Five Significant Films to Black Culture
By: Sydnee Walcott Movies are a unique form of entertainment that touch upon cultural, political, and social issues. The film industry has achieved mass success in culture that consumes its audiences. Films offer a dimension of relatable life lessons, struggles, and solutions that viewers appreciate. Since the early days of filmmaking, Black filmmakers have continued to create films that did not always relate to the Hollywood culture, norms, and standards. A variety of Black films explored topics such as Black identity and race while breaking down harmful stereotypes that were commonly perpetrated in mainstream movies. In the early days, a majority of Black filmmakers were independent and relied on their own revenues and local talent to help bring their films and cinematic vision to life. Although there is still work left to be done, Black filmmakers have come a long way in the industry with the memorable success they have provided. A majority of these films hold significance within the Black community. Outlined are five films with relevant plots that outline Black culture and its powerful significance. New Jack City (1991) Taking place during the crack of the epidemic in the 1980s, the dangers of drugs, and the impact addictions have on loved ones is not the only topic this film highlights. The film also highlights illicit activities drug dealers are willing to engage in to rise to the top of the drug trade. Nino Brown, played by actor Wesley Snipes, is a drug tycoon in the film, and operates an illicit drug ring under the name of The Cash Money brothers. As a ruthless and bold leader, Nino transforms his drug operation into a multimillion-dollar empire through his masterful efforts. Two officers, Scotty, played by Ice-T and Nick, played by Judd Nelson work as a team to bring down Brown’s operation by conforming to his plan and going undercover. Boyz In The Hood (1991) Boyz In The Hood is one of the first notable films to address the reality of life for African Americans. It is a coming of age story for those who grew up in inner-city areas from childhood. Some of the issues the film touches on are gang related violence, hate speech, police brutality, weak law enforcement, and gentrification. Tre is played by Cuba Gooding Jr, who is the main character of the movie. He is sent to reside with his father, Furious Styles, played by Laurence Fishbourne in the Crenshaw area of South Central Los Angeles, as a young child. Growing up in an inner-city area, Tre and one of his friends, Ricky, a talented athlete, have avoided trouble. However, the same cannot be said for Ricky’s brother, Doughboy, and their other friends who have engaged in constant trouble and rebellious acts. One thing that is very noticeable within the film is that Tre is fortunate to have a father who is willing to help him stay on the right path to avoid being another tragic statistic within the inner-city area. His father is able to provide the help, resources, and support to be an influential role model for Tre. This movie demonstrates that good parenting can provide guidance that is critical in the early stages of development among children. Waiting to Exhale (1995) While the four main characters of the film are excelling in their careers, all four of them have experienced shortcomings in their romantic lives as they struggle to find a good life partner to commit to. Savannah, played by Whitney Houston and Robin, played by Lela Rochon have engaged in relationships with married men with each of them hoping their lovers would part from their wives for them. While Bernadine, played by Angela Bassett is left by her husband for his mistress Gloria, played by Loretta Devine seeks love after her son’s father comes out as gay. In the end, Savannah and Robin realize the situation dealing with married men and accept the fact that it is okay to be single. Bernadine finds love with a widower and Gloria finds love with a new neighbour. Fun Fact: The soundtrack for the film consists of only female African American artists. The Princess and the Frog (2009) Based on the classic fairytale, this Disney animated film tells the story of a hardworking young woman named Tiana, played by Anika Noni Rose, who dreams of opening up a fancy restaurant in her hometown of New Orleans. Things take a different path when Prince Naveen, played by Bruno Campos, has been turned into a frog and begs for Tiana for a kiss after mistaking her for a frog. Tina turns into a frog and the two go on a mission in hopes to transition back to humans with the help of a powerful and magical voodoo priestess. What makes this film significant to Black culture is the fact that Tiana became one of Disney’s first Black princesses. This milestone is significant as it gives young Black girls the ability to embody that form of representation on the big screen. Black Panther (2018) Following the death of his father, T’Challa, played by Chadwick Boseman returns home to uphold his title as the King of Wakanda. When faced against a powerful enemy who plans to put the fate of Wakanda in a crisis, T’Challa must tactfully use his powers as king and as the Black Panther to defeat his woes and save his people. The film was recognized as a monumental moment for Black people as the film celebrated African culture, incorporated a diverse cast and director, and told the story of Black Panther, the first superhero of African descent and one of the first Black comic book characters. Each of these five films pay tribute to Black culture in various ways. They convey stories on the realities Black people face on a daily basis. They also celebrate Black culture and provide audiences with a diverse cast.
