All Articles Tagged "black men"
5 Things You’re Sure to See This Easter Sunday
1. People You’ve Never Seen Before
There are tons of people who believe in God but cannot, I repeat cannot go to church. I’ll be the first to admit that church can sometimes be a grimy place; but I won’t let the actions of a few keep me away from the institution all together. But let me get back on topic. Being that Easter is the day folks feel most indebted to Jesus they make their way to the house of God. If I went to church once a year, I certainly wouldn’t choose Easter. It’s the most crowded, most likely to go long service of the entire year. But if Easter is what’s going to get you in the door, by all means roll through.
2. Tags on Clothes
For some people, it’s pretty much an unspoken rule that Easter is a time to stunt. Everyone from 3 month old babies to 87 year old senior citizens will be raggin’. So while you might not see actual tags on clothes, it will more than evident that a majority of the outfits you see on Sunday, have never been worn before.
Source: kissmyblackads.blogspot.com
3. Sweat
On the East coast, it’s still pretty chilly outside. But that doesn’t mean the temperature inside the sanctuary won’t be sweltering. Since people from all walks of life will be making their way to the nearest church, tabernacle or place of worship, don’t expect to have an leg room for days. Folks will be packed in, so be prepared to show some love to your neighbor.
4. Pink and Purple Suits…
…with a Stacy Adams to match. We already mentioned how one’s attire is important for this holiday. Don’t think for a minute that doesn’t include the fellas. Don’t be alarmed if you see a 6 ft tall man wearing yards and yards of lavender fabric. Not only will he be wearing said fabric, he will no doubt believe that he is killing the game. You won’t be able to tell him nothin’.
5. Church Hats
Nothing says black church staple like the church hat or the church crown as they’ve been called. If you’ve never seen any elaborate headgear, curving and jutting at different angles, then you’ve certainly been missing out.
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Iconic African American Artist, Elizabeth Catlett, Dies at 96
Source: The Boston Globe
Sculptor and printmaker, Elizabeth Catlett died Monday at 96 years old.
Catlett, who has consistently been dubbed one of the most important African American artists of the 20th century dedicated her life to producing art that depicted the African American experience and promoted social justice.
Born on April 15, 1915, in Washington D.C., Catlett was the granddaughter of freed slaves. Her father died before she was born and her mother worked as truant officer. Unfortunately but not surprisingly, Catlett experienced her fair share of discrimination living as a black woman in the United States. She was not allowed to attend the Carnegie Institute of Technology because she was “colored.” But she went on to Howard University where she studied design and print-making.
After graduation she joined a Depression-era program that provided jobs for struggling artists. There she was exposed to Mexican artists Rivera and Miguel Covarrubias. The men’s political opinions would come to influence Catlett’s art and perhaps her decision to spend a majority of her life living and working in Mexico.
But before her relocation, Catlett taught art at a North Carolina high school. Troubled by the inequality in pay between the white and black teachers, Catlett left to attend graduate school at what is now the University of Iowa. There Catlett said she was shown the first kindness by a white man, her mentor Grant Wood. (You may know Wood’s iconic work “American Gothic”) It was Wood who suggested Catlett draw from her own culture to create her artwork. She went on to graduate in 1940.
By 1941, Catlett was in Chicago working with the South Side Community Art Center. There, she met her first husband, Charles White. They married and moved to New York but were divorced by the end of the decade.
Still in New York, Catlett joined the faculty at the George Washington Carver School in Harlem.
From there she moved to Mexico City. It was there that she met her future husband Francisco Mora, when he offered to teach her Spanish. (Pretty slick, huh?)
Source: http://www.amistadresearchcenter.org/
Throughout her career Catlett went against the grain. At a time when black artists were expected to assimilate to a European Standard, Catlett portrayed depictions of black life. Her work would later be known as symbols of the Civil Rights Movement as she often depicted lynchings and beatings of blacks. In “Target,” perhaps her most well known work, Catlett sculpted a black man’s face inside of a gun target range. Tragically, due to the recent killings of black youth, Catlett’s sculpture still holds weight today.
