Tuesday night, NeueHouse Madison Square hosted a special screening of National Geographicβs latest documentary feature, The Mission.Β
Firearms are the leading cause of death of American childrenβand a group of artists have banded together to change that.
Last week, Artist for Action, an advocacy group composed of talented changemakers, including Sheryl Crow, Kevin Bacon, and Peter Frampton, gathered at NYU’s Skirball Center for a fundraising concert and panel discussion.
At the heart of the event was musician Mark Barden, whose son Daniel was tragically killed in a mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in 2012. His vow to his son, and his efforts to prevent future gun violence, were depicted in a documentary “A Father’s Promise.” The documentary was released last Friday, with Sheryl Crow serving as the film’s executive producer.
During the discussion panel, Kevin Bacon, who pledged to match all donations up to $25,000 to support Artist For Action and Sandy Hook Promise, and Sheryl Crow were critical of our nation’s response to a mass shooting each time it occurs.
βPart of whatβs so frustrating us this level complacency thatβs overtaken us,β Bacon said. βWhen we see thereβs been a shooting, thatβs no longer a shock. Unfortunately, itβs a political issue: But itβs kidsβ lives. It makes no sense to politicize it.β
Crow, however, was more blunt when discussing the governmentβs failure to change and amend laws that result in thousands of deaths from gun violence in the U.S. every year, while also placing blame on the gun lobby. Drawing comparisons to how the government stood up to the tobacco lobby decades ago, she that explained that now is the time to stand up to the gun lobby, and there needs to be a think tank to make that happen.
U.K native, and current Nashville resident, Peter Frampton also contributed to the conversation. Describing the Dunblane massacre in 1996, Frampton pointed out it only took one shooting, with 14 people tragically killed, for the government to respond by swiftly passing buy-back laws. βIt just goes to prove that if we keep pushing for gun reform in every way we canβ¦it can be done,β Frampton said, while also drawing comparisons to Australia’s and New Zealand’s legislation in response to gun violence.
A concert followed the panel discussion, with each artist beginning their set by saying their name and stating, βI am an artist for action.β
The film stars Emma Stone and has exceeded all expectations
Maxim celebrated Miami Art Week and the release of their final issue of 2023 on Saturday, December 9 at the Hyde Beach Miami.
Los Angeles, CA – On Wednesday, December 6th, the illustrious David Geffen Theater at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures played host to an enchanting spectacle as the red carpet transformed into a regal “purple” carpet for the premiere of “The Color Purple.” The adaptation of Alice Walker’s timeless novel and Broadway musical promises to be a cinematic masterpiece, set to hit theaters on December 25th, 2023.
The ambiance outside the David Geffen Theater was nothing short of magical, as Hollywood’s elite descended upon the venue to celebrate the highly anticipated film directed by Blitz Bazawule. The “purple” carpet, a thematic nod to the movie’s title, set the stage for an evening of glamour and grandeur.
The star-studded cast of “The Color Purple” graced the event, with luminaries such as Oprah Winfrey, Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, and H.E.R. stepping onto the vibrant carpet, creating an electrifying atmosphere that mirrored the film’s emotional intensity.
Oprah Winfrey, a powerhouse both on and off the screen, brought her signature grace and charm to the carpet, captivating photographers and fans alike. Fantasia Barrino, known for her dynamic stage presence, lit up the night with her radiant smile, while Taraji P. Henson exuded elegance in a dazzling ensemble, reflecting the sophistication of the occasion.
The event drew the attendance of Hollywood A-listers, adding to the allure of the evening. As cameras flashed and fans cheered, the air buzzed with excitement, underscoring the anticipation surrounding the film’s release later this month.
“The Color Purple,” with its alluring adaptation directed by Blitz Bazawule, promises to be a cinematic triumph that transcends the boundaries of its source material. The “purple carpet” premiere served as a fitting prelude to what is expected to be one of the most talked-about films of the holiday season.
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, located at 6067 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, provided a fitting backdrop for the occasion. The museum, dedicated to celebrating the art and history of cinema, became a temporary haven for the stars and creatives who have brought “The Color Purple” to life on the big screen.
As the countdown to December 25th begins, the enchantment of the “purple” carpet premiere lingers in the air, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating the arrival of this cinematic gem.
“The Color Purple” is poised to not only captivate hearts but also carve its place as an unforgettable contribution to the rich tapestry of film history.
“The Color Purple” premiere became an even more exclusive affair as we had the privilege of securing coveted interviews with the stars on the resplendent purple carpet. From Oprah Winfrey’s reflections on the film’s enduring impact to Colman Domingo’s insights into her transformative role, and Phylicia Pearl Mpasi musings within sisterhood in the film β “The Knockturnal” provided an intimate glimpse into the minds of the luminaries who brought this cinematic masterpiece to life.
These exclusive interviews offered a behind-the-scenes perspective, revealing the dedication and passion that fueled the creation of “The Color Purple.”
You can check out our on-carpet interviews linked down below.Β
Click the link to watch the night of the purple carpet unfold!
Make sure to check out our Instagram!
Nikki Beach Miami curated an exquisite VIP Luncheon on Saturday, December 9. This exclusive event unfolded amidst the vibrant tapestry of activations that graced Miami during the Art Week extravaganza.
Photography by Dijana Mesin
Christmas on Cherry Lane was a unique and thoughtful film that followed the story of three families simultaneously. We witness each family memberβs festivities, traditions, worries and anxiety, especially pertaining to their holiday plans.