Four Rap Songs with Social Commentary
By: Sydnee Walcott Rap music is often looked down upon because of associations relating to drugs, nudity, and violence. Many often assume that rap music negatively influences individuals to become rebellious. However, not all rap songs perpetuate the aforementioned. In the 1970s, the emergence of rap music transformed the block party scene. Many DJs were heavily involved with incorporating rap music to amp up the ambience. Songs were centered around funk, soul, and disco, which attracted large audiences. DJs were involved with transforming the music scene to embody one that uplifted mood and promoted lively dances. A master of ceremonies would entertain the crowd and engage in rhyming and upbeat melodic tunes. The rap genre gained popularity after these efforts. In 1979, rap music received commercial success and recognition. One of the songs that attracted listeners was the release of The Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight.” Rap music and its success grew rapidly with the release of Kurtis Blow’s “The Breaks.” This song provided listeners with an upbeat tune and catchy chorus to dance along to. Starting off as music for parties and the disco scene, the genre took on a political scene during the 1980s. This was when Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five advocated on their platforms about civil unrest that heavily impacted people residing in inner-city areas. In 1982, “The Message” became one of the first rap songs to be released that addressed societal issues involving poverty and socioeconomic disparities. This particular song paved the way for many upcoming artists such as Public Enemy, N.W.A, Tupac Shakur, and Kendrick Lamar to use their platforms to address political changes affecting communities. This article outlines four groundbreaking rap songs that contain powerful social commentary messages to a wide variety of audiences. Fight the Power – Public Enemy One of Public Enemy’s most reputable songs encompasses supporting Black pride and calling out negative cases of cultural appropriation. The lyrics encourage listeners, younger ones in particular, to develop strength and stand up against racial discrimination, stereotypes, and economic inequality. To match up to the song’s political critique, the music video was created in the style of a street protest, a form of collective action that activists normally engage in when taking a stand against social injustices and oppression. At the request of Spike Lee, the group wrote the song for Lee’s film Do The Right Thing, a movie that addressed social and political inequalities. Originally, Lee encouraged Public Enemy to record a version of the spiritual “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” but their producer, Hank Shocklee had different management plans. Shocklee had a vision to have the group record a song that would leave people blaring it while driving down Brooklyn. U.N.I.T.Y – Queen Latifah Misogyny is a distinct issue within the rap community that deserves more recognition. Women that have made significant contributions to the genre often get overlooked and have been placed at a disadvantage when achieving success. Although the music industry excels through talent, female rappers seem to only receive praise for their contributions if they are portraying seductive, bold, and daring images. In 1993, Queen Latifah addressed this issue with the release of her single “U.N.I.T.Y.” Besides addressing the misogynist attitudes within rap culture, Queen Latifah addressed street harassment, domestic violence, and negative slurs targeting women. Although this song addresses these issues, many continue to remain an issue in society to this day. Keep Ya Head Up – Tupac Shakur Not only did he stand up for his beliefs, Tupac Shakur carried this optimistic and intuitive mindset into many of his songs. Throughout history and into the present, Black women are often subjected to disrespect. What is problematic is how disrespect stems from Black men through neglect, a lack of protection, and colourism. Released in 1993, “Keep Ya Head Up” is an ode to Black women in hopes that they remain strong when confronting emotional abuse. The song rightfully calls out Black men who mistreat Black women and allows them to realize women are the ones who bare life and provide a family for Black men. The song also commemorates and pays tribute to Latasha Harlins, a 15-year-old Black girl who was shot arbitrarily and killed by Soon Ja Du. Du was a Korean store owner who wrongfully accused Harlins of stealing a bottle of orange juice, which spurred racial tensions. Sound of da Police – KRS-One The Black community and the law enforcement system have a complicated and unequal relationship. Challenges stem from an abuse of power enacted by the police. This abuse of power has led to heightened arbitrary arrests, fatalities, and acts of harassment and assaults targeted towards the Black community. Throughout history, many individuals have protested for reforms to the law enforcement system and to provide awareness that Black lives matter. One way individuals have held the police accountable is through powerful, symbolic, and meaningful songs. The 1993 single, “Sound of da Police,” by KRS-One is a popular song that addresses the root issues of police brutality and arbitrary arrests. The song begins with the sound of sirens — an alarming symbol to evoke fear and control over racialized communities. What particularly stands out about this song is that it advocates on behalf of the Black youth and addresses the connections between police brutality and enslavement. These four songs along with many others demonstrate that not all rap music perpetuates and promotes negative stereotypes. There are many different rap songs that can educate listeners on a variety of social and political issues.
Places to Learn About Canadian Black History
By: Sydnee Walcott Canadian Black history dates back to the start of the transatlantic settlement. Historically, a majority of Black people did not arrive in Canada from their ancestral homeland in Africa. Many Black migrants decided to immigrate to Canada to escape enslavement and segregation in the United States. However, under British rule, Canada was also responsible for enslaving Black people. In 1629, Olivier Le Jeune became the first African enslaved person to be transferred directly to Canada. This was a new beginning for Le Jeune, and he made efforts to adapt to a new country independently. Le Jeune was brought to Quebec and died as a free man. A majority of enslaved Black Canadians worked as domestic workers instead of out on the fields. They resided in or around diverse and urban cities like Montreal, Quebec City, Detroit, Halifax or St. John. After the end of the American Revolution, there was an influx of enslaved people brought to Canada on behalf of Loyalists. These enslaved people had to adapt to a new country, economy, and political culture. The Loyalists were quick to welcome 2,000 enslaved Black people with them as they immigrated to the country. Many Loyalists along with abolitionists were passionate to challenge the passive attitude of slavery. Its acceptance was a concern that had an impact on equal rights and democratic values. In 1793, Upper Canada was recognized as the first colony to officially enact equal laws to abolish enslavement while Lower Canada had faced two unsuccessful attempts. There were controversial judicial decisions and discussions centered around freeing enslaved runaways. In the 1800s, the first three decades were focused on limiting the expansion of enslavement. This initiative led to the decline of new enslaved Black people arriving. As a result, this led enslavers to sell enslaved people to the States and West Indies. On August 26, 1833, the British Parliament seeked to prevent enslavement and enacted a law to abolish and reform enslavement in all colonies within British North America. This law meant that enslavement was deemed as wrongful, immoral, and unjust. It would further help shape the way economies would function in the future. Almost a year later on August 1, 1834, the law officially came into effect. During the 1800s, the number of runaway enslaved African Americans increased, with many using secret tunnels within the Underground Railroad. Almost 30,000 people escaped to Canada at the initial start of the American Civil War. In 1865, as the end of enslavement approached, thousands of African Americans opted to