Catlett also made sure to highlight historical, black heroines like Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman. But she didn’t stop there. She also focused on the everyday woman. In 1992, she told the St. Petersburg Times, “”I wanted to show the history and strength of all kinds of black women,”
Working women, country women, urban women, great women in the history of the United States.”
Catlett moved to Mexico in 1940 to study ceramics. Her new environment greatly influenced her work as she took on the cause of presenting the struggles of Mexican workers. Although she’d adopted a new focus, Catlett never forgot her African American brothers and sisters. She referred to black and Mexicans as “my two people” and incorporated physical features from each group in her art work.
In Mexico, she was able to gain acceptance she never experienced in the U.S. Throughout the ’60′s she was denied a U.S. visa which stunted the impact she and her work were able to make in the United States.
She leaves behind three sons, Francisco, Juan and David, 10 grandchildren, one of which included America’s Next Top Model Winner, Naima Mora and six great grandchildren.
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“Ask A Black Man” Episode 2: The Dating Episode [EXTENDED CUT]
Here is the extended cut of Episode 2 from Ask A Black Man, just like we promised! You can expect to see more questions asked, as well as more discussion between panelists. We had a good time during the shooting of this series, so we hope you will enjoy the entire conversations as much as we did!
MORE ASK A BLACK MAN:
- Series Sneak Peek [Trailer]
- Episode 1: The Life of A Single Man
- Episode 1: The Life of A Single Man [Extended Cut]
- Episode 2: The Dating Episode
- Episode 2: The Dating Episode [Extended Cut]
- Episode 3: The SEX Episode
- Episode 3: The SEX Episode [Extended Cut]
- Episode 4: The Marriage Episode
- Episode 4: The Marriage Episode [Extended Cut]
MEET THE “ASK A BLACK MAN” CAST
I Just Want To Thank Your Parents: Fathers and Mothers of The Most Beautiful Brothers
by Marissa Ellis
It’s fun to spend all day drooling over our favorite chocolate eye candies like Idris, Common, Lamman, and the list goes on and on. But in order to completely get a good grasp on our fantasy weddings to our luscious boos, we need to imagine how our in-laws will look in our photos, don’t we? Besides that, we also need to give them proper thanks for bringing such beautiful men into the world for us Noirettes to enjoy. So to these fathers and mothers, we say simply, Thank You!
Check out part 1 of our series – surely, there is more to come and many more parents to thank.
Idris Elba and Winston Elba
We certainly didn’t save the best for last. Idris Elba, as you all know, is the reigning king of Black swexy. His fine balance of swagger, masculinity, good looks and charm make him a first round pick all over the world. The London-raised actor’s father (Winston Elba) is from Sierra Leone and his mother is from Ghana.
“Ask A Black Man” Episode 2: The Dating Episode
We’re back for a fresh new episode of our web series Ask A Black Man. This week’s episode is titled “The Dating Episode.” We have four new men for you to pick apart analyze: Birchell, Jeff (Streetz), Devale and Demetrius. Birchell and Jeff offer somewhat differing perspectives as single men, while Devale and Demetrius represent as married and older men, respectively. See what they had to say and leave a comment below.
The full and extended cut of this episode can be found here.
P.S. Don’t think we don’t see you in the comments. Please play fair and keep your comments above the belt.
MORE ASK A BLACK MAN:
- Series Sneak Peek [Trailer]
- Episode 1: The Life of A Single Man
- Episode 1: The Life of A Single Man [Extended Cut]
- Episode 2: The Dating Episode
- Episode 2: The Dating Episode [Extended Cut]
- Episode 3: The SEX Episode
- Episode 3: The SEX Episode [Extended Cut]
- Episode 4: The Marriage Episode
- Episode 4: The Marriage Episode [Extended Cut]
MEET THE “ASK A BLACK MAN” CAST
“Ask a Black Man” Cast – Meet Devale Ellis
Several of you mentioned you wanted to see some married men on the panel, and Devale is very much a happily married man. A proud father and husband, we think Devale brings a unique perspective to the cast. Devale appears on “Episode 2:The Dating Episode” and he will also be appearing on “Episode 4: The Marriage Episode,” later this month.
