this film you see that these young adults knew EXACTLY what they signed up for… and they went anyway. Civil Rights fighters of the highest caliber. Man, the courage it must have taken for CORE (Council On Racial Equality) to get on those buses.
Watch the story of the “Freedom Riders” – expertly told by PBS.
Posted in Activism, Education, Film, History, Television, Videos | 
Tags: American Civil Rights Movement, black history, Black History Month, C.O.R.E., Civil Rights, CORE, Council On Racial Equality, Freedom Riders, John Lewis, PBS | 
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The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross (Documentary Series)
February 27, 2016
Five centuries of history… Black History… our history. Encapsulated in an outstanding documentary mini-series you’ve gotta watch if your Black History Month is to be truly complete. Dr. Robert Louis Gates already does fine work helping celebs learn about their ancestries and themselves on “Find Your Roots.” But to teach a people, a nation, a WORLD about itself through something like this? Outstanding!
(Above is Episode 1 to get you started. Hit the jump for Episodes 2-6.)
Posted in Activism, Education, History, Series, Television, Videos | Tags: African Americans, American Civil Rights Movement, black history, Black History Month, Civil Rights, Many Rivers to Cross, PBS, Public Television, Robert Louis Gates, The African Americans, The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross | No Comments »
4 Little Girls: Spike Lee Speaks On The Heart-Wrenching Decision He Had To Make (Video)
February 26, 2016
Another must-see before the focus on Black History for 2016 is lost…“4 Black Girls” (a real gut punch; but you still MUST watch). It will be hard to watch. Let Spike tell you (as he tells Oprah, above): It was hard to make.
In 1997, Spike Lee released “4 Little Girls,” a moving documentary about the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama, which killed four African-American girls. The film went on to earn an Oscar nomination for best documentary. Watch as Spike discusses one of the most difficult decisions he’s ever made as a director and how the birth of his daughter, Satchel, changed his perspective.
You can see a trailer for the actual documentary here.
Posted in Activism, Education, History, Interview, Series, Television, Videos | Tags: 16th Street Baptist Church, 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, 4 Little Girls, American Civil Rights Movement, Birmingham, black history, Black History Month, Civil Rights, Oprah, Oprah Winfrey, Oprah Winfrey Network, Oprah's Next Chapter, OWN, Spike Lee on a Pivotal Moment in the Civil Rights Movement | No Comments »
The Murder of Fred Hampton (Documentary Trailer)
February 26, 2016
‘All Power To The People’ as a concept should not scare us. Fred Hampton’s stance in the above trailer comes through just as plain and clear on grainy archival footage as it would were he standing flat-footed saying it to our faces today: ‘If you are scared of socialism…you are scared of yourselves.’Â How deep is that?!
This trailer was made before Fred Hampton’s death when the film was to be called “Black Panther.” It shows Hampton (August 30, 1948 — December 4, 1969) giving a speech on revolution and racism in front of a large audience. Includes glimpses of Panthers Bobby Rush and Bobby Seale and filmmaker Howard Alk. This trailer is not included in the DVD release of the film.
– Chicago Film Archives
Black History is OUR history, all of ours (not just Black people’s). You should watch this; even after February 29th.
Posted in Activism, Education, Film, History, Speech, Trailer, Videos | Tags: American Civil Rights Movement, black history, Black History Month, Black Panther, Black Panthers, Bobby Seale, Chicago Film Archives, Civil Rights, Civil Rights Movement, Fred Hampton, The Murder of Fred Hampton | No Comments »
Nine From Little Rock (Documentary)
February 25, 2016
“Nine From Little Rock” is the Academy Award-winning (1965) documentary short that chronicles the experiences of the nine students selected to integrate Central High School in Little Rock (Arkansas, USA) in 1957. One of those nine students, Jefferson Thomas is the narrator. Famed doc director Charles Guggenheim helmed the storytelling effort. Though scripted, Thomas’ polish does not prevent viewers from understanding the realness of what the nine – Ernest Green (b. 1941), Elizabeth Eckford (b. 1941), Terrence Roberts (b. 1941), Carlotta Walls LaNier (b. 1942), Minnijean Brown (b. 1941), Gloria Ray Karlmark (b. 1942), Thelma Mothershed (b. 1940), and Melba Pattillo Beals (b. 1941), and Thomas himself (1942–2010, RIP) – went through.
Sure, first days at school can make you nervous. But how about riding there and being walked in by armed military escort; being eyeballed by the overly curious and malicious haters alike. Then imagine the pressure to perform! Folks already thinking you should not be there; expecting you to fail!
Watch. Make your Black History Month OFFICIAL!