return to the States where they would resume their life in America to embark on a new journey. African Americans and West Indians were encouraged to immigrate to Canada for job prospects as Canada’s rail industry began to expand and thrive. The rail industry opened up new avenues for African Americans to work in the industrial industry. During the latter quarter of the 1800s, cities like Montreal, Winnipeg, and Toronto saw a tremendous increase in Black rail workers, along with their families. This provided valuable jobs in the skills industry and practical hands on experience for many. In the present, Black Canadians retained cultural characteristics and created a distinct community with their unique styles of worship, music, dialect, family norms, and group traditions in response to how life was for them in Canada. With the lengthy history Black people have endured in Canada, many have made efforts to preserve their history through a variety of places and organizations. Outlined are a few places and organizations across Ontario and Canada who continue to showcase and preserve Black history within the country: St. Catharines, Ontario St. Catharines is a city associated with the Underground Railroad, a form of collective action embodying a resistance movement that helped enslaved African Americans escape to Canada. Harriet Tubman, a former enslaved person, helped hundreds of enslaved African Americans escape to Canada where they would settle safely in the final stop of the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad acted as a safe haven for those who wished to escape enslavement. Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History Formerly named as Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site, the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History is a historical museum located in Dresden, Ontario. This museum sets itself apart from the rest because it commemorates Reverend Josiah Henson and his efforts to free himself from enslavement in the United States. He also escaped enslavement with his wife and four children through the Underground Railroad. He later became an avid advocate for Canada’s Black community by sharing his personal experiences and struggles being enslaved. The museum showcases 19th century artifacts, literature, a rare early edition of Hendon’s autobiography, and a signed portrait of Queen Victoria presented to Henson by herself. Africville Museum Nova Scotia offers a rich Black history, as a majority of formerly enslaved African Americans settled in the province’s capital and established the Africville community. Dating back to 1848, Africville was viewed as a successful and close-knit community. It included local businesses, a school, post office, and the Seaview United Baptist Church. These institutions became a focal point in Africville’s spiritual, social, and employment sector. In the 1960s, the land was claimed by the City of Halifax who wanted to advance initiatives that focused on building industry and infrastructure in the area. This decision led Africville citizens to relocate to community housing projects. In 2010, the Halifax Council officially apologized to Africville’s residents and helped build a museum to replicate the community’s church. Located in Halifax, the museum represents the Africville society and shares the story of the community. Black Loyalist Heritage Society Created in 1989, the goal of the Black Loyalist Heritage Society was to promote the inclusion of Black Loyalists into Canada’s political culture. It aimed to foster the unique heritage of the prosperous Black Loyalist community. Located in Nova Scotia, known as the largest free Black settlement, the organization works towards highlighting the impactful contributions on behalf of the Black Loyalists in how they helped shape
Lessons We Can Learn From Shanquella Robinson’s Murder
By: Sydnee Walcott Vacations are intended to be an enjoyable experience that allow individuals to escape the stresses of life. However, there have been times where vacations have been dangerous. At 25 years old, Shanquella Robinson became a successful businesswoman who operated a renowned hair business independently, called The Exquisite Boutique. On October 28, 2022, the North Carolina native along with a group of six friends decided to travel to the destination of Cabo, Mexico to celebrate a friend’s birthday. The vacation was cut short 24 hours after their arrival and confronted with the death of Robinson. Robinson’s friends informed her parents that she had died from alcohol poisoning as a result of heavy drinking. However, on November 10th, their story would be discredited from the autopsy report which revealed Robinson’s severe spinal cord injury and broken neck, 15 minutes prior to her death. Five days after the release of the autopsy report, a video surfaced over social media that revealed a woman physically assaulting Robinson while a man, who was recording the altercation, encouraged Robinson to fight back. A few days following Robinson’s death, the six friends returned home safely to the United States, leaving Robinson’s body behind without remorse. During the week of November 6 and the 12, she was expected to return to her family. By mid-November, major news and social media outlets in the United States began to acknowledge the story and provide updates over time. Robinson’s murder continues to be an eye-opener for many and teaches people to select their friends wisely. It also teaches people the issues that persist within the criminal justice system. Outlined are a few lessons individuals can learn from the case: Selectiveness in Friends and Becoming a Loner Often, children and teenagers bully those who have a small social group or no friends. In society, having a large group of friends is often associated with self worth and value. Those who keep their circle small regularly face ridicule from peers for not wanting to expand their circle of friends and for being introverted. However, as individuals age, many realize that some people are deceptive which leads us to use discretion and judge who our real friends are. One of the ideas that stood out about Robinson’s case was the awareness that it brought to several audiences. It teaches us the lesson on why people are selective when choosing their friends. It also teaches individuals to be careful in who they invest their time into and trust. When watching videos about the case, people find comments like the following: “This is why I keep my circle small.” “Situations like these make me realize I am much safer being a loner.” “Being a loner has its cons, but it is better than having fake friends.” “My family/significant other are the only people I am comfortable hanging out with.” While it is admirable to have a group of people to call their friends, there are many who can easily betray us. Situations like Robinson’s murder remind us to be mindful of the friends we associate ourselves with. It allows us to be self aware of our values and teaches us that being alone is sometimes less painful in the long run. The Lack of Justice for Robinson A few weeks after Robinson’s murder, an arrest warrant was issued on behalf of the Mexican authorities and the FBI for only one of the Cabo Six. At the time of the warrant being issued, the suspect’s identity was not released. However in March of 2023, the suspect’s identity was finally revealed in an 18 page letter mailed to President Joe Biden, diplomatic leaders, and attorneys including Ben Crump and Sue-Ann Robinson. The letter stated that 26-year-old Daejhanae Jackson is wanted by Mexican authorities. The letter was written after the findings from the Mexico trip. These findings include the autopsy, prosecutor, and police records that were not released prior. With this information exposed over public headlines, the United States Department of Justice announced that they would not file any charges against the case. This case is a reminder of how the justice system can sometimes misrepresent Black people and how the Black community has to work hard to achieve equal rights in the criminal justice system. Despite this heartbreaking news, Robinson’s family continues to fight for justice and demand for reform in the criminal justice system. With October 28, 2023 marking a year since Robinson’s murder, individuals can hope that the suspects will be held accountable for their wrongful act. Individuals should use this situation as a learning experience to be cautious when choosing friends.
