The February Vanity Fair Cover! Who Asked For White Out?

At the risk of me pointing out AGAIN how African-American--and actors/actresses of color in general--are often left out of the Hollywood big picture, Vanity Fair's new cover proves how right I am.

So instead of me saying "I told you so," I'm going to let Doug Melville do it. Melville is President of Red Carpet Runway and has some interesting points on why Vanity Fair's "New Decade, New Hollywood" magazine cover is just plain "out of order". We've never met but I'm about to send him a virtual "high-five" via the internet. This in an excerpt from the article originally printed on Adage.com's website.

Vanity Fair's annual Hollywood Issue has always been on the cutting edge of what's next or what's hot in Tinsel Town. The 2010 edition, boldly titled "A New Decade, A New Hollywood," hits newsstands Feb. 9. But there is already an uproar brewing about the issue's cover. Outlets such as USA Today , E! Online, Huffington Post, and others are taking the magazine to task for a cover that features only white women. This is the second time this year that Vanity Fair finds itself in hot water for its very narrow -- and white -- view of reality.

I hate to tell Vanity Fair this, but nothing about the cover is in line with current trends, or at all an accurate portrayal of the next decade of talent, or even Hollywood's current makeup. Not one mixed person, tan person or Asian person? No one from Bollywood? No one from Latin America? I thought the cover reflected more of an "Old Hollywood" throwback issue. In the 15 years of the Hollywood Issue, never has there been one that has been so one dimensional, or covered such a narrow scope.

During this past decade, Hollywood has actually trended toward more inclusion. The results: record box office numbers. That is a trend that I would expect to continue into the next decade. Diversity is good for audiences and good for business. Even on TV, the formula has worked very well for shows such as "The View" and "Extra," and become part of the programming formula for networks such as TBS.

Which is why this cover is so confusing. Nothing about it screams Hollywood's next decade.

Unfortunately in America, people carry very negative connotations when it comes to discussing or exploring race. Magazine covers have digitally altered black people to help tell the story. They make them appear darker when they commit a crime, or make them look lighter when they're selling make-up and even insert them falsely into photos to make everything look politically correct...

The argument that Ebony, Jet and BET have hot lists with only African Americans on the cover doesn't fly with me as a substitute for having no one recognized by Vanity Fair. Niche magazines that focus on cultural inclusion were started because of situations such as this.

Read the entire article on Adage.com.

Janet Jackson Wants To Kick Ass But She's Not Alone

Images: Wonderlandmagazine.com, Imdb.com

In a recent interview with Wonderland Magazine, the petite singer, producer, and actress expressed her desire to do more movies, but not your typical pretty teacher or poetic girl next door. From the interview:

Would you like to do more serious acting?
I do. Because that's my first job and love. But I really want to do some action stuff. I want to kick somebody's ass.

Whose?

Anybody's. Anybody's as long as I get to kick somebody's ass. Kick a new hole in their butt. Rip them a new butt hole. I'd love to do that... Growing up I was such a tomboy and very active with my brothers. I'd also love to do a real independent film.

She also stated in the interview she missed out on a prime role in "Matrix" due to scheduling conflicts. So I'm willing to bet Janet's not alone in wanting to open a can of "whup-ass" in a film. There are very few African-American actresses that get to star in action movies--by "star" I mean has more than a few scant scenes in the flick, isn't so disguised we don't recognize her, and she gets to have her face on all marketing materials.

And how do I define action movie? Any film that involves not only fighting and other stunts, but pyrotechnics, green screen special effects, and some sort of physical training is an action film. We see the actress do everything the boys do even better if their ego can stand it!

However, for the purposes of this list I may have to stretch the definition seeing as how Hollywood is selectively color-conscious when it comes to this genre of filmmaking. So let's go back! When you think of action flicks what black actresses or even Latino come to mind?

1. Pam Grier as Foxy Brown, may qualify! She got to kick some ass in the 70s black exploitation flicks.

2. Angela Basset in "Strange Days". Her role as "Mace" definitely qualifies.

3. Jada Pinkett in Matrix Reloaded as Niobe. Sci-fi is where it's at!

4. Alicia Keys possibly in "Smokin' Aces" as the assassin. Add Taraji P. too 'cause I'm sure both of them had to do some gun training.

5. Halle Berry as "Catwoman". You may not consider this feline friendly flick as an action movie but her role did require training, fighting, and other stunts.

6. Zoe Saldana, the new kid on the block, in "Avatar" as Neytiri. She was no "bad ass" but the role did require lots of green screen action sequences and maybe some training. The closer she sticks to director, James Cameron, publicly hopefully the more it will get her more action roles where actually get to see her real face.

7. Vivica A. Fox, short lived as it was, Viv's role in Kill Bill definitely required some kick ass action!

Who have I missed? Shouldn't there be more considering the number of action films that exist and are in production right now. I think Janet and a number of other actresses would be great--Regina King, Gabrielle Union, Kerry Washington, Paula Patton, Thandie Newton, Nia Long, Queen Latifah, Rosario Dawson--just to name a few.

