‘Insecure’ Star Issa Rae Stops By Howard University

Posted by Jacinth Jones
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Ebony magazine and HBO stopped by Howard University’s Armour J. Blackburn Digital Auditorium for an advanced screening of the upcoming episodes of the HBO series Insecure. In a discussion, creator and star Issa Rae and moderator, Howard alumna Tia Brown talked about the HBCU tour and more. The half-hour comedy series entails the friendship of two black women and their challenges and experiences as they encounter a variety of social and racial issues in Los Angeles.

The episodes engaged Howard students and alumni through the infusion of hip-hop, love, friendship, colloquial language, and relatable contemporary black experiences. Insecure is debuting at a time where new series and movies directed by and about African Americans are abruptly appearing with FX’s Atlanta, Netflix’s Marvel’s Luke Cage and Barry Jenkins’ Moonlight, which have all generated positive reviews according to Rotten Tomatoes. 

“I wanted to show a much broader range of who we are. I wanted to tap into my own experiences…”

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Through the discussion with Brown and Rae, the audience was able to receive an in-depth glimpse of Insecure and Rae’s journey towards the new series. Rae also explained how the program outlines the archetype society has defined for black girls. “I wanted to show a much broader range of who we are,” said Rae. “I wanted to tap into my own experiences. My core is this socially uncomfortable introverted person and I did not get to see that depicted anywhere for black people. White people get to be everything.”

Image credit: Huffington Post

Rae explained that her journey towards Insecure was anything but simple, and “I had to stop making excuses and make the show happen. I kept on giving reasons why I could not do it, but as soon as I got out of my own way, I started making it” said Rae. “There were a lot of discouraging days but I remembered hating every minute of my  9-to-5 job, so I could not imagine doing anything else.”

The show delves into racial issues and the breakdown of it which surprised the audience in regards to how blunt Rae was able to showcase her character’s experience. Rae clarified that comedy is the best way for people to become more receptive to the social issues affecting the African American community. HBO “also wanted to know more of the experiences that affect us and I felt completely free to tell it without it being watered down,” noted Rae.

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Image credit: Tubefilter

Rae’s focus on the reality of a young black woman also goes in hand with the naming of the series. “I never felt secure in my own blackness and I wanted my character to reflect that,” she said. “I was always conscious that I did not belong and had the nature of feeling out of place in addition to never feeling stable in a relationship.”

The Howard audience was appreciative of Rae’s debut with their cheers, applause, and laughter throughout the screening and discussion.

Rae’s advice to students starting their own journey was accepted with gratitude and sincerity.

Brian ‘B-Daht’ McLaughlin, WSSU Grad, Hired By Greensboro’s Hornets Affiliate

Posted by Tommy G. Meade Jr.
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B-Daht is back in the world of sports and HBCU fans could not be happier.

Winston-Salem State University graduate and funny man Brian “B-Daht” McLaughlin is officially heading back to the world of sports with the Greensboro Swarm, the NBA Development League affiliate of the Charlotte Hornets.

B-Daht, along with two others were named on Thursday as in-game talents for the Swarm in a big announcement, according to a release from the Charlotte Hornets.

Many commenters took to Twitter to congratulate the successful comedian and radio host after the news.

B-Daht is back in the world of sports and, in particular, the HBCU family could not be happier:

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to help set the tone for the Greensboro Swarm’s inaugural season. It feels good to be back in the sports world and I look forward to entertaining Swarm fans.”

He is set to join the Swarm as in-game host.

The Swarm will tip off the inaugural season on Saturday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BMEo1_Nj7Zd/?taken-by=iambdaht

HBCU Buzz Partners With National College Resources Foundation

Posted by Brittany Ireland
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For Immediate Release
Contact:
Brittany Ireland, HBCU Buzz (202) 438-4093
Pamela Broussard, NCR Foundation (310) 562-4725

National College Resources Foundation (NCRF) and HBCU Buzz are pleased to announce a major partnership. After both founders, Luke Lawal of HBCU Buzz and Theresa Price of NCRF discussed new and fresh ideas, they were more than eager to initiate a partnership.