Barrier-Breaking Black Entrepreneurs
By: Sydnee Walcott Over the past few years, there has been a surge among Black entrepreneurs that have the desire to generate their own income independently without relying on a salary or conforming to a company’s protocol. This level of independence comes with a distinct responsibility of managing several duties that are riskier when launching a business. Between the years of February 2020 and February 2022, the rise of Black entrepreneurs among Black communities increased. Statistics reveal that the number of self-employed Black professionals increased from one million to two million. The COVID-19 pandemic is a contributing factor that explains the rapid growth in Black entrepreneurship and small Black owned businesses. As many Black workers were affected by layoffs and experienced limited employment opportunities during the pandemic, many decided to hone in on their creative skills to create their own businesses and set new goals for themselves. This article will pay tribute to some of the world’s most influential Black entrepreneurs who broke down racial barriers in different sectors. O.W. Gurley Born to formerly enslaved parents, O.W. Gurley was a self-educated individual who dreamed of reaching new heights with respect to his career. He took steps to ensure his vision became a reality. Before becoming an entrepreneur, Gurley worked as both a teacher and for the U.S. postal services. During the time he spent working these jobs, he discovered that he wanted a lifestyle that aligned with his aspirations. Gurley resigned from his old jobs to seek freedom, opportunity, and wealth in the Great Oklahoma Land Rush. Gurley had the ambition to transform Oklahoma into a new life for African Americans since emancipation. Hurley had achieved a number of accomplishments, as he ran for county treasurer, became the principal at the town’s school, and opened a general store. Once Gurley learned about the giant oil fields in nearby Tulsa, he was quick to sell his store and land, and moved to Tulsa for another intriguing venture. Gurley believed that Black people had a better chance to achieve economic success if they each shared their own resources and worked together to support each other’s businesses. He purchased 40 acres of land in Tulsa and the acres of land would soon be named the Greenwood neighbourhood. Greenwood transformed into a location of wealth, education, and technological advancement filled with Black doctors, lawyers, realtors, and Black-owned luxury hotels. With the area encompassing Black-owned businesses, Booker T. Washington labelled the area as “Black Wall Street.” Greenwood was a place for Black people to escape economic, social, and political oppression within the Deep South. By 1920, Black Wall Street became a bustling neighbourhood with economic success that opened up new employment opportunities for many Black people. Unfortunately, the town was destroyed in the 2021 Tulsa Race Massacre. However, this devastating news did not stop African Americans from working together to help rebuild Greenwood. Many African Americans saw this as a challenge to include new opportunities that allowed them to excel economically. A year after the massacre, Greenwood was massively reconstructed without the help of the greater Tulsa community. Following the reconstruction period, there were 80 businesses who successfully launched their vision and achieved support. Although Black Wall Street has changed in several different ways, work has been done throughout the years to help restore the town to its former glory and uphold Gurley’s legacy in establishing economic opportunities among Black people. John H. Johnson Journalism offers many avenues to discuss topics such as sports, politics, lifestyle, music, and culture. In the Black community, John H. Johnson became the most influential African American publisher to receive praise for his editorial success. Johnson was introduced to the industry when he started to work for the Supreme Life Insurance Company while attending the University of Chicago. His job required him to compile a series of news clippings, which would then lead him to generate meaningful topics for a magazine centered around Black people. In 1942, after graduating from university, he was eager to put this plan into action with the help of a $500 loan from his mother’s furniture and raised an additional $6,000 through subscriptions to create the magazine Black World. The now-defunct monthly magazine was an unabashed imitation of Reader’s Digest, which published a series of articles that discussed African American life with an emphasis on racial evolution in society. 10 years after the close of Black World, the magazine relaunched and continued to stick to the original concept while focusing on African American literature, history, culture, Black power, Black arts and entertainment, and Pan-Africanism. Three years after the launch of the original Black World, Ebony magazine was founded and has rightfully earned the title of the number-one African American magazine in the world. Ebony is an African American news and photography magazine that resembles Life magazine. Initially, the magazine highlighted African Americans within the entertainment and sports industry but has since focused on including Black identity and success from all sectors. In 1951, Johnson published the Jet magazine. The name of the weekly magazine stuck with Johnson because the news section includes topics that spread quickly among the masses and he wanted the magazine to symbolize “Blackness and speed.” The magazine covered entertainment, politics, sports, social events, and features on different personalities, places, and events geared towards African Americans. Jet garnered national attention for their coverage due to the showcasing of Emmett Till’s murder with graphic images of the teen’s body placed in an open casket. The magazine became defunct in 2014, before being revived two years later publishing virtual articles. Johnson created a legacy for himself as an influential leader who broke barriers and helped create a platform for Black people within the publishing industry. Cathy Hughes Television is a viable source of entertainment when spending time at home, but the radio is where many tune in when travelling. Cathy Hughes began her radio career at KOWH (AM), a station owned by a group of talented and respected African American professionals. This station
Moves That Make Naomi Campbell Iconic