Posted in Activism, Film, History, Videos | Tags: Academy Award, American Civil Rights Movement, Arkansas, black history, Black History Month, Bobby Seale, Central High School, Charles Guggenheim, Civil Rights, Civil Rights Movement, Documentary Short Subject, Integrate, Jefferson Thomas, Little Rock, Nine From Little Rock, Short Subject | No Comments »
The Black Power Mixtape (1967-1975) [Trailer]
February 24, 2016
Another must-see for your Black History Month experience: “The Black Power Mixtape” (1967-1975). That’s right man. We wouldn’t lead you wrong. A mixtape, before we really recognized the term for the most part, of powerful stuff on the Civil Rights Era struggle. Peep the trailer above ( rent/buy link below), teasing footage of Black Pathers co-founder Bobby Seale, reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., activist Angela Davis, and others; with commentary from contemporaries (like Talib Kweli).
The Black Power Mixtape is an award winning compilation feature documentary that displays the story of the African-American community 1967-1975, the people, the society and the style that fueled a change. Told with sparkling, beautiful and deep footage, lost in the archives in Sweden for 30 years.
WATCH THE FULL FILM NOW: THE BLACK POWER MIXTAPE (IFC FILMS)
Posted in Activism, Film, Hip-Hop, History, Trailer, Travel, Videos | Tags: 1967-1975, African American, American Civil Rights Movement, Angela Davis, black history, Black History Month, Bobby Seale, Civil Rights, Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Martin Luther King, Goran Hugo Olsson, Martin Luther King, Martin Luther King Jr., Sweden, TALIB KWELI, The Black Power Mixtape, The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975 | No Comments »
Spike Lee Officially Endorses Bernie Sanders For President
February 23, 2016
Spike Lee appears in a new promo ad lending his support to Bernie Sanders for President. Spike Lee joins many other celebrities such as Harry Belafonte, Danny Glover, Killer Mike, Zoë Kravitz, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, & of course yours truly, Jayforce in “feeling the Bern.”
Eyes on the Prize Parts 1 & 2 (Documentary Series)
February 23, 2016
Not to say that any print, audio, or audio-visual work is the end-all of what Black History Month should be… But if you have not watched the PBS American Experience documentary “Eyes On The Prize,” you have NOT had Black History Month! Above, you have your chance: Part 1 (“Awakenings”) and Part 2 (“Fighting Back”) are ready for your viewing and enrichment. Arguably, the best series on the decades-long American Civil Rights Movement. Filmmaker Henry Hampton and PBS have, no doubt, taken tremendous pride in bringing this presentation to the masses over the years.
Watch. Now.
Posted in Activism, Education, Film, History, Series, Television, Videos | Tags: American Civil Rights Movement, american experience, Assassination, Awakenings, black history, Black History Month, Civil Rights, Fighting Back, Henry Hampton, March, marches, PBS, PBS American Experience, Protest, Protests, Public Television, rallies | No Comments »
Dr. Cornel West: “Hillary Clinton is the Milli Vanilli of American Politics” (Video)
February 23, 2016
All they have to do is compare Bernie & Hillary’s history. Bernie is the clear choice https://t.co/FMMsD0EQRS
— Jay Force (@Jayforce) February 23, 2016
PREVIOUS: DR. CORNEL WEST SPEAKS ON THE FAILURES OF OBAMA & THE APATHY WITHIN THE BLACK MIDDLE CLASS (VIDEO)
Posted in Activism, Celebrity, Politics, Progressive, Videos | Tags: Bernie Sanders, Cornel West, Dr. Cornel West, Hillary Clinton | No Comments »
The Untold Story Of Emmett Louis Till (Trailer)
February 22, 2016
Of course, since Black History is truly World History, every month should allow for some study of Black History. Here in the United States, however, we have designated the month of February as Black History month each year.
(Check out the KRS-ONE lecture posted on here for why February was chosen. Powerful!)
Before Black History month is over, you should take every opportunity remember African Americans’ contributions and accomplishments, triumphs and troubles, success and sacrifices. Sacrifices… far too many Black people have made the ultimate sacrifice, losing lives at the hands of vile violent racists. The trailer above is for “The Untold Story Of Emmett Louis Till,” whose long-unpunished race-motivated murder has been acknowledged as the spark that lit the fire known as the American Civil Rights movement. Such a tragic story; but one we must NEVER forget!
Watch above.
Posted in Activism, Film, History, Trailer, Videos | Tags: Black History Month, Emmett Louis Till, Emmett Till, The Untold Story Of Emmett Louis Till | No Comments »
The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution (Documentary)
February 21, 2016
Found it! Right where it was supposed to be, at the PBS website. Guess other sources jumped the gun on putting it up and their videos got pulled down (delaying our sharing it with you here until now). Can’t blame them though: Viewers who missed the Public Television debut really likely really wanted to see this. Even some of those who caught it before probably wanted to see it again. Well, here it is “The Black Panthers: Vanguard of The Revolution.” Click play above; enjoy and be enriched and empowered. All Power To The People!