The filmβs brilliant showcase of separate plots over Β various decades was perfected effortlessly and beautifully by both the writer and director. Christmas on Cherry Lane had a unique βbig pictureβ take and gave us both a birdβs eye view and fly on the wall perceptions. The audience stepped into each of the three houses and rooted for each person to manage to surpass their personal obstacles.
The film was not only a sentimental and thoughtful seasonal movie but also a confirmation of how weβre all connected. The sense of humanity and empathy in the movie was done intentionally and with a purpose. Audience members discovered how all the families have been connected through different generations thanks to the protagonistβs evolution from being a teen to an elderly resident in the community tying it all together.
Besides Christmas on Cherry Lane displaying Β charming holiday themes, the movie philosophically confirmed the domino effect of our actions and the beauty of us all being connected with each other over decades of time. Itβs a family friendly film that tugs at your heart strings and leaves a lasting effect of hope and positivity on the watcher and perhaps even a tear or two (guilty!).
In a captivating move that blends the allure of intimate live music with the exclusivity of a private gathering, Sony recently launched the Sony Sound Club, an exceptional unplugged listening session hosted by For the Music in collaboration with renowned music artists.
A very merry evening full of laughter and giving, just in time for the holiday season!
I caught the A uptown,Β not too far from my old stomping grounds for the 2023 Root 100 Gala event at The Apollo Theater.
The entire evening was legendary. One of the highlights was the performance by Jon Batiste,Β as a music lover IΒ appreciate the way he uses his voice and plays the piano.Β We saw a preview of his new Documentary, which premiers on Netflix. The documentary shows his life after being the MD on the Stephen Colbert show. He shares how his wife’s health was also impacted by a condition that they had to face together. I won’t give away the spoiler, but keep an eye peeled for it. TheΒ Prince of Jazz was also one of the honorees that received an award.Β He stood up from the piano after an amazing performance medley, grabbed a horn and began to get the audience to sing together and participate, which was a nice moment. His showmanship and his ability to get us to sing together was a full circle moment for him as he recalls being on the Apollo stage as a 7-year-old who traveled in a van with his brothers from New Orleans to perform and won on the same stage. The Apollo is home to him and it was aΒ wonderful moment.
Deborah Roberts and Al Rocker were also honorees. Al Rocker is from Canarsie, Brooklyn and recalls his earlier days that led him to where he is now. Similarly, Deborah Roberts spoke about becoming a wife, and a mother, and how she always saw herself doing what she is doing now. These 2 African Americans have shared their lives, health journeys, and energy with us for so many years. The ROOT 100 did a phenomenal job by focusing on all the great achievements and sharing their criteria for how the list is made.Β In addition to having a social media presence and followers, other aspects such as Influence, Substance, and Reach are all calculated. The beauty of this to me as both an attendee and a writer is, that it is not exclusive to just celebrity. Any African American who can utilize social media and does the work that uplifts people can be a contender. This means we all can be great and should aspire to be like the 100 honorees. As we close out 2023, the new year provides an opportunity for any or all of us to contribute to black news by becoming solution-oriented. There is much work to be done and it’s refreshing to know that not all jobs are glamorous if you have the intent and do the work organizations like The Root will be your support.
In this space of awareness, my new perspective on myself as a writer is that itβs now my responsibility to amplify black stories and The Root 100 Gala made me both grateful and fortunate to be in attendance. Congrats to all honored.
For one legendary night, The Rootβthe foremost digital media publisher covering Black news and Black viewsβtook over the mainstage of the Apollo for a star-studded evening of comedy, music, and inspiring speeches celebrating the Root 100 honorees.
The Root 100 is an annual ranking of Black Americans who are breaking down barriers and paving the way for the next generation.
Attendees included host Roy Wood Jr. (βThe Daily Showβ) and honorees Al Roker (βTODAYβ), Deborah Roberts (β20/20β), Misty Copeland (ballerina), Leslie Odom Jr. (βHamiltonβ), Nate Burleson (βCBS Morningsβ), Doug E. Fresh (rapper and nonprofit founder), Dr. Olajide Williams (nonprofit founder), Jon Batiste (multihyphenate), Fani Willis (District Attorney of Fulton County, GA), Karine Jean-Pierre (White House press secretary), DeMarco Morgan (broadcast journalist), LaChanze (multihyphenate), Abby Phillip (CNN), Melonie Parker (Google), Danyel Surrency Jones (Amazon), Brandice Daniel and (HaDaniel and Shion Row), Jamie Harrison (DNC Chair), Racquel Ode (HSBC Bank USA), Nikole Hannah- Jones (journalist/author), Adjoa B. Asamoah (influencer), Dr. Oni Blackstock (entrepreneur), and Dr. UchΓ©Blackstock (founder and author). Also in attendance were special guests Don Lemon, Tim Malone, Hannibal Burress, Sabrina Greenlee, Jason Lee, PaperBoy The Prince, Brandee Younger, Bevy Smith, Irreversible Entanglements, Erica Lowe, Adenike Olanrewaju, Thysha Shabazz, Dr. Jasper Brewster, Dr. Jeff Gardere, Agnes Tshimbombo, Ahmed Gallab, Kristal Brent Zook, and Editor-in-Chief of The Root, Tatsha Robertson.