By: Sydnee Walcott Intelligence transcends beyond the scope of cognitive thinking. The term intelligence is commonly associated with ideas that center around our inner thought process. However, there is talent demonstrated externally that showcases our aptitude to think creatively and transform art into visual appeal. Being successful does not limit us to our thought process, it can transcend to other realms such as modelling. The modelling industry is unique because it allows models to express their talent in other artistic forms. The fashion, photography, and movements are elements that encompass a successful show. Everyday, people continue to find success in more than one venture, and one of the top supermodels of the 90s just so happens to be one of those people. Born on May 22, 1970, in London, England, Naomi Campbell made herself a household name in the modelling world as an extraordinary supermodel. Campbell’s career in the entertainment industry began at the age of seven when she appeared in the music video for the late Bob Marley’s song “Is This Love.” Her career in modelling started at the age of 25 when she was scouted by Beth Boldt, head of Synchro Modelling Agency. Campbell’s modelling career took off and continues to gain substantial recognition almost 40 years later. For a model, the duration of her time is significant as she is able to hold the title of one of the most experienced Black models to walk the stage. Besides her stellar career as model, this article will pay tribute to some of her other business ventures and accolades. Modelling Career Once Campbell made the decision to sign to Synchro Modelling Agency, her journey began to skyrocket as she was one of the most in-demand models throughout the late 1980s into the 1990s. Campbell became a trailblazer within the industry as she broke down many barriers as a Black model and opened up the doors for many aspiring models of colour. Her unique features brought attention to her name and many were stunned with her captivating appearance and aesthetic. Appearing on the cover of more that 500 magazines, Campbell was the first Black model to appear on the covers of TIME magazine, French Vogue, Russian Vogue, and British Vogue. She has also been featured in campaigns for high-end brands such as Burberry, Prada, Versace, Chanel, Dolce and Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent and Valentino. Campbell is a model who is not afraid to take risks as she engaged in the process of designing a handful of extraordinary outfits and helped model them on the runway. Some of these outfits include the Versace safety pin dress, Jean Paul Caultier cone bra, Alexander McQueen oyster dress, and the Valentino Couture dress. Along with Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, Linda Evangelista and Christy Burlington, Campbell is one of the “big five” supermodels to leave a significant impact on the modelling industry and how the industry views models of colour. Businesswoman Given her stellar success within the fashion industry, as a model who broke down racial barriers, Campbell seeked new business ventures that allowed her to excel as a fashion designer. Campbell was eager to use the experience she gained from walking modelling shows and apply her knowledge to design clothing items. Campbell has been a part of many business ventures over the years and sees no sign of retiring anytime soon. At the beginning of 2023, Campbell launched her first masterclass where she shared the knowledge from her three-decade long career within the modelling industry. A few insights aspiring models can learn from Campbell’s advice is how to handle rejection from judges. She also provides advice on common misconceptions about the industry. It is Campbell’s commitment to teach others on how they should carry themselves in the modelling industry and how to balance respect, integrity, and authenticity. In July of 2023, it was announced that Campbell had partnered with Pretty Little Thing for a landmark collection. Set to launch in September during New York Fashion Week, the collection will consist of celebrity-inspired looks at an affordable price. This is an opportunity for fans to feel a sense of belonging within the community. It allows fans to wear clothing items that are similar to the outfits they see in fashion shows. These designs are meant for customers to not only support her achievements but allow her to reach new audiences. The collaboration is of great importance because it will be Pretty Little Thing’s biggest collaboration to date. Philanthropy In 1993, Campbell’s charity work began when she started to work with the late Nelson Mandela. He referred Campbell as his “honorary granddaughter,” for her work in promoting the welfare of children in Africa. Mandela had always encouraged Campbell to use her voice to speak up for the children in Africa and use her platform to evoke a positive message. This has led to the creation of the Fashion for Relief. Since 2005, Campbell continues to showcase her humanitarian efforts and has raised over 4.5 million pounds to help fight against Ebola, provide relief for those impacted by natural distorters such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the 2010 Haiti Earthquake, the 2011 Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, and the 2009 India terrorist attacks. Through Fashion for Relief, Campbell has been working with other charities to help provide food, shelter, and medical treatment for children affected by the ongoing civil war in Syria. These survivor packages substantially change the lives of those affected by the war and provide a sense of relief to those who are suffering from a lack of supplies. Her initiatives not only provide credibility to the work she has accomplished but reveal her aptitude to seek ventures that help civilians in failed states. In cases where Doctors Without Borders can be difficult to facilitate, charitable organizations such as Fashion for Relief can provide relief during humanitarian crises’ that infringe human rights. Campbell continues to show her audience the vast opportunities women of colour can engage in. What
The Top Six Inventions by Black Inventors