HBCU Buzz, which is dedicated to promoting pride and unity within all HBCU communities in order to enhance the black college experience, along with NCRF, whose mission is to curtail the high school dropout rate and increase degree and/or certificate enrollment among underserved and underrepresented youth will make for a mutually beneficial partnership. The HBCU Buzz and NCRF are uniting to advocate for the significance of HBCUs by making a difference through educational and career focused opportunities.

The NCRF provides minority, black and hispanic, students with the tools and resources to make it into the classroom to later succeed outside of the classroom. It was established to connect minorities to college and career opportunities. The NCRF has helped over 400,000 students get in to college and provided over $5600,000 in scholarships, as wel

l have helped students secure over 100 million in scholarships and grants.

“I am excited to partner with HBCU Buzz to spread HBCU love, and share information with the world about the positive HBCU experience.  This is really going to enhance our Black College Expos and the importance of HBCUs” Price said.

The Buzz, founded in 2011, is the leading source for HBCU news for all historically black colleges and universities providing trends and breaking news about all HBCUs by strategically using references from schools, organizations and media outlets.

“After speaking with Theresa and understanding her passion for uplifting minorities, I am more than excited to work with the NCRF,” Lawal said. “We share the same ideas, same missions, and same goals and that’s why this is going to be an amazing partnership.”

Look for HBCU Buzz as a media and HBCU community partner at NCRF’s Black College Expos™ hosted in New York, DC/Maryland, Houston, Atlanta, Oakland and Los Angeles.

The Incredible Story Of A Livingstone College Alum Who Defied Doctors’ Odds Through Dance

Posted by Delvakio Brown
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The world is not equipped to accommodate the needs of every type of human being. But MyKesha Smith, a 3’5 dwarf, took on her passion and college anyway.

Experiencing a college campus for the first time can be overwhelming for some but imagine it from a small person’s world. What’s huge to an average size person is humongous to them.

It is possible that you may have run across a video of MyKesha, also known as Keeshlino, on social media as her dancing and cheering is loved by thousands.

The passion for dance begun to sprout at a very young age.

When her mother, Patricia Smith, became pregnant she began attending doctor visits just as any other mother with a child will do. Then, the doctor noticed something wrong.

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As she went along through the pregnancy doctors warned her to abort MyKesha.

Doctors from Shriners Hospital saw no way of a positive life. Special children are given to special parents and that’s how Patricia took it.

“They said she wouldn’t live because of this long name that I will not attempt to say, but it was a respiratory condition brought on by her dwarfism,” explained Patricia.

Going against what was suggested she went through the full pregnancy.

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At 5-yrs-old MyKesha became fascinated with dance. Watching children dance sparked an interest in her, “Mommy, I want to dance,” an excited MyKesha expressed to her mom, tugging on her arm.

That same little girl is now inspiring a generation of teen dancers like Romello Blue:

“Keeshlino inspires me because she is always happy and has that chill vibe everywhere she goes.”

His inspiration for dance increased and now he travels dancing across the state of North Carolina by the name of Ysg Prodigy.

When taking a visit to her alma mater Livingstone, Keesh created a stir and two students even began running because they became afraid of her.

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“Oh My God! I just was afraid to meet her because I’ve never seen a dwarf in person before,” said a Livingstone student.

After the young lady faced her fears and talked to Keesh it was all smiles.

“Usually you wouldn’t catch a person her size dancing and getting hype as she does, but watching her videos can make anyone’s day,” stated Blue.

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Not wanting her daughter to be left out of any dream she wanted to accomplish, Patricia began working three jobs.

MyKesha always felt that she could do anything she wanted to and soon began cheerleading, dance, and participating in pageants.

Becoming so consumed with practices, dance recitals, and cheer competitions, many birthdays were spent on the road with celebrations at hotel rooms.

MyKesha was on a role with pageantry and was planned to compete against pageantry star JonBenet days after her murder.

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Growing up her mother thought that she would have to explain that she wouldn’t be able to do many activities in life.

“One of the difficulties I had was trying to figure out some activities that she might enjoy and explain others she might couldn’t do those other children were doing,” said Patricia, laughing. It was funny at the time, she says, because there was nothing that she couldn’t do.