Meet Devale
Age: 27
Relationship Status: Married
Occupation: Actor/Entrepreneur
Links: Facebook, Acting Reel, PressPassTV Feature, ESPN The Mag Feature
In 3 words, how would your friends describe you? Funny, Driven, Outspoken
What are the main characteristics/qualities that you look for in a woman? Beauty, Nurturing, Sense of Humor
What are your favorite hobbies? Bowling, Movies
What are your top 3 favorite books to read? The Alchemist, Rich Dad Poor Dad, From Good to Great
Who is your favorite artist?
Favorite movie of all time? Bad Boyz
When you think of black women, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind? Angry
What’s your favorite quote and why? “Hard work beats talent when talent doesnt work hard.” Hard work is the ultimate equalizer in a world where everything is unfair, the privileged get all the help, and we all look down on cheaters.
Drama in the Black Church: Has it Pushed You Away?
Source: elev8.com
When I was a little girl, enrolled in elementary schools in East St. Louis, Illinois, one of the topics that we would discuss with much gaiety would be crazy things that happened in churches. Each child had a story about either their own church or churches that they heard about. Stories about fights breaking out in congregations, pastors found with their gay lovers, or parishioners embezzling money from their congregations flowed from willing mouths to eager ears, and we repeated the stories to anyone who would listen. Afterward, someone would eventually say: “That’s why I don’t go to church,” or “That’s why I’m gonna stop going to church when I get older. Too much crazy stuff happens.” However, as I got older and realized how much I personally exaggerated stories to my friends, I began to think fondly of those conversations as urban legends instead of full blown truths, because my friends could have just as easily have been exaggerating themselves.
As an adult I work for a publishing company located in St. Louis, MO named Prioritybooks Publications. The company has a wide array of works, but recently I’ve been seeing an increase in books that focus on drama in predominately black churches.
A Sinner’s Cry is about a woman who, after finding out that her boyfriend of two years has been married the whole time, she tries to get redemption by going back to church. But the church is in turmoil itself with messy, gossipy church goers, and a pastor who is the center of these lies. No matter if the pastor was in the process of delivering a sermon or conducting a church business meeting, people in his congregation would stand up, and accuse him of either philandering or stealing from his congregation. Another author, Lady Bea Morgan has written two memoirs (The Pastor’s Wife Does Cry and The Extension) that focus on her own personal hell as the wife of a philandering and abusive pastor. Cecelia Edwards’ “The Unraveling,” a three part book series which is about to drop on ebooks within the next week or so, is about a group of siblings that just learn that their pastor father has been involved in sexual relationships with many women in his congregation.
Now, I understand good fiction, but when talking to each writer about their works, it shocked me to find out that all of them have been based off of true situations. Some arguments, physical blows, yelled accusations and police interactions on church grounds that have been used as dialogue and situations in these books have been taken word for word from some in these congregations. It honestly shocked me when I learned that these works of fiction were based off of true events. It honestly made me sad, but then when the Eddie Long situation happened, it gave even more credence that it seems that drama can easily fester in our black churches, the one place where you’re supposed to find peace and solace.
However, by signifying that all black churches are epicenters of drama is just like putting any stereotype on blacks and considering it to be truth. A small minority of churches that don’t have their stuff together shouldn’t be the measure of what we see our culture’s churches as a whole. In my 26 years of living I’ve been to some amazingly united black churches that were dedicated to bring the Word and helping out not just people in the congregation, but their neighborhoods. The church I’ve been going to since I was a child has never been in a negative limelight whatsoever. But, with the rise of black atheists, it makes me remember those small voices, that after telling their tales of church ratchetness would go on to say: “That’s why I don’t go to church now.” It makes me wonder if this is the reason?
Have you ever gone to a church that was full of drama? Did the drama make you swear off of church all together?
Kendra Koger is a writer, blogger, and reader of literature. Follower her at twitter @kkoger.