By: Sydnee Walcott Inventions serve a unique purpose and play a fundamental role in life. They each allow individuals to access efficient services that strengthen security and safety. They further push inventors to think critically in a modern society and inspire them to contribute new technological advancements. While many white inventors are praised for their ingenuity and creative side, Black inventors receive little acknowledgement for the inventions that have changed many people’s lives, and are a part of their everyday routine. Inventions have the ability to transform our daily activities into ones that can become less stressful. Inventions provide a sense of stability and safety among others and can make completing daily tasks more tolerable. Without these complex and intricate designs there would be disorganization among all facets of life. Given the advantages of inventions, outlined are six recognizable inventions that were created by Black inventors: The Clock Invented by Benjamin Banneker The invention of timekeeping devices dates back to Ancient Egypt with the introduction of the shadow clock. The shadow clock was the first clock to be made in America, by a Black man. Benjamin Bannejer, the son of formerly enslaved parents, always had a knack for inventions at a young age. He created his first invention at the age of 15 for his family’s tobacco farm. Banneker not only had the time to focus on brainstorming unique ideas but was able to comprehend difficult concepts at a young age in how mechanisms operated. Banneker’s invention included an irrigation system that controlled and regulated the water flow to crops from nearby springs. He was accurate in the timing of the water flow and applied precision to create an efficient system that would help maintain healthy agriculture. However, his biggest invention would be brought to life years later in the 1950s with the invention of the first American clock. While borrowing a pocket watch from an acquaintance, Banneker took the internal body of the watch to study the components and created a fully functioning clock made out of carved wooden pieces. This newly-designed clock incorporated longevity that would last for decades. The success of his self-made clock received positive feedback and it led to Banneker opening up a watch clock repair business. This example demonstrates how there are avenues for success in places that deserve more attention. The clock invention has been used among everyone to help keep track of time during busy days. Mailbox Invented by Phillip Downing If an individual wanted to send or pick up mail they would have to take time out of their day to travel to the closest post office. This is a hassle for those who prefer to send and receive mail without having to make a commute. In 1891, this concept was revolutionized with the invention of the mailbox by Phillip Downing. Known as the street letter box at the time, the newly patented mailbox was convenient for many citizens and post office workers since it made drop-offs and pick-ups easier to manage. The mailbox included a feature that protected mail from being damaged from harsh inclement weather. In addition, a safety feature was incorporated that secured mail until it was picked up by a credible postal employee. Gas Mask Invented by Garret Morgan Firefighters are confronted with risking their lives to protect civilians in a short time frame. This occupation is risky, with some firefighters confronting a very tragic death. In the summer of 1916, there was work being done on a new waterworks tunnel in Cleveland, Ohio when a natural gas pocket exploded. The explosion took the lives of 11 tunnel workers. 18 rescuers entered the tunnel to find survivors with a total of 11 of them dying. The cause of death was due to the lack of safety equipment. The Cleveland Police contacted Garrett A. Morgan with the invention of a patented gas mask two years prior to the explosion. The invention of the gas mask was created after a fire that took the lives of 146 garment workers at a factory in New York in 1911. When smoke is inhaled it can inflame the lungs and cause fire-related deaths and injuries. Morgan had the idea to create an effective mask to provide safer ventilation and oxygen flow while confronted with smoke, gasses, and other harmful pollutants. Although Morgan was confronted with economic issues that hindered the success of the initial launch he worked hard to market the device to fire departments. The device was also used during World War I to protect soldiers from toxic gas. Morgan’s invention enabled many soldiers to successfully fight in battle for their country. Morgan won his first prize for the gas mask at the the Second International Exposition of Safety and Sanitation in New York City. Gas heating Furnace Invented by Alice H. Parker Snow can be enjoyable for many. Snowflakes are beautiful to look at and there are many fun activities people can enjoy in the snow. Some of these activities can include snowball fights, sledding, building a snow fort or simply enjoying the beauty of snowflakes. However, people criticize the freezing and icy temperatures that come with the beauty of snow. Before the invention of the gas heating furnace was created, most people would rely on a fireplace to help keep themselves warm during the cold season. Fireplaces did their job to help keep a building warm, but they were not entirely effective. Inspired by this ineffectiveness, Alice H. Parker invented the gas heating furnace. The furnace consisted of natural gas being pumped into the furnace, creating a heat exchange that processes warm air into the ducts that would generate enough heat to reach every room in a house. In 1919, Parker’s invention was successfully patented and became a starting point for the current heating, ventilation, and air conditioning models we currently enjoy at our own convenience without having to find natural resources for heating. Home Security System Invented by Mary Van Brittan Brown A home is a place
The History of Motown
By: Sydnee Walcott During the 1960s there were political changes that were enacted during the Civil Rights Movement. Approaching the end of segregation, the rise of the Black Power Movement emerged and people began to notice many Black figures become more prominent within the entertainment industry. These efforts were recognized through a record label that would make history in breaking free from racial barriers. When it comes to recognizing Black intelligence, individuals like Berry Gordy Jr. inspire the public that there are many opportunities for artists to put forth their unique talent. He demonstrates an independent and self-reliant attitude when achieving goals that contribute to the success of Motown, a record label that brought many Black artists together. He also teaches young artists to take risks and follow their desire to create meaningful content that can change peoples lives. On January 12, 1959, Motown was founded in Detroit, Michigan, by Berry Gordy Jr., a former boxer and automobile worker, with the help of an $800 loan from his family. These careers provided him with the skillset to enact perseverance, patience, and a mastery of applying vast knowledge to fix various cars and defending himself that helped him keep up with the fundamentals of running an independent record label. The record label’s name was initially Tamla Records before it was changed to Detroit’s nickname “The Motor City.” Before Motown’s founding, Gordy was a R&B and soul songwriter who wrote songs for local acts in Detroit such as