So Hollywood what's the deal? What's a sista got to do to get a couple of those action packed, sci-fi, take no prisoners, hand-your-ass-to-you lead roles in a major studio film? Audition! They can't do that unless you ask them!

Hollywood Black History: Della Reese, TV Host Pioneer

It's African-American Heritage Month aka Black History Month. So for the next couple of weeks I'm going to do some posts concerning African-Americans and our contributions to the entertainment industry. First up award-winning singer, actress, and ordained minister, Della Reese!

Most of us--70s, 80s kids--know Della Reese best from the hit tv show "Touched By An Angel" or from those oh so funny scenes in "Harlem Knights" with the legendary comedian, Red Foxx. But she holds a higher distinctive honor beyond those memorable roles on the big and small screen. And if you take the time to do a little research, you'll discover she actually began her long career--nearly 60 years in fact--as a singer, NOT an actress. Her first hit record was "And That Reminds Me Of You" on Jubilee Records in 1953.

But that isn't the special distinction I'm referring to. Born Deloreese Patricia Early, she is actually the first African-American to host her own television show, paving the way for Oprah, Tyra, Mo'Nique and others. The self-titled show, "Della", debuted in 1969. Listen to some of what she had to overcome to do the show and have such longevity in this business of show.

Hear the FULL interview of her trail-blazing career in this interview with Tavis Smiley by clicking HERE.

Several years ago I read Della Reese's autobiography. It was a GREAT read! I especially adored the wedding vows she and her husband shared in the book as well as learning about how she triumphed over racism, illness, and other life trials. If you love good biographies get it!

Are You Listening? Gospel Artists Unite Musically For Haiti

Nothing like a crisis brings people into some better understanding or sheer misunderstanding of God. The devastation in Haiti is a perfect example. How do those that seemingly have nothing still reach deep into their souls to sing praises to God? That's a lesson of the human spirit that transcends religion, many of us strive to wrap our minds around.

So Last Friday, as I watched several celebrity faces give their time and talent to "Help for Haiti", it struck me that many of the typical secular artists sang of angels, God, prayer, and other aspects of the spirit. Some even sang with gospel choirs which is an undeniable trait of the black church especially.

And that's when then question arose for me? Where were the gospel artists in this mega television broadcast effort? Seemed like every form of popular music was represented, so..?I know the real answer to the question and for the sake of not sounding like an anti-Hollywood establishment blogger, I'll keep it to myself. Not to mention, and more importantly, "Help for Haiti" raised nearly 60 million in donations. That's celebrity being put to good use right there!

So just where were those who sing about God for living? I thought, "surely, they had done something collectively and I had somehow missed the news." Well, ask and it shall be given! During a rare moment of tv channel browsing this past weekend, I was led to watch the music video below playing on the Gospel Music Channel (GMC). Honestly, I didn't even know the channel existed for us here on the west coast. I stopped surfing because I saw Kirk Franklin, then BeBe Winans--two of my favorite gospel artists.

Anyhoo, Kirk Franklin and his network of friends had obviously produced this great song called "Are You Listening?"according to Billboard.com during the Stellar Awards on the 17th of January. The video showcases their effort.

You can download it exclusively at VerityRecords.com now and on the 30th it will be available on iTunes, Wal-Mart, and other major retailers like Amazon. All proceeds go to organizations supporting Haiti. So spread the "good news" as the church folks say. Need a blessing, then be a blessing! Are YOU listening?

Why I'm Still Supporting Wyclef & Yele In Donations to Haiti

Pictures: Wyclefjean.com

I usually have a strong sense of discernment. So what many have defined as "stand off-ish" or incorrectly as "shy" is in truth a process of observing people and things around me. This week's "wanna be" scandal with Wyclef and his foundation, Yele, provided a great opportunity for us to put our discernment to the test.

Though the Fugees are no longer, its spirit of being more relevant to the world than supplying hit records, still exists. Wyclef from day one has been CONSISTENT in his support of not only his native country of Haiti but also of the world community as a whole. But right now his focus is on his country and its people in it's time of need through Yele and other organizations.

That said, DON'T LET WHAT YOU'VE HEARD LATELY DECEIVE YOU. DISCERN between what is the REAL issue and when HATERS create one because someone is raising more money than them through an organization THEY'VE never heard of on a grassroot level.

"How could this rapper raise so much damn money without a publicist written press release, no major ties to an A-list celebrity that we know of? All we keep hearing about is YELE? What the hell is a "yele"? Call some people, we're gonna investigate!"

What they don't know is that Wyclef was being prepared for his role in Haiti long before this recent devastation. And what he thought would be used in music is being used to help his homeland and its people. I sat next to him last year and listened to his vision of changing the music game from the bottom up through a "warrior" movement via the internet. See my 2009 wrap up for more details on that. But even before that he was setting the foundation of his movement through social media. Listen to this interview I did with Wyclef two years ago.