“Her bones are brittle and not like the average,” said many doctors but that meant nothing to the passion for dance.

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Managing MyKesha is one busy task and no one knows that better than her manager Tiffanie Mills.

“Her energy doesn’t match her size,” said Mills.

By the age of 23 MyKesha has performed at the Queen City Awards in Charlotte, North Carolina, with DjDanceKing, DJ Awards Show with Alex Rodriquez, Carole Hefner Center for the African American Festival, and on the stage for the annual Taste Of Charlotte. If you have kept up with the Kooley Bros of Atlanta, Georgia you can catch her in one of their music videos.

Watching her swift moves you would never think that a respiratory problem even exists.

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Since being a small child she has always had big dreams and now is the host of her own radio show. Every Friday you can catch “Keeping It Short With Keshlinooo” on www.thenetstation.com from 11:30 p.m. to 12:00 p.m.

One battle that was huge for MyKesha to overcome was college. Graduating from Livingstone was not an easy task but through perseverance, she completed the task.

College began as a nervous wreck.

She went into her freshman year as a biology major failing all of her major classes but still passed enough to go on to sophomore year.

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Once sophomore year kicked off the nervousness kicked in and things went from bad to worse:

“My GPA fell to a 1.05 at the end of the semester and I was put on academic probation.”

Facing disappointment throughout her teenage years of applying for jobs, she knew that her college degree would make a better way for her.

Academic probation put a stop to cheer and dance for her until she could redeem herself.

Reflecting on all the jobs that refused to hire her because of her height, she knew that she had a point to prove.

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She finally came to the decision of changing her major; a degree in social work became the new focus.

The degree finally came to fruition and Keesh accomplished a huge goal that so many cheered her on for.

This social media sensation will be going on tour this coming up spring.  You can keep up with Keeshlinooo on Instagram: @Keeshlinooo.

Greensboro Churches Raise Monetary Offering For Bennett College

Posted by Myja Gary
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Local churches affiliated with The Pulpit Forum of Greensboro are uniting to raise a monetary offering during their regular Sunday morning service for Bennett College. The Pulpit Forum of Greensboro is an association of pastors and other clergy in Greensboro and vicinity whose roots are historically emanate from the African American faith tradition.

With a focus on civic engagement, community empowerment, and clergy enrichment, the Pulpit Forum is committed to supporting institutions of higher learning. because of Bennett’s connection to the church, the Pulpit Forum is more than eager to respond to the cause because of Bennett’s connection to the church and to the historic tapestry of Greensboro.

Click here to learn more. 

Howard Falls To Tough North Carolina A&T Team

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Howard University’s homecoming is known for bringing fans, alumni, and celebrities to The Mecca. Thousands of people gathered at the tailgate which is always a party and reunion at the same time. The Bison faced North Carolina A&T in the football game and had a tough time scoring against them. The Bulldogs beat the Bison 34-7.

You can check out the video below.

Source: The Black Beat

Writer: Marissa Watts

This Is What Happens When A Morehouse Man Tries To Talk To A Spelmanite

Posted by Tommy G. Meade Jr.
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Happy homecoming Spelman College and the AUC!

Spelman is preparing to reunite with their Spelman sisters during homecoming this week. And it seems AUC students are certainly making the most of it, as they enjoy time spent on the yard during the festive week.

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Some AUC students are pointing out things that you wouldn’t know unless you attend one of the three Atlanta black colleges and universities. Uploading a funny video on Temitayo Adewale Agoro’s Instagram page, AUC students show what happens when a Morehouse guy tries to talk to a Spelmanite.

The first scene starts by two Spelman sisters walking out of a store on campus at the AUC, talking about a guy.

Then, both sisters are stopped by two Morehouse men, one tells the sisters why he chose to attend an HBCU:

“Sister! Do you know why I chose to come to an HBCU? So I can see I smooth sister like yourself.”

Not messing with what the guys have to say, the sisters eventually escaped and walked away.

The clip has gathered over 2,000 views since it was posted on Tuesday.