Jackie Wilson and the Matadors. Although Wilson’s single, “Lonely Teardrops,” achieved huge success, Gordy felt he was not compensated fairly compared to his other singles that he wrote for Wilson. Gordy realized that he could generate the wealth he wanted by producing records and owning the royalties for it. His passion for owning an independent record label was due to feeling limited in his writing capabilities and the talent he put forth signing with other artists. Gordy had a desire for breaking norms and setting the bar high when it came to producing quality content in the music industry. When Billy Davis and Gordy’s sisters, Gwen and Anna, created Anna Records, they wanted Gordy to be the company’s president. Berry declined the offer because he wanted to have an independent record label that he could own. This led to the birth of Motown Records. The Matadors, who became The Miracles, became the first act to sign to the record label with their lead singer, Smokey Robinson, becoming the label’s vice-president. During the same year of Motown’s founding, Berry purchased property on Detroit’s Grand Boulevard which would eventually become Motown’s original headquarters — “Hitsville U.S.A.” The label achieved rapid success with the release of its first hit “Money (That’s All I Want)” performed by Barrett Strong. In 1960, the release of The Miracles’s single, “Shop Around,” became the label’s first record to sell over a million copies to a wide audience. The following year, “Please Mr. Postman” by The Marvelettes would become the label’s first number one song, and their success continued to grow ever since. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Motown Records was recognized all over the map including a variety of top-charting hits from artists and groups like: Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, The Temptations, Diana Ross and The Supremes, The Jackson Five, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Isley Brothers, and Gladys Knight and The Pips. The early 1970s saw changes for Motown when Gordy departed from Detroit and decided to relocate the label’s headquarters to Los Angeles, California, in 1972. Shortly after moving to Los Angeles, Gordy would dabble in the film and television industry with the founding of MoWest Records before becoming defunct in 1973. By 1975, many artists and groups had departed from the label, but Motown still continued to achieve success throughout the late 70s into the 80s with acts such as Lionel Richie and The Commodores, Rick James, Teena Marie and DeBarge. In June of 1988, Gordy sold his ownership of Motown Records to Music Corporation of America (MCA) and Boston Ventures for $61 million. This decision led to the label losing profit in the mid-1980s. Throughout the 1990s, they continued to include successful acts such as Boyz II Men, New Edition member Johnny Gill, 702, Brian McKnight and Erykah Badu. In December of 1998, Motown was folded into the Universal Music Group, and in 2005, merged with the label to establish the Universal Records Group where it continues to uphold a distinct legacy as a strong force in the music industry. This umbrella division of Universal Music oversees the catalogs for labels like Motown, Universal, Background, Republic, Cash Money, and Casablanca. During a period where significant changes were taking place such as the end of racial segregation and the emergence of Black pride, Motown Records stood out in the forefront to help break down racial barriers during the time and attract a diverse audience of music lovers. Motown’s legacy does not solely consist of being an opportunity for many Black artists to engage in. The label has established a political legacy for itself by bringing awareness to issues that occurred during the height of its popularity. This legacy inspires many Black artists and content creators to strive for new heights when it comes to musical entrepreneurship.
Popular Fashion Started by Black People
By: Sydnee Walcott Black culture is not only embedded in the performing arts scene, but in the fashion scene as well. Historically, Black culture has inspired some of the most groundbreaking fashion trends that transcend to future generations. Unfortunately, Black people continuously face challenges when achieving recognition for their creativity in the fashion industry. The dynamic between the fashion industry and Black culture has always been a challenging relationship. Over the years, popular fashion trends created by Black people have been appropriated and whitewashed by reputable fashion brands. Celebrities often fail to give Black people the recognition that they deserve as they continue to profit off of their designs. A majority of popular clothing, jewelry, nail art, and hairstyle trends include cultural designs and aesthetics from the Black community. Outlined are some of the most popular fashion trends that originated from the culture: The baggy pants trend has a political undertone that resists the status quo, with the style stemming from the loose fitted pants prisoners wore in jail cells. The style would be elevated in the 90s with female celebrities like Aaliyah giving the baggy look a feminine yet edgy touch. Besides rocking her signature hairstyle, the late singer was often seen wearing a tight-fitted shirt known as a crop top with a pair of baggy jeans. Although Aaliyah is known for trending this style, she was not the only artist who brought this style to life during the 90s. The girl group TLC also brought this style to the forefront as members were often actively seen supporting the girly-tomboy style. Although Aaliyah passed away over 20 years ago, she continues to leave a mark on the fashion industry with this popular fashion trend that everyone wants to follow. During the 2000s, sneaker culture has become desired, but its history dates back to the 1960s with the help of Black basketball players who proved that sneakers do not solely have a purpose for the courts. In the 1970s, shoe companies like Puma and Nike recognized how popular sneakers were becoming within the Black community, and wanted to contribute to its commercialization. It was not until the 1980s when sneaker culture would take off as a popular trend with the release of the Air Jordan sneakers by the retired basketball champion himself, Michael Jordan. By the start of the 2000s, sneaker culture had achieved popularity in almost every part of the world and saw no sign of reverting back to traditional sneaker trends. Cornrows, laid edges, weaves, and wigs are protective styles that have been a part of Black culture for many centuries. Not only do these styles help with achieving and maintaining healthy hair, but they also play a significant role in representing Black