If you missed Oprah and Wyclef's press conference, visit his website then discern for yourself what's real. Once the quake hit--Wyclef was one of, if not the first celebrity figures--to go to Haiti and see the devastation for himself. He used mostly Twitter and his blog to inform people what was happening there and to support Yele. His message went viral and spread from Twitter, to Facebook, to YouTube, and to blogs seemingly BEFORE the Red Cross and other organizations' online Haiti campaigns were being talked about on the net.

Perceptions become reality, so again DISCERN for yourself what's truth. And on that point, this "200 years of poverty" that's existed in Haiti is becoming a media catch phrase. That kind of wording is dangerous and may lead people not to donate because they think Haitians accept poverty as the norm and are too lazy or ignorant to do better. DO YOUR RESEARCH PEOPLE! Haiti's FIRST distinction is that it is the FIRST BLACK colonized country to FIGHT AND WIN its independence. Remember the name Toussaint L'ouverture? No? Google it!

Haiti's independence from French colonization cost the country dearly as Le Francais waged economic revenge on the small country by way of reparations. And yes, in the early 1900s the US played a role in keeping Haiti in debt too by invading the country. Again do some research then add to that generations of inner turmoil and corruption and you'll get the present day poverty that exists in the small country.

Still, what's done is done. We must now focus on the present situation to ensure a better future. Last night many celebs including Wyclef combined their influence to raise money for Haiti. Let's continue supporting their effort now that the cameras and celebrity presence is gone. Donate what you can not only to Yele and Red Cross, but any of the relief efforts you trust. Discern for yourself what's real and what's bullshit. In chaotic times like these, truly there's no room for bullshit.

When They Reminisce Over You: The Legacy Of Dr. Martin Luther King

Pic source: Africawithin.com, socialistworker.co.uk

So here we are, another Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. Across the country and maybe even in some parts of the world the elders will reflect on their experiences from the Civil Rights Movement. They'll speak highly of their proudest moments participating in the sit-ins, marches with the Dr. King and others, boycotts, crossing arms and inspiring one another by singing "We Shall Overcome" and "Lift Every Voice And Sing"--the Black National Anthem, organizing voter registration, and bravely risking their lives to end segregation and Jim Crow laws.

And while they share their finest moments, somewhere else this day will bring back those vivid sad moments, as in my mother's case, of a dark night illuminated by a burning cross. Then from others the battle scars from unleashed dogs, racist cops, and the devastating force of water from hoses may be revealed.

Then if you tarry a while longer in their presence, some elders will close their eyes and moan at the memory of four little girls murdered in a church bombing, Emmitt Till's open coffin, and the smell of burnt "Strange Fruit" mixed with the fragrant blooms of southern trees.

And finally while still in that moment, they'll recall how just when they had accepted in their hearts Dr. King's method of non-violence and hope was re-born, King was violently silenced by an assassinator's bullet. They'll pause then as the exact moment they heard the sad news floods back to their memories. The rage and deep sorrow will play across their faces for a short moment before they snap back to the present. "That was the past, baby. We've come along way since then. Now it's time for you young people to do what you were put on this earth to do!"

Yeah, there will be a lot of reflection today, but will we and the younger ones really care to listen and take it in? Not so much what was done but how they made it through, how they overcame it mentally and spiritually. As I write this post, the REAL story of the day is Golden Globes winners not MLK Day observances on NBC's morning news. The coverage of the traditional parade-which will be rained out, but not delayed this year--will come later. But once the credits roll what's next?

So today will young people especially appreciate the correlation between Dr. King, President Obama--both Nobel Peace Prizes recipients--AND Haiti's once proud history? No? Then let's spend today and everyday showing them. And in the process hopefully we"ll discover something new about ourselves and our collective history in this country.

CONGRATULATIONS MO'NIQUE!

Pic Source: Wireimage

It's a wonderful night to be in Hollywood despite the rain! So what makes this evening so special? For me, this one thing--the fabulous comedienne, producer, and actress Mo'Nique was awarded a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Precious". It's going to look great next to her ACADEMY AWARD! That's right! I'm claiming it!

Hands down, since we first worked together on "The Parkers" just a few years ago it seems, Mo' has been one of my favorite people in this town. She inspired me then and having witnessed her evolving success since 2002, inspires me more now.

Now for errrbody talking about how she's not doing what she's supposed to be doing to win Hollywood's highest honors, maybe now you can shut the hell up! Like Mo' said God is taking her on an amazing ride; what is meant for her she WILL have (Mo'Nique voice....BABEEEEEE!). And knowing that is one of the greatest rewards of all! Remember, once the award shows are over, the red carpets are back at the warehouses, and all the tuxes and rented/borrowed dresses have been returned, Mo'Nique will still be the amazing actress we know her to be.