8 Lessons I’ve Learned Since Joining A Black Greek Fraternity

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Many of us view the family as utopia. In theory, a family should be utopia but it often is not. I say in “The Black Greek Success Program” that some of us have people in jail, others have family members who are addicted to drugs or alcohol, and I joke that many of us have entire sides of our families that we would probably rather not acknowledge. If our blood relatives aren’t perfect, there is no way we can expect our fraternity brothers or sorors to be perfect. Ironically, Black Greek life has taught me how to be a better family member. What have I learned?

It takes WORK.

Any father will tell you that starting a family is easy but keeping a family together is where the real work comes in. Think about the last time a Black Greek said it is one thing to get letters but a completely different thing to stay active and involved. In the family, neither parents nor siblings are perfect, marriage does not guarantee eternal love, and kids don’t raise themselves. Just as it takes work to maintain the good name of our organizations, it takes work to support our spouses, raise our children, and maintain healthy relationships with other family members.

Respect the elders.

I will definitely be the first to say that our elders are not always right but I have also learned that they deserve respect. All of us active Black Greeks sit in meetings where brothers or sorors who have been in the organization for 40-plus years say what’s on their minds whether we like it or not. As annoying as we may find them, our elders have earned the right to be heard and respected, because they really have been there and done that. Treat yourself to a conversation with an elder in your family one day. Sit down, shut up, listen and just soak up the wisdom.

Even when it feels personal, don’t take it personally.

We all feel pain but it doesn’t mean that people mean to inflict pain upon us. Try to understand the situations of others. When we feel hurt by something a frat brother or soror does, there is often someone around to advise us to think things through.For many of us, feelings run much deeper with family. That means we have to work harder to understand the situations. If we count to 10 in order to resolve issues with our frat or soror, we should count to 100 to resolved issues with our blood relatives. Kick the pride aside and become the glue that bonds your family.

Explore the lineage.

One reason many of us Black Greeks are so proud of our history is we can trace it back to our founders. We know that family lineage can be a problem in Black America (often because of the way records on slaves were kept) but we owe it to our children and generations to come to treat whatever lineage we discover with dignity.

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A family code is a good thing.

As “Game of Thrones” is all the rage these days, some of us in Black America admit to being envious of families who have codes that go back generations. We know our organizations’ aims and ideals backwards and forward, giving us codes to live by in the Black Greek system. A family code can do wonders for a family’s identity and growth.

Take care of issues before they become problems.

It is destructive to the health of a family to allow issues to fester. In Black Greek life, I think of how aggravated I get when we don’t use chapter meeting time to resolve issues. Our families may not have chapter meeting time to resolve issues; but if we truly love our family, we can definitely make time to nip issues in the bud.

They may be crazy but they’re my crazy.

Our relatives are extensions of who we are. Let’s be honest, we have frat and sorors from whom we would gladly distance ourselves if they didn’t wear the same letters. They do, so we have to claim them; and with some compassion and work, we come to understand that their craziness often comes from a good place.But let’s look at this point from their end. Love is the great equalizer. As whacked out as a family member may seem, he or she may respond well to being lovingly claimed by a relative. The words “You are crazy as the day is long but I will love you forever” can have a tremendous healing effect.

“All we got is us.”

It may be one of the biggest clichés in Black America but it is true. When times get rough, many of us in Greek life find that we have to “lean on the shield” in order to get from point A to point B. Just like people in our respective organizations have watched us struggle in class or in our careers, our families have seen us struggle in much more vulnerable places. In a society where racism continues to threaten African Americans and family legacies, we should always work with family members to strengthen our legacies.

This article was written by Eddie Francis, the HBCU Lifestyle Podcast host and Greek life contributor, at HBCU Lifestyle where it was originally published.

Artist To Watch: North Carolina A&T’s Jahari Kweli

Posted by Chymere A. Hayes
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On any given Wednesday, you can spot Jahari on campus at North Carolina A&T State University, vibing with a group of people to music and conversations about life. Or at The Artist Bloc in Greensboro, NC on Friday nights in a small intimate space alongside other musicians and artist. None of this is new for Jahari Kweli, who on a few occasions, has pulled the strings of my musical heart and completely blown me away with his raw talent. Despite the buzz that his music has created locally, his spirit has remained so beautiful, his persona still humble, which are two things that are very easy to stray from in any kind of spotlight.