culture. From the 1960s and 70s, there was a resurgence in these styles. Many Black people began to embrace their heritage during the Black Power Movement. Unfortunately, while Black girls and women have faced criticism for being labelled as “ghetto” for wearing hairstyles that represent their culture, White and Non-Black women are described as “edgy” for wearing hairstyles affiliated with Black culture. White women are providing a positive connotation to these traditional hairstyles while Black women are subjected to discrimination for embracing their identity. This is not to say that Non-Black people cannot wear these hairstyles, however, appropriating them and choosing to not give Black people well-deserved recognition for these styles is unfair and discriminatory. Nail aesthetics date back to Ancient Egypt with royals like Cleopatra and Queen Nefertiti engaging in painting their fingernails and toenails red — a colour that represents a symbol of courage. Florence Griffith-Joyner, a three-time record breaking Olympic track and field athlete, is known to have brought this trend to the modern era during the 1988 Olympics. Not only was her talent as an athlete recognized, but her long acrylic nails were viewed as unique and intriguing. In the 1990s, Black women continued to popularize acrylic nails during the rise of Hip-Hop and R&B culture. The pierced nail look, which involved a piercing of the tip of a nail where a small ring can be added, became popular during this decade with the help of Janet Jackson marketing the look. Today, long acrylic nails are still a common trend with celebrities like Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, and Cardi B continuing to support the long acrylic look. Without Black culture, a lot of popular fashion trends would not have been recognized. So it is important to give Black people credit for their innovative and creative styles, as they helped transform the fashion industry to focus on uniqueness.
Moments Where Musicians Shut Down Racist Moments
By: Sydnee Walcott Celebrities are people with large platforms. They entertain their viewers through various creative mediums such as acting, music, and comedic acts. However, there are some artists who do more than entertain their audiences. It is not uncommon for celebrities to use their platforms to bring awareness to social issues. There have been key moments where celebrities have confronted racism, cultural appropriation, sexism, colourism, and disrespect. Musicians and artists tend to be some of the most vocal celebrities when it comes to taking a stand against something wrong. While musicians are widely known for entertaining their fans through their songs and onstage presence, there have been moments when they were not afraid to speak their mind and provide their insight on controversial topics. Black people have left an influential impact on the music industry yet continuously endure mistreatment within the industry. During interviews, there were musicians who were not afraid to stand up against racism in the industry. They further made efforts to call out interviewers for making insensitive remarks. Happy Mag created a video on some of the most notable moments where musicians have called out racism. Outlined is a breakdown of four moments featured in the video: Aside from her talent as a singer, Grace Jones is known for having a very bold and eccentric style with an extroverted personality. Some have stated that her iconic style inspired younger musicians to express themselves in the music scene. In an infamous 1980 interview with Television Presenter Russell Harty, Jones was a victim of disrespect from Harty throughout the interview. If Harty was not speaking to Jones with his back turned to her, he would make insulting comments about Jones’ outfit and sarcastically ask whether she ”calmed herself down,” given her eccentric style. She responded to the question by saying she is overestimated and told Harty to “try her.” Jones’ response reminds people why she is deserving of her celebrity status. However, there was a moment where she got violent and slapped Harty when she became exhausted from the excessive ridicule. In 1981, when MTV launched it was recognized for being one of the first channels to be completely dedicated to music. However, they garnered a negative reputation for their lack of diversity during this time. People noticed that Black artists were receiving little airplay for their music videos. MTV executives have denied these allegations and stated that it was not because of racism. They further argued that many Black artists did not fit the channel’s rock theme. The channel became more inclusive after the airing of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean,” but this feature was approved at a cost. CBS President Walter Yetnikoff threatened to have the record’s White artists pulled from MTV’s roster unless they played Jackson’s video. Yetnikoof was not the only notable person to address MTV’s lack of diversity. During an interview with the channel in 1983, David Bowie, who made a legendary title for himself as a pop star and fashion icon, called out the channel’s exclusion of Black artists and gave them credit on how they have transformed the music industry While Bowie was able to benefit from White privilege, he demonstrated exemplary humanitarian traits when using his privilege in a positive light. The first thought that comes to mind when people think of Whitney Houston are her groundbreaking vocals. Houston is well known for being an outspoken person who could be real with her audience. During a 1998 interview with CBC, Houston was labelled as “angry” by the interviewer, Laurie Brown. That was not the only insensitive comment during the interview. Brown also asked Houston if she felt as if she pursued the wrong business. Houston responded by saying she did not pursue the wrong business, but notes that she has dealt with the wrong people in the industry. “You sing them underneath the floor,” was one of Houston’s responses and mottos to Brown’s follow-up question on how she copes with dealing with the wrong people. Tupac Shakur is a rapper who is outspoken on injustices and social issues whether it is expressed through songs or during an interview. In a 1994 interview with MTV, Shakur was asked about how Hip-Hop transformed from being a genre that addressed social issues to a genre with an “I don’t care” type of lyricism. Shakur stated that things have not changed entirely and pointed out how there is only so much mistreatment one can handle before they get pushed over the edge. These four artists and their responses to racist comments are some of the most memorable and remind their audiences why these influential figures are reputable.