Directed by Stanley Nelson, this episode (and the above video embed) will be available from PBS online for watching until March 18, 2016.
Posted in Activism, Education, Film, Television, Videos | Tags: INDEPENDENT LENS, PBS, Public Television, Stanley Nelson, The Black Panthers, Vanguard of The Revolution | No Comments »
The BlackBoard (Teaser Trailer)
February 19, 2016
Wait, wait! Don’t click off like this is some schoolwork on a weekend. School’s out, but class… that’s always in. Remember that. But this is a chance to learn something. It’s a doc vid on Black skateboarders. Ahhh, right? Now, you see the whole title: “The BlackBoard.”
“The Blackboard” documentary film was produced and directed by attorney/indie filmmaker Marquis Bradshaw. The film aims to challenge what it means to be Black in America by examining the issue of acceptance within the Black community through the lens of skateboarding culture. “The Blackboard” stars prominent Black pro skaters Jabari Pendleton, Karl Watson, and Ron Allen (one of the first Black pro skaters and one of the first skaters to ever receive major corporate sponsorship). As it relates to pop culture, skateboarding among Black people has only in recent years become socially acceptable, beginning with artists such as Lupe Fiasco and Pharrell Williams.
MORE ON THE BLACKBOARD FILM ON THE WEBSITE | ON THE GOFUNDME PAGE
Posted in Activism, Business, Celebrity, Fashion, Film, Lifestyle, Recreation, Sports, Trailer, Videos | Tags: Adrian Williams, Camron Horn, Jabari Pendleton, Jasiatic, Joseph Wright, Karl Watson, Larry Redmon, Marquis Bradshaw, Myk Pate, Ron Allen, Solomon Mosley Jr, The BlackBoard | No Comments »
Ryan Coogler Interviews J. Cole For #MLKNow (Video)
January 25, 2016
Above: Ryan Coogler (Director of “Creed” and “Fruitvale Station”) with a deeper than in-depth interview with J. Cole. You can tell it was more a frank discussion than an interview though; Coogler admitting to this being his first time as an interviewer and Cole admitting to a gang of things: the tragic death of Oscar Grant as told in “Fruitvale Station” makes him cry every time… fear-frustration-sadness and artistic motivations that came from subsequent incidents of police brutality… feelings on Black-on-Black crime… life as a married man (stunned the crowd, and toned down the ladies’ screams…for the time being).
Watch the whole 20 minutes. Very appropriate conversation in the wake of the Martin Luther King, Jr. commemoration. Engaging, enlightening and empowering! The web was on fire due to news of Cole’s nuptials being dropped like a bomb in this clip, but the most powerful moment was when the brothers were exchanging thank-yous to end the interview.
Stop thanking me… We a part of the same body. Bruh, my hand don’t wake up and thank the other hand.
– Ryan Coogler
Wow… feel that chill? That surge of pride? That’s #MLKNow and hopefully motivation to take strides.
#BlackLivesMatter Activist DeRay McKesson Speaks On His New ‘Campaign Zero’ Movement And More With Stephen Colbert (Video)
January 22, 2016
Activist DeRay McKesson and Stephen Colbert have a colorful, conscientious conversation about White privilege, Black Lives Matter, Campaign Zero and more.
Kendrick Lamar: Pay It Forward (Vlog #2) [Video]
January 16, 2016
Kendrick Lamar with an entry for his video blog (vlog); this one called “Pay It Forward.” Dude gets keys to the city and respect from industry vets for doing what he does for a reason. It seems only right that he encourages spreading your knowledge, mentoring youth and the like. Such is covered in this clip. Bonus: We get to see a bit of his visit with President Barack Obama. Check it out.
Posted in Activism, Celebrity, Hip-Hop, Series, Videos | Tags: Kendrick Lamar, Pay It Forward, Pay It Forward Vlog, President Barack Obama, Vlog | No Comments »
Killer Mike With Advice To White Americans And More On ‘The Late Show’ With Stephen Colbert (Video)
January 8, 2016
Let’s borrow Larry Wilmore’s catch phrase and apply it to the guest former Comedy Central cohort Stephen Colbert had on just recently: The man Killer Mike kept it 100 (and then some) on the The Late Show, didn’t he? Hitting a variety of hot topics with Colbert: Ferguson, Baltimore, race relations in general, stumping for his Presidential candidate of choice Bernie Sanders and so much more.
Posted in Activism, Celebrity, Hip-Hop, Interview, Series, Television, Videos | Tags: Bernie Sanders, empowerment, Feel The Bern, Race, social justice, Stephen Colbert, The Late Show, The Late Show With Stephen Colbert | No Comments »
Dr. Frances Cress Welsing: Rest In Power Queen!