Tell us a little bit about your musical background. What initially sparked your interest? When did you start?

I’ve been around music all my life, growing up in the south, (Fayetteville, NC) I grew up in the church and we all know that goes. Throughout middle school and high school, I played the piano, trumpet, and drums in the school’s bands. When I went home, Otis Redding, Earth Wing & Fire, Jodeci, Erykah and much more were always being played.

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What artist would you say spoke to you the most?

I would have to say that D’Angelo’s music really lit that spark in me. As I started to do more research on him to understand his artistry and how he created his music, he began to inspire me. In fact one of the first songs that I really put effort into singing was “How Does It Feel” and I received great feedback which pushed me to continue further.

How has your musical style evolved from where you started to where you are now?

Although I’ve been taking music serious for 5 years, I still feel that I’m learning who I am as an artist. I’ve matured a lot since I first started and it definitely shows. What I’ve experienced throughout those 5 years have changed my thought processes. I’d say that I wasn’t as free spirited when it came to making music back then and having the freedom to create what I want to hear has allowed me to advance and capture the sounds that move me.

Earlier this year, you released a project, Golden Therapy, which I understand has a sequel coming. What can a new audience expect from this EP?

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First I’d like to say that Golden Therapy is 100% Jahari Kweli, self-produced and written. I made sure of that because I want this tape to be an introduction to who I am and the various sounds I can create.

Absolutely. After first listen, I could tell this was something the people don’t want to miss. What’s in your earbuds right now? What are you currently listening to?

Ari Lennox from Dreamville Records just dropped her EP Pho and I’m hooked on her song “Goat.”

What genre, aside from neo-soul and R&B influences your music the most? 

I would say the listener should be prepared to hear influences from soul, R&B (90’s and textured) , rock, hip-hop, and even some pop.

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In terms of longevity, what do you expect to accomplish with your musical gifts? What message would you want to leave an imprint on the hearts of those who listen to your music?

I want to become one of the greatest, mediocre is the farthest thing I aspire to be. Integrating love back into our society can fix most of the problems that we see today. I stand by what Jimi Hendrix had when he stated that “Once the power of love conquers the love of power, the world will know peace.” When someone decides to listen to anything created by me, I want them to be at peace and love is definitely a gateway to feeling that.

Listen to Golden Therapy here:

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/264974193″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”420″ iframe=”true” /]

Photography credits: @geminsgreatest | @bshembo | @ladyacid_

Howard University Homecoming Step Show (Photo Recap)

Posted by Andrea Wooten
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This year, Howard University’s Homecoming Step Show theme was “Renegade.” Each team was given a decade as the theme for their show, and each show represented some form of black struggle and black excellence within each decade. For the first time in a few years, the step show was in Burr Gymnasium on the campus of Howard University. Despite skepticism on the “new” location, the show was completely sold out and it was very very dope!

This year’s show included 8 of the 9 Greek organizations on Howard’s campus, and the show also featured the Drew Hall Step Team. The first place winners of the show were Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Beta Chapter, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Alpha Chapter. The second place winners were Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Alpha Chapter and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Alpha Chapter.

Check out some photos from each of the performances:

Photos by ZheSheChe Foto 

WTF?! Video Shows Omega Psi Phi Members Pulling Their Pants Down And Booty Popping

Posted by Tommy G. Meade Jr.
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Someone has released a “secret video” from a gathering of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity members that shows Ques popping and shaking their booty according to a Facebook post that has gone viral. 

In a Facebook post that has gone viral, members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., a black fraternity founded on the campus of Howard University, can be seen pulling their pants down and booty popping during a stroll.

The Facebook post, which was posted by Boy King Clemons on Friday, reached over 6 million views last week.

From MTONews.com:

A secret video that was released has ROCKED the legendary Black fraternity Omega Psi Phi. The video shows a SECRET GATHERING of the Black men.

The following video was taken at a secret meeting of Q-Dawgs members. It’s not clear why the members have their pants down, or what they intended on doing with each other.

A flood of commenters on Facebook shared their opinions on the video, most not in support.