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“Ask a Black Man” Cast – Meet Demetrius Travis
Hello lovelies! We’re continuing our introduction of new cast members from our Ask a Black Man web series. Several of you have been clamoring to hear from some older men on the show, so today we’re happy to introduce Demetrius—an amazing man who is also a little older than the men you’ve seen on the show thus far.
Demetrius is one of our favorites because his love for Black women is unwavering. Who could be mad at that? Read his bio below and make sure you tune in on Wednesday April, 4 to watch Demetrius on Episode 2: The Dating Episode, only on our Ask A Black Man channel.
Meet Demetrius
Age 43
Relationship Status Single
Occupation Senior Caseworker
Twitter handle @Understanding1
Links: Facebook Page // Facebook Profile
In 3 words, how would your friends describe you? Loyal, humorous and sensitive
What are the main characteristics/qualities that you look for in a woman? Honesty, intelligence and someone skilled at making others comfortable around her.
What are your favorite hobbies? I enjoy reading about things that interest me whether it be about UFOs (lol) or current events that I want to be more knowledgeable about. I also love interacting with different people on Twitter, writing rhymes/making music when the mood strikes me and I am a huge movie buff.
What are your top 3 favorite books to read? The Bible, Autobiography Of Malcolm X, Black Lies, White Lies: The Truth According To Tony Brown.
Who is your favorite artist? Too many to name them all but in hip-hop Nas is my hero. And in Smooth Jazz/R&B Sade is my future wife.
Favorite movie of all time? The Silence Of The Lambs
When you think of black women, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind? Resilient
“Ask a Black Man” Cast – Meet Jeff
Another day, another Ask A Black Man cast member introduction! Today we’d like to introduce to you: Jeff. Jeff writes online at SingleBlackMale and StreetzTalk, so be sure to check him out over there.
We selected Jeff to be on the show because he came across as a very nice and genuine guy, easy on the eyes (*wink*), and seems like he has a good head on his shoulders. Okay, enough gushing! We think you’ll enjoy hearing what he has to say on Episode 2: “The Dating Episode,” premiering Wednesday, April 4 on our Ask A Black Man channel.
Meet Jeff
Age: 31
Relationship Status: In a Relationship
Occupation: Consultant
Twitter handle: @StreetzTalk / @SBMDOTORG
Links: singleblackmale.org, streetztalk.net
In 3 words, how would your friends describe you? “A good dude”
What are the main characteristics/qualities that you look for in a woman? – Intelligent, great personality, good moral character, sense of humor, ambition in life, responsibility, beauty inside and out
What are your favorite hobbies? – writing, working out, basketball,
What are your top 2 favorite books to read? 48 Laws of Power and Angels and Demons
Who is your favorite artist? Notorious BIG
Favorite movie of all time? The Shawshank Redemption
When you think of black women, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind? Beautiful
“Ask a Black Man” Cast – Meet Birchell Glenn
We love that you ladies are so passionate about Ask A Black Man Episode 1 and its extended cut! That extended cut’s comment section is on a roll, and we’re happy to see some of the cast members dropping by to chat with you.
We’d like to keep the momentum going and start intruducing you to the cast members of our next episode, The Dating Episode. Up first is Birchell Glenn. We cast Birchell because he had personality, a great smile and gave very candid answers during our casting session. While we may not have agreed with him, we can respect his honesty. Get to know him a little more by reading his profile below.
Glenn will appear on Episode 2: “The Dating Episode” debuting right here on Wednesday, April 4. Be sure to log on to our Ask A Black Man channel for more bios, episodes and extended episodes.
Meet Birchell
Age: 28
Relationship Status: Single
Occupation: Student
Twitter handle: @POWTV
Links: www.pow-tv.net
In 3 words, how would your friends describe you? Random, Real, Funny.
What are the main characteristics/qualities that you look for in a woman? She has to have goals and ambition. Looks are cool, but I’d rather you not be broke than be a dime.
What are your favorite hobbies? Traveling, Race Car Driving, Baseball, Basketball
What are your top 3 favorite books to read? 21 Irrefutable Laws Of Leadership, Think & Grow Rich, Cat in The Hat
Who is your favorite artist? Waka Flocka Flame