January 3, 2016
As the new year of 2016 begins we have to take a moment to reflect and pay tribute to Dr. Frances Cress Welsing who has passed away at the age of 80 on January, 2nd 2016. Born in Chicago, IL March 18th 1935 daughter of Henry N. Cress (physician) & Ida Mae Griffen (teacher) she was always in an academic background. She went on to obtain her B.S. degree from Antioch College and her M.D. at Howard University in the 1960’s in psychiatry.
She made DC her home after her time at Howard University where she worked at many hospitals especially children’s hospitals. She is probably most known for her book “The Isis Papers” where she discussed the Melanin Theory and tackles the topic of White Supremacy. For decades she tirelessly worked to make sure that her works would help teach black people especially black children to have a love of themselves and their rich history.
She has spoken at numerous universities and taken part in a number of documentaries and she was a part of the Hidden Colors Documentary produced by Tariq Nasheed who worked with her as his mentor. Dr Welsing will truly be missed but her great works will not be forgotten! (March 18, 1935 – January 2, 2016) Rest In Peace………
Posted in Activism, Cover Story | Tags: Dr Frances Cress Welsing, education, Hidden Colors, Isis Papers, Obit, Obituary, Psychiatry, RIP | No Comments »
Spike Lee Speaks On The Basis Of His New Film ‘Chi-Raq’ & Elaborates on Chicago, Sex Strikes (Video)
November 30, 2015
Interesting. Spike Lee and Stephen Colbert discuss the dire straits of Chicago’s war-like violence and casualty rates, the foundations/inspirations for “Chi-Raq” (a spin off the Ancient Greek satire “Lysistrata,” in which Athenian women vow to withhold sex until their men end the The Peloponnesian War), and the possibility of sex strikes on campus in the coming semester after his movie drops.
“I think that a sex strike could really work on college campuses where there’s an abundance of sexual harassment and date rapes. Second semester it’s going to happen. Once people come back from Christmas, there’s going to be sex strikes at universities and college campuses across this country. I believe it.â€
– Spike Lee
Gun control. Police brutality. So much in a short clip to watch. And you must!
PREVIOUS: CHI-RAQ (TRAILER)
Posted in Activism, Celebrity, Comedy, Interview, Opinion, Series, Television, Videos | Tags: abuse of power, Chi Raq, date rape, Democracy, Gun Control, Lysistrata, Police brutality, satire, Sex strike, sexual harassment, Spike Lee, Stephen Colbert, The Late Show With Stephen Colbert | No Comments »
Seattle Cultural Ambassador & Radio Show Host “J Moore” Needs Your Help In Fight For His Life
November 29, 2015
Two years ago I visited the city of Seattle, WA to cover the Bumbershoot music festival. I knew some friends that moved from Atlanta to Seattle but no Radio/Media people. I only knew DJ Hyphen from interacting online and listening to Hyphen & J Moore on the Sunday Night Sound Session show. Well not only did I meet these good brothers they invited me on the show and connected me with great people in the Seattle scene. With J Moore’s help I met DJ DV One and Seattle artists, promoters, and more. If you know J Moore then you know that he is a stand up man who loves his Family, promotes great Music and always pushes the culture forward. He is battling some serious health issues at the current time and his family has started a GoFundMe page to assist with medical bills.
CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO LOVE MOORE GO FUND ME PROJECT
As many of you know, Jon underwent a kidney transplant a few years ago that helped save his life, Caitlin was his donor.
Over the last few years he has been taking medication and is being followed closely by his doctors to ensure that his body accepts the new organ.
Over the last few months, Jon’s health has begun deteriorating, and he has suffered a kidney rejection.  This week Jon took a turn for the worst, and he ended up in the ICU wth a lung infection that has also become systemic and was in his blood stream. He is now hospitalized and recieving several antibiotics, IV fluids, oxygen therapy, and more diagnostic tests to help understand the nature of his illness.
Posted in Activism, Cover Story, Health and Wellness | Tags: DJ Hyphen, J Moore, Pacific NorthWest, Radio, Seattle, Sunday Night Sound Session | No Comments »
Jill Scott Covers Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit” (Shining A Light Concert Performance) [Video]
November 28, 2015
Incredible performance by an incredibly beautiful impeccable singer. All to shine a light on the inexcusable. Billie Holiday’s poem with the tragic theme brought to song long ago. Brought to life on stage again by the incomparable Jill Scott. Watch and be moved… to act!
Morgan Freeman introduces Jill Scott’s full performance of Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit” from Shining A Light: A Concert for Progress on Race in America, presented by A&E Networks and iHeartMedia.
#ShiningALight
Your donations to the Fund will help to provide grants to those who are doing great work to raise awareness about the causes and effects of racial divisiveness, promote social and criminal justice reform, and help eliminate racial bias and discrimination.
Show your support by donating to the Fund for Progress on Race in America at http://aetv.us/ShineALight_Donate