“Why have BLACK MEN become so obsessed with showing each other their asses?…And WHY are BLACK WOMEN still “confused”…Most MEN are BI…Society makes them live a lie…That’s why so many BLACK WOMEN end up sick with AIDS….Deal with reality!”

Check out the video below, and tell us what you think!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tJScD2M1zs

 

Howard University’s Stylish Buzz Of The Week: Brijon And Khalil

Posted by Andrea Wooten
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HBCUs are some of the most stylish campuses in the world. Howard University, specifically, is a campus where some students will “pop out” just because. Overall, the goal for many students is to simply showcase their personality through what they wear on a daily basis.

Check out these two Stylish Students of the Week: Brijon and Khalil below.

Khalil Roberts is a Public Relations major/Graphic Design Minor from Connecticut. He describes his style as being “very 2003 Carrie Bradshaw, drinking a coffee, running down the streets of NYC.” He gets his style by mixing preppy trends with streetwear to create a comfortable but well put together look.

Brijon Lashley ‘s style is just as dynamic and free as she is:

“It’s versatile. I don’t have “a look.” I dress how I feel I am that day.”

You can catch Brijon on the yard in anything from a graphic tee and Adidas to a boho-chic dress with sandals.

UNCF Launches 24-Hour Social Media Campaign To Support HBCU Preservation

Posted by HBCU Editors
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Today, UNCF is launching #PreserveHBCUs a 24-hour social media campaign to urge the Senate to provide at least $5 million for the HBCU Historic Preservation Program, as passed by the House, before Congress adjourns. Taking place during National Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Week, this day of action engages HBCU alumni, stakeholders and supporters to help preserve over 700 historic buildings on HBCU campuses.

“HBCUs have a significant place in American history and provide incredible value and values to minority and low-income students, and to the communities in which they reside,” said Cheryl Smith, UNCF senior vice president of public policy and government affairs. “The HBCU Historic Preservation Program serves an essential purpose to HBCUs, which have a special place in the fabric of American history, culture and education. We look forward to working with the Senate to ensure final passage before the 114thCongress adjourns.”

No federal funds have been provided since 2009 for the restoration of historic buildings at HBCUs; however, this year there is a chance to secure funding in the FY 2017 budget.  Last month, the House unanimously passed H.R. 295, a bill that would re-authorize $10 million annually through 2023 for the HBCUs Historic Preservation Program, and the Clyburn amendment to appropriate $5 million for FY 2017, but no funding has been recommended by the Senate.

“Thanks to Congressman James E. Clyburn (D-SC), a proud HBCU alumnus, this important bill is moving one step closer to the finish line, but further action is desperately required,” said UNCF President and CEO, Dr. Michael Lomax. “HBCUs are indeed national treasures and we invite everyone to join us today in supporting the restoration of more than 700 historic buildings on HBCU campuses.”

HBCU historic preservation was a signature UNCF initiative from 1995 through 1999, when UNCF partnered with the National Park Service to support the rehabilitation of historic structures on 10 HBCU campuses. Historic preservation remains a UNCF strategic priority today as several HBCUs this year are celebrating or approaching 150 years of existence.

Here’s how you can join UNCF today to #PreserveHBCUs:

Click here to learn more.

Howard University Yardfest Style Watch

Posted by Andrea Wooten
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Everyone knows that Howard University is the “mecca” of black culture and education, with that being said, it is also the mecca of black fashion. This past weekend, Howard students, alumni and friends gathered for the resurgence of the legendary International Yard Fest. For those of you who don’t know, Yardfest is like one huge party on the yard. This year, Yardfest featured artists like Faith Evans, Fabolous, Wale and Lil Uzi. In addition to all of this great talent, the yard itself was full of some really dope style.

Check out some of our favorite looks from this year’s Yardfest:

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Photos Credit: ZheSheChe Foto 

Keri Hilson And David E. Talbert Spread Early Holiday Cheer At Howard University Homecoming

Posted by Brittany Ireland
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kerihilsonalmostchristmascastmembersvbofqwuywqblGrammy-nominated singer Keri Hilson and award-winning playwright, author, and filmmaker David E. Talbert make a visit to Howard University homecoming, and add to the excitement.

While we are sure time was made to join in on the fun and festivities, Hilson and Talbert both found time to sit down with me and give HBCU Buzz the scoop on upcoming holiday film “Almost Christmas” — in which Hilson is cast, and Talbert along with Will Packer are producers.

Almost Christmas is a holiday drama where an entire African-American family makes its way back together for the first time since the passing of its matriarch. The widowed father, played by Danny Glover, makes one request, being for his family to survive a few days under the same roof without killing one another. The film shows the funny, electric, typical tendencies of the African American home and the underlines the importance of black community. The star-studded cast featuring Danny Glover, Gabrielle Union, Nicole Air Parker, Kimberly Elise, Mo’Nique, Omar Epps, Jessie Usher, J.B. Smoke, Romany Malco, Keri Hilson, and DC Young Fly is one reason to have you running to theaters. I will also be running to theaters because two HBCU grads wrote and produced the film.

Writer and director David E. Talbert is a graduate of Morgan State University, producer Will Packer is a graduate of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. David E. Talbert is the mastermind behind films including First Sunday and Baggage Claim and 14 touring stage plays that have received an unprecedented 24 NAACP theatre nominations. Will Packer of Will Packer Productions is an emmy-nominated producer responsible for eight films all opening number one at the box office. If you enjoyed Ride Along, Ride Along 2, Think Like A Man, Think Like A Man Too No Good Deed,  Takers, or Stomp They Yard, you can thank him!

Having the opportunity to sit down with Talbert, one of the masterminds behind this production and Keri Hilson, one of the celebrity actresses, was an absolute pleasure.

 

B = Brittany
K= Keri Hilson
D = David E. Talbert

B: How did your HBCU experience shape the film?

D: “Well first of all, my HBCU experience taught me to do WHATEVER to survive and to make it happen. A professor told me you can make it happen, watch it happen, or ask: what happened?” Talbert shared that at HBCUs, he enjoyed being surrounded by others who genuinely want to see you win. He recalls showing his very first play to a professor by the name Clinton Holmes, and after received positive feedback that was such an encouragement for him at the time, as he was venturing into a new space with his first play.

B: Just for fun, if you had to attend any HBCU do you have an idea which you’d enjoy the most?

D: Talbert playfully screams “Morgan State!!!”

K: “I’d say Spelman.” Keri shares how she grew up not too far in Decatur and has of coursed heard of the one-of-a-kind Atlanta University Center (AUC containing Superman College, Morehouse College, and Clark Atlanta University) experience.

B: How did you come up with the idea for the movie?

D: “It was important for me to show the life of an African American family with a strong patriarch. There are no films with black fathers holding it together, showing his vulnerability and pushing through.

B: How did you cast Keri Hilson?

D: Talbert explained that while in a meeting in his office Keri was playing with a basketball net and he jokingly told Keri if she made a shot, she would have a role waiting for her in the movie. “Before I could stop her, she slam dunked the basket! No no, really though, Keri showed me she was serious. She followed up with me, called me the next day, showed up the day after that! I’ve been a fan though forever..”

B: What was your favorite part about this experience ?

2iycjcabedubK: I enjoyed all of the learning. I appreciate any opportunity to be a student. Literally sitting there at the table, witnessing creative genuises — I was a sponge!

B: Has this increased your acting interest? Can we expect any upcoming roles or to see you in more films?

K: “Yes, yes,and yes!” she shares that this experience has encouraged and inspired her career.

B: David if you had to be one character, who would you choose?

D: “J.B. Smoove. For Sure. He is up to no good and is a train wreck really. I gravitated toward his role and had a lot of fun”

B: What is your favorite message in the film?

K: Time is of the essence. Appreciate each person in your family and love them no matter what”

B: What is something you try to include in each film. Is there one message?

D: “There isn’t one message but all have to have purpose. For this film, the message is as crazy as family is, they are family, and you can’t choose them. Love them.”

B: Keri is there anything else you’s like to share with your fans?

D: blurts out “she has an album coming!”

K: “Yes, I do actually! I want to say to my fans, thanks so much for your patience and anticipating me on the airways again, it is coming. Be sure to check out this film!”

B: As a successful HBCU grad, is there something you’d like to say to HBCU students?

D: “Yeah! Everything you think about, and all of your dreams.. I had!  Had all of the struggles! I remind them (HBCU students) when I go back that I am you, you are me. You see my achievements, they can be yours. I am just a cat who was eating Top Ramen (noodles) in the dorms who made it through college because of my friends and professors.

 

Omar Epps, Will Packer, DC Young Fly, And Romany Malco Bring Christmas To FAMU

Posted by Damon Arnold
Posted on
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The cast of “Almost Christmas” spent their weekend as Rattlers at Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) homecoming, to not only promote their new film, but to spread knowledge and advice to students preparing for life after college.

Actors Omar Epps, Romany Malco, DC Young Fly and Executive Producer Will Packer who is also an alumnus of FAMU, joined students in a round-table discussion on Friday, that centered around the elevation of Blacks and how Black Hollywood was contributing to the movement of higher education in the Black community.

“One of the ways is just by being here and allowing them to see successful people that they the students may not have access to,” said Packer. “When I was at FAMU I didn’t know anyone in Hollywood or have someone that I could point to and say ‘Hey, I wanna be like him.’ So just being here and interfacing with people that look like them, that have gone into a very challenging industry and are successful, can be inspirational and that’s part of what we want to do,” said Packer.

Malco expressed that presence can suffice in some cases, but during a time where black awareness is at a high, everyone should be doing their part to push positivity and the education of Blacks.

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“There’s an opportunity,” said Malco. “People are paying attention. People wanna hear what we have to say and it is important that in every opportunity that we get, in every song, every movie, every moment, that there’s got to be more to the narrative than just getting crunk. I feel as though this movie is a prime example, but every one of us has a platform. There’s the social media platform. So, it’s not just what is Black Hollywood doing, it’s what is the Black community doing on a global scale,” said Malco.

Packer switched gears and asked each of his cohorts to speak on their experience and what students should prepare for before leaving school. DC Young Fly was the first to offer a synopsis on how opportunities weren’t always afforded to him, but he pressed on until he broke ground.

“I’m from the hood,” said DC Young Fly.

“Everybody knows I’m from Atlanta, west-side born and raised. Throughout the years I never really saw myself being this successful. I knew I was going to do it, but I just didn’t know how. I was always in the streets, I was selling cocaine, robbing people, getting into shoot-outs. I was a good kid, but I ended up in wrong direction. But I kept at it and trying to make it right.

There are going to be so many doors that are slammed in your face, but a door is going to open up. Don’t look at somebody smacking your hand as the end. God is going to always be there and he just wants to see how you’re going to react when things don’t go your way,” said DC Young Fly.

It was then mentioned that a part of the HBCU experience is networking. Building a network with fellow classmates is a part of the college experience whether attending an HBCU or any other university. Epps stressed that it is the most important thing a student can do while obtaining an education.

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“There’s value in network,” said Epps. When each of you go into your respective careers and you come out of the college experience and go into the professional, corporate world, there’s no network. You’re just another black face in that building with all them degrees and now you’re thrown into that machine, but the power is right here.

In Hollywood everything is connected, and with Black Hollywood it’s the feeling of being a rat in a cage and everybody is chasing their piece of cheese, and when you get the cheese, you wanna keep it instead of spreading it right here, or spreading it right there. We create our own network. So, in terms of my personal journey I was fortunate to have some of my closest friends as peers. We do the same thing, and we’ve always stayed connected. One went into writing, this one went into directing, and that’s the invisible connection that you can’t let them see. You have to keep that bond from where you’re at right now to where you are going, because the network is powerful,” said Epps.

The cast spent the remainder of the weekend interacting with the on-campus radio, newspaper, and the frenzy of students that were anxious to meet their acquaintance. During half-time of the FAMU vs. Hampton homecoming game, they took to the field to watch FAMU’s world renowned “Marching 100” marching band perform. The cast even got their hands dirty and served students and community members soul food outside of the football game. FAMU brought home the win and gave the “Almost Christmas” cast the complete essence of what it’s like to be a Rattler.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mw-Rhm8OIw